PERIODS (1986-1999)

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.