Media

Books

Filipino literature is a mix of Indian sagas, folktales, and traces of Western influence. Classical books are written in Spanish as well as in Tagalog, to this day most of Filipino literature is written in English. The Philippines thus is a Multi-cultural country with its roots stretching from Asia to Europe and to the Americas. History, Documentary

• Red Revolution by Gregg R. Jones (ISBN 0813306442) - Documentary about the guerrilla movement; New People's Army (NPA), in the Philippines.

• In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines by Stanley Karnow (ISBN 0345328167) - Shares the story of European and American colonization in the archipelago as well as the restoration of democracy after the overthrew of Marcos.

Literature

• Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

• El Filibusterismo by Jose Rizal

• Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista (ISBN 9711790238) - A story about a middle class Filipino family that struggled to fight with other Filipinos during the martial law during the time of Marcos.

• The Day the Dancers Came by Bienvenido Santos

Cinema and music

The Filipino film industry is suffering because of its main rival; the Western film industry, since the 21st century every year only 40 films are produced down from 200-300 films a year in the 1990s. Western culture has also permeated the music industry in the Philippines. Many songs are in English. American Rock-n-Roll and, recently, rap and hip-hop are heard and performed. Traditional Filipino songs such as Kundiman (nostalgic/poetic songs) are still held dearly by the population but is, unfortuantely, slowly losing influence among the younger generations. Award winning films done by Filipino directors. The Filipino Film industry was booming the earlier days with over 200 movies per year produced and made but prior to the arrival of Western films, the Film industry collapsed in the 1990s but by the 21st century, successful attempts in reviving the independent Film industry were done. Filipino movies face fierce competition with western movies to this date.

Film

• Ricky Lee - Himala(1982) —

• Mike De Leon - Sister Stella L.(1984) — Movie about a nun's fight against the oppression and political injustice of the government.

• Metro Manila Film Festival — Held annually during the Christmas season showcases local works of Filipino directors.

• Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Festival

• Cinemanila International Film Festival

Fancy horror movies? Just like its neighbouring countries the Filipinos enjoy watching horror and thriller movies.

• Chito Roño - Feng Shui(2004) — is a big hit in Asia, the movie is about a married woman named Joy who discovers a Ba Gua; a mirror used in Chinese Geomancy, Feng Shui. She then discovers she becomes lucky but also that every lucky in return is death to people who had seen their faces in the mirror.

• Yam Laranas - Sigaw(2004) — is another big hit too, its popularity led it to an American Remake; The Echo(2009). A movie about a guy who moves to an apartment who then hears noises and discovers things which other can't see nor hear.

• By Various Directors - Shake, Rattle & Roll (Film Series) — have over more than 10 volumes from the late 1980s to this day, its format is somewhat like a TV-series if seen in a modern American TV set. It is premiered in the Metro Manila Film Festival where it competes with other local movies.

Music

• Freddie Aguilar - Anak; had been translated to many languages and topped the billboard charts because of its popularity not only to Filipinos but to the whole world, the song is about a boy who was loved by his parents so much but as he grows old he disrespects them but as the song ends the boy comes back to his parents' arms after realizing all his mistakes, most of the listeners relate to the song and some have emotional breakdowns probably by relating to the song. It has an English version, this song shows the Filipino parents that even though you have mistakes they are always there to forgive and help you.

• Hotdogs - Manila is a popular song in the 80s, it is about a man missing the bustling streets of Manila as well as its food, people and noise.