THREE STORIES FROM MANUEL GUERRERO’S PROSA LITERARIA: “THE GOLD TREE”, “ANTAMOK”, AND “SIANING”

Abstract

The English translations presented here attempt to preserve and make more accessible three literary pieces originally written in Spanish by Filipino writer Manuel Guerrero (1877-1919): Ël arbol de oro”, that is, “The Gold Tree”, “Antamok” and “Sianing.” These three stories are considered his best. Included in the collection Prosa Literaria (1921), they are almost impossible to find and will most likely become even more so as time goes by. And yet, Manuel Guerrero, who also earned a name for himself as a medical doctor, must be made known and appreciated by more scholars throughout the world because he was one of the best writers of the “The Golden Age of Fil-Hispanic Literature” (1903-1942). A journalist early in life, he contributed to such newspapers as La Republica Filipina (1898-1899), La Independencia (1898-1900), and La Patria (1899-1900). He also penned articles and sketches on Philippine customs, folkways and legends which led to his making a mark on Philippine literature in Spanish. His writings are a significant part of our Fil-Hispanic literary heritage, and our cultural patrimony. It would be a great loss if we were to set these aside completely.