Welcome to our topic, American period!

American period is one of the turning points which made our

Philippine literary tradition colorful and interesting. This period saw the addition of a colorful language, the
English language, as an indispensable tool for literature and communication. Indeed, this period witnessed a
dramatic flowering of the Philippine literature considering the sheer volume of works produced, the ringing of
names etched in the Philippine literary pantheon, as well as the introduction and development of new literary
genres as genuine additions to the already rich Philippine literary tradition. So, brace yourselves and enjoy our
literary journey together!

Intended learning outcomes

By the time of completion of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Trace the historical events and development of Philippine Literature during the American Period;
2. Acquaint the three literary strands, the Spanish, Filipino and English literatures, that prospered during the
American period; and
3. Identify the contributions of American period to the Philippine literary tradition.

Historical background of the American period

 The Filipino revolutionaries won against the Spaniards and the Philippine Independence was proclaimed on
June 12, 1898.
 The flag was hoisted by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and the Philippine Republic was inaugurated but was
short-lived.
 The Philippines lost in the Philippine – American War with the surrender of Gen. Miguel Malvar of
Batangas and Gen. Simeon Ola of Bicol.
 The spirit of nationalism of the people remained undaunted.
 Peace movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos started writing again “after the sword was
broken.”
 The Filipino men-of-letters wrote all forms of literary genres like news, poetry, stories, plays essays, novels
which clearly depicted their love of country and longing for independence.

Newspapers circulated during the American period

These newspapers were published during the American period and were primarily established to continue the
fight for freedom after the defeat of the Filipino forces against the Americans. These are:

1. El Nuevo Dia (The New Day) – established by Sergio Osmena in 1900. American sensors banned this
newspaper and threatened Osmena with banishment.
2. El Grito del Pueblo (The Call of the Nation) – established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
3. El Renacimiento (The Rebirth) – founded by Rafael Palma.

Plays staged during the American period

1. Kahapon, Ngayon, Bukas (Yesterday, today and tomorrow) – written by Aurelio Tolentino
2. Tanikalang Ginto – written by Juan Abad
3. Malaya – written by Tomas Remigio
4. Walang Sugat – written by Severino Reyes

The Philippine Literature in Spanish language

In the earlier years of American occupation, the inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish was our National
Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. His novels, Noli and El Fili, contained the best qualities of a novel ever written which
inspired a lot of Filipinos to use the Spanish language. Here are some of our outstanding writers in the Spanish
language.

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1. Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes. His poem dedicated
to Rizal entitled, “A Rizal” is his
masterpiece: “…quese una bala destrozo tu craneo tambien tu idea destrozo un imperio…”
2. Fernando Ma. Guerrero is a another writer who, together with Apostol, became Kings of Balagtasan in
Spanish. He also wrote a poem to honor Rizal entitled, “Invocacion a
Rizal:” “…hablar contigo que dejaste escrito, el evangelio libre de tu raza…”
3. Jesus Balmori used the pen name Batikuling. He was elected Poet Laureate in Spanish besting Manuel
Bernabe with his topic Recuerdo: “…Mi tema es el Recuerdo, mi moto hidalguia, Mi divisa un laurel,
mi corazon un penasco!”
4. Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet whose fierceness and nationalistic spirit was unchanged in any topic. His
topic was Olvido: “… Recordar! Ay del alma querecuerde, la quiebra que ha sufrido la illusion…”
5. Claro M. Recto wrote poems and compiled them under the title Bajo Los Cocoteros (Under the Coconut
Trees).
6. Adelina Guerea was the first woman poet in the Philippines. She obtained the Zobel Prize in her
song El Nido (The Nest).
7. Isidro Marpori became famous for his books entitled Aromas de Ensueno(Scents of Dreams).
8. Macario Adriatico wrote the legend of Mindoro entitle La Punta de Salto (The Place of Origin).
9. Epifanio delos Santos (Don Panyong) was a good leader and biographer in Spanish.
10. Pedro Aunario wrote the Decalogo del Proteccionismo.

