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Procopio Solidum (1901–1940) was a Negrense poet and educator known for being the first Filipino to publish a collection of English poems. His work, including Nevermind and Other Poems (1921), reflected a blend of introspective emotion and early 20th-century Filipino experience. As an educator, he later founded numerous private schools in Negros. Solidum's writings are valued for recording the sensibilities of early Filipino literature in English.

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Nevermind  and Other Poems by Procopio Solidum (1921)

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Nevermind  and Other Poems by Procopio Solidum (1921)

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

The 1921 poetry collection Nevermind and Other Poems by Procopio Solidum explores themes of identity, memory, emotion, and everyday musings through a deeply introspective and lyrical lens. As the first collection of English poems ever published by a Filipino, it captures the burgeoning sensibility of Filipino writers experimenting with a new language during the American colonial period. The poems combine influences from Romantic poets with images and sentiments uniquely Filipino. In one poem, "Fair Rosario of Sagay," Solidum uses Romantic-style imagery to describe a Filipino maiden, portraying her as both a lovely country girl and a fairytale nymph. In other poems, such as "My Psalm," the poet reflects on personal contentment and simple dreams rather than earthly wealth. Overall, the collection is significant for recording an early 20th-century Filipino's inner feelings and vision of life in the newly adopted language.

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José Garcia Villa (1908–1997) was a Filipino poet, literary critic, and short story writer known for his experimental and modernist style. After being expelled from the University of the Philippines for his erotic poems, he moved to the United States and spent most of his life in New York. He became known as the "Comma Poet" for his unique style, which involved placing commas after every word to control the poem's rhythm. Villa received multiple accolades, including the National Artist of the Philippines award in 1973, for his significant contributions to poetry and literature.

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Poems By Doveglion by Jose Garcia Villa (1941)

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Poems By Doveglion by Jose Garcia Villa (1941)

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

In his 1941 collection Poems by Doveglion, José Garcia Villa, writing under his pseudonym, presents an early example of his modernist and highly experimental poetic style. The poems transcend social commentary, instead focusing on deeper, more mystical themes of art, humanity, and spirituality. Villa explores the spiritual relationship between the self and the divine with a visionary tone, at times portraying God not as a distant deity but as a peer or even rival to the poet. His innovative and imaginative use of language creates a poetic landscape full of startling images, prompting the reader to engage their senses and imagination rather than seek a straightforward narrative.

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Abelardo Subido (1912–1979) was a Filipino poet, journalist, publisher, and lawyer from Biñan, Laguna. He was married to fellow poet Trinidad Tarrosa-Subido, and together they co-authored the poetry collection Two Voices. Subido also had a career in government, most notably serving as the Commissioner of Civil Service for many years. He died from a heart attack on April 27, 1979, leaving behind a legacy of poetic and professional accomplishments.

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

In the sonnet "Soft Night," Abelardo Subido explores a speaker's ardent and solitary longing for a beloved. The speaker waits alone in a garden during a soft, cool dusk, calling the beloved's name, but receives no reply. The gentle, serene atmosphere of the night is contrasted with the speaker's internal sadness and intense desire, which, like the dew, falls softly and unnoticed. As the night wanes, the speaker's longing dies down, but is replaced with the hope of offering a love "more sweet than all the flowers" when they are finally reunited.

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Manuel Arguilla was an Ilokano writer and patriot born in 1911, best known for his short story "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife". His stories authentically depicted rural life in the Ilocos region and were widely published. During World War II, Arguilla organized a guerrilla intelligence unit in Manila to resist the Japanese occupation. He was captured, tortured, and executed by Japanese forces in 1944 for his resistance activities.

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How My Brother Leon Brought Home A wife by Manuel Arguilla (1940)

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How My Brother Leon Brought Home A wife by Manuel Arguilla (1940)

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

"How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" by

Manuel Arguilla is a short story that explores the

cultural clash and adjustments faced by a woman

named Maria who visits her husband's rural

hometown for the first time. The story delves into

themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges of

bridging different worlds. Leon brings his wife, Maria,

home to introduce her to his family, and the narrative

unfolds through Maria's perspective as she navigates

the unfamiliar environment and gains insights into her

husband's roots.

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Aurelio Tolentino y Valenzuela was a Kapampangan playwright, poet, journalist, and revolutionary. His works at the turn of the 20th century depicted his desire to see Philippine independence from its colonizers. He was arrested twice, first by the Spaniards and later by American forces.

