Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1922, Valeriano Hernandez, the pioneer novelist, remembered as the "Father of the Tagalog Novel," known for his acclaimed novel, "Nena at Neneng" (1905), died quietly at his home. (THREAD) #PH #history

Born on 12 December 1858 at San Jose, #Bulacan, Hernandez had a special love for Tagalog literature. When the Philippine Revolution against Spain broke out, while he did not actively participate, he assisted Marcelo Del Pilar in the pieces "Pagluha ng Matuwid," among others.

In the early years of the American colonial period, in 1900, Hernandez joined the editorial, "Ang Kaluwagan," which became "Kapatid ng Bayan," established by Pascual Poblete, known nationalist, playwright, and writer. It was on these pages where his pieces were published.

In 1903, at the age of 45, Hernandez married Victoria Laktaw, a lady 10 years younger than him. Victoria was a relative of Pedro Serrano Laktaw, the known author of the Spanish-Tagalog & Tagalog-Spanish dictionaries.

Hernandez suffered paralysis at the twilight of his years. Upon his death, his readership, friends and loved ones collected donations for his funeral and burial. Doña Rose Sevilla Alvero, directress of Instituto de Mujeres, known place for poetry & plays in Tagalog, called him...

"Alpha ng Nobelang Tagalog."

Photos:

- Portrait of Valeriano Hernandez, from the Presidential Museum and Library
- Portrait of Pascual Poblete, from philippinen-nachrichten.info
- Instituto de Mujeres school poster, from @JeromeAningINQ

@subselfie @jmnualla @tonitiemsin