Rebirth of the Freedom

The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)

Historical Background

The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerrillas who fled to the mountain joined...

Palanca awards

Another inspiration for writers in Filipino was the launching of the Palanca Memorial Awards for...

Poetry

For the first twenty years, many books were published…both in Filipino and in English. ...

Novels and Short Stories

Longer and longer pieces were being written by writers of the period. Stevan Javellana’s...

New Filipino Literature

Philippines literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the writings...

State of Literature

The early post-liberation period was marked by a kind of “struggle of mind and spirit” posed...

Historical Background

The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerrillas who fled to the mountain joined the liberating American Army.

On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained is freedom and the Filipino flag waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.

Palanca awards

Another inspiration for writers in Filipino was the launching of the Palanca Memorial Awards for literature headed by Carlos Palanca Sr. in 1950. (Until now, the awards are still being given although the man who founded it has passed away). The awards were given to writers of short stories, plays and poetry.

The first awardees in its first year, (1950-51) short story were the following:

First Prize: KUWENTO NI MABUTI by Genoveva Edroza

Second Prize: MABANGIS NA KAMAY…MAAMONG KAMAY by Pedro S. Dandan

Third Prize: PLANETA, BUWAN AT MGA BITUIN by Elpidio P. Kapulong 

Poetry

For the first twenty years, many books were published…both in Filipino and in English.

Among the writers during this time were: Fred Ruiz Castro, Dominador I. Ilio, and C.B. Rigor.

Some notable works of the period include the following:

1. HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) –a collection of poems by Manuel Viray

2. PHILIPPINES CROSS...