Famous Filipino Writers

Carlos P. Romulo Sr. was a multifaceted Filipino figure, excelling as a diplomat, statesman, soldier, journalist, and author. He embarked on a remarkable career trajectory, starting as a reporter at 16, becoming a newspaper editor at 20, and a publisher at 32. Romulo co-founded the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, served as a general in both the US Army and the Philippine Army, held the position of university president, and notably presided over the United Nations General Assembly. Throughout his esteemed career, he championed anti-colonialism, internationalism, and various liberal ideologies.

Lualhati Torres Bautista was a renowned Filipina writer known for her impactful contributions to literature, activism, and criticism. Her professional life was marked by a prolific career as a novelist, focusing on themes such as societal issues, political unrest, and the struggles of the Filipino people. Through works like Dekada '70, Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Ginawa?, and ‘GAPÔ, she gained widespread recognition for her insightful storytelling and bold commentary on contemporary Filipino society. Bautista's writing continues to inspire and provoke thought among readers both locally and internationally.

Pedro Paterno was a Filipino politician known for his role in the signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in 1897. He gained notoriety for being a turncoat, switching alliances between the Filipino revolutionaries and the Spanish authorities. In addition to his political endeavors, Paterno was a talented poet and novelist. He authored the first novel by a native Filipino, "Ninay," in 1885, and published the first collection of poems in Spanish by a Filipino, "Sampaguitas y otras poesías varias," in 1880. His literary works showcased his diverse talents beyond the realm of politics.

Claro M. Recto was a prominent Filipino politician and statesman known for his roles as president of the 1934 Constitutional Convention and author of the 1935 Philippine Constitution. He served as a representative and senator, rising to prominence for his nationalist leadership. Recto was appointed as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court and later elected as a senator despite facing wartime allegations. Throughout his career, he remained a vocal critic of U.S. influence in the Philippines and held various government positions, including Commissioner of Education and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Lav Diaz is a prominent Filipino independent filmmaker recognized for his contributions to the slow cinema movement. He garnered critical acclaim for directing some of the longest narrative films in cinematic history. Starting in the late 1990s, his work gained international attention at the Hong Kong International Film Festival with films like "Serafin Geronimo: Ang Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion." Diaz's films have been featured at prestigious festivals like Cannes, Locarno, Berlin, and Venice, winning numerous awards, including the Golden Leopard and Golden Lion. He received accolades such as the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award and the Natatanging Gawad Urian.

José García Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, short story writer, and painter. He was recognized for his innovative contributions to literature, such as introducing the "reversed consonance rhyme scheme" and using extensive punctuation marks in his poetry. Villa was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines title for literature in 1973 and received the Guggenheim Fellowship in creative writing. Known as the Comma Poet, he utilized the pen name Doveglion, which symbolized the characters from his works and was referenced in other poets' works like E. E. Cummings' "Doveglion, Adventures in Value."

Jessica Seinfeld is an American author known for her work in creating cookbooks focused on family-friendly recipes. She has published five cookbooks that provide guidance on preparing meals for families. In addition to her writing, Seinfeld is also the founder of the GOOD+ Foundation, a charitable organization based in New York City. The foundation, previously known as Baby Buggy, works to provide essential items to families in need throughout the city, showcasing Seinfeld's commitment to giving back to the community through her professional endeavors.

Jessica Tarahata Hagedorn is a versatile and influential figure in the American literary scene, known for her impactful contributions as a playwright, writer, poet, and multimedia performance artist. With a unique and diverse body of work, she has successfully explored themes of identity, culture, and diaspora in her writings. Hagedorn's creativity and innovation have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary literature and performance art.

Lourd de Veyra is a versatile Filipino artist known for his multi-faceted career. He gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the jazz rock band Radioactive Sago Project and has since established himself as a musician, emcee, poet, journalist, TV host, broadcast personality, and activist. His work spans various platforms, showcasing his talents and passion for music, writing, and social issues. Through his diverse professional endeavors, Lourd de Veyra has made a significant impact on the Filipino entertainment and media industry.

Emm Gryner is a Canadian singer, songwriter, recording artist, and author known for her prolific career in the music industry. With 20 albums released as a solo performer, she has established herself as a versatile and talented artist. Gryner's collaborations with renowned musicians such as David Bowie and Chris Hadfield showcase her ability to work with a diverse range of artists and genres. Her contributions to music and literature have earned her a respected reputation in the industry, making her a notable figure in Canadian music.

Gilbert Luis R. Centina III was a prolific and acclaimed Filipino-American Roman Catholic poet known for his literary contributions in various languages, including English, Spanish, Hiligaynon, and Tagalog. He authored numerous poetry books, novels, and works of literary criticism that have been widely recognized and published internationally. His poetry was highly respected, and his works were included in educational textbooks in the Philippines. Centina received prestigious awards for his poetic achievements, showcasing his significant impact on the literary world even after his passing.