21st Century Literature from the Philippines PDF

21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE riddles PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD proverbs folksongs and folktales myths and legen...

21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE riddles PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD proverbs folksongs and folktales myths and legends, etc. What is Literature? “It is the beautiful expression of man‘s personal interpretations of some aspect of The way our ancestors lived during the early human life, or a wording out in a unique, days is evident in the contents of these literary beautiful, and personal manner of saying what forms. Work and activity songs described how an author thinks is a passionate meaning of people earn their livelihood like farming, life. This is saying that literature not only fishing, pottery and a lot more. becomes but is ―life itself.” -Amador Daguio An example is the popular song by the Tagalogs: Magtanim ay di Biro‖ (Planting Rice is Never Fun). Before colonization, the Philippines was greatly influenced by diverse cultures and traditions from traders coming from India and Riddles China. Generally poetic in form and come in one, two, The Islamic tradition of our Malayan ancestors three or four lines. from the southern part of the country was established around the 14th century, while an During the pre-colonial period, riddles serve as upsurge in literature started during the ruling a form of folk speech and are about the battle of Spain and the United States that continued of the wits. and flourished after the American Riddles use one or more images to refer to an colonization. object to be guessed. The use of obscure words has been invented for the purposes of rhyme and meter. Pre-Colonization Very often, obscure or vague words appear as Oral and written literatures were present in our proper names, fictitious names of animals, culture even before colonizers came. We had also to meet the need of rhyme. our own alphabet that our Malayan ancestors used. The written literary forms did not last Sometimes the riddle may be in the form of a because of the materials used such as: direct question. leaves These riddles are called is tigmo in Cebuano, bamboo canes, bugtong in Tagalog, paktakon in Ilongo and patototdon in Bicol. the ground. Such materials did not last long because of its organic composition. But the oral literature continued by word of mouth like: Folk Narratives Folk songs Folk narratives consist of myths, legends and a form of folk lyric which expresses the hopes folktalkes. and aspirations, the people's lifestyles as well as their loves. Myths are prose narratives explaining how the world and people came to be in their form. These are often repetitive and sonorous, These were the first tools man used to define didactic and naive as in the children's songs his world. The origin of the surrounding world or Ida-ida (Maguindanao), tulang pambata has always been the object of interest of (Tagalog) or cansiones para abbing (Ibanag). prehistoric Filipinos. A few examples are the Proverbs lullabyes or Ili-ili (Ilongo) The proverbs or aphorisms express norms or love songs like the panawagon and balitao codes of behavior, community beliefs or they (Ilongo) instill values by offering nuggets of wisdom in harana or serenade (Cebuano) short, rhyming verse. the bayok (Maranao) The extended form, tanaga, a mono-riming heptasyllabic quatrain expressing insights and lessons on life is "more emotionally the seven-syllable per line poem, ambahan of charged than the terse proverb and thus has the Mangyans that are about human affinities with the folk lyric." relationships, social entertainment and also serve as a tool for teaching the young; Some examples are the basahanon or extended didactic sayings from Bukidnon and the daraida and daragilon from Panay. work songs that depict the livelihood of the people often sung to go with the movement of workers such as the; Filipino proverbs or Tagalog proverbs or salawikain kalusan (Ivatan) soliranin (Tagalog rowing song) echo the values of the Philippines. Though the mambayu, a Kalinga rice-pounding they have been retold and passed down from song; the verbal jousts/games like the one generation to another, and the values and duplo popular during wakes lessons they impart to us still hold true to this day. Epics Example: If you plant, you harvest. Kung may Epics in the Philippines during the pre- tinanim, may aanihin. colonization are considered ethno-epics because they are histories of various ethnic It means that your future will be the result of groups. your actions today. Plan ahead The epics come in various names: enacted or dramatized. One example of this is a myth. Guman (Subanon) Darangen (Maranao) Hudhud (Ifugao) Spanish Colonization Ulahingan (Manobo) When the Spaniards came in 1521, it paved the way for the use of paper and so written These epics revolve around supernatural literature in the Philippines was born. events or heroic deeds and they embody or The most prominent characteristic of our validate the beliefs and customs and ideals of literature during the Spanish era is the use of a community. religion as the content in the works of the early These are sung or chanted to the literature. accompaniment of indigenous musical One great example of this is the idea of instruments and dancing performed during goodness that will be rewarded and that evil harvests, weddings or funerals by chanters. deeds will be punished. The chanters who were taught by their Religion introduced theater which we would ancestors are considered "treasures" and/or come to know as komedya, the sinakulo, the repositories of wisdom in their communities sarswela, the playlets and the drama. Spain also brought to the country ideas about Examples of these epics are: internationalism that influenced our own Filipino intellectuals