THE NATIONAL
ARTISTS FOR
LITERATURE
Ms. Jahwella Q. Ocay, LPT
WHAT IS THIS WORD?
R U T S O A H
AUTHORS
WHAT IS THIS WORD?
N C N O A
CANON
WHAT IS THIS WORD?
CBONROUTTIIN
CONTRIBUTION
Contribution of
Canonical Authors
CANON – in literature, this is the collection
of works considered representative of a
certain genre and period.
CANONICAL AUTHORS – writerswhose
works have been well appreciated and
considered representatives of certain
genres of literature.
Take note: When we study canonical
authors and their works, we can glean new
appreciation for them in modern
perspective.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
NATIONAL ARTISTS
FOR LITERATURE
– is the highest national
recognition given to Filipino
writers who made significant
contributions to the
development of Philippine
Literature.
What else should you know?
AMADO V. HERNANDEZ
Hagonoy, Bulacan (1903-1970)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1973
 Poet, playwright, novelist
 He practiced “committed art” and
he was known as the “Manunulat
ng Manggagawa.”
 In his view, the function of a writer
is to act as the conscience of the
human spirit in the face of
inequity and oppression.
 His works talked about the
struggles of Filipino laborers
Works: Isang Dipang Langit, Luha
ng Buwaya, Mga Ibong Mandaragit
(first Filipino Socio-Political Novel
that exposed the ills of the society.)
AMADO V. HERNANDEZ
Hagonoy, Bulacan (1903-1970)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1973
“At ito ang tanging daigdig ko ngayon –
Bilangguang mandi’y libingan ng
buhay;
Sampu, dalawampu, at lahat ng taon,
Ng buong buhay ko’y dito mapipigtal.
Ngunit yaring diwa’y walang takot-hirap
At batis pa rin itong puso
Piita’y bahagi ng pakikilamas,
mapiit ay tanda ng di pagsuko.
(Excerpt from Isang Dipang Langit,
1952)
JOSE GARCIA - VILLA
Singalong, Manila (1908-1997)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1973
Known as DOVEGLION
Known as the COMMA Poet
He was the finest contemporary
poet regardless of race and
language
He introduced the reversal
consonance and comma poems
“First, a poem must be magical,
then musical as a sea gull, and it
must hold as fire as well.”
Works: Footnote to Youth, Many
Voices, Have Come, Am Here,
The Anchored Angel
NICK JOAQUIN
Paco, Manila (1917-2004)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1976
 The most distinguished Filipino writer
in English Writing; known as Quijano
de Manila
 His contribution: exploration of the
Philippine colonial past under Spain
and his probing into the psychology
of social danger as seen by the
young.
 He has written plays, novels, poems,
short stories, essays, reportage and
journalism
Works: The Woman Who Had Two
Navels, Ballad of the Five Battles, Rizal
in Saga, Almanac for Manilenos, Cave
and Shadows (about Martial Law time)
Summer Solstice
NICK JOAQUIN
Paco, Manila (1917-2004)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1976
CARLOS P. ROMULO
Intramuros, Manila (1899-1985)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE - 1982
 His career spanned 50 years of public
service as educator, soldier, university
president, journalist and diplomat. He
was the 1st Asian President of UN
General Assembly and the Philippine
Ambassador to US
 He was a reporter at 16, newspaper
editor at 20, publisher at 32.
 His broadcasts during the Japanese
colonization was known as the VOICE
OF FREEDOM
 The only Asian to win Pulitzer Prize for
Journalism for a series of articles
predicting the outbreak of WWII.
CARLOS P. ROMULO
Intramuros, Manila (1899-1985)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1982
FRANCISCO ARCELLANA
Sta. Cruz, Manila (1916-2002)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE - 1990
 Writer, poet, essayist, critic, journalist,
teacher
 One of the most important progenitors
of the modern Filipino short story in
English
 He pioneered the development of
short story as a lyrical prose-poetic
form
Works: Poetry and Politics, The State of
Original Writing in English and
Philippines Today, The Other Woman, To
Touch You and I touched Her, Frankie,
The Man Who Would be Poem, Death in a
Factory, Lina, A Clown Remembers
FRANCISCO ARCELLANA
Long
to die deep
and then to sleep
My right hand resting lightly on your left hip.