The Philippine Literature in Filipino (Tagalog) language

Majority among the Filipinos were beginning to read and write. Most of them started to read and became
informed with what is happening around. As a result, more and more Filipinos became writers and poets and
dramatists. Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar’s epic poem, Florante at Laura and Father Modesto De Castro’s social
novel, Urbana at Felisa became the inspiration of the Filipino (Tagalog) writers. Some of the more popular
writers during this period were:

1. Lope K. Santos was a novelist, poet, author and grammarian. He was called “Apo” of the Tagalog writers.
He was also dubbed as “Ama ng Balarilang Filipino” (Father of National Language Grammar). The novel,
“Banaag at Sikat” was his masterpiece.
2. Jose Corazon De Jesus was also known as “Huseng Batute.” He was deemed as “Makata ng Pag-ibig.” He
wrote the nationalistic poem, “Bayan Ko” and “Isang Punong Kahoy,” an elegy, was his masterpiece.
3. Amado V. Hernandez was crowned “Makata ng mga Manggagawa” because his poems revolve on the
lives of city laborers. He wrote the poems “Isang Dipang Langit,” “Bayang Malaya,” “Munting Lupa”
while being incarcerated in the Muntinlupa Jail because of his involvement in labor riots. The famous
poem, “Ang Panday” was his masterpiece.
4. Valeriano Hernandez Peña was popularly known as “Tandang Anong”. He used “Kuntil Butil” as his pen
name. The novel “Nena at Neneng” was his masterpiece.
5. Iñigo Ed. Regalado was the son of Odalager, a popular writer during Spanish Period. He was a popular
story-teller, novelist and newspaperman during the American period.

Filipino (Tagalog) poetry

Inspired by the Propagandists and Revolutionists writers and poets, more and more Filipinos started using the
pen to share their sentiments and emotions. A lot of Filipino poets emerged during this period. Hence, Julian
Cruz Balmaceda, a popular writer, dramatist and critic classified these poets based on the poems that they
wrote. They are classified as:

1. Poets of the Heart (Mga Makata ng Pag-ibig)

A. Lope K. Santos
B. Inigo Ed. Regalado
C. Carlos Gatmaitan
D. Pedro Gatmaitan
E. Jose Corazon de Jesus

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 F. Cirilo Panganiban
G. Deogracias del Rosario
H. Ildefonso Santos
I. Amado V. Hernandez
J. Nemecio Carabana
K. Mar Antonio
2. Poets of Life (Mga Makata ng Buhay)
A. Lope K. Santos
B. Jose Corazon de Jesus
C. Florentino Collantes
D. Patricio Mariano
E. Carlos Gatmaitan
F. Amado V. Hernandez
3. Poets of the Stage (Mga Makata ng Entablado)
A. Aurelio Tolentino
B. Patricio Mariano
C. Severino Reyes
D. Tomas Remigio

Filipino (Tagalog) Short Story

The emergence of the English short story was instrumental in the development of this literary genre
called “Maikling kuwento” or simpy referred to as “Dagli” since they can be read in one sitting. Short stories
began to appear in Pangsandaliang Libangan (Short-time Leisure) and Dagli (Fast) columns. Popular short
story writers include:

1. Lope K. Santos
2. Patricio Mariano
3. Rosauro Almario
In “Liwayway,” a popular weekly publication who publishes short stories, we find the names:

1. Deogracias Rosario
2. Teodoro Gener
3. Cirio H. Panganiban

Filipino (Tagalog) drama

In the American period, a lot of changes began to unravel. Almost all literary genres were affected with the
coming of the Americans and the English language. However, there are still Filipino men-of-letters who wanted
to use the Tagalog medium and sought to improve various literatures using it.

In Tagalog drama, Severino Reyes and Hermogenes Ilagan criticized the Spanish Moro-moro and showed that
dramas can be powerful vehicles for propagation of Filipino values for the audiences. Aside from these values,
these dramas were extensively used as a way to promote nationalism as well. The popular dramatists during this
period include:

1. Severino Reyes was called the “Father of Tagalog Drama.” His immortal play, “Walang Sugat” was his
masterpiece.
2. Aurelio Tolentino was deemed the “Father of Kapampangan Drama.” His work, “Luhang Tagalog” was
his masterpiece and his “Napon, Ngeni at Bukas” was a translation of his other masterpiece, “Kahapon,
Ngayon at Bukas.”
3. Hermogenes Ilagan was a dramatist who founded the group Campaña Ilagan, presenting many dramas in
Central Luzon.
4. Patricio Mariano wrote the play entitled “Ninay.” His masterpiece was “Anak ng Dagat.”
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5. Julian Cruz Balmaceda was a playwright who wrote “Bunganga ng Pating.”

Vernacular poetry
Aside from the flowering of Spanish, Filipino and English languages as literary media, several vernaculars
writers and poets gained popularity in their respective localities. Let us take a look at some of them.

