Philippine Islands (US)
•
2 views
Nick Joaquin
Paco (Manila), Philippine Islands (US)
Archival Overview
Philippine writer, playwright, and journalist named National Artist for Literature, who explored the complex Spanish-Catholic and Filipino identity in The Woman Who Had Two Navels and A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.
Biographical Record
Nick Joaquin (1917–2004) entered a Dominican monastery in Hong Kong before leaving to pursue journalism under the pen name Quijano de Manila. His 1952 play 'A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino' mourned the destruction of Old Intramuros and traditional Hispanic-Filipino spiritual culture during the Battle of Manila.
In his 1961 novel 'The Woman Who Had Two Navels', Joaquin explored post-colonial identity through rich, baroque English prose. When honored with the National Artist award in 1976, he boldly leveraged his acceptance to demand the release of an imprisoned anti-Marcos journalist.
Key Life Milestones
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino
Published and staged his classic theatrical elegizing of Intramuros and historical identity.
National Artist of the Philippines
Conferred the highest national honor for literature, using the ceremony to defy martial law.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
0 messages recordedLeave a Respectful Tribute
Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialTaguig (Metro Manila), Philippines