21st Century Philippine Literature

UNIT I
MODULE 3 The Landscape of Philippine Fiction

Some Popular Filipino Stories

 Good Stealer by Francisco Sionil Jose

 The Sadness Collector by Merlinda Bobis
 Summer Solstice by Nick Joaquin

Philippine fiction, as shown through the following short stories, puts a prime on the characters and how they interact in the
world around them. These characters show the best and worst of being a Filipino -- from gender issues, to diaspora of being
far away from home, effects of being left behind by a parent, colonial mentality, and so much more. These characters, no
matter who they are, all represent a part of you as a Filipino student. These are your attitudes, words, thoughts, and actions
on paper. This is who you are and who you will be in.

More importantly, short stories of the Philippines tell that no matter how life changes for the Filipinos, the tenacity to survive
will always be there. It is interesting to see that the characters in the short stories were always in uncomfortable situations,
yet they always survived in the end. This is an important Filipino trait that teaches you, dear students, to always persevere no
matter what the difficulty ahead may be. Like the short stories you have read, you will also reach your denouement - good or
bad, there will still be a conclusion, one that get you up on that pyramid and start all over again.

Culminating Output:

As a visual artist, one of your tasks is for this season is to create a beautiful multimedia presentation that showcases one
of the best Philippine short stories written. This is to be showcased in an international festival as an introduction to
Philippine society and culture. Your multimedia presentation must not exceed five minutes and can be through any
media possible -- film, flash player, or photographs. It will be viewed by an international audience in Germany, and so it
must have the complete elements of the story, be creative and be visually appealing.

Rubric:

Criterion Description Score

10 points
The presentation is visually
Visual Appeal appealing, with harmonious
colors, shapes, and sizes of
figures in the presentation.
The presentation shows all
Cohesion the elements of the short
story and blends it well in
the narrative.
The presentation is unique,
Creativity interesting, and innovative.
It is a pleasure to watch.
7 points
The presentation is moderately
appealing visually, with
generally harmonious colors,
shapes and sizes of figures in the
presentation
The presentation shows some of
the elements of the short story
and blends it in the narrative
The presentation is somewhat
unique and fun to watch.
4 points
The presentation has poor visual
appeal, with unbalanced color
combination, shapes, and sizes of
figures in the presentation.
The presentation is confusing; it does
not shoe all the elements of the short
story and these do not blend well in
the narrative.
The presentation is unoriginal and it is
not pleasant to watch.
Score: ___/30

MODULE 4 In an Ocean of Emotions: PHILIPPINE DRAMA

Philippine theater takes its roots from precolonial and colonial history. It has been shaped by the various
influences of what people think constitute entertainment: rituals, songs, dances, comedy, drama, and so much
more. From here, local theater has evolved to be the form it is today: a modern way to present and mirror
Philippine society, on the stage.

You should also acknowledge that theater has played a big part in Philippine literature, for it is in the
dramatization of these written works that the general audience are reached an enlightened about current
contemporary issues that they are experiencing as of that particular moment in history. Plays are largely
historical, in that sense. They portray the current struggles and triumphs of the Filipino people at that specific
time, era, date, and event. Plays can be reminders of your history and more. Plays can awaken the consciousness
of the Filipino people of what is happening around them, how they can participate in it, or what they can do about
it.
Culminating Output:
Submit a video of your drama presentation. (by group)
Steps that you can follow in creating an amateur play:
For Section Baltazar & Lapu-Lapu/Jacinto only
1. Find a play
 Identify at least 10 famous Filipino
2. Sign specific tasks to each of your group mates.
Drama and include it in your multimedia
3. Make a timeline of what you want to accomplish
presentation. (refer to module 3)
4. Stick to your plan
5. Finally, enjoy the presentation!
MODULE 5 Archipelagic Life or Creative NonFiction

Essays, just like any Philippine literary genre, deserve their place in the Philippine literary canon. The essay
is one of the most personal and insightful pieces of written work that has been around since the era of Spanish
colonization. We should also note that the essay has changed throughout the years and has become a vessel for
various thoughts and ideals of Filipino writers and their culture at the time of their writing. It has been a way for
the revolutionary propaganda to be shared with common citizens and for national consciousness to be awakened.

The essay has developed itself into two kinds – the formal essay and the informal essay. Whether the essay
is formal or informal, it should have a distinct voice that is able to tell what the written work wants to say clearly.
Aside from this, the essay is now an effective way to relate experiences and stories on a more personal note,
whether it is political, cultural, or social.

Culminating Output: short bond paper (individual)

1. Read the essay The Baby in the Backpack by Patricia Evangelista
2. What is one personal story that you have that can help you relate more to the essay?
3. Write a short two-paragraph proposal on what else can be done to help the survivors of the typhoon now.
MODULE 6 Remapping of Philippine Literature through Criticism

Literary criticism is often ignored in Philippine literature. Literary criticism, however, is essential because
it not only informs the readers of what they may discover through a literary text, but also shapes society for it
criticizes the context in which the text was written in. There are many functions of literary criticism. It may be to
review a literary text, to give an informed opinion about a subject matter or issue, to invoke discussions, or to
reevaluate texts.

One way to meaningfully discuss a literary selection in the classroom is though a short paper that can be
shared through paper or panel presentations. In this way, you may apply your critical thinking skills on the texts of
your locality or region and be able to discuss it with your fellow classmates. Criticism is instrumental in fostering
healthy academic discussions in any setting. Thus, it is an indispensable part of Philippine literature that must be
continually practiced and discoursed about.

Culminating Output:
Create a poster that will serve as a criticism against the local government for not actively supporting the
educational rights of Filipino children. This poster must depict real situations of school children in the country and
should appeal to both adults and children and to be visually appropriate for all ages.
Rubrics:

Criterion Description Score

10 points
The presentation is visually
Visual Appeal appealing, with harmonious
background, lettering and
marquees.
7 points
The presentation is moderately
appealing, with generally
harmonious background,
lettering and marquees.
4 points
The presentation has poor visual
appeal, with disproportionate
background, lettering and marquees.

Information is accurate and Information is moderately Information is now well-researched

Information well-researched. accurate with few lapses. and has couple of lapses.
Accuracy

The poster is excellently
Design designed with age-
appropriate visual
elements.
The poster is well-designed with The poster’s design needs much
age-appropriate visual improvement and the visual elements
elements. are not age-appropriate.
Score: ___/30