Sta. Cruz, Manila (1916-2002)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1990
To Touch You
To touch you
to kiss you
to press against you
anywhere.
To break open your lips
to drink deep from your mouth
to feed long on your tongue
To root between your breasts
to brace against your body.
to thrust between your thighs
powerfully.
“Write the story that only you
can write.”
N.V.M. GONZALES
Romblon, Romblon (1915-1999)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1997
 Filipino novelist, short story writer,
essayist and poet
 Distinctively wrote of the Filipino life
and of the Filipino in the world
 He said: “There is no such thing as
children’s literature.”
LEVI CELERIO
Tondo, Manila (1910-2002)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1997
A prolific lyricist and composer for
decades
He effortlessly translated/rewrote
anew the lyrics to traditional
melodies: O Maliwanag na
Buwan (Iloko) Ako ay may
Singsing (Pampango)
Alibangbang (Visaya)
He made it to Guinness Book of
World Records as the only person
to make music using leaf.
He wrote 4000 songs and he
contributed in enriching Philippine
music.
EDITH L. TIEMPO
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (1919-2011)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1999
 Widely acknowledged as the Mother
of Philippine Literature
 Poet, fictionist, teacher and literary
critic
 Her works are characterized by
remarkable fusion of style and
substance, of craftsmanship and
insight
 Her poems The Little Marmoset and
Bonsai are intricate verbal
transfigurations of significant
experiences.
 Founded and directed Siliman
National Writers Workshop in
Dumaguete City which produced
some of the country’s best writers.
EDITH L. TIEMPO
Bonsai
Edith Tiempo
• All that I love
I fold over once
And once again
And keep in a box
Or a slit in a hollow post
Or in my shoe.
• All that I love?
Why, yes, but for the moment-
And for all time, both.
Something that folds and
keeps easy,
Son’s note or Dad’s one gaudy
tie,
A blue Indian shawl, even
A money bill.
• It’s utter sublimation,
A feat, this heart’s control
Moment to moment
To scale all love down
To a cupped hand’s size
• Till seashells are broken
pieces
From God’s own bright teeth,
And life and love are real
Things you can run and
Breathless hand over
To the merest child.
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (1919-2011)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1999
A roto picture of aqueen,
F. SIONIL JOSE
Rosales, Pangasinan (1924-present)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2001
 His writings since the late 60s when
taken collectively can be described as
epic. His works reflect the consistent
espousal of the aspirations of Filipinos:
NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY and
SOCIAL JUSTICE
 His works were translated intro various
languages
Works: Rosales Saga (The Pretenders,
Tree: My Brother, My Executioner, Mass,
Poon) captures Philippine History while
simultaneously narrating the lives of
generations of Samsons whose personal
lives intertwine with the social struggles of
the nation.
F. SIONIL JOSE
Rosales, Pangasinan (1924-present)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE - 2001
 He is the founder of the Philippine Chapter of the International
Organization PEN. (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists)
Photos grabbed from Santiago Villafania (FB Post)
VIRGILIO ALMARIO
San Miguel, Bulacan (1944-present)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2003
 Also known as Rio Alma
 A poet, literary historian, critic who has
revived and reinvented traditional
poetic forms
 In 34 years, he published 12 books of
poetry
 His works reflected his often severe
examination of the self and the society
 He founded LIRA (Linangan sa Imahen,
Retorika at Anyo) and GAT (Galian sa
Arte at Tula).
 He put a face to the Filipino writer in the
country, one strong face determinedly
wielding a pen into untruths, hypocrisy,
injustice
VIRGILIO ALMARIO
San Miguel, Bulacan (1944-present)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2003
ALEJANDRO R. ROCES
 The country’s Best Writer of Comic
Short Stories
 He wrote innumerable newspaper
columns that focused on the neglected
aspects of the Filipino cultural heritage
 His works were published in
international magazines.