Ilokano Poetry
1. Pedro Bukaneg was deemed as the “Father of Ilocano Literature.” The Ilocano Bukanegan was the
Ilokano form of Balagtasan which was periodically held to honor his name.
2. Claro Caluya was the “Prince of Ilocano Poets.”
3. Leon Pichay was crowned as the “Best Bukanegero.” He was also a poet, novelist, short story writer,
dramatist and essayist.
Kapampangan Poetry
1. Juan Crisostomo Soto was called the “Father of Kapampangan Literature.” The Crisotan was the
Kapampangan form of Balagtasan held in his honor.
2. Aurelio Tolentino was a dramatist and his “Napon, Ngeni at Bukas” was a translation of his masterpiece
“Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas.”
Visayan Poetry
1. Eriberto Gumban was dubbed as the “Father of Visayan Literature.” He wrote a number of zarzuela,
moro-moro and plays in Visayan language.
2. Magdalena Jalandoni was a notable female novelist who wrote “Ang mga Tunuk san isa ca Bulaclac.”

The Philippine Literature in English language

Although the Filipinos were defeated in the Philippine-American War, or Philippine Insurrection as termed by
the Americans, they kept the flame of nationalism burning as ever. Seeking to find a better solution other than
violent means, they resorted back to the pen. Peace movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos
started writing again “after the sword was broken.”

They wrote all forms of literature like news, poetry, stories, plays essays, novels which clearly depicted their
love of country and longing for independence. Hence, the spirit of nationalism of the people remained
undaunted.

With the arrival of the English language, a new way of writing literature has emerged. The Filipinos, being
lovers of languages and natural linguists, began using this new medium to record their thoughts, sentiments,
ideas and views, dreams and fears as well as everyday life-matters. In short, a new weapon was added to their
arsenal.

As students of Philippine literature, you need to understand how Philippine literature in English developed and
improved from its early years during the American period and beyond. To begin with, let us take a look at the
three periods, namely:

1. Period of Re-orientation
2. Period of Imitation
3. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth

Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)

The Period of Re-orientation covered the early years of American period and the landing of the Americans to
Philippine shores including the Philippine-American War. Even during the war, the Americans
established public school system in areas that have been pacified. English language was used as medium of
instruction in public schools as early as 1900 in the Corregidor Island.

 The first English teachers were the American soldiers stationed in various areas.
 Later on, the professional teachers arrived via US Army transport ship “USS Thomas” hence, these
pioneering teachers were called “Thomasites.”
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 These Thomasites established numerous public Elementary, Secondary and Tertiary schools throughout the
archipelago.
 They established the University of the Philippines with Murray Bartlett, a Thomasite, as the First President;
which was the first to use English language in the higher education.
 They also established Philippine School of Arts and Trades (which became Polytechnic University of the
Philippines), Philippine Normal School (which became Philippine Normal University), Silliman University
and Xavier University, in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Pioneer English Newspapers
The revolutionary newspaper “El Renacimiento” edited by Rafael Palma, who later on became UP President,
was the pioneering newspaper to publish works written in English Language.

The Philippines Free Press founded by R. McCullough Dick & D. Theo Rogers was the first privately owned
publication to publish English works of Filipino writers. They pay the Filipino writers when their work was
chosen to be published.

Pioneer Filipino English writers

 Justo Juliano wrote “Sursum Corda” as the first literary work published in English in 1907.
 Juan F. Salazar wrote “My Mother” and “Air Castles” which were published in 1909.
 Proceso Sebastian wrote “To my Lady in Laoag” which was published in 1909.

Period of Imitation (1910-1924)

This period was characterized by the Filipino writers imitating the American and English writers. The UP
College Folio, the school publication of the University of the Philippines, published literary compositions in
English written by the pioneers in English poetry, essays and short stories.

