Nicomedes Márquez Joaquín, known to the world as Nick Joaquin, was born on May 4, 1917, in Paco, Manila, Philippines. He was the son of Leocadio Joaquín, a colonel in the Philippine Revolutionary Army who fought against the Spanish colonizers, and Salomé Márquez, a teacher from Marinduque. Growing up in a devout Catholic household, Nick was deeply influenced by the traditions, rituals, and moral values of his family — elements that would later become central themes in his writings (National Commission for Culture and the Arts [NCCA], n.d.).
Nick Joaquin’s formal education began at Mandaluyong High School, but he left before graduating. Despite this, his thirst for knowledge never faded. He was a self-taught scholar who spent countless hours reading world literature, philosophy, and history. He immersed himself in the works of José Rizal, William Shakespeare, Gabriel García Márquez, James Joyce, and G.K. Chesterton, whose writings deeply influenced his literary style (Britannica, 2024).
Joaquin’s early exposure to Manila’s rich culture and colonial heritage also shaped his worldview. His neighborhood in Paco was filled with stories of Spanish churches, traditions, and the evolving life of Filipinos after colonization. This historical consciousness became a foundation of his writing (Tiempo et al., 2001).
Nick Joaquin’s literary career began when he published his first poem, “The Legend of the Dying Wanton,” in the pre-war magazine Graphic. However, his first major recognition came from his essay “La Naval de Manila” (1943), which won first prize in a contest sponsored by the Dominican fathers at the University of Santo Tomas. The essay celebrated Filipino faith and courage during the 1646 naval battle between the Spanish-Filipino forces and the Dutch — a theme that intertwined religion, heroism, and identity, which would later define his works (Cultural Center of the Philippines [CCP], 1994).
After World War II, Joaquin joined the Philippines Free Press, one of the country’s most respected magazines. He wrote both journalistic and creative pieces under the pseudonym “Quijano de Manila.” His journalistic essays stood out for their depth, vivid imagery, and philosophical insight — qualities rare in conventional journalism. Through his articles, Joaquin chronicled the changing face of Filipino society, tackling politics, culture, and human experience (NCCA, n.d.).
Major Works
Nick Joaquin’s literature is vast, covering novels, short stories, plays, and essays. Some of his most notable works include:
“The Woman Who Had Two Navels” (1961) – A novel that explores the fragmented identity of post-colonial Filipinos and the struggle to break free from historical and cultural domination (University of the Philippines Press, 2017).
“A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” (1952) – A classic play that reflects on art, family, and the decline of traditional values amid modernization (CCP, 1994).
“May Day Eve” – A short story that examines love, passion, and disillusionment through the lens of time and fate (Joaquin, 1952).
“Summer Solstice (Tatarin)” – A tale that celebrates feminine power and ancient Filipino rituals, contrasting them with Catholic conservatism (Tiempo et al., 2001).
“Cave and Shadows” (1983) – A novel that merges mystery with metaphysics, revealing Joaquin’s deep philosophical reflections on life and morality (NCCA, n.d.).
Themes and Style
Joaquin’s writing is deeply symbolic and reflective of the Filipino soul. He often blended history, mythology, and religion to explore the conflicts between tradition and modernity, faith and reason, and freedom and constraint (Tiempo et al., 2001).
His language was rich, poetic, and layered with imagery, often using English in a uniquely Filipino rhythm. He was known for reviving forgotten aspects of Philippine history, emphasizing the importance of cultural memory and identity (Britannica, 2024).
As a Catholic writer, he was fascinated by the coexistence of sin and sanctity in human life, and how colonial influences shaped Filipino spirituality and values. Many of his works reflect the moral struggles of individuals caught between old customs and new realities (NCCA, n.d.).
Career in Journalism
Aside from his literary achievements, Nick Joaquin had a long and distinguished career in journalism. Under his pen name Quijano de Manila, he wrote for Philippines Free Press, Asia-Philippines Leader, and other publications. His pieces were often long-form profiles of famous personalities, exploring not only their achievements but also their character and philosophy (CCP, 1994).
He believed journalism could be as artistic as fiction — that the story of a nation could be told through the stories of its people. His essays, written in elegant and lyrical prose, earned him admiration as one of the finest journalists in Philippine history (Tiempo et al., 2001).
Awards and Recognition
Nick Joaquin’s immense contribution to Philippine literature and journalism earned him numerous awards:
National Artist for Literature (1976) – The highest honor given to a Filipino artist (NCCA, n.d.).
Ramon Magsaysay Award for Literature, Journalism, and Creative Communication Arts (1996) – Regarded as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize (Britannica, 2024).
Several Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature – Recognizing his excellence in fiction and essay writing (Tiempo et al., 2001).
Later Years and Legacy
Even in his later years, Joaquin continued to write and mentor young writers. He was known for his humility and simplicity, preferring the company of friends, books, and his favorite drink — beer. Despite his fame, he avoided politics and lived quietly in his home in San Juan, Manila (NCCA, n.d.).
Nick Joaquin passed away on April 29, 2004, just a few days before his 87th birthday. His death was a great loss to Philippine literature, but his legacy continues to live on. His works are studied in schools and universities, inspiring generations of writers to explore their identity, history, and culture (CCP, 1994).
Through his stories, plays, and essays, Joaquin preserved the Filipino spirit — proud of its past, conscious of its struggles, and hopeful for its future. He remains a towering figure in Philippine letters, celebrated for capturing the complexity and beauty of the Filipino soul (Britannica, 2024).
References:
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2024). Nick Joaquin. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nick-Joaquin
Cultural Center of the Philippines. (1994). CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Vol. 6: Literature. Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Joaquin, N. (1952). Prose and Poems. Bookmark, Inc.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts. (n.d.). Nick Joaquin – National Artist for Literature. https://ncca.gov.ph
Tiempo, E. L., et al. (2001). Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology. Anvil Publishing.
University of the Philippines Press. (2017). The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic. UP Press.