Tales of the dark days

As we approach the 46th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on Sept. 23, 1972 (not Sept. 21 as was promoted during the time and which many people still believe — that was part of the dictator’s fetish with the number “7”), here is a listing of books on Martial Law, the Marcos dictatorship, and the people who struggled against it. The books are different takes by different authors, from the 1970s to the present, published in the Philippines and elsewhere, for readers of all ages. (Year indicated is for the first publication. Book covers may be other than the first edition.)

FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS, ILLUSTRATED

• 12:01 (2016) by Russell Molina, illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo This graphic novel is set in one of the darkest chapters of modern Philippine history. A minute after midnight mean it’s a minute past the midnight curfew that was enforced during Martial Law and that’s where four teenagers find themselves after being stranded when their ride breaks down. • Isang Harding Papel (2014) by Augie Rivera, illustrated by Rommel Joson Filipino Readers’ Choice Award for Children’s Picture Book (3rd place) 2015 It is Martial Law and Jenny is separated from her mother who is in prison for protesting the regime. Jenny visits her once a week, and her mother gives her a paper flower. Until when will she grow her paper garden? • Ito ang Diktatura and Mga Uring Panlipunan (2017) by Equipo Plantel, illustrated by Mikel Casal and Joan Fernàndez Negrescolor These children’s books tackle dictatorship and social injustice, explained in everyday Filipino. The slim volumes never resort to pandering or lecturing to their intended reader. The source material, which is part of a four-book series, was published between 1978 and 1979 in Barcelona, Spain, at a time when it was transitioning from the effects of the dictator Francisco Franco’s regime and transitioning towards a more stable democracy. • Martial Law Babies (2008) by Arnold Arre In this graphic novel Arnold Arre (author of The Mythology Class) explores the lives of children who grew up knowing only Marcos and his New Society, following them into adulthood after the martial law years. • Si Jhun-Jhun, Noong Bago Ideklara ang Batas Militar (2001) by Augie Rivera, illustrated by Brian Vallesteros This children’s book is meant to explain martial law to children. The main character, Jhun-jhun, wonders what is happening to his older brother and gets a frightening answer.

FICTION / NOVELS

• Awaiting Trespass (1985) by Linda TyCasper A portrait of the Marcos’s period as well as a sophisticated comedy of the bourgeois manners in Manila society, according to Goodreads. • Bamboo in the Wind (1990) by Azucena Grajo Uranza; Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Novel in English A senator, a young nationalist, a dispossessed farmer, a radical activist, a convent school girl, a Jesuit scholastic desperately try to prevent the coming of Martial Law in 1972. • Cave and Shadows (1983) by Nick Joaquin A Martial Law era “metaphysical” thriller written by the National Artist for Literature. The whodunit is set in motion by a mysterious death, and intersperses historical fact with fiction. • Dekada ’70 (1984) by Lualhati Bautista; Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Nobela, Grand Prize (1983) Parents deal with raising their five teenage sons through Martial Law. The book was turned into a film by Chito Roño in 2002, and into a theater musical this year. • Desaparesidos (2006) by Lualhati Bautista; Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards (2006) A novel by the award-winning writer, it tells the story of a mother’s search for her missing child after a military encounter. With an introduction by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera Bien. • Dogeaters (1990) by Jessica Hagedorn; American Book Award (1991), National Book Award Finalist for Fiction (1990) A fictional portrayal of Manila in the heyday of Marcos’s Martial Law. In the center of this tale is Rio, a feisty schoolgirl who will grow up to live in America and look back with longing on the land of her youth. Hagedorn adapted her book into a play in 1997. • Eating Fire and Drinking Water by Arlene J. Chai A reporter learns more than she expects when she rushes into a burning street after a deadly student demonstration. • An Embarrassment of Riches (2000) by Charlson Ong; Centennial Literary Prize A satire of Philippine politics and cults of personality. • Empire of Memory (1992) by Eric Gamalinda, edited by Ricardo M. de Ungria Two friends are hired by Marcos to rewrite Philippine history to make it appear that Marcos was destined to rule the country in perpetuity. • Great Philippine Jungle Energy Café (1998) by Alfred A. Yuson In the novel, the Revolution of 1896, the demonstrations against Marcos in the 1980s, and banditry in the boondocks in the days of the Guardia Civil happen side by side. • The Jupiter Effect: A Novel (2006) by Katrina P. Tuvera; Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel in a Foreign Language (2007) The story of two Martial-Law babies who underwent political initiation during the Marcos years. • Killing Time in a Warm Place (1992) by José Y. Dalisay Jr; NBDB National Book Award for Fiction (1992) A fictionalization of Dalisay’s experiences as a student activist and writer during the martial law years, it follows a young man whose bucolic like in a village is changed with the arrival of Martial Law. • Mass: A Novel (1973) by F. Sionil Jose; Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for English Novel, Grand Prize (1981) A historical and political novel written by the National Artist F. Sionil José, it looks at life during the years before and after Martial Law, discussing a failed uprising and how one character goes home to rebuild his life. • Twice Blessed (1992) by Ninotchka Rosca; American Book Award (1993) Twins engage in Philippine politics, with their rise marked by catastrophes — to themselves, to the people around them, and to the nation they aspire to dominate.