and writers for them to Lam-ang (Ilocano) understand the meanings of "liberty and Hinilawod (Sulod) freedom." Kudaman (Palawan) Literature in this period may be classified as Darangen (Maranao) religious prose and poetry and secular prose Ulahingan (Livunganen-Arumanen and poetry. Manobo) Mangovayt Buhong na Langit (The Religious lyrics from the poems of ladinos Maiden of the Buhong Sky from (Filipinos who know both Spanish and Tuwaang--Manobo) Tagalog) was included in cathechisms during Ag Tobig neg Keboklagan (Subanon); that period. This was a way of teaching Tudbulol (T'boli). Filipinos the Spanish language. Among the religious poetry from the period is the pasyon in octosyllabic quintillas that Prose Fiction played an important part in the Filipinos‘ way presents a story that is invented and not of remembering Christ's agony. literally “true”. It is written to be read rather than acted or performed and the events depicted are told to us by a narrator, not Other known pasyons chanted during the Much was written during the period both in Lenten season are in Ilocano, Pangasinan, Spanish and Tagalog about other themes like Ibanag, Cebuano, Bicol, Ilongo and Waray love for one‘s country and discontent for Spanish rule. Jose Rizal wrote Mi Ultimo A Dios (My Last Farewell) to express his love for Spanish colonization also brought about the his native soil, while Andres Bonifacio wrote a romantic tradition that gave birth to metrical patriotic poem entitled Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang romance, specifically the awit and korido in Lupa (Love for the Native Land). Tagalog. American Colonization Awit Philippine literary production during the Dodecasyllabic verse (a line of verse with American Period in the Philippines was twelve syllables) spurred by two significant developments in refers to chanting education and culture. are fabricated stories from writer's One is the introduction of free public imagination although the setting and instruction for all children of school age and characters are European. two, the use of English as medium of instruction in all levels of education in public schools. Corrido Octosyllabic (a line of verse with eight syllables) Free public education made knowledge and refers to narration information accessible to a greater number of Filipinos. Those who availed of this education were usually legends or stories from through college were able to improve their European countries like France, Spain, social status and joined a good number of Italy and Greece. educated masses who became part of the country‘s middle class. The awit as a popular poetic genre reached It was during the American colonization when new heights in Balagtas' "Florante at Laura", the experimental stages happened with the the most famous of the country's metrical use of free verse while the traditional rhyme romances. and meter were retained. Some of the leading poets of the time were There was abundance in novels that appeared Jose Corazon de Jesus (Huseng Sisiw) and in magazines and newspapers though most of Francisco Balagtas. these were in the vernacular due to a struggle in the use of the English language. Some secular poets who wrote in this same tradition were Leona Florentino, Jacinto From the Balagtas tradition of writing poems, Kawili, Isabelo de los Reyes and Rafael modernist poetry was highlighted and Gandioco. influenced a lot of young writers at that time. Short stories in English with the infusion of Before the Japanese came, the Philippines Filipino ideals about life and morality was under the colonization of the Americans. blossomed which were shown in the works of Japan launched an attack on the Philippines Paz Marquez Benitez‘ “Dead Stars”. The use of on December 8, 1941, just ten hours after vivid imagery of Nagrebcan in Ilocos was their attack on Pearl Harbor. shown in the work of “Manuel Arguilla‘s ―How The bombing resulted the death of many My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife.” American soldier, loss of their quipments and lack of airal cover. In the Visayas, Magdalena Jalandoni and On 1942, Philippines completely surrendered Ramon Muzones would lead most writers in to Japan and that was the start of the over 3 writing the novels that dwelt on the themes of years occupation of the Japanese in our love, 19 courtship, life in the farmlands, and country. other social upheavals of the period. Marcel Navarra wrote stories and novels in Sugbuhanon Philippine literature during Japanese period (1941-1945) Philippine Literature was interrupted in its Poetry in all languages continued to flourish in development when the Philippines was again all regions of the country during the American conquered by another foreign country, Japan. period. The Tagalogs, hailing Francisco F. Balagtas as the nation‘s foremost poet During the Japanese period, Philippine invented the balagtasan in his honor. The Literature in English came to a pause. Almost balagtasan is a debate in verse, a poetical all newspaper in English were stopped except battle done almost spontaneously between for the TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE REVIEW. protagonists who debate over the pros and cons of an issue. Tribune The separate, yet parallel developments of Originally created under the Father of Philippine literature in English and those in Modern Filipino Journalism, Don Alejandro Roces Sr. on April 1, 1925. Tagalog and other languages of the archipelago during the American period only Became a propaganda mouthpiece for prove that literature and writing in whatever the Japanese. language and in whatever climate are able to survive mainly through the active imagination The Tribune proudly called itself the of writers. "Independent Filipino Daily" PHILIPPINE LITERATURE DURING THE Philippine review JAPANESE OCCUPATION Victorio A. Velasco, the central figure in Filipino American