Philippine

Literature

Contemporary Period
(Present Period)
TRADITIONAL LITERATURE
CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
Filipino Writers

Filipino writers continue to write poetry, short

stories, novellas, novels and essays whether
these are socially committed, gender/ethnic
related or are personal in intention or not.

Filipino writer has become more conscious of his

art with the proliferation of writers workshops
here and abroad and the bulk of literature
available to him via the mass media including the
internet.
Poetry

Contemporary poetry manifests a skillful manipulation

of symbolic representations and is more insightful and
abstract.
Essays

Filipino essays address societal issues, are more

free and daring, manifesting a more liberated
atmosphere, however pointing out moral
degradation, indicating injustice, suggesting
alternatives, and directing thought.
Short Stories

Obviously, the short story is still the more popular

venue of writers up to this period.

The new breed of writers seem to excel in the

skillful handling of techniques and in coming out
with original forms.
Short romantic fiction in the vernacular has caught
the fancy of many readers who perhaps find these
less time-consuming, as well as less expensive,
giving more time for remunerative e work and
earning a living.
Plays

Scriptwriting, a popular and developing literature

form is probably due to the growing interest in TV
and the visual arts.
The following can be attributed to this trend:

1. TV and stage patronage

2. Theater groups like Dramatis Personae, PETA (Philippine
Educational Theater Association), Dulaang UP, CCPDramatic Arts
Division Teatro Telesine, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Mobile
or Touring Children’s theater groups
3. Substantial awards in film-making 4. Expansion to cater to
childrens’ needs (TV’s Channel 5’s Batibot, and Tanghalang
Pambata)
5. The popularity of Taglish which pepper today’s yuppy lingo and
which reach out to the masses
6. The notion of seeking popularity and ratings through exposure
7. Creative writing workshops
Novels
Many of our writers have turned to the more
remunerative and shorter literary forms than the
longer novels which are indicative of more practical
considerations.

Out better novel writers have settled in their

twilight years, some to foreign lands or may have
perhaps lost the feel of the Filipino psyche.
Thank you!

Prepared by Group 5