The Unbroken Thread of Philippine Literature

Article by: Marco R. Sunga and Hailey Jade T. Miranda

Graphics by: Marcell Patricio

Nowadays, media consumption is embedded in our everyday lives. This manifests in the family noontime shows we watch during siesta, all the way to the newscasts we tune into in the evenings right before dinner. Various stories are embedded into these media, tying threads that connect us to one another in a true Filipino fashion. This connection has enabled us to build our distinct culture, share knowledge, and form a sense of community and nationality. The vast number of stories passed down across generations has given rise to a body of work we now refer to as Philippine literature.   

In our life journeys, we are endlessly accompanied by Philippine literature in many forms—from the saddest of poems that make us cry, to the “teleseryes” that have us burst with “kilig”. It has become a crucial binding that ties us to our Filipino heritage, never fraying at the edges.

This April, we celebrate National Literature Month with the aim of unraveling what threads us. This begs the question: Which iconic Philippine literary genres have shaped us over the years?

Poetry: The Ribbons of Rhythmic Resolve 

The threads of Philippine Literature are deeply woven into the emotional lines and stanzas of poetry. This kind of literature has been practiced by our ancestors as early as the pre-colonial period, but was popularized during the era of Spanish and American colonization. Poetry in this period detailed our ancestors’ fierce declarations of love for the country and fight for freedom. 

One such poem is Jose Corazon De Jesus’ “Bayan Ko”, published in 1929 and is renowned for its passionate narration of patriotism and admiration for the country amidst the cultural erosion brought by the Americans. “Bayan Ko” inspired hope for our ancestors to appreciate the uniqueness of Filipino heritage and beauty, and to actively preserve it beyond colonization and into the distant future. The poem beautifully paints sceneries of the Philippines’ tropical nature, where the sun still shines despite the atrocities done upon our soil. 

“Bayan Ko” threads itself into our lives as a reminder to look back at the struggles our ancestors endured to preserve our rich culture and to inspire us to carry it forward. It is through these struggles that we get to tour around pristine local beaches without ships docked for war and walk past Manila’s murals without gaining any scars. As such, poetic works rhythmically engage us to see the beauty within the people and the soil of our nation, mobilizing us Filipinos to stay hopeful in reaching the peak of a just and uncorrupted future amidst the lengthy trek it may take to get there. 

Fiction: The Entwined Enchantment of Ink and Reality 

Similar sentiments are present within works of fiction, threading along universes and characters that—although non-existent—directly reflect the state of trends in Philippine society. Such reflection is presented in creative ways that make fictional tales from centuries ago memorable and engaging for our generation. 

These creative masterpieces are distinguishable in the ever-famous duology of Dr. Jose Rizal, including the titles “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”. Most of us associate these novels with schoolwork, since they are required reading and taught in schools. However, the requirement stems from the duology’s superb critique of the ills of Philippine society that are, unfortunately, still present today. 

“Noli Me Tangere” lays out, through the iconic Crisostomo Ibarra, the loss of Filipino identity and the rise of Spanish corruption in the country. It also explored how citizens of various social statuses cope with such events, from Elias, the brave outlaw, to the refined lady Maria Clara. “El Filibusterismo,” on the other hand, completes the former by exploring themes of greed and revenge among the characters as methods of exploitation brought about by national leaders. 

By showcasing the power of ordinary citizens to navigate a path to freedom amid a tumultuous government that attempts to chain them, the duology rallies us to look for similar patterns and break them. At present, where our leaders create a power imbalance to keep us shackled, these works of fiction entwine with reality by threading a call to action into our minds—to remain vigilant and wise citizens, choose qualified national leaders in future elections, and hold accountable those who are corrupt.

More examples of this genre include the late National Artist Nick Joaquin with “The Woman Who Had Two Navels,” which explored Filipino’s confrontation with their own identity and history. Another is “Caves and Shadows,” in which Joaquin intertwines the zeitgeist into a metaphysical body of work, drawing on themes of corruption, religion, and national identity.

