21st Century Literature: Philippine Regions

Study Notes

Representative Text and Authors from Each Region

Ilocos Region: Puppy Love by F. Sionil Jose
- Story centers on Jake and Gina, exploring themes of unexpressed love and missed opportunities amid social challenges.
- Climax occurs with Jake meeting Gina without revealing his identity; both characters marry different people.
- Narrative is first-person, deepening emotional connection and psychological struggles.
Cagayan Valley: The Builder by Edith Tiempo
- Follows Felix Acuna, a Physics professor whose life intertwines with crime and mystery.
Eastern Visayas: An Iroy na Tuna by Illuminado Lucente
- Highlights cultural and regional narratives and perspectives.
Zamboanga Peninsula: The White Horse of Alih by Emigdio Alvarez Enriquez
- Presents local folklore and captures the essence of Zamboango culture.
Northern Mindanao: The Battle of Tagoloan by Regino L. Gonzales Jr.
- Explores themes of conflict and courage within the context of regional history.
Davao Region: Love in the Cornhusk by Aida Rivera-Ford
- A romantic narrative reflecting on local traditions and relationships.
SOCCSKSARGEN: Indarapatra and Sulayman by Bartolome del Valle
- A story grounded in local mythology, showcasing heroic tales of the region.
Caraga: Tuwaang Attends a Wedding by E. Arsenio Manuel
- Focuses on cultural practices and beliefs surrounding weddings.
Cordillera Administrative Region: The Wedding Dance by Amador T. Daguio
- Explores traditions and the significance of marriage in Cordilleran culture.
National Capital Region: Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa by Andres Bonifacio
- A passionate piece on love for the homeland, infused with nationalistic themes.

Dimensions of Philippine Literary History

Geography: Study examines the relationship between people and their environments as reflected in the stories.
- Settings vary from Mindanao's Kaharian ng mantapuli to local landmarks that color narratives.
Language: Encompasses both linguistic diversity and cultural identity.
- Characters' names like Indarapatra and Sulayman highlight local heritage.
- Distinct terms such as kris and espada showcase cultural weaponry and values.
Ethnicity: Illustrates the multifaceted identities within Philippine literature, exploring social and cultural experiences across different regions.
Themes: Common motifs in these literary pieces include love, conflict, resilience, and cultural pride.

Key Texts from Various Regions

Region 3 (Central Luzon): Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas
- Set in a perilous forest in Albania; follows Florante's journey of love and justice against treachery.
- Intertwines themes of loyalty and love, culminating in a just rule after overcoming adversity.
Region 4-A (Calabarzon): Mariang Makiling by Jose Rizal
- Tells the enchanting tale of the mystical character Marying Makiling and local folklore.
Region 4-B (MIMAROPA): Seven Hills Away by NVM Gonzalez
- Engages with personal narratives reflecting regional landscapes.
Region 5 (Bicol): Sarong Banggi by Potenciano Gregorio Sr.
- A romantic lyric that encapsulates the essence of Bicolano culture and traditions.
Region 6 (Western Visayas): Monyeka by Alice Tan-Gonzales
- Examines societal issues through unique storytelling approaches.
Region 7 (Central Visayas): The Clay Pipe by Marcel M.
- Emphasizes the significance of culture reflected through everyday objects.