Summary
Highlights
Following the Philippine Revolution and independence from Spain in 1898, American culture and the English language were introduced, profoundly influencing Filipino identity and literature. This era saw the emergence of new literary styles and genres.
From the 1920s onwards, Philippine literature in English gained significant momentum. Poetry, fiction, drama, and essay genres experienced remarkable growth, with key figures like Jose Garcia Villa leading the modernization of poetry.
The novel was introduced during this period, with Zoilo Galang's 'A Child of Sorrow' (1921) being the first Filipino novel in English. Short stories also began to flourish, noted by Paz Marquez Benitez's 'Dead Stars' (1925) and subsequent collections by writers like Jose Villa Panganiban and Jose Garcia Villa.
Drama also saw significant development, with notable contributions from former UP presidents like Carlos P. Romulo, Jorge Bocobo, and Vidal Tan, whose plays often echoed cries for independence. Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero became a highly prolific writer, credited with over 100 plays, significantly elevating the Philippine theater scene.
The essay genre thrived, with Zoilo Galang pioneering with 'Life and Success' (1921), the first Philippine book of essays in English. Literary criticism also emerged, with Manuel Arguilla being a prominent critic, poet, and fictionist.
The period concluded with a spotlight on Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero's masterpiece 'Condemned,' which is considered a hallmark literary piece reflecting the American influence and its role in fortifying the Philippine drama scene.