21st Literature in the World and the Philippines

• Literature is derived from the Latin word “LITTERA” which means “letters”
• Prose is a straightforward form of literature where the author expresses thoughts and feelings in a lucid way
• Poetry is a form of literature where the poet uses a unique style and rhythm to express intense experiences
• In literature, prose is pragmatic while poetry is imaginative
• In prose, ideas can be found in sentences engaged in paragraphs, while in poetry, ideas are found in sentences arranged in stanzas
• Paraphrasing is possible in prose, but exact paraphrasing is not possible in poetry
• Today's Philippine literature is influenced by Western ways of writing and deals with uniquely Filipino experiences
• Forms of stories in Philippine literature have expanded beyond realism to include magic realism, metafiction, minimalism, science fiction, parable, comic, and postmodern parody
• Magic Realism in literature paints a realistic view of the modern world while adding magical elements
• Metafiction in literature involves writing about imaginary characters
• Minimalism in literature is characterized by extreme simplicity
• Science Fiction, or "sci-fi," deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts
• Parable in literature deals with imaginative religious writings
• Comics are a medium used to express ideas through images in literature
• National Artists in Literature in the Philippines must meet specific qualifications, including contributing to Filipino nationhood through their works and having a significant impact on succeeding generations of artists
• Edith L. Tiempo, a National Artist for Literature, was the first female writer to be declared as such in 1999
• Francisco "Franz" Arcellana was a Filipino writer, poet, essayist, critic, journalist, and teacher
• Virgilio S. Almario, known by his pen name Rio Alma, is a Filipino artist, poet, critic, translator, editor, teacher, and cultural manager
• Cirilio F. Bautista established a reputation for fine and profound artistry in his works
• Jose Garcia Villa, known as the "comma poet," introduced the reversed consonance rhyme scheme in his poetry
• Amado V. Hernandez was a Filipino writer who practiced "committed art" and believed in affirming the greatness of the human spirit in the face of inequity and oppression
• Nicomedes "Nick" Marquez Joaquin was a distinguished Filipino writer known for enriching the English language with his unique style
• Bienvenido Lumbera pioneered the creative fusion of fine arts and popular imagination as a librettist and scholar
• Alejandro Roces was a short story writer and essayist, focusing on neglected aspects of Filipino cultural heritage
• Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzales, known as N.V.M. Gonzalez, was a fictionist, essayist, poet, and teacher who articulated the Filipino spirit in rural and urban landscapes
• Levi Celerio was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for making music using just a leaf and enriched Philippine music with over 4,000 songs
• Pre-Spanish Philippine literature included riddles and epigrams that tested wits and imparted lessons through rhyme and allegories
• Riddles in pre-Spanish literature consisted of one or more measured lines with rhyme and demanded an answer to test listeners' wits
• Epigrams in pre-Spanish literature served as laws or rules on good behavior and imparted lessons through allegories or parables
• Epigrams in pre-Spanish literature were written in rhyming schemes to entertain and impart wisdom
• Epigrams are laws or rules on good behavior by ancestors, sometimes seen as allegories or parables teaching lessons
• Idioms are phrases whose meanings aren't obvious from individual words
• Folk songs, or Awiting Bayan, are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature, reflecting early culture
• Epics are long narrative poems dealing with heroic achievements or events, often focusing on a hero
• Legends are prose works about the origin of a thing, place, or name, reflecting old Filipino customs and aiming to entertain
• Fables feature animals with human characteristics, delivering a lesson or moral
• Severino Reyes is known as the Father of Tagalog drama, famous for "Walang Sugat"
• Aurelio Tolentino's masterpiece is "Luhang Tagalog" and "Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas"
• Hermogenes Ilagan founded the group Campaña Ilagan, presenting many dramas in Central Luzon
• Patricio Mariano wrote the novel "Ninay" and "Anak Ng Dagat" (Son of the Sea)