community  journalism in the Northwest is one of the writers. Haiku A monthly magazine and about ten to A poem with 17 syllables divided into three fifteen pages lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, It was first named as Philippine 7 syllables, and the third, 5 syllables. American Review but became the Philippine Review on 1930. Example: Kung naghahanap The Filipinos didn’t use the japanese writing system at that time just because of Japan Kaibigang kausap having the control over the Philippines. Writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. Dapat ay tapat. Juan Cabreros Laya used to write in English Haiku is allegorical, is short and covers a but turned to write in Filipino because of the wide scope in meaning. strict prohibitions of the Japanese regarding any writing in English. Tanaga Like Haiku, is short but it had measure and By this time the “LIWAYWAY” (Filipino rhyme. It can also have rhymes schemes like weekly magazine) was placed under the AABB and ABAB. surveillance until it was managed by a Japanese named Ishiwara (Manila Simbunsiya). Because it was a magazine with Example: its own style, carrying three languages (Spanish, Tagalog and English). PALAY Palay siyang matino Filipino poetry during japanese period Nang humangi’y yumuko, The common theme of most poems during the Ngunit muling tumayo, Japanese occupation was nationalism, Nagkabungang ginto. country, love, and life in the barriors, faith, religion and the arts. Karaniwang Anyo 3 types of poems emerged during this period: It is the usual Common Form of Poetry having a pair of rhyming lines. Haiku Tanaga Ex: Karaniwang Anyo Ako’y isang lalaking matapang The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short Huni ng tuko ay kinatatakutan. stories. Nang ayaw maligo, Among them were: Brigido Batungbakal, Kinuskos ng gugo Pedro Penduko, Macario Pineda, Serafin Guinigindi, Liwayway Arceo, Narcisco Ramos and Gloria Guzman. Matakaw sa tuyo. BEST WRITERS (1945) Filipino drama during japanese period Narciso Reyes wrote LUPANG TINUBUAN The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses Liwayway Arceo wrote UHAW ANG TIGANG showing Americans film were closed. The big NA LUPA movie houses were just made to show stage NVM Gonzales wrote LUNSOD NAYON AT shows. Many of the plays were reproductions DAGAT-DAGATAN plays to Tagalog. English languange came to a halt because translators Japanese prohibited the use of it. Filipino 1. Franscisco Soc Rodrigo languange was used more in this period. 2. Albert Concio Many wrote plays, poems and short stories. Topics and themes were often about life. 3. narcisco pimentel Post War and Contemporary Period They also founded the organization of Filipino Players named DRAMATIC PHILIPPINES Philippine Literature During Post-war The flowering of Philippine literature in the various languages continue especially with Playwriters the appearance of new publications after the Jose Ma. Hernandez wrote PANDAY PIRA Martial Law. Filipino writers continue to write poetry, short stories, novellas, novels and Francisco Soc Rodrigo wrote SA PULA, SA essays whether these are socially committed, PUTI gender/ethnic related or are personal in Clodualdo del mundo wrote BULAGA intention or not. Julian cruz balmaceda wrote SINO BA KAYO?, DAHIL SA ANAK, and HIGANTE NG PATAY In 1945 - 1970, the Philippine History started. It was the time when Japan surrendered to United States. Filipino short stories during japanese period In 1946, the Philippines became an Contemporary Period independent nation News Paper during Contemporary Period This period is also called the "Recovering Era" Manila Free Philippines (February- or "Transitional Period". September 1945) Manila Free Philippines (February- September 1945) This period was marked by poverty and the struggle to rebuild after World War II. Writers Philippine Liberty News (March 14, 1945- drew inspiration from their American teachers December 6, 1947) and explored themes of faith, politics, and Manila Tribune (September 25, 1946- nationalism. February 7, 1948). Morning Sun (May 22, 1946) Philippine Liberty News (March 14, 1945- Characteristics of Literature During Post War December 6, 1947) and Contemporary Period. Manila Chronicle (1942-1972) Romanticism Nationalism Characteristics of Contemporary Poems Independence An example is "Like the Molave" by R. Zulueta da Costa. Nature This poem emphasizes the resilience and Expression of feelings enduring spirit of the Filipino people, symbolizing hope for the nation's future after the devastation of war. Filipino Writers during the Post- War Period In this period of time. There are many writers that had been famous for their literary works. Characteristics of Contemporary Short Stories 1. Macario Pineda - "Ginto sa Makiling" in 1946 Realism 2. Stevan Javellana - "Without Seeing the Social issues Dawn" in 1947 Cultural 3. N.V.M Gonzalez - "A Season of Grace" in 1956 Characteristics of Contemporary Filipino Novels In the post-war period, literary institutions Social Realism and awards were established. Social Issues Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature was introduced to recognize Filipino Identity and Culture writers and their literary works. A great example would be "Sa Mga Kuko ng The novel's influence extends beyond Liwanag" by Edgardo M. Reyes, where Julio literature into cultural and social spheres, faces poverty and exploitation in Manila, making it a significant work in the study of the showing the harsh realities of urban life. Philippines' modern history and society. Another Exmaple is "To Be Free" by Edilberto NARRATIVE K. Tiempo, a novel that explores the fight for Narrative poetry tells a story. Its main purpose freedom and the challenges of oppression in is to entertain through story telling. society. Example: Ballad-tells a story of a particular time and place, usually over many verses Characteristics of Contemporary Filipino One of the most notable Filipino writer is Films Virgilio Almario aka Rio Alma. He is a National Cultural Representation Artist for Literature and has won several awards for his works Social Relevance Realism About Rio Alma Rio Alma came from a family of peasant A great example would be "Heneral Luna" farmers in the province of Bulacan, near (2015), a historical film that explores into the Manila. His collection of criticism Ang Makata life of General Antonio Luna during the sa Panahon ng Makina (The Poet in the Age of Philippine-American War. Machines) is one of the founding works of modernist criticism in Tagalog. Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag (1996) His poetry covers a broad range of forms, and is often exuberant in expression and Edgardo Reyes is a notable Filipino writer best passionate in its sympathy for the poor and the known for his novel "Sa Mga Kuko ng working class. Liwanag". This novel, published in 1967, is considered a classic of Philippine literature In “Typhoons” (2005) he tells of the “perennial and a powerful social commentary on the state tempests” that visit the land, as he finds of Filipino society during the late 1960s. himself waking with full amazement to be greeted by clear daylight with each new morning Edgardo Reyes' work is celebrated for its vivid and gritty depiction of Filipino life and its insightful critique of social injustices. "Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" has been adapted into a film and is often included in discussions of significant Filipino literature and cinema.  Personification- giving human characteristics to non-living objects or animals. Onomatopoeia- is a word that sounds like what it means. Oxymoron-is a phrase that uses two contradictory words to create a new meaning. JOLOGRAPHY Jolography (from the word jolog, which originally referred to Pinoy hip-hop), where poems by Paolo Manalo are in ―textese‖ or Taglish (Tagalog plus English), written in the premise that, in Manalo‘s words PAOLO MANALO is a poet born in Manila and an assistant professor of English, literature and creative writing at the University of the Philippines- Diliman. Until recently, he was the literary editor of the FIGURES OF SPEECH Philippines Free Press. His first book of poems, Jolography (University of the Figure of Speech is a literary device used as a Philippines Press, 2003) received the Don word or phrase that has a meaning that may be Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature different than its literal meaning. It adds colour (2002) and the UP Gawad Chanselor (2004). and interest, and awakens the imagination. Coñotations Simile- uses figurative language to compare two different things using the words “like” or is a poem that appeared in Jolography, where “as.” characters speaks in between two languages. Metaphor- uses direct comparison of two It's the offspring of two words: conyo and unlike things or ideas without using the words connotations. Conyo is a label used to tag like or as Filipinos who speak Tagalog-English. Hyperbole- using an extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point. Code-Switching- Alternating between two or more languages or language varieties/dialects in the context of a single conversation. Using TANAGA elements of more than one language when The Tanaga is a type of Filipino poem, conversing in a manner that is consistent with consisting of four lines with seven to nine the syntax, morphology, and phonology of syllables each with the same rhyme at the end each language or dialect. of each line --- that is to say a 7-7-7-7 or 9-9-9- 9 Syllabic verse, with an AABB rhyme scheme. Code-mixing- The mixing of two or more languages or language varieties in speech. Example: Code-mixing is similar to the use or creation of pidgins, but while a pidgin is created across (PALAY) ni Ildefonso Santos groups that do not share a common language, code-mixing may occur within a multilingual Palay siyang matino, setting where speakers share more than one Nang humangi'y yumuko; language. Nguni't muling tumayo Nagkabunga ng ginto TEXT TULA Textula is a poetry genre mastered by Frank Rivera. Entire poems are written and read on The tanaga is a traditional Filipino poetic form mobile phones. that bears resemblance to the Japanese haiku but with more flexibility in A short poetry that is sent through SMS on rhyme and meter. mobile phone with your friends, families, loved ones, and through netizens. Themes: Tanagas often explore themes related to nature, human experience, and emotions, and they frequently contain History of Textula profound and reflective messages. ORIGIN Content: They are known for their ability to convey deep thoughts and feelings The textula evolved from the traditional within a concise structure. Tagalog poetic form called TANAGA In 2005, Frank sends poems about his opinions, criticisms, economy politics, and CHICK LIT happenings in the society to his close friends Chick lit or Chick literature is genre fiction via TEXTS which addresses issues of modern He inspired some of the Filipino poet writers to womanhood, often humorously and light- do the same thing and it was later on called as heartedly. MOBILE PHONE TEXTULA The genre became popular in the late 1990s, with chick lit titles topping bestseller lists and the creation of imprints devoted entirely to chick lit. Although it sometimes includes romantic conflict was resolved or not (events between elements, chick lit is generally not considered climax and resolution). a direct subcategory of the romance novel Resolution- the Part of the plot that concludes genre, because the heroine's relationship with the falling action by revealing or suggesting her family or friends is often just as important the outcome of the conflict. as her romantic relationships Narrative Point of View Mina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance