AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1941)

Filipino writers explore all forms of literature like news reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and

novels.

❑ Their writings clearly depicted their love of country and their longing for independence.

Education was first headed by American soldiers.

❖ This changed in 1901, when around 600 teachers arrived onboard the ship USS Thomas to replace
the soldiers.

❖ These teachers were called the Thomasites.

❖ Public education was made free.

❖ The medium of instruction used was English.

❖ Alongside the use of English in education, Filipinos learned American models of thought, culture,
and ways of life.

During this period, many writers were apprentices in English literature; they imitated the themes and
methods of Americans.

❖ Famous short stories in English emerged, like “Dead Stars” by Paz Marquez-Benitez and “Footnote
to Youth” by Jose Garcia Villa.

Japanese Occupation Period

This period gave an advantageous stance on Filipino Literature, which experienced renewed attention
because writers in English turned to write in Filipino and other vernacular languages.

The Japanese occupation made lasting marks, most especially to our elders who lived through the war.
Our literary development paused for a while since there was great censorship in all forms of media.

The weekly Liwayway was placed under strict surveillance until it was taken over by a Japanese named
Ishiwara.

1941-1945

• Philippines was occupied by the Japanese

• Only a limited number of Filipino literature in English was written and published.

• Philippine literature in general flourished in this period, especially those that were written in Tagalog
and other Philippine languages.

Haiku
• Free verse

• It has 17 syllables

• 5 syllables on first and third lines, and 7 syllables on the second

• Allegorical in meaning, short, and covers wide scope in meaning

Tanaga

• Short like Haiku but has measure and rhyme

• 4 lines, 7 syllables each

• Allegorical in meaning

Karaniwang Anyo/Usual Form

• A popular poem written in this period where rhyme scheme and verse are not prescribed.

The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)

The early postliberation period was marked by a “ struggle of mind and spirit” caused by the sudden
emancipation from the enemy and the wild desire to see the print.

Filipinos had learned to express themselves more confidently by this time, but post-war problems

beyond language and printlike economic stability, the threat of new ideas, and mortality—all had to be
dealt with concurrently.

The Palanca Awards was launched in the 1950s, giving inspiration and tribute to the Filipino writers
who shaped and redefined the landscape of Philippine literature.

Period of Activism 1970-1972

Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to reforms. Some continued to

believed that socialism or communism should replaced democracy. With this divide, few armed groups
were formed to bring down the democratic form of government.

The Literary Revolution

The youth became strong and rebellious during this period. This is proven not only in the

bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk expression but also in literature. This was most especially
heightened during the First Quarter Storm of 1970, where campus newspaper showed rebellious
emotions because of the economic and social situation that is quite palpable during this time