The

Contemporary
Period
 Renaissance of Liberty
● The Philippines were first invaded by the Spanish in 1521, followed
by the United States in 1898 and the Japanese in 1941. Filipino
literature transformed to take on the occupiers’ language during
these times.
● The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerillas
who fled to the mountain joined the liberating American Army. On
July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained is freedom and the Filipino
flag waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.
https://poemanalysis.com/definition/contemporary-period/
The State of Literature During the
Contemporary Period
● During this period, readers have seen the development of numerous
genres, such as dystopian fiction, contemporary horror, New Wave
fiction, the psychological thriller, romantic comedy, and more.
Additionally, within this time period, readers can find important novels,
short stories, poems, essays, and more.
● An impact report is a way for organizations to communicate the issues
they are trying to improve and their strategy on how they facilitated
change. It measures nonprofits' impact on people's lives, focusing on their
social or environmental outcomes.
https://www.reference.com/world-view/
 Characteristics of Philippine Literature During the
Contemporary Period
● Multiculturalism: Contemporary Philippine literature embraces the country's diverse cultural heritage, incorporating
elements from indigenous, Spanish, American, and other Asian literary traditions.

● Social Realism: Many contemporary Filipino writers tackle pressing social issues such as poverty, corruption, human
rights abuses, and political unrest. They use literature as a platform for social commentary and critique.

● Identity Exploration: There is a strong focus on exploring Filipino identity, both individually and collectively, amidst
rapid modernization and globalization. This exploration often includes themes of diaspora, hybridity, and cultural
belonging.

● Language Diversity: Filipino literature is produced in various languages, including Tagalog, English, and regional
languages like Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon. Each language contributes unique perspectives and voices to the
literary landscape.

● Postcolonial Discourse: Writers engage with the legacy of colonialism and its impact on Filipino society, culture, and
psyche. They interrogate power dynamics, cultural hegemony, and the complexities of decolonization.

● Experimentation and Innovation: Contemporary Filipino literature showcases experimentation with literary forms,
styles, and techniques. Writers often blend traditional storytelling methods with modern narrative structures,
symbolism, and intertextuality.
Lakambini Sitoy
Lakambini Sitoy is a contemporary
Filipino author known for her evocative
storytelling and exploration of complex
human relationships. Born in Cebu City,
Sitoy often draws inspiration from her
hometown and its cultural milieu. Her
writing style is characterized by vivid
imagery, nuanced characterizations,
and a keen insight into the human
condition. Sitoy's works often explore
themes of love, betrayal, identity, and
redemption, offering readers a glimpse
into the intricacies of Filipino life.
Ricky Lee
Ricky Lee is a renowned Filipino
screenwriter, novelist, and playwright
celebrated for his masterful storytelling
and keen observation of Filipino society.
With a career spanning several decades,
Lee has made significant contributions to
Philippine literature and cinema. His works
often delve into the complexities of
human relationships, societal issues, and
the Filipino psyche, blending realism with
elements of fantasy and magic realism.
Lee's writing is characterized by its
emotional depth, rich characterizations,
and thought-provoking narratives that
resonate with readers across generations.
Jessica Zafra
Jessica Zafra is a prominent Filipino writer,
columnist, and editor known for her sharp
wit, incisive commentary, and irreverent
humor. With a distinctive voice and a keen
eye for satire, Zafra's writing often tackles
a wide range of topics, from pop culture
and politics to relationships and everyday
life. Her works, which include essays, short
stories, and novels, offer readers a
humorous yet insightful perspective on
Filipino society and culture. Zafra's writing
is characterized by its candidness, wit, and
ability to provoke thought while
entertaining readers with her unique
brand of humor.
“Jungle Planet” by
Lakambini Sitoy
This collection of short stories, first
published in 2000, showcases Sitoy's
versatility as a writer. Set against the
backdrop of contemporary Filipino society,
the stories explore themes of longing, loss,
and the quest for identity. With her keen
observational skills and vivid imagination,
Sitoy offers readers a glimpse into the lives
of diverse characters grappling with the
challenges of modern existence.
A child finds joy in a long-gone menagerie as the world
crumbles around her, a young idealist strikes out through a
blighted city in search of a forgotten star, a train ride becomes a
journey of rescue for the lost and thirsting, a woman nurses her
naked father and her own profound wounds.
In the supple and luminous prose that is her trademark, multi-
awarded storyteller Lakambini A. Sitoy explores the passionate
and often vicious bonds between girls and women, the raw
loneliness of urban life, the faint shadow of death in smiling
sunlight, the thrill of erotic impulse.
“Para Kay B” by Ricky
Lee
Originally published in 1991, Para Kay B is
considered one of Ricky Lee's most iconic
works. The novel is a poignant exploration of
unrequited love, told through the
perspectives of multiple characters whose
lives intersect in unexpected ways. With its
heartfelt narrative and profound insights into Set against the backdrop of Manila, the novel explores the
complexities of human relationships and the longing for
the human condition, Para Kay B has connection. The narrative unfolds through a series of
resonated with readers across generations interconnected vignettes, each offering a glimpse into the lives
of different characters who are all connected by their feelings
and has become a staple of Filipino literature. for someone referred to simply as "B."
“Twisted” by Jessica
Zafra
First published in 1992, Twisted is a
collection of essays that showcases Jessica
Zafra's sharp wit and incisive commentary
on Filipino culture and society. Covering a
wide range of topics, from politics and pop
culture to everyday life, Zafra's essays
offer readers a humorous yet thought-
provoking perspective on contemporary
Filipino life. With its irreverent humor and "Twisted" is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and
candid observations, Twisted has become unconventional take on Filipino society and culture. With its
irreverent humor and insightful observations, this collection is
a beloved classic of Filipino literature. sure to leave readers laughing, thinking, and wanting more.
 Types of Literature that Flourished in the Contemporary
Period
● Novels and Novellas: Contemporary Filipino authors have produced a wide range of novels and
novellas exploring a diverse array of themes, from personal relationships and identity to socio-political
issues and historical events.
● Short Stories: Short stories remain a popular form of literature in the contemporary period, offering
writers the opportunity to explore concise narratives that pack a punch. Many Filipino authors have
excelled in this genre, crafting compelling tales that capture the complexity of Filipino life in a limited
space.
● Poetry: Poetry continues to be an integral part of Philippine literature, with contemporary poets
experimenting with various forms, styles, and themes. From traditional verse to free verse and
experimental poetry, Filipino poets have pushed the boundaries of poetic expression, tackling subjects
ranging from love and nature to social justice and identity.
● Drama and Playwriting: Theater remains a vibrant aspect of Filipino culture, with contemporary
playwrights producing a diverse range of theatrical works that engage with pressing social issues,
historical events, and personal narratives. From traditional stage plays to experimental theater, Filipino
playwrights have made significant contributions to the theatrical landscape.
Thanks for
listening!