and young adult novellas. She has a The First Person bachelor's degree in Communication and a master's degree in Development A story written in the first person is told by an Communication, put to good use in her work "I," where "I" can be the main character, a less as trainer and content management important character witnessing events, or a consultant. The author of one of the most person retelling a story they were told by famous chick lit “My Imaginary Ex” someone else. This point of view is often effective in giving a sense of closeness to the character. PLOT OF A STORY The plot of a story is the main action that runs The Second Person through the whole story. It begins with a problem or situation and ends when the In second person, the narrator addresses the problem is solved or finished in some way protagonist as "you." Often, this kind of story has the narrator speaking to a younger version of their self. This point of view is very rare because it is extremely difficult to pull off. The The plot has five elements in the story. reader may feel that they are the one spoken to, and will find it difficult to accept that they are doing the things the narrator tells them Introduction- the beginning of the story where they are doing. the characters and the setting is revealed. Rising Action- this is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in The Third Person the story is revealed (events between the Characters are referred to as "he" and "she" in introduction and climax). third person. In this case the narrator (who Climax- this is the highest point of interest and may be indistinguishable from the author) is the turning point of the story. The reader not a character in the story. Depending on the wonders what will happen next; will the type of third person point of view, the narrator conflict be resolved or not? may know -- and be able to tell about -- the thoughts and feelings of all characters, or only Falling action- the events and complications one character, or they may only be able to begin to resolve themselves. The reader report what is seen or heard knows what has happened next and if the ILOCANO LITERATURE It is yabang that makes Filipino males manicure their fingernails, splurge on elegant Ilocano literature is one of the most colorful wardrobes and fancy cars and watches, the regional Filipino literatures. It is one of the same way that Imelda and women with royal most active tributaries to the general pretensions stretch their aging skins and Philippine literature next to Tagalog, Cebuano, festoon themselves with expensive baubles, Hiligaynon, Bikol and Pangasinense. including thousands of shoes. Prior to the Spanish colonial period, the It is also yabang when Corazon Aquino Ilocano literature is purely alive in form of declared at the beginning of her presidency in written and oral literature. 1986 that she wouldn‘t welcome unsolicited When the Spaniards arrived in Ilocos Norte in advice. 1572, it took a toll on Ilocano literature. During Yabang again when her son, the president, the Spanish era, Ilocano poetry was heavily said he would ignore his critics. influenced by Spanish poetry. Today, Ilocano writers are known to have published their Listen, our historians who do not probe deeply works in foreign countries. into the character of those who shaped our history should cerebrate the way Nick Joaquin did with his A Question of Heroes. Not that “Yabang”: Our curse and undoing By F. Sionil Nick was absolutely correct but by raking into Jose the egos of our heroes, he initiated an insightful way of how to interpret our past. The revolution of 1896 was subverted by the Yabang — boasting or showing off — is almost pompous egos, the rivalry of its leaders, second nature to us. In any conversation, the particularly Aguinaldo. Divided and Filipino suddenly pauses, declares, “Modesty disaffected, they were easily cozened into aside,” then relates his journey to the top, his impotence by Spanish bribery in the Pact of awards. Biak-na-Bato. The Huk uprising in 1949-1953 Here now is a caveat to all true believers of was defeated not so much by Ramon whatever institution, ideology and faith. Be not Magsaysay and an invigorated Army; it was excessively proud of your mansions, your destroyed by the quarrels among its leaders, hoard of gold and mega power. Remember conflicts inflamed by conceit more than always that pride is followed by the fall (Book differences in tactics and ideology. of Proverbs, 16:18). And again, the defeat of the New People‘s Of course, we are all egoists. Egoism is so Army was made inevitable by the vaulting egos much a part of our humanity. of its leaders and most of all, by the tremendous but crippling self-esteem of its The ancient Greeks had a word for it: hubris. founder, Jose Maria Sison. Writers particularly are not immune to it — in fact, with it, they flourish because from their So it is with our political parties; they splinter very lives, they extract memory and give it soon enough into factions or new parties. This precious form as poetry or prose. divisiveness argues perhaps for a parliamentary system. It also illustrates clearly Now here comes the Mayor of Makati and that what prevents our people from uniting. imbroglio with the Dasmariñas Village security guards. He should have understood their role Professional societies are sooner or later as well as his. As mayor, was there an fractured by the ego of their leaders. Everyone emergency or something truly urgent that wants to be president, chairman, CEO; no one required him to undermine the role of the wants to be a mere follower. Now we are guards? And so today, although the 2016 praying for a messiah to descend from elections are still so far away, the mayor‘s upstairs and deliver us from this despicable father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, is chaos. But everyone wants to be that