Timeless Filipina Poets to Know and Why to Check Out Their Works

The Philippines has been through several occupation regimes that resulted from various cultures altering the quality of literature over time. Our country became prominent with its wealthy, unique, and meaningful compositions that have evolved through various contexts. However, it's important to remember the deprivation of opportunity for women way back in history to convey their ideals and perspectives on life. Since the moment that the country gained its independence, gender conditions have improved through embracing liberalism. That moment enabled Filipinas to unveil their thoughts, new approaches, and incredible creativity in poetry, which impacted Filipino culture and lives until today.

Then and now, it is time to recognize their works and their own significance in shaping the world of literature.

Here are the timeless Filipina poets from eras before the contemporary times and reasons for how they contributed to the changing world.

Leona Florentino, Mother of Feminist Literature

She was a Filipina poet, who wrote Ilocano, Spanish and Filipino poems, from the 19th century who was considered the "Mother of Feminist Literature," as she's able to establish fame from her unique delivery of verses, which has lyrical and feminist attributes that relate to the context in which she was born. Her prominent works are Nalpay A Namnama (Blasted Hope), Kakaibang Paglibing ng Paghahangad, Naunayaming Pag-asa, Pagbaging Babiro, and other works worth searching for and reading.These poems of Florentino reflect the conditions of Filipinas, especially women, during her time that were fruitful and remarkable to keep, which will relate even at this time, whereas norms, especially in gender, are still transpiring.

Edith Tiempo, National Artist for Literature 1999

She is a Filipina poet and story writer born in the 20th century and hailed as a National Artist for Literature way back in 1999. Her notable poetry collections are The Return, Bonsai, The Little Morset, The Tracks of Babylon, The Charmer Box and Other Poets, Marginal Annotations, and others to add to your reading list.She made a great contribution to Philippine literature due to the inspiring, life-centred, and insightful characteristics of her pieces. Her works are vividly descriptive and centre on themes related to life that make them timeless and even universal.

Virginia Moreno, The High Priestess of Philippine Poetry

She was also born in the 20th century and became known as "the High Priestess of Philippine Poetry". Her acclaimed works are Batik Maker, Order of the Mask, and other poems that have characteristics and themes focused on women and the environment. She applied widely to her works the imagery to vividly but concisely describe things, resulting in her unique way of being creative. Her ideas and point of view are imparted to the readers, who will gain a different experience.Her contribution to literature is that she mentored writers in her time to continue the spirit of poetry by enlivening their individuality in writing.

Benilda Santos, All-Around Writer but Most Popular as a Poet

Her identity as a literature composer is way more like that of a Filipina poet. She's been born near the middle of the 20th century and has been receiving such recognition that it also raises the pride of the Filipinos when it comes to this culture. Her outstanding compositions are Kundiman, Enero, Sa Kasintahang Nilimot Na, Collections of Kuwadro Numero Uno, and so on and so forth.She deserved praise also because of her life-situated poems with the use of comprehensible language for all to read and reflect on. With that, she mastered the art of impacting readers through emotional diction and style of conveyance to make an incredible impression among audiences.

Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Timeless Filipina Poet for Justice

Lilia Santiago is remembered as a prolific writer, as she made a high contribution to Philippine literature with her above-average 20 compilations of her pieces that instill more pride in Filipinos. She influenced the world through her feminist traits and resistance to injustices. She embedded these characteristics in her writing, especially in her poems "Filipino Poetry and Martial Law" and "Sa Ngalan ng Ina, Anak, at ng Diwata't Paraluman". Her works are a must-read as they influence one's morals and widen one's perspective, and there are deep learnings to be fathomed with the help of her point of view and firmness in topics.

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Timeless Filipina Poets to Know and Why to Check Out Their Works by Colin Cris Celestial