Always a new beginning
Published Apr 14, 2018 16:05 pm
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Updated Apr 14, 2018 16:05 pm
By Perry C. Mangilaya
Editor, Liwayway
Liwayway is the only surviving Filipino weekly and the oldest existing Filipino literary magazine in the Philippines today. And less than five years from now, Liwayway magazine, which is under the helm of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, will be celebrating its centennial anniversary.
Liwayway was launched on June 15, 1922 as Photo News, and was jointly edited by the legendary Ramon Roces, the grand old man of Philippine popular press, its publisher, and Severino Reyes as editor. It was published fortnightly and written in three languages: Spanish, English, and Tagalog. Its first cover was Alcalde Ramon Fernandez of the City of Manila. With a change of name, Liwayway meaning “dawn,” a sunrise or a new beginning, on Nov. 18, 1922, it shifted its contents from short news with plenty of photographs by prominent individual to a variety of short fiction, which instantly caught the attention of its Tagalog readers. It eventually became a very popular reading fare of the masses.
The Literary Pillars
Throughout the existence of Liwayway, many writers have been discovered and became the pillars of Philippine literature. In fact, some of them were to be recognized as National Artists for Literature like Amado V. Hernandez, author of the scholarly acclaimed novels Mga Ibong Mandaragit and Luha ng Buwaya; Lazaro A. Francisco, author of the classic novels Maganda pa ang Daigdig and Daluyong; Virgilio S. Almario, also known as Rio Alma, poet and critic and the current chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; and Cirilo F. Bautista, author of the novel Asoge.
Likewise, the three National Artists for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Manansala, and, of course, Francisco Coching—one of the country’s greatest illustrators and also recognized as the Dean of Filipino comics—have been part of Liwayway magazine.
Some other eminent writers who wrote for Liwayway and had made significant contributions to the Philippine literature are Edgardo M. Reyes, author of the timeless novels Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Laro sa Bago, which were later adapted into film. Efren Abueg’s novels Iyo ang Anak Ko, Akin ang Asawa Mo, and Binata si Mister, Dalaga si Misis also saw print in Liwayway and were also adapted into film. Today, Abueg is still one of Liwayway’s top novelists. Rogelio Sicat, a prolific Filipino novelist and best known for his classic short story Impeng Negro, also wrote for Liwayway. Other notable writers who had seen print in Liwayway include Dominador Mirasol, author of the popular story Mga Aso sa Lagarian, and Rogelio Ordonez, known for his popular story Dugo ni Juan Lazaro. They are also the authors of the iconic Mga Agos sa Disyerto. This anthology is considered as one of the best anthologies in Filipino, and the most influential collection of short stories.
The other established writers and giants in the world of literature who had helped enriched the literary heritage of Liwayway are Lope K. Santos, Father of Balarila, and also known for his novel Banaag at Sikat; Jose Corazon de Jesus; Inigo Ed. Regalado; Julian Cruz Balmaceda; Fausto Galauran; Pedrito Reyes; Mars Ravelo (creator of classic comic series Buhay-Pilipino); Tony Velasquez (creator of Kenkoy); Severino Reyes, (author of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, the most beloved series in Liwayway); Liwayway Arceo; Catalino V. Flores; Jose Nepomuceno; Domingo Landicho; Lualhati Bautista (Bautista’s novel Bulaklak sa City Jail was published in Liwayway and was later adapted into film); Ave Perez Jacob (author of Guwardiya and novel Sibol sa Guho); Benjamin M. Pascual; Rodolfo Salandanan (Salandanan’s novel Isusumbong Kita sa Diyos was also adapted into film); Federico Licsi Espino; Jose Esperanza Cruz; Faustino Aguilar; Alejandro Abadilla (Talaang Bughaw); Andres Cristobal Cruz (Ang Tundo Man ay may Langit din); Celso Al. Carunungan; Nemesio Caravana (known in his fantasy novel); Brigido Batungbakal; Ben Ramos; Gervacio Santiago; Domingo Karasig; Lamberto Antonio; Reynaldo A. Duque (Palanca Hall of Famer), and many others.