messiah. already the object of negative speculation: Will We all know of General Angelo Reyes‘ suicide he be like his son? Will the Binays who are a few years back. That was egoism, too, albeit already in seats of power be mayabang, too? with the nobility of the brave and Abangan! conscientious. He had declared that he did not start the corruption in the Armed Forces but All dictators, the rich and famous, to the lowest that he couldn‘t stop it. How could he when the security guard who holds a gun, easily forget highest official of the land was corrupt? that power is transitory. Death, the great leveler, tells us we cannot take anything with “Men.” he told me, “have specific roles in life.” us — not the proud mansions and giant Knowing he couldn‘t fulfill it, the end he chose coliseums we build, least of all a single medal. for himself was the most honorable. How many How was it in ancient Rome? When Caesar of our leaders can act like he did? was paraded before cheering Romans, a man So then, we must know our own roles. We walking behind him chanted: “Remember, you should also know the roles that others play, are mortal!” and the rules such roles follow. In this manner, How wonderful it would be if our bloated social harmony is maintained. It is when we politicians listened to a broken record overstep our roles, or act without knowing reminding them they are just plain water them, that social anarchy ensues. absurdly reducible into a bar of laundry soap. The Japanese adhere solemnly to their roles. I Why do you think so many insignificant blogs was invited to a seminar in the Eighties by the and Facebook entries muddle the Internet? Japan Foreign Office (Gaimusho). It was a Why do our newspapers devote a lot of their small seminar with only about a dozen of us pages to our social butterflies? from Asia. At its conclusion we were invited to visit Kyoto to see a portion of the Imperial A hyper ego can easily morph into narcissism, Palace that was closed to the public but and in its crudest form as celebration of the opened only for us. About a dozen officials self, it actually becomes a form of from the Foreign Office went with us. When we masturbation that, in its escalating practice, arrived in Kyoto, the guard was shown the list drains the body of its creative juices. An of those who could enter the premises. He example of this corroding narcissism is the allowed only us participants — the Gaimusho poet Jose Garcia Villa. By the time he was 50, VIPs and former ambassadors meekly he was artistically dead, unable to produce followed the guard‘s orders; they did not pull anything creative and original. rank or intimidate him. To avoid this kind of self-destruct, the self sacrifice. But I still like to think that when it must be tamed, channeled into enterprises comes to humility, I am number one. that transcend the individual‘s aspirations, his ego. It can be used not for just his glorification but for ennobling others, a community, a nation, or humanity as a whole. In the end, the egoist must be able to sacrifice, to give himself to others. The best example of this kind of egoism is no other than Jose Rizal. To emulate him we can escape the narrow compass of our own character. Indeed, writers are not excluded in the “selfie” addiction. But if writers know their roles, they will write better, think more deeply, because they will then be driven by a sense of inferiority, not so much because the greatest writers are looking over their shoulders, but because as artists, they can never compete with the Creator. This profound humility is expressed by traditional Asian artists; they purposely dent a beautiful pot, or make slight errors in the composition of their paintings, their carvings, calligraphy, as a form of homage to the Almighty. Please do not accuse me of yabang, too. Physical necessity demands I must now wear a beret. Since I lost my hair, I easily catch cold when the temperature drops. The beret is also convenient. In normal weather, I just tuck it in my pocket. As for my cane, way back when I fell on my face and dislocated an elbow, my doctor, Vince Gomez, told me to walk always with one. All of us nurture dreams, some of which are modest, some reach for the stars. An inner humility should inform us then that as earthlings created in God‘s image, we are insignificant specks of dust in the infinite vastness of the universe. I am now too old and addicted to comfort and therefore incapable of epic heroism and GAY LITERATURE Ladlad An Anthology of Philippine Gay WritingEdited by J. Neil Garcia and Danton Remoto The 1980s: The Emergence of "Bakla" Literature. The anthology was first published in 1994 and features a rich compilation of stories, poems, The 1980s marked a turning point for gay essays, and plays by Filipino gay writers. literature in the Philippines. The post-Marcos era brought a renewed sense of freedom, and LGBTQ+ writers began to express themselves Geyluv (Written by Honorio bartolome de more openly. This period saw the rise of jesus) "bakla" literature, which depicted the experiences of effeminate gay men, who were Published in 2004 as part of Philippine often stereotyped in popular culture but began Literature: A History and Anthology, Geyluv to find more nuanced representation in tells the familiar story of two men, Mike and literature. Benjie, whose friendship develops into, probably a romantic relationship. It began to emerge more prominently in the late 20th century. While LGBTQ+ themes and Sandosenang Sapatos narratives existed in earlier works, it was during the 1990s and early 2000s that gay Dr. Luis Gatmaitan literature started to gain more visibility and He is a Filipino medical doctor and children’s recognition. Key figures like Danton Remoto author. He was based in Nueva Ecija. Most of and his works from the late 1990s, including his work is in the genre of children’s literature, "Riverrun," helped