PERIODS
(1986-1999)
Historical
Background
History took another twist. Once
more, the Filipino people regained their independence which they lost twenty
years ago.
In the span of four days form
February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed.
Together, the people barricaded the streets petitioning the government for
changes and reforms.
Freedom
became a reality –won through a peaceful, bloodless and God-blessed revolution.
Philippine
society was in turmoil for a few weeks but the rejoicing after the Pres. Marcos
was toppled down from power was sheer euphoria. Singing, dancing and shouting’s
were the order of the day.
The
events created overnight heroes. In this historical event, the role played by
two big figures in history cannot be doubted. To Defense Minister Juan Ponce
Enrileand Armed Forces Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos, as well as to the cause
of freedom do the Filipinos owe their gratitude for the blessing of
Independence?
To
the Filipino people, this is the true Philippine Republic, the true Republic of
the Philippines.
PERIOD:
In
the short span of the existence of the true Republic of the Philippines,
several changes already became evident. This in noticed in the new Filipino
songs, in the newspapers, in the speeches, and even in the television programs.
1. On Newspapers and other publications:
Newspapers
which were once branded crony newspapers became instant opposition papers
overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY which became the opposition paper.
The now crony newspapers that enjoyed an overnight increase in circulation were
THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S JOURNAL.
Newspapers
felt that the shackles that muzzled their voices during the repressive years
had been broken and, like a bird “trying its wings after a long time of
bondage,”the desire to write about this “miracle of change” was electric.
Columnists
became vocal and unrestricted in there are and a bumper crop of young
journalists emerged. The old stalwarts of the former dispensation like
MaximoSoliven, Louie Beltran, Hilarion Henares, and Francisco Soc Rodrigo came
back with a vengeance.
By June 12, 1986, a total of 19 local
dailies both in English and Filipino were in circulation.
Nowhere since the 1950’s had there
been such a big number of newspapers in circulation (excluding tabloids).
These newspapers include: BULLETIN,
TEMPO, BALITA, MALAY, MIDDAY, MASA, MANILA TIMES, NEWS HERALD, TRIBUNE, NGAYON,
INQUIRER, EXPRESS TONIGHT, EVENING POST, PEOPLE’S, DAILY MIRROR, BUSINESS DAY,
and MANILA CHRONICLE.
2. On Books: Philippine literature is still in the making…we are just
beginning a new era.
The
Phillippines’ revolution of 1986 and the fire of its spirit that will carry the
Filipinos through another epoch in Philippine history is still being documented
just as they have been in the countless millions who participated in body and
spirit in its realization.
Two
books were conceived during the period.
PEOPLE
POWER was produced under a grant by the PCI Bank Human Resources Development
Foundation, edited by Monina Allarey Mercado and published by the James B.
Reuter, S.J. Foundation.
Another
one BAYAN KO was published by Project 28 Days LTD. in June, 1986 in Kowloon,
Hong Kong and co-published in the Philippines by Veritas Publications and
Communications Foundation.
In
March 19, 1987 the Seventh National Book Awards cited several best books
published in 1987 according to the choices made by the Manila Critics Circle.
Among those awarded were: Dream weavers Selected Poems (1976-1986) by Marjorie
Pernia and Awit at Corrido: Philippine Metrical Romances by Damiana L. Eugenio.
Bookfair
Manila ’88 organized by the Philippine Exhibit Company was held on February
20-28, 1988. It was held with the belief that “requisition of knowledge not
only enhances individual skills and capabilities but more importantly, makes
positive contributions to the nation’s development program.”
B. FILIPINO SONGS DURING THIS PERIOD
Here
are a few Filipino songs that were often heard. They were often aired in radio
and television and often accompanied the historical events that transpired in
the Philippines and gained for the Filipinos world-wide acclaim.
An
album named HANDOG NG PILIPINO SA MUNDO carried a compilation of some of these.
The
song that continued to be sung throughout the trying period of the Revolution,
almost like a second national anthem and which gave fire to the Filipino spirit
was BAYAN KO. Its lyrics were written by Jose Corazon de Jesus way back in
1928.
Summary
The flowering of Philippine
literature in the various languages continue especially with the appearance of
new publications after the Martial Law years and the resurgence of committed
literature in the 1960s and the 1970s.
Filipino writers continue to write
poetry, short stories, novellas, novels and essays whether these are socially
committed, gender/ethnic related or are personal in intention or not.
Of course the Filipino writer has
become more conscious of his art with the proliferation of writers workshops
here and abroad and the bulk of literature available to him via the mass media
including the internet. The various literary awards such as the Don Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the Philippines Free Press, Philippine
Graphic, Home Life and Panorama literary awards encourage him to compete with
his peers and hope that his creative efforts will be rewarded in the long run.
With the new requirement by the
Commission on Higher Education of teaching of Philippine Literature in all
tertiary schools in the country emphasizing the teaching of the vernacular
literature or literatures of the regions, the audience for Filipino writers is
virtually assured. And, perhaps, a national literature finding its niche among
the literatures of the world will not be far behind.
FOUR PHILIPPINE
PERIODS
The first Philippine literary period
was the pre-colonial era. During this time, folk songs, epics, narratives and
sung narratives were popular. Many of the folk songs featured simple rhythms,
while narrative songs were used to tell historical stories. Philippine epics
from the pre-colonial era told mythological stories, and often reflected on
community ethics.
During the Spanish colonial era,
theater became popular. During this time, Spanish explorers attempted to teach
their language to indigenous people, which meant religious songs and poetry
found their place in society. The introduction of prose took a similar approach
by attempting to influence social behaviors. By the 19th century, Philippine
writers were using prose to their own benefit by writing about the negative
effects of colonization.
During the American colonial period,
English was introduced to mainstream schools throughout the country. This meant
some American literary influences had an impact on Philippine literature,
including the introduction of free verse poetry. Short story telling also
became popular, and as romantic movie traditions intersected with Philippine
culture, so did romantic novels.
Following military rule in the 1960s,
the contemporary period emerged. Poetry, prose and short stories remain
popular, but writing has become more competitive and professional throughout
the country. Writers are encouraged to attend workshops, and literary awards
ceremonies are held each year.