Period of Imitation Poets

1. Fernando Maramag wrote the “Rural Maid.” Other poets include:
2. Juan F. Salazar
3. Jose M. Hernandez
4. Vicente del Fierro
5. Francisco Tonogbanua
6. Maximo Kalaw
7. Vidal A. Tan
8. Francisco Africa
9. Victoriano Yamzon
Period of Imitation Essay writers
Essay was a Filipino literary genre that was born in the Period of Imitation. The following essayists
wrote Formal essays which were truly scholarly, full of sobriety, substance and structure. Pioneers in formal
essay include:

1. Carlos P. Romulo
2. Jorge C. Bocobo
3. Mauro Mendez
4. Vicente Hilario
Informal essay writers also emerged and they are composed of:

1. Ignacio Manlapaz
2. Godofredo Rivera
3. Federico Mangahas
4. Francisco B. Icasiano
5. Salvador P. Lopez

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6. Jose Lansang
7. Amado G. Dayrit
Period of Imitation Short Stories
Short story as a literary genre was brought along by the Americans. Filipinos readily adopted short story
because as a form of relaxation and entertainment, it proved to be worthwhile for one can read such in just a
short while. There were even Filipino (Tagalog) and other vernacular versions of them. By and large, short
stories began to be published in various school newspapers and periodicals such as:

1. UP College Folio which became Philippine Collegian

2. Bulletin
3. The Philippine Herald
4. The Philippine Review
5. The Independent
6. Rising Philippines
7. Citizens
8. The Philippine Education Magazine
Many Filipino writers became popular during this period due to their masterful works. Notable writers include:

1. Paz Marquez Benitez who wrote the “Dead Stars” which stand out as model of perfection in character
delineation, local color, plot and message. She also became the editor of Women’s Journal, the first literary
magazine in English published in the Philippines
2. Bernardo P. Garcia wrote the poem “George Washington.”
3. Eulogio B. Rodriguez was a research writer of UP College of Liberal Arts who won Villamor Prize in the
Provincial History Competition
4. Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion wrote the award-winning poem “Azucena.”
5. Procopio Solidum wrote “Never mind and Other Poems.”
6. Lorenzo E. Paredes wrote the first poetry anthology “Reminiscenses.”
7. Zoilo Galang published his first volume of essay entitled “Life and Success.”
8. Eliseo Quirino and Vicente Hilario wrote the essay “Thinking for Ourselves.”
9. Zoilo Galang published the first anthology of short stories in “Tales of the Philippines.”
10. Rodolfo Dato published his anthology “Filipino Poetry.”
11. Carlos P. Romulo published a collection of plays entitled “Daughters for Sale and other Plays.”

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

In this period Filipino writers acquired mastery of the English Language. Evidently, they began to write
confidently and competently. They wrote in free verse, sonnets, odes, elegies and others. They even started to
write novels and dramas.

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Poetry

 The Philippine Writers Association was organized in 1925.
 Luis Dato wrote “Manila: A Collection of Verses”
 Marcelo De Gracia Concepcion wrote “Bamboo Flute”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Moon shadows on the Water”
 Pablo Laslo edited the “English-German Anthology of Filipino Poets”
 Luis Dato published “My Book of Verses”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa wrote “First Leaves”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Nuances”
 Abelardo Subido wrote the sonnet “Soft Night”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa won the Commonwealth Literary Contest with his compilation “Like the Molave
and other Poems”
 Jose Garcia Villa published “Poems by Doveglion” and he also published his books in the US.
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Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Short Story
Aside from poetry, short story has likewise flourished during this time. Numerous short story writers were
motivated due to incentives given by these publications:

1. Philippine Free Press

2. The Graphic
3. The Philippine Magazine
4. UP Literary Apprentice
Short story became the most popular literary genre during this time. Popular short story writers during this time
include:

1. Paz Marquez Benitez published her first short story anthology “Filipino Love Stories.”
2. Jose Garcia Villa published “Philippine Short Stories.” He won first place the Philippine Free Press short
story writing contest with his “Mir-i-nisa.”
3. Manuel Arguilla won the Commonwealth Literary Contest for short story with his “How my Brother Leon
brought home a Wife.”
4. Paz Latorena wrote “Sunset”
5. Jose Lansang wrote “Broken Parasol”
6. Sinai C. Hamada wrote “Talanata’s Wife”
7. Fausto Dugenio wrote “Wanderlust”
8. Amado G. Dayrit wrote “His Gift” and “Yesterday”
9. Amador T. Daguio wrote “The Woman who looked out of the Window”
10. Arturo B. Rotor
11. Osmundo Sta. Romana
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Essay
The essay during this period was greatly improved in quality and quantity. There have been improvements on
the subject, content and style of writing essays. During this period, various Filipino essayists were classified
according to:

