Cultural and Artistic Developments in the Philippines: A Look Back at the Period of Activism (1970-1980)

The period of activism started in 1970 and ended in 1972, according to Prashanth Pineda. Filipino youth activism during this time was driven by domestic and worldwide causes, with a focus on seeking reforms due to societal ills.

Activism during this period was linked to the history of Filipino youth. Some believed in the stability of the democratic government but criticized those in power. Others advocated for socialism or communism over democracy, leading to the formation of armed groups. Many young people became activists to demand government changes.

The youth became rebellious during this period, expressing their frustrations through demonstrations and literature. Writers like Riolen Duttinio, Alma, and Clemente Bautista wrote revolutionary works critiquing society and politics. Themes of poverty, press freedom, and the poor's plight were prominent in their writings.

Notable literary figures during the activism period include Riolen Duttinio, Alma, and Clemente Bautista. Their works like 'Rage and Ritual Sitsit Sakholigli,' 'Placard,' and 'Palipad' reflected the spirit of mass revolution and the reverence for the poor. Federico Lexi Espino was recognized as the most brilliant poet in Tagalog in 1970.

The Palanca Awards for Literature, established by Carlos Palanca in 1950, aimed to incentivize Filipino writers with cash prizes for short stories, poetry, and playwriting. Notable Palanca awardees in English literature were recognized for their contributions during this period.

The period of the New Society began on September 21, 1972, under the military government. It focused on themes like the green revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction, and pollution. The government aimed to curb pornography and temporarily halted school newspapers and organizations. The Ministry of Public Affairs oversaw publications, and efforts were made to revive cultural centers like the Cultural Center of the Philippines and theaters like the Metropolitan Theater.

Filipino poetry during the New Society period reflected themes of patience, native culture, customs, and nature. Notable poets during this time included Ponciano Pineda, Anisito Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente de Masala, Sir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagia Sulet Cruz.

The slogans of the New Society emphasized discipline as a core value during this period.

Several music composers emerged during the New Society era, including Freddie Aguilar, Jose Marichan, and the duo Tito Vic and Joey. Freddie Aguilar's song 'Anak' achieved international success, resonating with audiences due to its emotional depth.

The government spearheaded the revival of traditional plays and dramas like the Tagalog zarzuela, sinakulo, and imbayoka. These performances took place in venues such as the Metropolitan Theater, Folk Arts Theater, and Cultural Center of the Philippines. Various schools and organizations also contributed to the theatrical scene, with innovative presentations like the 'Tales of Manuvo,' a rock ballet opera.

Organizations like PETA led by Cecile Guidote and Lino Brocka, Repertory Philippines under Rebecca Godinez and Zineda Amador, UP Repertory by Ben Cervantes, and Theatre Filipino by Rolando Tinio made significant contributions to the development of theater during the New Society period.

Radio remained popular, airing series like 'Simatar,' 'Dalia,' 'Ituang Paladko,' and 'Mr. Lonely.' New songs debuted on the airwaves, but many radio artists transitioned to television for better pay. Popular television plays included 'Gulong ng Palad.'

A yearly Filipino film festival, known as 'Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino,' was held during this time. The festival lasted for a month, showcasing only Filipino films in all theaters in Metro Manila. Awards were given for excellence in filmmaking and performances.

During this period, new types of films emerged that avoided explicit content like sex or romance but were still well-received by the public. Examples include 'Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag' directed by Lino Brocka and 'Minsa'y Isang Gamugamo' starring Nora Aunor.

Films like 'Aguila' led by Fernando Poe Jr., 'J.E.' starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, and others continued to be popular. Despite efforts to produce non-explicit films, sex-themed movies, both local and foreign, were still in demand for profit.

During the New Society era, newspapers underwent changes focusing more on economic progress, culture, and tourism rather than sensationalized reporting. Leading papers included Bulletin Today, Times Journal, People's Journal, and others.

Magazines like 'Liwayway' and comics became popular among Filipinos. Publications such as 'Filipino Extra,' 'Love Life,' 'Hiwaga,' and 'Espesyal' were widely enjoyed. The period also saw the emergence of new literary works and Palanca awardees.

Bilingual education initiated in 1958 led to a decline in English proficiency in schools during the martial law period. Literature forms like essays, debates, poetry, short stories, novels, and plays continued to be prominent, focusing on national identity and cultural reorientation.

Notable literary works during this time included 'I Married a Newspaperman' by Maria Luna Lopez, 'The Modern Filipino Short Story' by Patricia Melendrez Cruz, 'Cross-Currents in Afro-Asian Literature' by Rustica de Carpio, and others, reflecting the cultural and social themes of the era.

The period of the New Society brought significant changes to the Filipino film industry, media landscape, literature, and education. It marked a shift towards cultural reorientation and the exploration of new themes in artistic expressions.