Nick Joaquín
Nick Joaquín: A Life of Literary Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Nick Joaquín was born as Juan Manuel Maranan on December 26, 1917, in Manila, Philippine Islands. He is commonly known by his pen name, Nick Joaquín.
Birth and Death Dates
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December 26, 1917 – April 29, 2004
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Filipino author, playwright, and journalist
Early Life and Background
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Nick Joaquín was born into a middle-class family in the heart of Manila. His childhood was marked by cultural influences from both Spanish and American traditions. He developed an interest in writing at an early age, influenced by his mother's love for literature.
Joaquín's early life experiences would later shape his literary voice. He attended the University of Santo Tomas, where he began to develop his skills as a writer. During World War II, Joaquín joined the resistance movement against Japanese occupation and continued writing under pseudonyms.
Major Accomplishments
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As a writer, Nick Joaquín made significant contributions to Philippine literature:
He was one of the founders of the Manila Times, a newspaper that played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during the country's struggle for independence.
Joaquín wrote numerous short stories and novels, many of which dealt with themes of love, family, and social justice. His works explored the complexities of Filipino culture and society.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Nick Joaquín include:
"Preludes to Amihan", a collection of short stories that showcased his mastery of the craft.
"The Woman Who Burned Down Her Marriage", a novel that explored themes of love and relationships.
Impact and Legacy
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Nick Joaquín's literary legacy extends far beyond his own works:
He helped shape the landscape of Philippine literature, paving the way for future generations of writers.
His commitment to social justice through writing continues to inspire readers today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Joaquín is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful commentary on Filipino culture and society. His writings continue to resonate with readers due to their:
Unflinching portrayal of the human condition: Joaquín's works are known for their nuanced exploration of love, relationships, and social justice.
Influence on Philippine literature: He played a significant role in shaping the country's literary landscape.
Throughout his life, Nick Joaquín remained committed to his craft. His literary legacy continues to inspire readers today, making him one of the most beloved and respected figures in Philippine literature.
Quotes by Nick Joaquín
Nick Joaquín's insights on:
Love should have no alternatives; love should be the sole reason for loving; love should spring of itself.
I believe, do you know, we never stop being what we were, young. We don't shed the young self, we just put on other skins, one cover after another, but somewhere in us is still the self we were before we fell, before we started covering ourselves. And all the rest of our lives, we're trying to go back, we're looking for it, what we lost.
People who confuse social behavior with manners naturally think of it as something that can be donned and doffed, a fashion that can be copied. But social behavior is nerve and bone, not clothes, and is never just a copy, however derivative it may look.
The cinema is, after all, the most timid of the arts. It never sets trends, it merely reflects them. The harm has been done long before the movies set cameras on the scene. Warring teen-age gangs antedated Rebel Without A Cause , at least in the United States; and the most infamous teen-age killer in Philippine history operated during the liberation times, long before James Dean was heard of.
If your hands were not clean, your good actions had grimmer and more relentless consequences than your sins.
Tolerance means to have the heart open to all differences; it is the honorable attitude of receiving another's opinion in order to appreciate it; it is the generous willingness to reach an agreement for the common good. Tolerance is the most precious virtue of democracy.
BUT, alas, the heart forgets; the heart is distracted; and Maytime passes; summer ends; the storms break over the rot-ripe orchards and the heart grows old; while the hours, the days, the months, and the years pile up and pile up, till the mind becomes too crowded, too confused: dust gathers in it; cobwebs multiply; the walls darken and fall into ruin and decay; the memory perishes...
Environment is what you make it and destiny is how you react to your environment: whether you try to overcome it or just resign yourself to it.
