The face behind the mask

Nick Joaquin

Carlos Bulosan

Both Nick Joaquin and Carlos Bulosan had great contributions not only in literature but also in our country, the Philippines. These two people got their skills in literature involved in the solutions of some of our societal problems. Some examples are as follows:

1. Joaquin had an invocation about the importance of freedom and the artist during a ceremony on Mount Makiling. This could cost his life since this occurred during Marcos' regime.
2. Joaquin was also able to use his talent to have a fellow writer released from imprisonment.
3. In the case of Bulosan, his aim with his works is for others to know about labor struggles.

We can then conclude that literature serves other purposes other than to entertain. We got enlightened by them that literature is truly important for us.

(Source:Wikipedia.2009.Web.24 June 2009..)

(Source:Wikipedia.2009.Web.24 June 2009..)

Photos are from:

http://www.literaryhistory.com/20thC/Groups/Joaquin.htm
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/viola150406.html

Simple yet inspirational

(picture taken from http://outdoors.webshots.com)

The picture shows the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo written by our famous National Hero Jose Rizal. This photo I have chosen is the first to came up in my mind when I think of literature and it also complies as a symbol on how I perceive literature. These books have always been a symbol of our freedom and unity that shows us that literature is not just simply for entertainment. It can help us express words that can't be expressed verbally. The same goes with the readers. They may be able to digest the message of the author better than by just hearing it. That is why Jose Rizal was successful, and I think still successful, in unifying us. We were able to make our way to freedom because of the inspiration he had given us. In this simple example, I think we can already conclude how much literature is important in our lives.