American Colonization Period (1900-1943)

The Philippines was colonized for 43 years by the Americans, from 1900 to 1943. Filipino
writers implemented the English language into their work, the words used can be compared to a
rather elementary exercise. Along this, writers took inspiration from the Propaganda and
Revolutionary movements to encourage Filipinos to stand and fight against US colonialism, writers
used this opportunity to speak out their feelings, emotions and ideas about the colonization.

The Period of Re-Orientation (1898-1910)

● In this period, Filipinos were spurred by two significant developments both in

education and culture. The first one is the establishment of free public education for
all children of school age, and the second one is the use of English as the medium of
teaching in public schools at all levels.

Poetry- Literatures in the Philippines were written in English, as an outcome of the

colonization of the Americans. Poetry in this period of time can be compared to a
rather elementary exercise in the English language.

➔ Sursum Corda, by Justo Juliano (1907)

➔ My Mother and his Air Castles, by Jan F. Salazar (1909)
➔ To my Landlady in Laoag, by Proceso Sebastian (1909)

The Period of Imitation (1910-1924)

● In 1919, the Up College Folio published the literary compositions of the first Filipino
writers in English. Though these Filipino storytellers are pioneers in the field. They
struggled to imitate American and British models, resulting in a stilted, mechanical,
and unnatural style devoid of vitality and spontaneity.

Essays - Philippine League was organized in 1936, where the value of literature in
society was first discussed by Filipino writers in English. Salvador P. Lopez, whose
works on Literature and Society sparked heated disputes, initiated and spearheaded
the initiative. Through Salvador P. Lopez, essays that are written in English obtained
the upper hand in discussing daily government and political discourse. Known
essayists in that period of time were Federico Mangahas, Fernando Maramag, Carlos
P. Romulo, and Conrado Ramirez.

Short Stories - Authors of short stories in that time are dubbed as the Andersons or
Saroyans or the Hemingways of Philippine letters. Other short stories that were
published during this time were but poor imitations of their foreign models. The Up
College folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian.
➔ Dead Stars, Paz Marquez Benitez (1925)
➔ Footnote to Youth, Jose Garcia Villa (1933)
➔ The Key, Paz Latorena (1927)
➔ We Filipinos are Mild Drinkers, Alejandro Roces (1940)

The Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

● During this time, Filipino writers had mastered the art of writing in English. They
could now boldly and totally write about a wide range of topics, though the old
 standbys of love and youth survived. The period of self-discovery and progress was
reflected in all types of writing, including novels and plays.

Poetry - Poetry that was composed in this time was original, spontaneous, totally
written, and even socially conscious. This area includes not only love poems, but also
patriotic, descriptive, and contemplative poems. They composed odes in free verse
and sonnets of various forms.

Short Stories - In the use of expressions that were florid, romantic, overblown, and
bombastic in short stories from this time period, there are still traces of Spanish
influence. Western culture's effect was already noticeable.
➔ How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife, by Manuel Arguilla (1940)

Essays- During this time, the quality of the content, subject, and style improved year
by year. Critical essays were introduced.
➔ Literature and Society, by Salvador P. Lopez
➔ The Filipino Way of Life, by Camilo Osias

Drama - Drama did not reach the heights of the novel or the short story during this
time period. When the Up offered playwriting as a course and formed the Up Little
Theater provided the incentives.
➔ Tanikalang Ginto, by Juan Abad (1902)
➔ Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas, by Aurelio Tolentino (1903)
➔ Hindi Ako Patay, Juan Matapang Cruz (1903)
➔ Anak ng Dagat, Patricio Mariano (1921)
➔ Walang Sugat, Severino Reyes (1902)
➔ Wanted: A chaperon, Wilfredo Maria Guerrero
➔ The Forsaken House, Wilfredo Maria Guerrero

References:
● https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-the-arts-sca/literary-
arts/philippine-literature-during-the-american-period/
● https://prezi.com/d_ypnltg1chc/philippine-literature-during-american-period/
● https://www.slideshare.net/sophiamarieverdeflor/timeline-of-philippine-literature?
fbclid=IwAR0xvAhlVUnI0yQMUH6ehz2CP21RLG5eLQWMtTjZtGgMBXInV42o0CKsEFo
● https://prezi.com/if5vbcmbyek4/the-timeline-of-philippine-literature/? fbclid=IwAR2X0fEwXxPJJ-
XcVVZPR_k6IoxghrM4Icub7haG7qlsZp7u2qfXQteh9Cc
● http://musicmediaandculture.blogspot.com/2012/11/philippine-culture-literature-and-music.html