Luzon Literature: Filipino Migration and Diaspora

LITERATURE S FROM LUZON Discovering Luzon: A Melting Pot of Traditions and Modernizations  Introduction to Luzon Luzon is the largest among the three main islands in the Philippines. - Home to Manila and Quezon City. - Depicts a boundary between traditional and modern land...

LITERATURE S FROM LUZON Discovering Luzon: A Melting Pot of Traditions and Modernizations  Introduction to Luzon Luzon is the largest among the three main islands in the Philippines. - Home to Manila and Quezon City. - Depicts a boundary between traditional and modern landscapes. - Rich history from three eras of foreign colonization.  Traditional Values and Heritage Sites - Conservation of Spanish heritage sites: Intramuros, Manila Calle Crisologo, Ilocos Old Catholic Churches in Bulacan, Batangas, Manila - Embracing values of the past through preserved cultural landmarks. Modernizatio n and Economic Growth - Center of government, education, trade, and industry. - Major government offices and top universities. - Business capital: Makati City. - Embracing modernity and technological advancements. Tourist Attractions in Luzon - Famous beaches: Palawan, Batangas, Ilocos, Pangasinan, Quezon. - Natural wonders: Mount Mayon, Bicol Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - Luzon offers both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Luzon in Literature - Literature reflects Luzon's history, culture, and traditions. - 21st-century literature forms: Blogs, text tula, flash fiction. - Themes of family ties, migration, resilience, and spirituality. - Literature bridges traditions and modernity. LESSON 1: THE SADNESS COLLECTOR Knowing the Author: Merlinda Carullo Bobis Merlinda Carullo Bobis Merlinda Bobis is a Filipino- Australian writer, performer, and educator born and raised in Legaspi City, Albay. Bachelor of Arts - Aquinas University of Legazpi Master of Arts in Literature - University of Santo Tomas, Manila Doctorate of Creative Arts - University of Wollongong, Australia She is currently based in Australia. Achievements in Literature White Turtle: Steele Rudd Award for Best Collection of Australian Short Stories and Philippine National Book Award (2000) Banana Heart Summer: Golden Book Award, Philippines (2006) Multiple nominations and awards in the Philippines and Australia  Setting the Context: Filipino Migration and Diaspora Diaspora: 'The dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland.' (Oxford Dictionary) Filipinos are dispersed worldwide, mainly for employment: Middle East, Asia, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Hong Kong U.S., Canada, Europe Roles: Professionals, domestics, entertainers, etc. Impact of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) OFWs are considered 'Bagong Bayani' due to their contributions: - Remittances sustaining families and the Philippine economy - Showcasing Filipino talents and skills globally Challenges: Family separation can cause societal issues: - Single parenthood - Misguided youth - Disillusionment among OFWs  Reflective Questions How does the prolonged separation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from their families impact the emotional well-being of both the workers and their loved ones left behind? In what ways can Filipino society address the social challenges brought about by the disintegration of family structures due to migration, while still valuing the economic contributions of OFWs?