Zoilo Mercado Galang (July 27, 1895 – 1959) was a Filipino writer from Pampanga. He is credited as one of the pioneering Filipino writers who worked with the English language 

Galang was born on July 27, 1895 in the town of Bacolor, Pampanga to Santiago Galang and Vicenta Mercado during the later years of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines and was influenced by both Spanish and American culture in his youth.  

He finished studies at the Pampanga High School. Galang also pursued studies to pursue a career as a lawyer but there are no records to indicate if he did finish his law studies 

He also took up special courses at the University of the Philippines in 1925, then went to Columbia University for further studies. 

He is known for being responsible for the first publication of several Philippine works in English: A Child of Sorrow (1921) – first Philippine novel in English. Tales of the Philippines (1921) – first volume of Philippine legends and folk tales written in English.

A Child of Sorrow is considered as the first ever English-language novel written by a homegrown Filipino writer. The book was written by Zoilo Mercado Galang (1895-1959), a writer hailing from the province of Pampanga. He published the book in 1921.

About:

The novel is the depiction of the life of Lucio Soliman- the main male protagonist. He went to Merry Town for a vacation with his friend Camilo. It is said to be governed by a corrupt governor, Governor Pancho Ismael. There, he met Rosa- the prettiest woman in that town. Rosa was said to have no father but inspite of that, Lucio fell deeply in love with her. And so did she.

During the time Galang wrote this novel, American government only appoint those they think are qualified to rule the town. This was depicted in his novel wherein Pancho Ismael, the ill-mannered governor was elected only because he threatened the workers in his land.   

It was also believed that Governor Ismael is Governor Honorio Ventura in real life who ruled Pampanga from 1916 to 1922.

This novel mirrored not only what was happening in the past but it also help us understand  what had inspired Galang to write such beautiful piece of art.