Publicity poster for a theatrical version of Nick Joaquin's May Day Eve
The literary works of National Artist Nick Joaquin (1917-2004) are considered to be the best in the canon of Philippine literature in English. A journalist and historian, Joaquin was known for his plays, short stories, essays and novels, although he also wrote poetry, practiced journalism and served in a number of cultural posts as reviewer, art critic and consultant.
Among his most widely published works are the The Summer Solstice (short story), May Day Eve (short story), The Woman With Two Navels (historical novel), A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (play) and Cave & Shadows (metaphysical thriller), to name a few. Joaquin’s works are translated in many languages and he was one of the few Filipino writers published by major publishing houses in the US and Europe.
Joaquin also wrote using the pen name Quijano de Manila. Known for his vitriolic humor and acidic criticism, Joaquin was nevertheless loved by both the Philippine literati and artistic circles for his prolific pen, masterful language and writings that illuminate or examine the Filipino psyche and experience if not the human condition.
Long live Philippine literature!
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