Improving the Literary Section
Liwayway remains steadfast in improving its regular literary sections such as novels, short stories, and poems. Now, it also publishes flash and speculative fiction, short-short stories, and other genres of literature, which can be read in one sitting. To address the growing need for real and meaningful reading materials for children in our expanding basic education, Liwayway recently added short story and poetry category for children as well as a weekly column on updates on children’s literature developments authored by Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco, university professor and a well-known prize-winning writer. Dr. Michael M. Coroza, another multi-awarded poet and professor from a top sectarian university regularly writes criticisms/evaluations on literature, particularly poetry and other topics, which add to the content and pedagogical knowledge for tertiary educators.
The magazine is also open to fresh ideas and has urged young writers to be more responsive to the needs of varied readers especially the millennial readers. These new but talented writers, I believe, will also become icons of Philippine literature like many writers who started writing in Liwayway and who have become part of the rosters of literary pillars.
Liwayway is always aware of the everyday need for information and guidance in the daily life of the Filipino masses. As such, it publishes column on health written by Palanca Hall of Fame Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan; on agriculture written by Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Zac B. Sarian; and on family by multi-awarded writer Eden Pedrajas Concepcion. It is also publishes diverse articles and features on social issues, religion, education, culture, sports, environment, popular personalities, entertainment, human interest, and other themes.
Liwayway will always strive to respond to the needs of people in almost all walks of life, assuring that its editorial contents are wholesome, entertaining, and with respect to everyone regardless of color, race, and gender.
Technology in its Favor
Time has been very kind to Liwayway in the face of the biggest challenge—the technological revolution or the power of the internet—that is affecting adversely the print media. This technology is not making the magazine falter as it remains steadfast, continuing to this day in publishing literary masterpieces by great Filipino authors. In fact, Liwayway is using this technology in its favor. Today, it has its own digital format, which can be bought in www.buqo.ph. Also, its Facebook page is a big help in making a closer connection with its readers, contributors, and the public as well.
Liwayway magazine will mark its centenary in 2022 and it looks forward to another century of existence. It will always be ready to meet the challenges of the times.
Liwayway is the only surviving Filipino weekly and the oldest existing Filipino literary magazine in the Philippines today. And less than five years from now, Liwayway magazine, which is under the helm of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, will be celebrating its centennial anniversary.
Liwayway was launched on June 15, 1922 as Photo News, and was jointly edited by the legendary Ramon Roces, the grand old man of Philippine popular press, its publisher, and Severino Reyes as editor. It was published fortnightly and written in three languages: Spanish, English, and Tagalog. Its first cover was Alcalde Ramon Fernandez of the City of Manila. With a change of name, Liwayway meaning “dawn,” a sunrise or a new beginning, on Nov. 18, 1922, it shifted its contents from short news with plenty of photographs by prominent individual to a variety of short fiction, which instantly caught the attention of its Tagalog readers. It eventually became a very popular reading fare of the masses.
The Literary Pillars
Throughout the existence of Liwayway, many writers have been discovered and became the pillars of Philippine literature. In fact, some of them were to be recognized as National Artists for Literature like Amado V. Hernandez, author of the scholarly acclaimed novels Mga Ibong Mandaragit and Luha ng Buwaya; Lazaro A. Francisco, author of the classic novels Maganda pa ang Daigdig and Daluyong; Virgilio S. Almario, also known as Rio Alma, poet and critic and the current chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; and Cirilo F. Bautista, author of the novel Asoge.
Likewise, the three National Artists for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Manansala, and, of course, Francisco Coching—one of the country’s greatest illustrators and also recognized as the Dean of Filipino comics—have been part of Liwayway magazine.