 He brought to attention the aesthetics
of the country’s fiestas. He was
instrumental in popularizing several
local fiestas like Moriones and Ati-
Atihan
 He changed the Independence Day
 from July 4 to June 12
Manila (1924-2011)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2003
“You cannot be a great writer,
 Short story writer and essayist
first you have to be a great
person.”
DR. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA
Lipa, Batangas (1932-present)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2006
Poet, librettist and scholar
He introduced to Tagalog
literature what is known as Bagay
Poetry, a landmark aesthetic
tendency that has helped to
change the vernacular poetic
tradition
His works: Likhang Dila,
Likhang Diwa; Balaybay, Mga
Tulang Lunot at Manibalang,
Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na
Dulang May Musika, Agunyas
sa Hacienda Luisita, Tales of
the Manuvu and Rama Hari
DR. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA
Lipa, Batangas (1932-present)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2006
LAZARO FRANCISCO
Orani, Bataan(1898-1980)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2009
 Developed a social realist tradition in
Philippine Fiction
 His novels embodied the author’s
commitment to nationalism
 His novels exposed the evils of the
tenancy system, exploitation of farmers
by unscrupulous landlords and foreign
domination
 His pen dignifies the Filipino and
accents all the positives about the
Filipino way of life.
 He’s known as the MASTER OF
TAGALOG NOVEL
LAZARO FRANCISCO
Orani, Bataan(1898-1980)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2009
CIRILO F. BAUTISTA
Sampaloc, Manila (1941-2018)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2014
 Poet, fictionist and essayist with
exceptional achievements and
significant contributions to the
development of the country’s literary
arts
 He held regular funded and unfunded
workshops throughout the country to
bring poetry and fiction closer to
people who otherwise would not have
the opportunity to develop their
creative talent
 He’s a teacher of literature and
realized that classroom is an important
training ground for Filipino writers
CIRILO F. BAUTISTA
Sampaloc, Manila (1941-2018)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2014
CIRILO F. BAUTISTA
His poem about teaching and teachers…
Sampaloc, Manila (1941-2018)
NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2014
Of all the canonical
authors we talked
about, whom
would you like to
meet and talk to in
person? What
would you like to
learn from
him/her?

canonical

  • 1.
  • 2.
    WHAT IS THISWORD? R U T S O A H AUTHORS
  • 3.
    WHAT IS THISWORD? N C N O A CANON
  • 4.
    WHAT IS THISWORD? CBONROUTTIIN CONTRIBUTION
  • 5.
  • 6.
    CANON – inliterature, this is the collection of works considered representative of a certain genre and period. CANONICAL AUTHORS – writerswhose works have been well appreciated and considered representatives of certain genres of literature. Take note: When we study canonical authors and their works, we can glean new appreciation for them in modern perspective. THINGS TO REMEMBER:
  • 7.
    NATIONAL ARTISTS FOR LITERATURE –is the highest national recognition given to Filipino writers who made significant contributions to the development of Philippine Literature. What else should you know?
  • 8.
    AMADO V. HERNANDEZ Hagonoy,Bulacan (1903-1970) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1973  Poet, playwright, novelist  He practiced “committed art” and he was known as the “Manunulat ng Manggagawa.”  In his view, the function of a writer is to act as the conscience of the human spirit in the face of inequity and oppression.  His works talked about the struggles of Filipino laborers Works: Isang Dipang Langit, Luha ng Buwaya, Mga Ibong Mandaragit (first Filipino Socio-Political Novel that exposed the ills of the society.)
  • 9.
    AMADO V. HERNANDEZ Hagonoy,Bulacan (1903-1970) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1973 “At ito ang tanging daigdig ko ngayon – Bilangguang mandi’y libingan ng buhay; Sampu, dalawampu, at lahat ng taon, Ng buong buhay ko’y dito mapipigtal. Ngunit yaring diwa’y walang takot-hirap At batis pa rin itong puso Piita’y bahagi ng pakikilamas, mapiit ay tanda ng di pagsuko. (Excerpt from Isang Dipang Langit, 1952)
  • 10.