to establish and advance for which he has garnered many awards. He the genre. has authored and published more than 30 story books for children. He was inducted into the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2005 for his 2000s to Present: Diverse Narratives and New writing. Platforms In the 21st century, gay literature in the Philippines has become more diverse and accessible. The rise of digital media and independent publishing has allowed more LGBTQ+ voices to emerge. Contemporary writers explore a wide range of themes, from the personal to the political, reflecting the diversity of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. SANDOSENANG SAPATOS -Luis P. Gatmaitan Habang nasa tiyan pa si baby, narinig kong nag-uusap sina Tatay at Nanay. Sapatero si Tatay. Kilalang-kilala ang mga likha niyang sapatos dito sa aming bayan. “Nagpa-check up ako kanina. Sabi ng doktora, Marami ang pumupunta sa amin para babae raw ang magiging anak natin!” magpasadya. Ayon sa mga sabi-sabi, tatalunin “Talaga! Kung babae nga, pag-aralin natin ng pa raw ng mga sapatos ni Tatay ang mga ballet. Gusto kong magkaanak ngballet dancer sapatos na gawang-Marikina. Matibay, pulido, ! Ngayon pa lang ay pag-aaralan ko nang at malikhain ang mga disenyo ng kanyang mga gumawa ng mga sapatos na pang- ballet.” sapatos. “Pero hindi lahat ng pangarap ni Tatay ay “Paano mo ba naiisip ang ganyang istilo? Kay natupad. Nagulat kaming lahat nang makita ganda!” ang bago kong kapatid. Wala itong paa. “Siguro, dinadalaw ka ng musa ng mga Ipinanganak na putol ang dalawang paa! sapatos at suwelas.” Nakarinig kami ng kung ano-anong tsismis “Parang may madyik ang iyong kamay!” dahil sa kapansanan ng kapatid ko. Siguro raw ay binalak na ipalaglag ni Nanay ang kapatid Sa lahat ng papuri, matipid na ngingiti lamang ko kaya kulang-kulang ang parte ng katawan. si Tatay. Tahimik na tao si Tatay. Bihirang Nilusaw raw ng mga mapinsalang gamot ang magsalita. kanyang mga paa. Isinumpa raw ng mga Lumaki akong kapiling ang mga sapatos na diwata ng sapatos si Tatay dahil mahal na gawa ni Tatay. Madalas ay kinaiinggitan ako ng itong sumingil sa mga pasadyang sapatos. O mga kalaro at kaklase ko. Buti raw at sapatero baka raw ipinaglihi si Susie sa manika. ang Tatay ko. Lagi tuloy bago ang sapatos ko “Nanay, bakit po ba walang paa si Susie?” kapag pasukan, kapag pasko, kapag bertdey ko, o kung nakatanggap ako ng honors sa “Nagkaroon kasi ako ng impeksyon anak. klase. Ginagawan pa niya ako ng ekstrang Nahawa ako ng German measleshabang sapatos kapag may mga tira-tirang balat at ipinagbubuntis ko pa lang ang kapatid mo. tela. At.iyon ang naging epekto,” malungkot na kuwento ni Nanay. “Buti ka pa Karina, laging bago ang sapatos mo. Ako, lagi na lang pamana ng ate ko. Sa ‘kin Hindi na magiging ballet dancer ang kapatid napupunta lahat ng pinagkaliitan n’ya,” ko. Malulungkot si Tatay. Araw-araw, ganu’n himutok ng isang kaklase. ang naiisip ko kapag nakikita ko ang mga paa ni Susie. Kaya pinilit ko si Nanay na muling Nasa Grade II na ako nang muling magbuntis pag-aralin ako sa isang ballet school (dati kasi, si Nanay. Kay tagal naming hinintay na ayaw kong mag-ballet). magkaroon ako ng kapatid. Sabi ng Lola ko, sinagot na raw ang matagal nilang dasal na masundan ako. “Misis, bakit hindi n’yo po subukang i-enrol si “Naku, magkakaroon na pala ako ng kahati sa Karina sa piano, o sa painting, o sa banduria mga sapatos! Pero di bale, dalawa na kaming class? Hindi yata talagang para sa kanya ang igagawa ni Tatay ng sapatos ngayon.” pagsasayaw,” sabi ng titser ko sa Nanay ko. Nalungkot ako. Hindi para sa aking sarili, kundi sa kanya. Ako ang tagatulak ng wheelchair para kina Tatay at Susie, at sa mga pangarap niya. Ako ang ate na alalay! na masyadong mailap. Noon ko natuklasan na marami kaming Saksi ako kung paanong minahal siya nina pagkakatulad. Parehong magaling ang aming Tatay at Nanay. Walang puwedeng manloko kamay kaysa aming mga paa. Ako, sa kay Bunso. Minsan, habang kami ay pagpipinta. Siya, sa pagsusulat ng mga nagpipiknik sa parke, may isang mama na kuwento. At oo nga pala, si Tatay, kamay rin nakakita kay Susie. ang magaling sa kanya! “Tingnan n’yo o, puwedeng pang-karnabal Minsan, ginising ako ni Susie. Sabi niya, ‘yung bata!” turo nito kay Susie. nanaginip siya ng isang pambihirang sapatos. Napakaganda raw nito sa kanyang mga paa. Biglang namula si Tatay sa narinig. Tumikom ang mga kamao. Noon ko lang nakitang “May paa siya sa panaginip?” gulat na tanong nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Tatay. Muntik na ko sa sarili. niyang suntukin ito. “Ano’ng problema mo, “Maniwala ka, Ate, kay ganda ng sapatos sa ha?” panaginip ko. Kulay dilaw na tsarol na may Mabuti’t napigilan siya ni Nanay. dekorasyong sunflower sa harap!” Isang gabi, habang nakahiga kami sa kama , Magbebertdey siya noon. At napansin ko, narinig kong kinakausap ni Tatay si Susie. tuwing nalalapit na ang kanyang kaarawan, nananaginip siya ng mga sapatos. “Ate, nanaginip na naman ako ng sapatos. “Anak, hindi baleng kulang ang mga paa mo. Kulay pula ito na velvet at may malakingbuckle Mas mahalaga sa amin ng Nanay mo na lumaki sa tagiliran.” kang mabuting tao at buo ang tiwala sa sarili.” Masuyo niya itong hinalikan. Binanggit din niya sa akin ang sapatos na kulay asul na bukas ang dulo at litaw ang mga Hindi tumigil si Tatay sa paglikha ng sapatos daliri niya. Ang sapatos na puti na may para sa akin. Pero napansin ko, kapag kaunting takong at may ribbon na pula. Ang sinusukatan niya ang paa ko, napapabuntung- sapatos na yari sa maong na may burdang hininga siya. Pagkatapos ay titingin sa kuna. buwan at mga bituin. Ang sandalyas na parang “Sayang, Bunso, di mo mararanasang isuot lambat. Ang kulay lilang sapatos na may ang magagarang sapatos na gawa ni Tatay.” nakadikit na bilog na kristal sa harap. bulong ko sa kanya. Manghang-mangha ako sa kung paanong Lumaki kami ni Susie na malapit ang