The Philippines is a nation of islands, a truth reflected not just in its geography but in its vibrant tapestry of languages, cultures, and literature. However, for too long, our national narrative—especially in the literary sphere—has been heavily centered on Metro Manila. This Manila-centric view overlooks the incredible depth and diversity found in the literature produced across the 17 regions of the archipelago.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s 2014 remarks about disproportionate national resource allocation ring true even in the cultural landscape: “Metro Manila is not the Philippines, and the Philippines is not Metro Manila.” Just as economic resources must be shared, cultural recognition must extend beyond “the center.”
The Power of Place and Language
Nature has gifted the Philippines with immense biodiversity, resulting in a staggering 182 living languages. Each language and environment fostered unique ways of living, communicating, and, crucially, storytelling. Yet, this natural diversity also presents a challenge to national cohesion. How do we, separated by seas and tongues, forge a united national identity?
The answer lies partly in our study of literature. By consciously choosing to read works from other regions, we gain an intimate understanding of different Filipino realities, struggles, and triumphs. This act is crucial for fostering a true sense of national pride that is broad, inclusive, and based on mutual respect.
Decentering the Narrative: Moving Beyond Manila
It is a persistent reality that Filipino readers often unknowingly privilege the popular and “sophisticated” literatures of the National Capital Region (NCR). Because central government, major universities, corporate headquarters, and, critically, the largest publishing houses are concentrated in Metro Manila, literature from the center gains an almost automatic validation. This dated Manila-centric perspective narrows our understanding of what constitutes “Philippine Literature.”
While Manila authors have produced historically moving and entertaining works, they are but one group in a vast constellation. To paint a richer, more accurate picture of ourselves as a nation, we must immerse ourselves in the literatures of the regions. This necessitates greater efforts in translation—utilizing Filipino or English to embrace and disseminate the literary output from every corner of the country. The wider we circulate these regional voices, the bigger the possibility of deep understanding among different ethnic groups.
Bridging the Archipelago with 21st-Century Technology
Fortunately, contemporary technology is a powerful tool to bridge these literary divides. The Internet has democratized publishing, allowing contemporary authors from the regions to bypass the traditional gatekeepers in the NCR.
Today’s regional literature thrives online. Young authors are using their native regional language, Filipino, or English to speak to a national audience through blogs, online magazines, online journals, and independent publishing platforms. Furthermore, video-sharing sites like YouTube host performances of regional songs, poetry, skits, and amateur films, effectively creating new, accessible formats for regional storytelling.
Though regional literature has been overlooked for far too long, the Internet is rapidly building the digital bridges needed for all Filipinos to indulge in the wealth of stories the archipelago holds.
Pro Tip: To begin your regional literature journey, explore the works of authors associated with the different regions listed below. Remember, this list is only a fraction—many more promising voices await discovery!
(List of Regions and Associated Authors)
- National Capital Region (NCR): Michael M. Coroza, Jessica Zafra, Charlson Ong, Lourd de Veyra
- Ilocos Region (Region I): Paul B. Zafaralla, Santiago B. Villafania, Cles B. Rambaud
- Cagayan Valley Region (Region II): Jun Lisondra
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Ma. Luisa Aguilar-Carino, Dion Michael Fernandez, Rachel Pitlogay
- Central Luzon Region (Region III): Virgilio Almario, Rolando F. Santos, Danton Remoto
- CALABARZON (Region IV-A): Joel M. Toledo, Frank G. Rivera, Jimmuel C. Naval
- MIMAROPA (Region IV-B): Jose Dalisay, Jr.
- Bicol Region (Region V): Merlinda Bobis, Ricardo Lee, Kristian Sendon Cordero, Alvin Yapan
- Western Visayas Region (Region VI): Felino Garcia Jr., John Iramil Teodoro, Alice Tan-Gonzales
- Negros Island Region (NIR): Jean Lee C. Patindol, Ian Rosales Casocot, Rosario Cruz-Lucero
- Central Visayas Region (Region VII): Michael Obenieta, Marjorie Evasco, Marcel Navarra
- Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII): Voltaire Oyzon, Timothy R. Montes, Daryll Delgado
- Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX): Mig Alvarez Enriquez, Servando D. Halili Jr.
- Northern Mindanao Region (Region X): Ralph Semino Galin, Judith R Dharmdas
- Davao Region (Region XI): Candy Gourlay, Miguel Linda, Salud M. Carrido
- SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII): Christine Godinez-Ortega, Jaime An Lim
- Caraga Region (Region XIII): Joey Ayala, Tita Lacambra-Ayala
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM): Mehol K. Sadain, Steven Prince Patrick C. Fernandez
