Amado V. Hernandez
National Artist for Literature (1973)
(September 13, 1903 – May 24, 1970)
Amado Vera Hernandez was born on September 13, 1903 in Hagonoy, Bulacan, but grew up in Tondo, Manila, where he attended Manila High School and the American Correspondence School. He honed his poetic abilities while working as a reporter, columnist, and editor for a number of newspapers and magazines, including Watawat, Mabuhay, Pilipino, Makabayan, and Sampaguita. He received the Republic Cultural Heritage Recognition, a number of Palancas, and a National Press Club award for his journalistic achievements. He was married to Honorata "Atang" dela Rama, a zarzuela actress and kundiman queen.
After WWII, he became a member of the Philippine Newspaper Guild, and his articles became increasingly concerned with the plight of peasants and laborers. Influenced by Hobbes and Locke's beliefs, he championed revolution as a means of transformation. In 1947, he was chosen President of the Congress of Labor Organization. (CLO). His activity and writings placed him in jail from 1951 until 1956. Even when imprisoned, he was a leader and an artist, managing educational projects and putting on musical performances, plays, and poetry readings. During his incarceration, he wrote Mga Ibong Mandaragit, one of his masterpieces (Predatory Birds).
Ka Amado died on 24 March 1970 in the wake of the First Quarter Storm, whose leaders and activists recited his words. He left a legacy that includes Isang Dipang Langit (An Arm-Stretch of Sky), Kung Tuyo na ang Luha Mo, Aking Bayan (When Your Tears Have Dried, My Country), Panata sa Kalayaan (Pledge to Freedom), and the novel Luha ng Buwaya (Crocodile Tears).
WORKS
Published year: 1969
Published year: 1962
Published year: 1996
Published year: 1961