1. Political, social, and reflective essays. These essays were opinions and viewpoints by the essayists using
their newspaper columns which appeared regularly hence, they were very popular during this time. Some
political, social and reflective essayists include:
A. Federico Mangahas
B. Salvador P. Lopez
C. Pura Santillan Castrence
D. Vicente Albano Pacis
E. Ariston Estrada
F. Jose Lansang
2. Critical essays. These essays were serious treatment of various issues during this period.As these essayists
regularly appear in various newspaper columns, they became very popular during this time. The critical
essayists during this time include:
A. Salvador P. Lopez
B. I.V. Mallari
C. Ignacio Manlapaz
D. Jose Garcia Villa
E. Arturo B. Rotor
F. Leopoldo Y. Yabes
G. Maximo Soliven wrote the prize-winning essay entitled, “They Called it Brotherhood.”
3. Personal or familiar essays. These essays were casual and light in terms of the mood they were written.
They provided sort of entertainment and relaxation for the readers. Popular essayists of this kind include:
A. Francisco “Mang Kiko” B. Icasiano
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 B. Alfredo E. Litiatco
C. Solomon V. Arnaldo
D. Amado G. Dayrit
E. Consuelo Gar Catuca
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Notable Essays
1. “Literature and Society” was written by Salvador P. Lopez. This is a collection of critical reflections and
serious essays. It won first place in the Commonwealth Literary Contest in essay.
2. “The Filipino Way of Life” was written by Camilo Osias. This is a series of essays on the Filipino way of
life as drawn from history, folkways, philosophy, and psychology of the Philippines.
3. “Mang Kiko” was a reprint of Francisco B. Icasiano’s essays in the “Sunday Times Magazine” under the
column “From my Nipa Hut.” It is an essay of the common tao and is written with humor and sympathy.
4. “I am a Filipino” was an editorial essay written by Carlos P. Romulo printed in the “Philippines Herald”
magazine. It was published in his book “My Brother Americans” in New York by Double Day & Company
in 1945.
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Drama
The University of the Philippines introduced playwriting as a course. UP established the UP Little Theater and
provided incentives for playwrights who wrote plays.

 Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero became director of UP Theater and popularized drama performances in the country.
 He founded the UP Mobile Theater which performed in various place throughout the country.
 The UP Mobile Theater also performed in various universities worldwide.
Some of the notable dramas during this period include:

1. Daughters for Sale and other Plays written by Carlos P. Romulo

2. The Radiant Symbol written by Jorge Bocobo
3. The Husband of Mrs. Cruz & A Daughter of Destiny written by Vidal A. Tan
4. The Waves written by Hilarion Vibal
5. The Oil Lamp & The Earthquake written by Augusto C. Catanjal
6. The Land of our Fathers written by Severino Montano
7. Panday Pira, the Cannon Maker written by Jose M. Hernandez
8. 13 Plays was a collection of plays written by Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Biography
Writing biography and autobiography became fashionable during this period. Some notable biographies during
this period include:

1. Quezon was a biography written about Manuel L. Quezon by I.P. Caballero and Marcelo de Gracia
Concepcion.
2. The Great Malayan was a biography which won the Commonwealth Literary Contest for biography about
Rizal. It was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of this period.
3. Quezon, the Man of destiny was another biography written about Manuel L. Quezon by Carlos Quirino,
the most famous biographer of the period.
4. The Birth of Discontent was an autobiography written by I.V. Mallari.

References
 Soriano-Baldonado, Rizza. (2013). Readings from World Literatures: Understanding People’s Culture,
Traditions and Beliefs: A Task-Based Approach. Great Books Publishing, Quezon City.
 Vinuya, Remedios V. (2012). Philippine Literature: A statement of Ourselves. Grandbooks Publishing,
Inc., Metro, Manila.
 ncca.gov.ph/subcommissions/…/philippine-literature-during-the-american–period/

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Japanese period is our first topic for the final period. Japanese period has been called one of the darkest days
in the history and literary tradition of the Philippines. The wartime experiences and events of the troubled times
left indelible imprints to the lives of the Filipino nation. However, there are still few and remaining bright spots
in this generally dark and gloomy days. It is our duty, as students of Philippine literature not to be selective and
biased in our treatment of the various literary pieces regardless of what period it was produced. Moreover, the
richness of our literary tradition incorporates all possible literatures and, like a solitary candle flickering in the
dead night, a certain piece might just be waiting for us to discover and appreciate its exquisite beauty peculiar to
the period in which it was written. Hence, come along and join me discover such gems of our Philippine
literature during the Japanese period.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this topic, you should be able to:

 trace the historical events and development of Philippine Literature during the Japanese period;
 discuss the types of poetry (Haiku and Tanka) during the Japanese period; and
 analyze and appreciate the poem as a literary genre by writing own Haiku and Tanka.

