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A New Generation
Philippine essays developed side by side with Philippine journalism.
The introduction of the language ushered in a new generation of English
speaking readers and thus, a growing demand for materials in that language.
American publications eventually gave way to Filipino-owned magazines and
newspapers.
Campus organs served as the spring-boards for the growth of
Philippine literature in English. It was instrumental as well in exposing the
younger generations to the rudiments of the new lingo. Some of the
noteworthy school publications were the Literary Apprentice and the College
Folio of UP and the Quill and Argonaut of UST.
After college, the works of these students graduated to the Sunday
magazines of the metro dailies and other magazines. Publishers and editors
saw how literary sections generate interest and consequently increase
circulation.
In the same way that British and American essays matured through
such magazines as Spectator and the Courant, so has Philippine essay
gained prominence and professionalism in several pre-War publications.
Among them are Herald Midweek, Expression, Dear Devices and Philippine
Magazine, an influential monthly edited by A.V.H. Hartendorp, which featured
essays, fiction and poetry of the highest order.
In 1939, the Commonwealth Literary Contests, the first statesponsored literary award, was established. And during the Occupation, the
Japanese sponsored Review and Pillars solicited censored literary works.
Some writers were forced to conform to the accepted political thought and
thus, freedom of expression, which is a fundamental concept of good writing,
was tortured to submission.