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"Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas" (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) by Aurelio Tolentino

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"Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas" (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) by Aurelio Tolentino

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Short Summary of His Literary Works:

A play that expresses the revolt against colonialism, particularly the American occupation of the Philippines at the time of the play. It is an allegory in which the characters symbolize the occupying powers — Spain, China, and America — and the Motherland (the Philippines) fighting for its independence. The play ends with Tolentino's imprisonment for acts of disobedience against the Americans, but it remains a historical work that depicts the Filipino struggle for independence.

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Justo Juliano was a pioneering Filipino writer credited with Sursum Corda (1907), the first short story in English in Philippine literature.

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

Justo Juliano 1907 regarded as the first Filipino short story in English, it addresses the struggles and hopes of Filipinos under colonial transition. Its Latin title, meaning “Lift up your hearts,” emphasizes resilience, making it historically important in Philippine literature.

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Best known for My Mother and Air Castle (1909), which reflect sentimental, moral, and idealistic themes.

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

A poem about ambition, dreams and hopes; combining personal aspirations with the influence of western literary models, typical of the Re-orientation / early American period in Philippine literature.

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One of the pioneer Filipino poets in English, remembered for his romantic poem To My Lady in Laoag (1909).

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To My Lady in Laoag by Proceso Sebastian (1909)

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To My Lady in Laoag by Proceso Sebastian (1909)

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

A poem expressing deep filial love and respect; reflects early Filipino-English literature with sentimental tone and traditional praise of maternal sacrifice.

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Juan F. Salazar was an early Filipino poet in English, known for sentimental works like My Mother and Air Castle (1909).

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

A poem expressing deep filial love and respect; reflects early Filipino-English literature with sentimental tone and traditional praise of maternal sacrifice.

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Lope K. Santos was a Filipino Tagalog-language writer and former senator of the Philippines. He is best known for his 1906 socialist novel, Banaag at Sikat and for his contributions to the development of Filipino grammar and Tagalog orthography.

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"Banaag at Sikat" (From Early Dawn to Full Light) by Lope K. Santos

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"Banaag at Sikat" (From Early Dawn to Full Light) by Lope K. Santos

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Short Summary of His Literary Works:

A foundational socialist novel published in 1906 that explores themes of class struggle, social justice, and workers' rights in the Philippines under American colonialism. The novel follows two friends, Delfin and Felipe, as they advocate for socialism and anarchism, respectively, to address the mistreatment of the poor by wealthy landowners. It is considered a landmark work for bringing socialist and anarchist ideas to a wide Filipino audience, serving as the "Bible of working class Filipinos" and inspiring resistance against an unjust system.

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Juan Crisóstomo Caballa Soto (27 January 1867 – 12 July 1918) was a poet, dramatist, journalist and newspaperman. He was also known as Crissot, the “Father of Pampango Literature.”

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Tinakalang Ginto by Juan Crisostomo Sotto 

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Tinakalang Ginto by Juan Crisostomo Sotto 

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Short Summary of His Literary Works:

This is a play written in Kapampangan. The title translates to "Measured Gold". The drama likely explores themes relevant to the Kapampangan people, possibly dealing with social issues, values, or historical events.

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Narciso Gallardo Reyes was a Filipino diplomat who served as the fourth secretary-general of ASEAN between 1980 and 1982 and the chairman of UNICEF between 1972 and 1974.

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"Lupang Tinubuan" (Native Land) by Narciso Reyes

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"Lupang Tinubuan" (Native Land) by Narciso Reyes

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Short Summary of His Literary Works:

A drama that uses symbolism to express the desire for freedom and independence from American rule. The "golden chain" represents the constraints placed on the Philippines by the United States. The play led to Abad's arrest for sedition.

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ASEAN on X: “Mr. Narciso Reyes is the fourth Secretary-General of ...

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Paz Marquez Benitez (1894–1983) was a Filipina short story writer and teacher. She is remembered as the first great Filipino short story writer in English.

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Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez (1925)

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Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez (1925)

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Short Summary of Her Literary Work:

Recognized as the first modern short story in English by a Filipino, it explores love, illusion, and disillusionment in relationships.

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Bernardo P. Garcia was among the early Filipino writers who admired American heroes and values. Information about him is limited, but his works show how Filipino writers during this era were strongly influenced by American culture.

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George Washington by Bernardo P. Garcia (1920s)

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George Washington by Bernardo P. Garcia (1920s)

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Short Summary of His Literary Work:

A biography in English about George Washington, highlighting his leadership and achievements. It is one of the earliest Philippine publications written in English.

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Zoilo Galang (1895–1959) was a novelist, essayist, and short story writer. He is known as the first Filipino novelist in English and also compiled anthologies of Filipino literature.

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Short Summary of His Literary Works:

The first book of essays in English by a Filipino author, focusing on values and reflections on life.