    JOSE GARCIA -VILLA Singalong, Manila (1908-1997) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1973 Known as DOVEGLION Known as the COMMA Poet He was the finest contemporary poet regardless of race and language He introduced the reversal consonance and comma poems “First, a poem must be magical, then musical as a sea gull, and it must hold as fire as well.” Works: Footnote to Youth, Many Voices, Have Come, Am Here, The Anchored Angel
  • 11.
    NICK JOAQUIN Paco, Manila(1917-2004) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1976  The most distinguished Filipino writer in English Writing; known as Quijano de Manila  His contribution: exploration of the Philippine colonial past under Spain and his probing into the psychology of social danger as seen by the young.  He has written plays, novels, poems, short stories, essays, reportage and journalism Works: The Woman Who Had Two Navels, Ballad of the Five Battles, Rizal in Saga, Almanac for Manilenos, Cave and Shadows (about Martial Law time) Summer Solstice
  • 12.
    NICK JOAQUIN Paco, Manila(1917-2004) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1976
  • 13.
    CARLOS P. ROMULO Intramuros,Manila (1899-1985) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE - 1982  His career spanned 50 years of public service as educator, soldier, university president, journalist and diplomat. He was the 1st Asian President of UN General Assembly and the Philippine Ambassador to US  He was a reporter at 16, newspaper editor at 20, publisher at 32.  His broadcasts during the Japanese colonization was known as the VOICE OF FREEDOM  The only Asian to win Pulitzer Prize for Journalism for a series of articles predicting the outbreak of WWII.
  • 14.
    CARLOS P. ROMULO Intramuros,Manila (1899-1985) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1982
  • 15.
    FRANCISCO ARCELLANA Sta. Cruz,Manila (1916-2002) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE - 1990  Writer, poet, essayist, critic, journalist, teacher  One of the most important progenitors of the modern Filipino short story in English  He pioneered the development of short story as a lyrical prose-poetic form Works: Poetry and Politics, The State of Original Writing in English and Philippines Today, The Other Woman, To Touch You and I touched Her, Frankie, The Man Who Would be Poem, Death in a Factory, Lina, A Clown Remembers
  • 16.
    FRANCISCO ARCELLANA Long to diedeep and then to sleep My right hand resting lightly on your left hip. Sta. Cruz, Manila (1916-2002) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1990 To Touch You To touch you to kiss you to press against you anywhere. To break open your lips to drink deep from your mouth to feed long on your tongue To root between your breasts to brace against your body. to thrust between your thighs powerfully. “Write the story that only you can write.”
  • 17.
    N.V.M. GONZALES Romblon, Romblon(1915-1999) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1997  Filipino novelist, short story writer, essayist and poet  Distinctively wrote of the Filipino life and of the Filipino in the world  He said: “There is no such thing as children’s literature.”
  • 18.
    LEVI CELERIO Tondo, Manila(1910-2002) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1997 A prolific lyricist and composer for decades He effortlessly translated/rewrote anew the lyrics to traditional melodies: O Maliwanag na Buwan (Iloko) Ako ay may Singsing (Pampango) Alibangbang (Visaya) He made it to Guinness Book of World Records as the only person to make music using leaf. He wrote 4000 songs and he contributed in enriching Philippine music.
  • 19.
    EDITH L. TIEMPO Bayombong,Nueva Vizcaya (1919-2011) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1999  Widely acknowledged as the Mother of Philippine Literature  Poet, fictionist, teacher and literary critic  Her works are characterized by remarkable fusion of style and substance, of craftsmanship and insight  Her poems The Little Marmoset and Bonsai are intricate verbal transfigurations of significant experiences.  Founded and directed Siliman National Writers Workshop in Dumaguete City which produced some of the country’s best writers.
  • 20.