NONFICTION

• Armando J. Malay, A Guardian of Memory: The Life and Times of a Filipino Journalist and Activist (2002) by Marites N. Sison and Yvonne T. Chua

Journalists Sison and Chua help Filipinos tackle the three roles Malay has played — journalist, educator, activist — in the country’s history through this book along with other aspects — family man, coworker, friend — to bring out his human side. • Assassinations and Conspiracies: From Rajah Humabon to Imelda Marcos (2003) by Manuel F. Martinez A look into the details that led to the deaths of some heroes, as well as heretofore unpublished details of assassination attempts against former Philippine presidents. • Beyond Disappearance: Chronicles of Courage (2006) published by Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), edited by Silverio G. Sevilla, Jr. with Louie Crismo, Phebe Gamata Crismo, Estelita del Rosario, Bonifacio Parabuac Ilagan, Benito E. Molino MD, Raquel Paca-Santos, Celia Sevilla, and Nicolas Amado Tayag

A record of some Filipino desaparecidos who were among the brightest minds and spirits of an era. • Closer than Brothers : Manhood at

the Philippine Military Academy (1999) by Alfred W. McCoy

Through a comparison of two generations of graduates from the Philippine Military Academy — the classes of 1940 and 1971 — the author finds fundamental differences in their academic socialization and subsequent ascent to power. • The Conjugal Dictatorship of

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos (1976) by Primitivo Mijares

An insider, Mijares wrote this controversial book detailing the abuses and corruption of the Marcos regime. Mijares subsequently disappeared and a year later his younger son was found dead, having been brutally tortured. In reaction to the resurgence of the Marcos family, Mijares’ heirs released it in 2016 as a free e-book download from the Ateneo de Manila Rizal Library, and in February 2017, a revised and annotated reprint was released by his grandson. • Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage: The First Quarter Storm & Related

Events (1982) by Jose F. Lacaba A first-person account of the political awakening of the Filipino youth, it was published before the actual end of the Marcos era. Lacaba reports on the protests in the lead up to the declaration of Martial Law. • Development Debacle: The World Bank in the Philippines (1982) by Walden Bello, David Kinley, and Elaine Elinson

A landmark study of leaked World Bank documents published in 1982. • Down from the Hill : Ateneo de Manila in the First Ten Years of Martial Law (2002) by Cristina Jayme T. Montiel and Susan Evangelista

former The book students, contains faculty, vignettes administrators, from things professionals, that had been and whispered Jesuits on about of relevant on campus. documents Has an that appendix are often difficult • Fight to for access. the Filipino (2008) by Teofisto The memoirs Guingona, of Jr. a politician with a front-row in the history seat of to the the Philippines. seminal events With a S. foreword Puno by Chief Justice Reynato • Law Filipino 1970-1987: Poetry Clenched and Martial Fists and Yellow Ribbons (2016) by Lilia Quindoza Santiago

The Marcos dictatorship produced a wealth of art and literature dedicated to dismantling an unjust social order. This book focuses on the poets. • I See Red in a Circle

(1972) by Ceres S.C. Alabado

About the student activist movement in Philippine Science High School. • Inside the Mass Movement: A

Political Memoir (2008) by Raul E. Segovia

Aparticipant and witness in the mass movement, Segovia shares his perspective on its history, direction and problems. • Inside the Palace : The Rise and Fall of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos

(1987) by Beth Day Romulo

An insider’s account of the Marcoses’ opulent lifestyle, the nature of their relationship, and why they were overthrown. • A Journey of Struggle & Hope: The Memoir of Jovito R. Salonga (2001) by Jovito Salonga

“A personal testament to a man’s search for meaning and purpose as a devout Christian and political leader.” – Corazon C. Aquino, President of the Philippines, 1986-1992 • Living and Dying: In Memory of 11 Ateneo de Manila Martial Law Activists

(2007) by Cristina Jayme Montiel

Memorializes the 11 young Ateneans: Ferdie Arceo, Bill Begg, Jun Celestial, Sonny Hizon, Edjop Jopson, Eman Lacaba, Dante Perez, Ditto Sarmiento, Lazzie Silva, Nick Solana, Manny Yap, who died during Martial Law. • Ang Mamatay nang Dahil sa ’yo: Heroes and Martyrs of the Filipino People in the Struggle Against Dictatorship 1972-1986 (Vol 1, 2015) by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation

A book about the heroes and martyrs of resistance against the dictatorship that ruled over the country between 1972 and 1986. • The Marcos Dynasty (1988) by Sterling Seagrave

The inside story behind the corruption of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos and the involvement of American business, organized crime, the CIA, the Pentagon and the White House.

