American Colonial Period 1910 1945 Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) written
by
During the American Period in the Philippines, the literary production was inspired
by two developments in education and culture:
the introduction of free instruction for all children of school age, and
the use of English as medium of instruction in all levels of education in
public schools.
Free public education made knowledge and information accessible to all Filipinos.
Those who availed this education through college were able to improve their social
status and joined a good number of educated masses who became part of the
countrys middle class.
During the Period of Apprenticeship, (1910-1930) the Filipino writers imitated
English and American models. They were into all forms of literature like news,
reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and novels. Their writings clearly depicted
their love of country and their longings for independence.
The Period of Emergence (1920-1930) was highly influenced by Western literary
trends like Romanticism and Realism. During this period, short stories were the most
prevalent literary form, and Jose Garcia Villa earned the international title Poet of
the Century.
SHORT STORIES
Dead Stars was the first short story written in English by Paz Marquez
Benitez.
The Small Key was written by Paz Latorena.
Footnote to Youth was written by Jose Garcia Villa.
NOVELS
Child of Sorrow was the first novel in English by Zoilo Galang.
NEWSPAPERS
The active participation in the field of literature was felt in the following
newspapers:
1. EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day) Established by Sergio Osmena in 1900.
The Americans censored, twice banned and threatened Osmena with
banishment because of his nationalistic writings.
2. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation)
Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
3. EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth)
Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.
PLAYS
The following plays during the American Period have consistent theme in
nationalism.
Aurelio Tolentino. It depicts the suppression done by the Americans
and their plan to colonize the Philippines.
Tanikalang Ginto of Juan Abad
Malaya by Tomas Remigio
Walang Sugat by Severino Reyes
Tagalog Literature
Mga kwentong Ginto (Golden Stories) was published in 1936.
Kwentong Ginto ng 50 Batikang Kwentista was published in 1939.
Tagalog Poetry
Tagalog poets during the American Period were able to compose beautiful poems.
Although poetry writing is as old as history, poetry still surfaces with its sweetness,
beauty and melody.
Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso)
Inigo Ed. Regalado
Carlos Gatmaitan
Pedro Deogracias del Rosario
Ildefonso S
Poet of the Laborers (Makata ng Manggagawa)
Amado V. Hernandez-He pictures in his poems the intense love of the poor
workers or laborers. To him, a poem is a scent, bittersweet memories, and a
murmur of flowing water. According to him, the pen is powerful.
Ilocano Literature
Pedro Bukaneg- Father of Ilocano literature. His name was derived from the
word Bukanegan which means Balagtasan. (Poetic contest in Ilocano)
Claro Caluya- Prince of Ilocano poets; Known as poet and novelist.
Leon Pichay- Known as the best Bukanegero. He is also known as poet,
novelist, short story writer, dramatist and essayist.
Kapampangan Literature
Juan Crisostomo Soto- Father of Kapampangan literature. The word
Crisotas (meaning Balagtasan) in Tagalog is taken from his name.
Aurelio Tolentino- Translated Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas into
Kapampangan Napon, Ngeni at Bukas.
Visayan Literature
Eriberto Gumban- Father of Visayan Literaure. He wrote a
Zarzuela, Moro-Moro and a play in Visayan language.
Magdalen Jalandoni- wrote the novel Tunuksan Isa Ca Bulaklak