loob sa natatandaan niya maski ang pinakamaliliit na isa’t isa. Hindi naging hadlang ang kawalan detalye ng mga sapatos – ang disenyong niya ng paa para makapaglaro kami. Marami bulaklak, ribbon, butones, sequins ,beads , o namang laro na di nangangailangan ng paa. buckle. Inaangkin niya ang mga sapatos na Lagi nga niya akong tinatalo sa sungka, ‘yon. jackstone ,scrabble, at pitik-bulag. Ako ang tagapagtanggol niya kapag may nanghaharot “Ate, paglaki ko, susulat ako ng mga kuwento Inisa-isa ko ang mga kahon. Lahat ng sapatos tungkol sa mga sapatos na napapanaginipan na nandoon ay para kay Susie. Diyata’t ko. Ikaw ang magdodrowing, ha?” iginagawa ni Tatay si Susie ng mga sapatos? Paglipas pa ng ilang taon, namahinga na si Para kay Susie, lugod ng aking buhay Tatay sa paglikha ng mga sapatos. Gumagawa Sa pagsapit niya ng ikapitong kaarawan na lamang siya ng sapatos para sa mga suking di matanggihan. Noong nagdaos siya ng Taon-taon, hindi pumalya si Tatay sa paglikha kaarawan, niregaluhan ko siya ng isa kong ng sapatos sa tuwing magdaraos ng kaarawan painting na may nakapintang isang pares ng si Susie! Sandosenang sapatos lahat-lahat. maugat na kamay na lumilikha ng sapatos. Binigyan naman siya ni Susie ng isang music Handog sa mahal kong bunso box na may sumasayaw na ballet dancer. Sa kanyang ika-12 kaarawan “Pinasaya n’yo ang Tatay n’yo,” sabi ni Nanay. Napaiyak ako nang makita ang mga sapatos. Pagkatapos noon , naging masasakitin na Hindi ko akalaing ganu’n pala kalalim siya. Labindalawang taon si Susie nang magmahal si Tatay. Binitbit ko ang pumanaw si Tatay.Isang araw, hindi sandosenang sapatos at ipinakita ko kina sinasadya’y napagawi ako sa bodega. Nanay at Susie. Naghahalungkat ako ng mga lumang sapatos “H-Hindi ko alam na may ginawa siyang na puwedeng ipamigay sa mga bata sa bahay- sapatos para sa ‘yo, Susie.” Namuo ang luha ampunan Sa paghahalughog, nabuksan ko sa mga mata ni Nanay. “Inilihim niya sa akin ang isang kahong mukhang matagal nang ang mga sapatos.” hindi nagagalaw. Naglalaman ito ng maliliit na kahon. Mga kahon ng sapatos na maingat na “A-Ate, ito ang mga sapatos na napanaginipan nakasalansan! ko.” Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Susie habang isa-isang hinahaplos ang mga ” Para kanino ang mga sapatos? May umorder sapatos. ba na hindi nai-deliver?” tanong ko sa sarili. “Ha?” Pero nang masdan ko ang mga pares ng sapatos na ‘yon, nagulat ako. Taglay ng mga Noon ko lang naalala ang mga sapatos na sapatos ang pinakamahuhusay na disenyo ni ikinukuwento ni Susie. Tatay. Iba-iba ang sukat nito. May sapatos na Dilaw na tsarol na may dekorasyong sunflower pang-baby. May sapatos na pambinyag. May sa harap. Kulay pulang velvet na may malaking pang- first communion. May pangpasyal. May buckle sa tagiliran. Asul na sapatos na bukas pamasok sa eskuwelahan. May pangsimba. ang dulo at litaw ang mga daliri. Kulay puti na May sapatos na pang-dalagita. may kaunting takong at may ribbon na pula. Lalo akong nagulat nang mabasa ang kanyang Sapatos na yari sa maong na may burdang dedication sa nakasabit na papel: buwan at mga bituin. Sandalyas na parang lambat. Kulay lilang sapatos na may nakadikit Para sa pinakamamahal kong si Susie, na bilog na kristal sa harap. Alay sa kanyang unang kaarawan Naisip ko, tinawid kaya ng pag-ibig ni Tatay ang mga panaginip ni Susie para maipasuot sa kanya ang mga sapatos? Hindi ko tiyak. Ang tiyak ko lang, hindi perpekto ang buhay na ito. Gaya ng hindi perpekto ang pagkakalikha sa kapatid ko. Pero may mga perpektong sandali. Gaya ng mga sandaling nilikha ni Tatay ang pinakamagagarang sapatos para kay Susie. IMAGERY It is one of the most common types of imagery a literary device used in poetry, novels, and as it allows readers to better describe the other writing that uses vivid description that world and characters of a novel or poem. appeals to a readers’ senses to create an Visual imagery is often used in screenplays image or idea in their head. when first introducing characters. Through language, imagery does not only paint a picture, but aims to portray the sensational and emotional experience within Visual imagery is often achieved through the text. use of other literary devices like metaphors and similes. To say a woman Imagery can improve a reader’s experience of looks like Helen of Troy is both imagery, a the text by immersing them more deeply by simile, and an allusion. appealing to their senses. Imagery in writing can aim at a reader’s sense of taste, smell, touch, hearing, or sight through vivid 2. Auditory Imagery descriptions. Imagery can be created using other literary devices like similes, metaphors, This type of imagery appeals to a reader’s or onomatopoeia. sense of hearing. Creating an auditory experience through text can be difficult. But it can also be necessary 1. Visual Imagery for a story or plot. For example, the sound of Visual imagery is most likely what people think war can be necessary to immerse the reader of when they hear the term imagery. into a war novel. This may be used to describe gunfire, explosions, screams, and It uses qualities of how something looks helicopters. visually to best create an image in the reader’s head. These visual qualities can be shapes, color, light, shadow, or even patterns. 3. Gustatory Imagery Gustatory imagery is a type of imagery that aims at a reader’s sense of taste. This would most commonly be used to describe food as a character eats it. 4. Olfactory Imagery Olfactory imagery is used when writers’ want to appeal to a reader’s sense of smell. Olfactory imagery is a great way to better describe both what a character is experiencing as well as the world of the novel, poem, or other writing. 5. Tactile Imagery To create the sensory experience of touch through text, writers utilize tactile imagery. This type of imagery can be used to describe how something feels such as texture, temperature, wetness, dryness, etc.