CRITIQUE PAPER PROJECT

Kc Badion, Blenne Bilbao, Euan Cayetano, Anne Maninang, Xyan Marquez

BONSAI
By: Edith Tiempo

Edith Tiempo was born on the 22nd of April 1919 in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. She was the
daughter of Salvador T. Lopez, an auditor for the government, and Teresa Cutaran. During her
childhood, her family frequently moved from city to city due to her father’s work.
She studied in Bayombong during high school and took Pre-law at the University of the Philippines. She
graduated from Silliman University as a Manga cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education,
majoring in English. Dr. Edith L. Tiempo passed away on August 21, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as a
celebrated Filipino writer, poet, educator, and mentor in the field of literature. Her works and influence
continue to inspire aspiring writers and readers alike. Her cause of death is due to Myocardial infarction,
commonly known as a heart attack. Aside from being named National Artist, Tiempo also won the
following awards:
- The Planca Awards (1951, 1955, 1967, and 1969 for her poetry and short stories)
- The Philippines Free Press Short Story Contest (1955 and 1959)
- The Cultural Center of the Philippines Award (1979, First Prize for the Novel)
- The Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas from UMPIL in 1988.

The poem “Bonsai” written by Edith Tiempo does not have a sense of nationhood, rather it is
more focused on oneself and derives its main topic on the feeling of contempt in a person. Although we
can say that the story can bring together others who have the same feeling as what is being portrayed in
the poem, the main focus of the story itself is made for a person who is reminiscing about the memories
which are kept in the deepest parts of our minds figuratively portrayed as a small container which
symbolizes one's brain containing hundreds of memories whilst having quite a small size, therefore the
poem is mostly written for a singular person which has not shown a sense of nationhood.

The poem by Edith Tiempo is a combination of love, memories, and the beauty of keeping
treasured moments. Edith used a combination of simple and meaningful words to convey emotions
through her poem. From the poem, Edith represents the act of folding things such as a note from a son,
a father’s tie, and a picture of a queen as to keep and protect something dear and important. It is as if
putting these treasured moments in a small box that can be easily held with; a small box that can be
kept containing all the love and memories that a person adores. It is as if even the smallest things can
represent or hold the most important memory. Bonsai is a short yet meaningful poem that expresses
the art of keeping memories that we love in a small way, like a piece of paper that can remind us of all
about the good days or even a picture that can remind us of the past.

Edith Tiempo, a renowned Filipina poet and writer, left a profound impact on society through
her literary works and achievements. Through her poems, particularly "Bonsai," she conveyed a
universal truth: that even the smallest things hold significance. Her writings showcased exceptional
excellence and creativity, delving into themes such as love, sorrow, and human relationships.
Additionally, Tiempo was a founding member of the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, a
prominent platform for emerging Asian writers. As an instructor, she provided encouragement and
motivation to aspiring writers, leaving a lasting impression on our society. By highlighting Filipino
culture, language, and traditions in her works, Tiempo contributed to their preservation. Her active
involvement in literary groups and advocacy initiatives also heightened the visibility of Philippine
literature. Tiempo's enduring influence and brilliance continue to inspire and transform the literary
world.