Literature after EDSA

The EDSA Revolution of 1986 marked a pivotal

moment in Philippine history, ushering in a new
era of democracy after the Marcos dictatorship.
This change also had a profound impact on
Philippine literature, giving rise to a distinct
body of work known as Post-EDSA Literature.
Defining Characteristics:
Emergence of Critical Orientation: Post-EDSA
literature saw a shift towards a more critical
and analytical approach, drawing inspiration
from contemporary literary theories prevalent
in the West. This led to a deeper exploration of
themes and a more nuanced understanding
(deep and complex comprehension) of the
Filipino experience.
Adventurous Publishing: The post-EDSA period
witnessed a surge in experimental and
unconventional literary projects, breaking away
from traditional norms and exploring new
forms and styles.
Re-evaluation of Literary Works: The decline of
New Criticism, which had previously dominated
literary analysis, opened up space for new
perspectives and interpretations of Filipino
literature. This allowed for a more diverse and
inclusive approach to literary evaluation.
Focus on Regional Languages: Post-EDSA
literature saw a renewed emphasis on reviving
and promoting writing in Philippine languages
other than Tagalog. This effort aimed to give
voice to diverse cultural perspectives and to
celebrate the richness of Philippine linguistic
heritage.

Themes and Motifs

Violation of Human Rights: The experience of
martial law under Marcos left a lasting impact
on Filipino writers, who often explored themes
of oppression, injustice, and the struggle for
freedom.
Poverty: The persistent problem of poverty in
the Philippines remained a central concern,
with writers examining its social and economic
causes and its impact on the lives of ordinary
Filipinos.
OFW Experiences: The growing number of
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) became a
prominent theme, with writers exploring the
challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of Filipinos
working abroad.
Nationalism: The EDSA Revolution rekindled a
sense of national identity and pride, leading to
a resurgence of nationalist themes in literature.
Feminism: The feminist movement gained
momentum in the post-EDSA era, inspiring
writers to address issues of gender inequality,
women's rights, and the portrayal of women in
literature.
Existentialism and Search for Identity: The
transition to democracy prompted writers to
examine the meaning of life, individual identity,
and the search for purpose in a changing world.
Dominant Forms
Modern Poetry: Post-EDSA poetry witnessed a
shift towards new styles and forms,
experimenting with language and imagery.
Modern Short Story: Short stories continued to
thrive, often set in contemporary Philippine
contexts and exploring diverse themes.
Novel: The novel remained a popular form,
providing writers with a platform to delve into
complex narratives and social issues.
Essay: Essays gained prominence as a means of
expressing personal reflections, social
commentary, and critical analysis.
Drama: Playwrights continued to create works
that reflected the social and political realities of
the post-EDSA era.
Representative Writers and Works
Magno "Carlo" Jose Caparas: Known for his
action-packed novels and comics, such as
"Sanda Kot na Bala" (1988).
Gilda Olvido: Her novels, including "Huwag Mo
Kaming Isumpa" (1986) and "Pinulot Ka Lang sa
Lupa" (1987), explored themes of poverty,
social injustice, and the plight of women.
Nick Joaquin: A prominent figure in Philippine
literature, Joaquin continued to write
prolifically after the EDSA Revolution, producing
works like "The Quartet of the Tiger Moon:
Scenes from the People Power Apocalypse"
(1986).
Domingo Landi Cho: His poetry collection "A
Grain of Dreams" (1987) reflected the hopes
and aspirations of Filipinos in the post-EDSA
era.
Lualhati Bautista: A prolific novelist, Bautista's
works, such as "Gapô" (1988) and "Bata, Bata...
Pa'no Ka Ginawa?" (1988), tackled themes of
poverty, social inequality, and the struggles of
ordinary Filipinos.
Post-EDSA Writers: A Glimpse into Filipino
Literary Voices
The EDSA Revolution of 1986 ushered in a new
era of democracy in the Philippines, and with it,
a burgeoning literary scene. This period gave
rise to a diverse group of writers who explored
the complexities of Filipino life in a changing
world, often tackling themes of social justice,
identity, and the aftermath of the Marcos
regime. Here's a look at some prominent Post-
EDSA writers:

Lilia Quindoza Santiago:

Lilia Quindoza Santiago (1949-2021) was a
prolific writer, poet, and academic who made
significant contributions to Philippine literature.
She was known for her powerful and evocative
poetry, which often explored themes of gender,
sexuality, and social justice. Her experiences as
a student activist during the Marcos regime,
including her imprisonment and torture, deeply
influenced her work. Santiago's poetry
collection "Kagampan" (1989) won her the
prestigious "Makata ng Taon" (Poet of the Year)
award. She also authored the novel "Ang
Kaulayaw ng Agila" (1999), which won the
Palanca Grand Prize for the novel in Filipino.
Santiago's academic work focused on Philippine
languages, gender studies, and sexuality
studies. She was a passionate advocate for
women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, and her
work continues to inspire and challenge readers
today.
Charlson Ong:
Charlson Ong is a renowned Filipino writer
known for his insightful and thought-provoking
short stories and novels. His work often
explores the complexities of Filipino identity,
particularly the experiences of Chinese
Filipinos. Ong's short story collections include
"Men of the East and Other Stories" (1990),
"Woman of Am-Kaw and Other Stories" (1993),
and "Conversion and Other Fictions" (1996). He
is also the author of three novels: "An
Embarrassment of Riches" (2002), which won
the Centennial Literary Prize, "Banyaga: A Song
of War" (2006), and "Blue Angel, White
Shadow" (2010). Ong's writing is characterized
by its sharp wit, keen observation, and
exploration of social and cultural issues. He has
won numerous awards, including the Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards, the Asiaweek
Magazine Short Story Prize, and the National
Book Award. Ong is a professor of literature and
creative writing at the University of the
Philippines.
Jose Dalisay Jr.:
Jose Dalisay Jr., often known by his pen name
"Butch Dalisay," is a highly acclaimed Filipino
writer and editor. He has won numerous awards
for his fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and
screenwriting, including 16 Palanca Awards.
Dalisay's work is known for its intricate plots,
complex characters, and exploration of social
and political themes. He has authored over 30
books, including the novels "Soledad's Sister"
(2006) and "The Island" (1996). Dalisay's writing
often reflects his experiences as a journalist and
his deep understanding of Philippine history
and culture. He has also served as an editor for
various publications and organizations,
including the Asian Development Bank and the
Ayala Foundation.
Ricardo Lee:
Ricardo Lee is a Filipino writer and journalist
known for his sharp wit, insightful commentary,
and exploration of social and political issues. He
is a regular columnist for various publications
and has authored several books, including "The
Filipino Flag" (2004) and "Man Overboard"
(2005). Lee's work is characterized by its
humor, satire, and critical analysis of Philippine
society. He is also known for his advocacy for
social justice and his commitment to holding
those in power accountable.
Danton Remoto:
Danton Remoto is a Filipino writer, essayist, and
journalist who has made significant
contributions to LGBTQ+ literature and activism.
He is the author of several books, including the
novel "River Run" (2002) and the short story
collection "Heart of Summer: Selected Stories
and Tales" (2008). Remoto's work often
explores themes of sexuality, identity, and social
justice. He is also a prominent figure in the
LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines and has
been a vocal advocate for equal rights and
recognition.
Marjorie Evasco:
Marjorie Evasco is a Filipino poet known for her
lyrical and evocative style, which often draws
inspiration from her Visayan heritage. She
writes in both English and Cebuano and has
published several poetry collections, including
"Dreamweavers: Selected Poems, 1976-1986"
(1987), "Ochre Tones: Poems in English &
Cebuano" (2002), and "Skin of Water: Selected
Poems" (2009). Evasco's work often explores
themes of nature, spirituality, and the female
experience. She has won numerous awards,
including the Palanca Award for the essay
category and the Philippine Free Press Poetry
Prize. Evasco is a professor of literature at De La
Salle University.
Ruth Elyna Mabanglo:
Ruth Elyna Mabanglo is a Filipino writer and
journalist known for her insightful essays and
short stories. Her work often explores themes
of gender, sexuality, and social justice.
Mabanglo has published several books,
including the short story collection "The
Woman Who Fell from the Sky" (2009) and the
essay collection "The Unbearable Lightness of
Being Filipino" (2013). She is also a regular
contributor to various publications and has
been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
These writers represent a diverse and vibrant
literary landscape in the Philippines, reflecting
the nation's journey towards democracy and its
ongoing grappling with social and political
realities. Their work offers a rich tapestry of
perspectives on Filipino life, highlighting the
struggles, triumphs, and complexities of the
human experience. Their contributions
continue to shape the literary landscape of the
Philippines and inspire new generations of
writers.
Short Stories
1. The Very Last Story of Huli by Lilia
Quindoza Santiago
2. The Execution by Charlson Ong
3. Among the Disappeared by Ricardo Lee
4. Geyluv by Honorio De Dios