Philippine History: Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)

Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)

• The Period of Re-orientation coincided with the early years of American colonization in the Philippines, including the Philippine-American War.
• Public schools were established in areas controlled by the Americans during the war.
• The American occupation in 1898 marked the introduction of English as a literary language.
• English became the medium of instruction in public schools by 1900.
• American soldiers initially served as English teachers, later replaced by professional teachers arriving on the transport ship "USS Thomas"; these teachers became known as "Thomasites".
• English became the primary language in primary and intermediate grades by 1908.

El Renacimiento

• This Spanish-language Filipino newspaper, published in Manila, became extremely popular.
• Rafael Palma edited this paper, which was launched in 1901.
• The newspaper's biting critiques of American officials resulted in several libel suits.

Philippine Free Press

• The first privately owned publication to feature English works by Filipino writers.
• Founded by R. McCullough Dick and D. Theo Rogers in 1907.
• The publication paid Filipino writers for their chosen works.
• It served as a prominent voice in Philippine politics and literature, advocating for clear and concise writing.
• The oldest news weekly in the Philippines and a critical voice in the country's development.

Pioneer Filipino English Writers

• Justo Juliano published the first literary work in English, "Sursum Corda," in 1907.
• Juan F. Salazar is known for his works, "My Mother" and "Air Castles," published in 1909.
• Proceso Sebastian's poem, "To my Lady in Laoag", was also published in 1909.

### Marcelo H. Del Pilar

• Considered the father of Philippine Journalism and the most renowned journalist in Philippine history.

Period of Imitation (1910-1924)

• Filipino writers emulated American and English literary styles during this period.
• UP College Folio, the University of the Philippines' publication, showcased early English poems, essays, and short stories.

Period of Imitation Poets

• Fernando Maramag wrote "Rural Maid".
• Other notable poets of this period include Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro, Francisco Tonogbanua, Maximo Kalaw, Vidal A. Tan, Francisco Africa, and Victoriano Yamzon.

Period of Imitation Essay Writers

• Essay writing emerged as a popular literary genre during the Period of Imitation.
• Formal essays, characterized by scholarly depth and structure, were written by Carlos P. Romulo, Jorge C. Bocobo, Mauro Mendez, and Vicente Hilario.

Justo Juliano

• He was born in 1887 in Manila and passed away at 84 years old in 1972 in Zephyrhills, Florida.
• He was a teacher at Paco Intermediate School in Manila and served as editor of “Filipino Teacher” publication and the secretary of the Philippine Teacher’s Association.
• He lost both his teaching and PTA positions due to his anti-colonial views against the American occupation which violated the Sedition Law enacted by the U.S. Congress.
• His poem "Sursum Corda" was the first Filipino poem published in English, appearing in the Philippine Free Press in 1907.
• Juliano’s work was likely a response to the socio-political climate of the Philippines under American rule.

Salazar Juan

• He was born in 1889 in San Roque, Cavite, and died from pneumonia.
• His work significantly contributed to the development of Filipino-English literature.
• He began his career as a reporter for "La Democracia" and "El Renacimiento Filipino" after working for "The Philippine Republic" in Hong Kong.
• He later advanced to the position of feature writer for the "Sacramento Union" in California.

Sebastian Proceso

• Born in 1892 in Claveria, Cagayan, Philippines.
• He was the son of Gregorio Sebastian and Filomena Esmeria Sebastian.
• Graduated with a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915.
• Wrote the poem "To my Lady in Laoag" in 1909.

This quiz covers the significant events and changes during the Period of Re-orientation in the Philippines, from 1898 to 1910. It highlights the impact of American colonization, the introduction of English in schools, and the rise of the newspaper El Renacimiento. Test your knowledge on the American occupation and its effects on Filipino education and media.