Drama: The Living Thread of Performance

The stage has long served as a mirror for the Filipino soul, evolving from the ritualistic chants of our indigenous tribes to the defiant “zarzuelas” of the revolutionary era. In the realm of Drama, the works of Severino Montano and Alberto Florentino offer poignant, grounded glimpses into the domestic and social struggles of the mid-20th century. 

Montano’s “The Ladies and the Senator” uses biting satire to expose the vanity and superficiality of the political elite, threading a narrative that remains uncomfortably relevant in our modern political landscape. In contrast to the halls of power, Alberto Florentino’s play “The World is an Apple” dives into the grit of post-war poverty. This dramatic piece tells the story of Mario, who loses his job for stealing a single apple for his daughter, highlighting the harsh moral dilemmas faced by those on the fringes of society. It is a masterful exploration of how systemic injustice can fray the moral fabric of a family, forcing us to confront the reality that for some, the Philippine dream is often out of reach. 

Together, these works in the Drama genre weave a tapestry of the Filipino experience across social classes. They remind us that performance is not merely entertainment but a visceral tool for social commentary. By capturing the whispers of the slum and the echoes of the senate floor, these plays ensure that the voices of the marginalized and the critiques of the powerful remain an essential part of our national conversation.

Non-Fiction: The Tangible Ropes of Lived Experience

Beyond the realm of imagination lies the potent power of truth, captured through essays and memoirs that document a Filipino identity in flux. Kerima Polotan-Tuvera, though often overshadowed by her male contemporaries, remains a titan of non-fiction. Her collection, “Author’s Choice,” showcases her sharp, unsentimental prose as she navigates the complexities of womanhood, middle-class anxieties, and the quiet tensions of urban life. Her ability to find the extraordinary in the mundane helps weave the individual's personal experiences into the broader fabric of national history.

Sharing this space of lived truth is Pacifico N. Aprieto, whose work “Dinosaurs Walk the Earth” offers a more whimsical yet deeply reflective take on Manila’s changing landscape. Aprieto’s Creative Non-fiction essays capture the nostalgia of a passing era, blending humor with a gentle mourning for the cultural landmarks and traditions being swallowed by rapid modernization. His writing serves as a bridge between the old world and the new, ensuring that our ancestors' memories are not lost to the march of progress.

These works of non-fiction act as the "connective tissue" of our literature, grounding us in the reality of our shared past. They prove that our history is not just a list of dates and battles, but a collection of personal stories and reflections. By documenting the "now" of their respective times, Tuvera and Aprieto provide us with a compass to navigate the shifting currents of Filipino culture today.

Media: The Interwoven Future of Digital Literature

In the contemporary era, the thread of Philippine literature has expanded into the digital and visual realms, reaching audiences through screens and panels. Ricky Lee, primarily known as a legendary screenwriter, bridged the gap between traditional prose and modern Media with his first novel, “Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin).” This work deconstructs the concept of love through a meta-narrative lens, reflecting the cinematic sensibilities of modern Filipinos while maintaining the depth of classical literature.

This evolution is also seen in the rise of the Filipino graphic novel, or komiks, a vital part of modern Media most notably exemplified by Arnold Arre’s “The Mythology Class.” Arre revitalizes ancient Philippine folklore by placing legendary deities and creatures in a modern-day University of the Philippines setting. By blending traditional myths with contemporary urban fantasy, he reintroduces a younger generation to their heritage, proving that the spirits of our ancestors can still thrive in the age of smartphones and skyscrapers.

As we move forward, these modern iterations of storytelling ensure that the thread of Philippine literature remains vibrant and unbreakable. Whether through a screenplay that captures the "hugot" of the masses or a graphic novel that reimagines our gods, literature continues to adapt to the tools of the times. 

The unbroken thread of Philippine literature does not end here; it is an ongoing narrative that we contribute to every day. From the ancient epics whispered by our elders to the viral threads on social media, our collective voice continues to grow. As we celebrate National Literature Month, we are reminded that these literatures are more than just ink on paper or pixels on a screen—they are the very fibers of our identity, weaving us together into a nation that remembers its past, understands its present, and bravely writes its future.