Some other eminent writers who wrote for Liwayway and had made significant contributions to the Philippine literature are Edgardo M. Reyes, author of the timeless novels Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Laro sa Bago, which were later adapted into film. Efren Abueg’s novels Iyo ang Anak Ko, Akin ang Asawa Mo, and Binata si Mister, Dalaga si Misis also saw print in Liwayway and were also adapted into film. Today, Abueg is still one of Liwayway’s top novelists. Rogelio Sicat, a prolific Filipino novelist and best known for his classic short story Impeng Negro, also wrote for Liwayway. Other notable writers who had seen print in Liwayway include Dominador Mirasol, author of the popular story Mga Aso sa Lagarian, and Rogelio Ordonez, known for his popular story Dugo ni Juan Lazaro. They are also the authors of the iconic Mga Agos sa Disyerto. This anthology is considered as one of the best anthologies in Filipino, and the most influential collection of short stories.
The other established writers and giants in the world of literature who had helped enriched the literary heritage of Liwayway are Lope K. Santos, Father of Balarila, and also known for his novel Banaag at Sikat; Jose Corazon de Jesus; Inigo Ed. Regalado; Julian Cruz Balmaceda; Fausto Galauran; Pedrito Reyes; Mars Ravelo (creator of classic comic series Buhay-Pilipino); Tony Velasquez (creator of Kenkoy); Severino Reyes, (author of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, the most beloved series in Liwayway); Liwayway Arceo; Catalino V. Flores; Jose Nepomuceno; Domingo Landicho; Lualhati Bautista (Bautista’s novel Bulaklak sa City Jail was published in Liwayway and was later adapted into film); Ave Perez Jacob (author of Guwardiya and novel Sibol sa Guho); Benjamin M. Pascual; Rodolfo Salandanan (Salandanan’s novel Isusumbong Kita sa Diyos was also adapted into film); Federico Licsi Espino; Jose Esperanza Cruz; Faustino Aguilar; Alejandro Abadilla (Talaang Bughaw); Andres Cristobal Cruz (Ang Tundo Man ay may Langit din); Celso Al. Carunungan; Nemesio Caravana (known in his fantasy novel); Brigido Batungbakal; Ben Ramos; Gervacio Santiago; Domingo Karasig; Lamberto Antonio; Reynaldo A. Duque (Palanca Hall of Famer), and many others.
Improving the Literary Section
Liwayway remains steadfast in improving its regular literary sections such as novels, short stories, and poems. Now, it also publishes flash and speculative fiction, short-short stories, and other genres of literature, which can be read in one sitting. To address the growing need for real and meaningful reading materials for children in our expanding basic education, Liwayway recently added short story and poetry category for children as well as a weekly column on updates on children’s literature developments authored by Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco, university professor and a well-known prize-winning writer. Dr. Michael M. Coroza, another multi-awarded poet and professor from a top sectarian university regularly writes criticisms/evaluations on literature, particularly poetry and other topics, which add to the content and pedagogical knowledge for tertiary educators.
The magazine is also open to fresh ideas and has urged young writers to be more responsive to the needs of varied readers especially the millennial readers. These new but talented writers, I believe, will also become icons of Philippine literature like many writers who started writing in Liwayway and who have become part of the rosters of literary pillars.
Liwayway is always aware of the everyday need for information and guidance in the daily life of the Filipino masses. As such, it publishes column on health written by Palanca Hall of Fame Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan; on agriculture written by Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Zac B. Sarian; and on family by multi-awarded writer Eden Pedrajas Concepcion. It is also publishes diverse articles and features on social issues, religion, education, culture, sports, environment, popular personalities, entertainment, human interest, and other themes.
Liwayway will always strive to respond to the needs of people in almost all walks of life, assuring that its editorial contents are wholesome, entertaining, and with respect to everyone regardless of color, race, and gender.
Technology in its Favor
Time has been very kind to Liwayway in the face of the biggest challenge—the technological revolution or the power of the internet—that is affecting adversely the print media. This technology is not making the magazine falter as it remains steadfast, continuing to this day in publishing literary masterpieces by great Filipino authors. In fact, Liwayway is using this technology in its favor. Today, it has its own digital format, which can be bought in www.buqo.ph. Also, its Facebook page is a big help in making a closer connection with its readers, contributors, and the public as well.
Liwayway magazine will mark its centenary in 2022 and it looks forward to another century of existence. It will always be ready to meet the challenges of the times.