    EDITH L. TIEMPO Bonsai EdithTiempo • All that I love I fold over once And once again And keep in a box Or a slit in a hollow post Or in my shoe. • All that I love? Why, yes, but for the moment- And for all time, both. Something that folds and keeps easy, Son’s note or Dad’s one gaudy tie, A blue Indian shawl, even A money bill. • It’s utter sublimation, A feat, this heart’s control Moment to moment To scale all love down To a cupped hand’s size • Till seashells are broken pieces From God’s own bright teeth, And life and love are real Things you can run and Breathless hand over To the merest child. Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (1919-2011) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE -1999 A roto picture of aqueen,
  • 21.
    F. SIONIL JOSE Rosales,Pangasinan (1924-present) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2001  His writings since the late 60s when taken collectively can be described as epic. His works reflect the consistent espousal of the aspirations of Filipinos: NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY and SOCIAL JUSTICE  His works were translated intro various languages Works: Rosales Saga (The Pretenders, Tree: My Brother, My Executioner, Mass, Poon) captures Philippine History while simultaneously narrating the lives of generations of Samsons whose personal lives intertwine with the social struggles of the nation.
  • 22.
    F. SIONIL JOSE Rosales,Pangasinan (1924-present) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE - 2001  He is the founder of the Philippine Chapter of the International Organization PEN. (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) Photos grabbed from Santiago Villafania (FB Post)
  • 23.
    VIRGILIO ALMARIO San Miguel,Bulacan (1944-present) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2003  Also known as Rio Alma  A poet, literary historian, critic who has revived and reinvented traditional poetic forms  In 34 years, he published 12 books of poetry  His works reflected his often severe examination of the self and the society  He founded LIRA (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo) and GAT (Galian sa Arte at Tula).  He put a face to the Filipino writer in the country, one strong face determinedly wielding a pen into untruths, hypocrisy, injustice
  • 24.
    VIRGILIO ALMARIO San Miguel,Bulacan (1944-present) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2003
  • 25.
    ALEJANDRO R. ROCES The country’s Best Writer of Comic Short Stories  He wrote innumerable newspaper columns that focused on the neglected aspects of the Filipino cultural heritage  His works were published in international magazines.  He brought to attention the aesthetics of the country’s fiestas. He was instrumental in popularizing several local fiestas like Moriones and Ati- Atihan  He changed the Independence Day  from July 4 to June 12 Manila (1924-2011) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2003 “You cannot be a great writer,  Short story writer and essayist first you have to be a great person.”
  • 26.
    DR. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA Lipa,Batangas (1932-present) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2006 Poet, librettist and scholar He introduced to Tagalog literature what is known as Bagay Poetry, a landmark aesthetic tendency that has helped to change the vernacular poetic tradition His works: Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa; Balaybay, Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang, Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na Dulang May Musika, Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita, Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari
  • 27.
    DR. BIENVENIDO LUMBERA Lipa,Batangas (1932-present) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2006
  • 28.
    LAZARO FRANCISCO Orani, Bataan(1898-1980) NATIONALARTISTFOR LITERATURE-2009  Developed a social realist tradition in Philippine Fiction  His novels embodied the author’s commitment to nationalism  His novels exposed the evils of the tenancy system, exploitation of farmers by unscrupulous landlords and foreign domination  His pen dignifies the Filipino and accents all the positives about the Filipino way of life.  He’s known as the MASTER OF TAGALOG NOVEL
  • 29.
  • 30.
    CIRILO F. BAUTISTA Sampaloc,Manila (1941-2018) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2014  Poet, fictionist and essayist with exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the development of the country’s literary arts  He held regular funded and unfunded workshops throughout the country to bring poetry and fiction closer to people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to develop their creative talent  He’s a teacher of literature and realized that classroom is an important training ground for Filipino writers
  • 31.
    CIRILO F. BAUTISTA Sampaloc,Manila (1941-2018) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2014
  • 32.
    CIRILO F. BAUTISTA Hispoem about teaching and teachers… Sampaloc, Manila (1941-2018) NATIONALARTIST FOR LITERATURE-2014
  • 33.
    Of all thecanonical authors we talked about, whom would you like to meet and talk to in person? What would you like to learn from him/her?