The American regime

Historical background

Our flag was hoisted on June 12, 1898 Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected as the

first President of the Philippine Republic The Fil-American War resulted to the

defeat of Gen. Miguel Malvar in 1903 many Filipinos started writing again and

the nationalism of the people remained undaunted.

The active arousal in the field of literature started to be felt in the following newspapers:1.EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day) established by

Sergio Osmeña in 1900.2. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation)

established by Pascual Poblete in 19003. EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth) founded by

Rafael Palma in 1901

The following were plays that the americans stopped because of the consistent theme of nationalism

1. Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas by Aurelio Tolentino

2. Tanikalang Ginto by Juan Abad

3. Malaya by Tomas Remigio4. Walang Sugat by Severino

Reyes

A. Characteristics of Literature during this period

writers in Spanish were wont to write on nationalism like honouring Rizal and other heroes

writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of the country and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue

writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans

I. Literature in Spanish

These two novels of Rizal contained the best qualities of a novel ever written, in English or in Filipino.

Cecilio Apostol

He wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes but his poem dedicated to Rizal is considered the best poem in praise of the hero of Bagumbayan.

Fernando ma. Guerrero

He also dedicated a poem to Rizal but he collected the best of his poems in a book called Crisalidas, meaning, a kind of black, wooly caterpillar

Jesus Balmori

-well-known for his pen-name of Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe participated in a debate on the topic – (Remembrance and Forgetfulness). He was elected Poet Laureate in Spanish.

Manuel Bernabe

-a lyric poet and the fierceness of his nationalistic spirit was unchanged in any topic he wrote about.In his debate with Balmori, he was more attractive to the public because of the melodious words he used.

Claro M. Recto

In nobility of speech and theme, he can compare with the other writers of Spanish. He collected his poems in a book entitled Bajo Los Cocoteros.

B. Filipino Literature

Julian Cruz Balmaceda classified three kinds of Tagalog poets..

1. Poets of the Heart (Makata ng Puso)

Lope K. SantosInigo Ed. RegaladoCarlos GatmaitanPedro GatmaitanJose Corazon de JesusCirilo H. Panganiban

2. Poets of the Life (Makata ng Buhay)

Lope K. Santos Jose Corazon de Jesus Florentino Collantes Patricio MarianoCarlos GatmaitanAmado V. Hernandez

3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan)

Aurelio TolentinoSeverino Reyes Tomas Remigio

Some of the writers mentioned:

Lope K. Santos

Novelist, poet, author and a grammarian

“Father of the National Language Grammar”

He was called “Apo” of the Tagalog writers.

“Banaag at Sikat” was his masterpiece.

Jose Corazon de Jesus

-very popularly known as Huseng Batute.Ang Isang Punongkahoy (A Tree), which is an elegy, is believed to be his masterpiece.

Amado V. Hernandez“Makata ng mga Manggagawa”

The pen is powerful and according to him, even a king can be bent by his pen.

Writings:Isang Dipang LangitBayang MalayaAng Panday (his masterpiece)Munting LupaLuha ng Buwaya

Valeriano Hernandez Peña

He was known as Tandang AnongAnd his pen-name was “Kuntil Buntil”

“Nena at Neneng” was his masterpiece

Iñigo Ed. Regalado

Son of “Odalager”A popular story-teller, novelist and newspaperman.

The Tagalog Drama

1.Severino Reyes and his Walang Sugat2. Aurelio Tolentino and his Luhang Tagalog and his

Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas3. Hermogenes Ilagan founded the group Campaña Ilagan4. Patricio Mariano Ninay and Anak ng Dagat (his

masterpiece)5.Julian Cruz Balmaceda’s Bunganga ng Pating

C. Philippine Literature in English

(1) The Period of Re-orientation

Poems during this Period

Sursum Corda by Justo Julianio , first work to be published in EnglishMy Mother and Air Castles by Jan F. SalazarTo my Lady in Laoag by Proceso Sebastian

(2) Period of ImitationEssayists: Informal

essayists:Carlos P. Romulo Ignacio Manlapaz Jorge C. Bacobo Godefredo Rivera Mauro Mendez Federico Mangahas Vicente Hilario Francisco B. Icasiano

Salvador P. LopezJose

Lansang

Amado G. Dayrit