Historical background
The stride and growth of the Philippine literature in English language and the development of Philippine
literature in general was interrupted during the Japanese period. The Japanese censured all publications
except Tribune and Philippine Review.During the Japanese period, Philippine Literature in English was
stopped and writers turned to writing in Filipino. The Japanese authorities, with extreme hate to the Americans,
did their best to turn the Filipinos’ sympathy away from them. They rewarded handsomely the Filipinos who are
faithful to them.

In prose literature, the weekly Liwayway Magazine was put into strict surveillance and was managed by a
Japanese named Ishiwara. The Japanese language, Nippongo was introduced but not well-embraced by the
Filipinos despite it is being forcefully taught by the Japanese. With the prohibition of writing literary pieces in
English language, Filipino literature was given a break. Many Filipino writers wrote plays, poems, short stories,
etc. in the Tagalog and other vernacular language. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces to
escape Japanese control and censorship.

Philippine literature poems during Japanese period

Haiku
Haiku is a poem of free verse of Japanese origin. It has 17 syllables divided into 3 lines. The first has 5
syllables, second has 7, and the third has 5 syllables. The famous haikus that were penned by the early Japanese
haiku masters such as Bashō, Issa, Buson and Shiki. To know more about Haikus, click here.

Haiku normally features allegorical meaning. It is usually short but it covers a wide scope. The favorite topics
of haiku writers include nature, love, patriotism, nationalism, friendship and the human emotions.

Haiku samples
Tagalog English

Tutubi Dragonfly

Hila mo’y tabak, -5- You pull a saber,

Ang bulaklak nanginig, -7- The flower is shivering,

Sa paglapit mo. -5- Moment you approached.

Anyaya Invitation

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Ulilang damo, -5- A lonely grass,

Sa tahimik na ilog, -7- By the edge of the river,

Halika, sinta. -5- Come with me, my love.

On the above sample haikus, you notice that the 5-7-5 syllable count for the Tagalog original is not faithfully
followed by the English translation. However, when you craft your own haikus later, you will be using English
as the medium. You may refer to the instructions by reading “Haiku and Tanka Writing” section located below.

Tanka
Tanka poem is very similar to haiku but Tanka poems have more syllables and it uses simile, metaphor and
personification. Tanks poems are written about nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong emotions. This
form of poetry dates back almost 1200 years ago. You can read more about tanka by clicking here.

The 31 syllables are divided into 5 lines with: first line with 5, second line with 7, third line with 5, fourth line
with 7,and the fifth line with 7 as illustrated by the example below:

Winter

Beautiful mountains, -5-

Rivers with cold, cold water, -7-

White cold snow on rock, -5-

Trees over the place with frost, -7-

White sparkly snow everywhere. -7-

As cited above from a sample Tanka found on the listed website below, the Tanka is a very expressive yet
reserved form of lyric poem. It captures your imagination by using short, catchy and meaningful utterances.
Now the question is, can you write your own haiku and Tanka?

Haiku and Tanka writing

To demonstrate your appreciation and understanding of Haiku and Tanka, you are required to participate in this
activity. Follow the instruction below so you will be guided properly.

1. Choose a favorite topic which you are comfortable to write with.

2. Write 6 Haikus and 4 Tankas.
3. Place your 6 Haikus on two short (8.5×11) bond papers (three Haikus per bond paper).
4. Place your 4 Tankas on two short (8.5×11) bond papers (two Tankas per bond paper).
5. There must be a separate title per Haiku/Tanka as each is distinct and separate from each other.
6. You are free to bring out your artistic juices.
7. I will pick the best Haikus and Tankas and publish them in our TIP Voice Literary Folio.
8. Enjoy!