• of Marcos Torture Martial and Atrocity Law: A Brief Under History the New In Society the foreword, (2016) Rene by Raissa Saguisag Robles writes: “Raissa’s magnum opus cites certain of the worst cases of Martial Law human rights abuses... Bongbong Marcos asks, what human rights violations during my parents’ watch? This edifying volume answers the foolish question. Learn more about terror of 1972-1986 from this magnum opus.” • Mondo Marcos : Writings on Martial Law and the Marcos Babies

(2010) edited by Frank Cimatu and Rolando Tolentino, photography by Andy Zapata

Some of the best Filipino writers recall their life under President Ferdinand Marcos. • Musika at Bagong Lipunan: Pagbuo ng Lipunang Filipino, 1972-1986

(2014) by Raul Casantusan Navarro

This examines how music was used as a powerful propaganda tool to advance the political agenda of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos during the Martial Law period. • A Nation for Our Children: Human Rights, Nationalism, Sovereignty: Selected Writings of Jose W. Diokno, by Jose W. Diokno, edited by Priscila Manalang

A collection of Jose W. Diokno’s speeches and articles tackling three major concerns — respect for human rights, nationalism, and Philippine sovereignty. • Not on Our Watch: We Were There

(2011), published by LEADS-CEGP 6972 Inc., edited by Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon

The true-to-life stories of 13 Filipino student journalists during the martial law years of the Marcos dictatorship, all of whom are now prominent individuals in Philippine society: Jaime FlorCruz, Manuel M. Dayrit, Diwa Guinigundo, Alfonso S. Mendoza, Soledad F. Juvida, and José Dalisay Jr, Jay Valencia Glorioso,

Jack Teotico, Victor H. Maranarang, Calixto Chikiamco, Roberto Verzola, Angie Castillo, and Vic A. Wenceslao. • O Susana!: Untold Stories of

Martial Law in Davao (2016), edited by Macario D. Tiu

Thirty-four former church and development organization workers wrote 45 essays, all of them having their own stories to tell. • The Philippine Press: Under

Siege, Vol. I (1984) and Vol. II (1985), published by the National Press Club & Committee to Protect Writers

Vol. 1 is a selection of articles by journalists — many of whom were charged with libel — written from 19811984,. Vol. 2 is selection of dangerous writings from 1980-1984 and includes articles that were banned from print. • Presidential Plunder: The Quest

for Marcos’ Ill-Gotten Wealth (2000) by Jovito R. Salonga; NBDB National Book Award

A detailed account of the history of Ferdinand Marcos’s ill-gotten wealth based on primary accounts and documents collated by Presidential Commission on Good Government. • Some Are Smarter than Others: The History of Marcos’ Crony Capitalism (1991) by Ricardo Manapat, edited by Larry Henares

This book documents in detail how state power was used to intervene in the economy during Marcos’s rule. • Subversive Lives: A Family Memoir of the Marcos Years (2012) by Susan Quimpo, Nathan Gilbert Quimpo, et al An oral history on how nine Quimpo siblings did their part to resist Martial Law. • Testament from a Prison Cell by Benigno Aquino, Jr.

Written in a prison cell by one of the first political opponents to be arrested and held in military detention after Marcos established his totalitarian regime. Presented here is Aquino’s

defense of his political views, his outline for an ideal society, and a family history of patriotism. • A Thousand Little Deaths: Growing Up Under Martial Law in the Philippines

(2013) by Vicky Pinpin-Feinstein

A year after Martial Law was declared, the author, then just 15 years old, was picked up by soldiers and sent to a military camp, becoming one of the thousands of political prisoners. After her release, she was required to report to camp, her probation lasting five years. She was never charged and was never told why she was arrested. • To Suffer Thy Comrades : How the Revolution Decimated its Own

(2001) by Robert Francis Garcia; NBDB National Book Award for Social Science (2001)

An account of one of the CPP-NPA internal anti-infiltration operations written by a former cadre. The book looks at the guerrilla headquarters and lives of those in the revolutionary movement during the Martial Law era, and the chaos and paranoia that later caused the group to implode. • The Untold Story of Imelda Marcos

(1988) by Carmen Pedrosa

How Imelda Romualdez-Marcos rose from being a destitute child to becoming the most powerful woman in the country. • Worth Dying For (1987) by Lewis M. Simons

A Pulitzer Prize-winner’s account of the events that took place from the time of Benigno Aquino’s assassination to the victory of Corazon Aquino and the flight of Ferdinand Marcos. Most of these books are available in university and institutional libraries, local bookstores, and online shops. Some are also in digital format freely available for downloading. With thanks to Tess Battad for the assistance in the collection of these titles.