Works cited
 http://www.haiku-poetry.org/what-is-haiku.html
 http://www.poemhunter.com/poems/haiku/
 http://www.edu.pe.ca/stjean/playing%20with%20poetry/Hennessey/how_to_write_a_tanka_poem.htm
 http://www.tankaonline.com/About%20Tanka%20and%20Its%20History.html

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Teodoro Andal Agoncillo (November 9, 1912 – January 14, 1985) was a prominent 20th-
century Filipino historian. He and his contemporary Renato Constantino were among the first Filipino
historians renowned for promoting a distinctly nationalist point of view of Filipino history (nationalist
historiography). He was also an essayist and a poet.
Agoncillo is related to Don Felipe Agoncillo, the Filipino diplomat who represented the Philippines in
the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Paris (1898), and Dona Marcela Agoncillo, one of the
principal seamstress of the Philippine flag.
Early life
Born in Lemery, Batangas to Pedro Agoncillo and Feliza Andal, both from landed families in
Batangas, Agoncillo obtained a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of the
Philippines in Manila, in 1934, and a master's degree in the arts from the same university the
following year. He earned his living as a linguistic assistant at the Institute of National Language and
as an instructor at the Far Eastern University and the Manuel L. Quezon University. In 1956, he
published his seminal work, Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan, a history
of the 1896 Katipunan-led revolt against Spanish rule and its leader, Andres Bonifacio. He garnered
acclaim for this book, as well as criticisms from more conservative historians discomfited by the
work's nationalist bent.
In 1958, Agoncillo was invited to join the faculty of the Department of History of his alma mater, the
University of the Philippines. He remained with the university until his retirement in 1977, chairing the
Department of History from 1963 to 1969. After retiring from UP, Agoncillo taught Filipino history as a
visiting professor at the International Christian University in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan, for one year from
1977 to 1978. Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal named Agoncillo as a member of
the National Historical Institute in 1963. He served in this capacity until his death in 1985. Agoncillo
was chair of the History Department in the University of the Philippines at the same time period that
his cousin, General Abelardo Andal, served as Commander (Chair) of the Reserve Officers' Training
Corps of the same university.
Accolades
He was named National Scientist of the Philippines in 1985 for his distinguished contributions in the
field of history. Agoncillo was also among the few academics who held the rank of University
Professor, an academic rank given to outstanding faculty members with specialization in more than
one of the traditional academic domains (Science & Technology; Social Sciences; and Arts &
Humanities), at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Controversy
Despite Agoncillo's controversial tone and for his perceived leftist bent, his book, History of the
Filipino People, first published in 1960, remains a popular standard textbook in many Filipino
universities, as are many of Agoncillo's other works. Gregorio Zaide, Teodoro Agoncillo, Reynaldo
Ileto and Renato Constantino stand as the most prominent 20th-century Filipino historians to emerge
during the post-war period. However, opponents of Agoncillo contend that Agoncillo's works suffer
from uneven scholarship throughout, especially with his use (or especially, non-use) of reliable
historical sources, even when his opponents could not offer solid rebuttals.
Works

 Ang Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (with Gregorio F. Zaide, 1941)

 Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog: 1886-1948 (1949, 1965, 1970)
 The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan (mainly a biography
of Andres Bonifacio, 1956)
 Malolos: The Crisis of the Republic (sequel to Revolt of the Masses which discusses the events
from Biak-na-Bato to the end of the Philippine–American War, 1960)
 History of the Filipino People (eight editions: 1960, 1967, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1984, 1986, 1990)
 The Writings and Trial of Andres Bonifacio (1963)
 The Fateful Years: Japan's Adventure in the Philippines (Philippine history during World War II,
two volumes, 1965)
 A Short History of the Philippines (1969)
 Filipino Nationalism: 1872-1970 (1974)
 Introduction to Filipino History (1974)
 Sa Isang Madilim: Si Balagtas at ang Kanyang Panahon (1974)
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 Ang Pilipinas at ang mga Pilipino: Noon at Ngayon (1980)
 The Burden of Proof: The Vargas-Laurel Collaboration Case (1984)

References

 Filipinos in History: Volume maximum\

, National Historical Institute (Manila, 1996), pp. 6–7.

 Talking History: Conversations with T Agoncillo, Ambeth R. Ocampo, De La Salle University

Press, 1995
 Teodoro A. Agoncillo at Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

CONSTANTINO, Renato R.
The writings of Renato Constantino were a major influence in the intellectual formation of countless
young Filipinos who staked their lives and future in opposing the Marcos dictatorship.

At a time when the dominant, elitist view of Philippine-American relations was one of benevolence
and mutual benefit, Constantino pointed out that on the contrary, our subservience to the interests of
the United States had resulted in stunted growth.

Colonial miseducation was responsible for the lack of critical thinking, he said, and urged a re-
examination and redefinition of the Filipino identity that would affirm our independence, uniqueness
and democratic values.

Furthermore, he said, the country’s underdevelopment can be traced to our colonial history: “This
condition was not abolished with independence; it was merely transformed. We see the economic
structure as the basis for the iniquitous political system in which economic privilege becomes the
pillar of political power – a power that enhances colonial control and further entrenches the hold of the
local elite over the people.”

During the 1950s, Constantino had already been branded a “security risk” by state intelligence
agencies. His continuing prolific output of scholarly books and articles, however, found fertile ground
in the youth and student movement here in the 1960s, amid worldwide questioning of American
domination. These ideas were taken up in activist study courses and discussion groups – where the
rebellious students said they were learning more than when they were dutifully taking notes inside the
classroom.

In 1972, Constantino published The Marcos Watch, a collection of critical newspaper columns. When
martial law was declared, he was placed under house arrest for seven months, and not allowed to
travel abroad for several years. Still, he continued to research and write, in collaboration with his wife
Letizia. In 1976 the couple established the Foundation for Nationalist Studies, Inc. (now the
Constantino Foundation) to initiate, sponsor or finance programs and projects for the advancement of
Philippine nationalism.
Among Renato Constantino’s well-known books are A Past Revisited and The Continuing Past (a two-
volume history of the Philippines), The Making of a Filipino (a biography of Claro M. Recto), Neocolonial
Identity and Counter-Consciousness, and The Nationalist Alternative. His most widely read essay, The
Miseducation of the Filipino, had to wait five years before it saw print.

He died in 1999 at the age of 80.

BORN : March 10, 1919 in Manila
DIED : September 15, 1999 in Quezon City
PARENTS : Amador Constantino and Francisca Reyes
SPOUSE/CHILDREN : Letizia Roxas / 2
EDUCATION : Elementary: Bonifacio Elementary School, Manila

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Secondary: Arellano High School, Manila
College: University of the Philippines
Reynaldo C. ILETO
Born October 3, 1946 （aged56）

Professor Reynaldo C. Ileto is a leading scholar of the Philippine revolution, Southeast Asia's first
anti-colonial and pro-independence conflict. He has developed an interdisciplinary field of research
that incorporates history with literature, religion, and cultural studies. While assiduously pursuing
his own studies that are critical of U.S. conducted research on Asia that had been the dominant
approach in the field, he continues to teach at universities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Award Citation
Professor Reynaldo C. Ileto has consistently played a leading role in historical research with his focus on
the Philippine Revolution from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Professor
Ileto has paid particular attention to the grass-root masses and marginalized people of the society. This
has enabled him to provide a fresh perspective with a new view of the revolution that concentrates on the
ordinary people rather than the elites by gaining a deep understanding of the spirit of those people who
resisted colonial rule. He has also actively expanded the scope of interdisciplinary study, linking his
historical research with research into literature, religion, and culture.

In his epoch-making book, "Pasyon and Revolution: Popular Movements in the Philippines, 1840-1910"
(1979), Professor Ileto makes clear that the Catholic teaching of the suzerain Spain was the reason behind
why the first anti-colonial and popular liberation movements and revolution in Southeast Asia were able to
obtain the widespread support and participation of the people. The general public used the story of the
tribulations of Jesus Christ as a model of the righteous life to be followed. Drawing inferences from that
story, they could perceive the 300 years of Spanish rule as evil and find the cause to stand up against it.
Professor Ileto vividly describes with sympathy the succession of popular movements under charismatic
leaders, which preceded the outbreak of the revolution.

In recent years, Professor Ileto has harshly criticized the Orientalism of American researchers, which is
characterized by an approach and thinking focused through the lens of their own Western culture. He has
done this by highlighting the role of the revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio and taking issue with
American scholars' tacit justification of the U.S. intervention to and colonization of the Philippines. He has
made immense contributions by advancing the movement of anti-colonialism in knowledge, thought, and
spirit. Professor Ileto has successfully presented a self-portrait of the history and culture of the Philippines
which enables fellow Filipinos to take pride in their own heritage without falling into a trap of narrow-
minded exclusionary nationalism. His sincere effort to eliminate still continuing influences of the American
colonial rule and domination has provided a great stimulus and encouragement to researchers throughout
Asia, including Japan.

Aware of the duties and responsibilities of the critical intellectual, Professor Ileto teaches the younger
generation and pursues his stimulating research through educational and research activities at many
universities and research institutes in Japan and the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. His activities
make him truly worthy of being recognized with the Academic Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes.

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