Elites and Ilustrados in Philippine Culture

This book examines how Filipino literature has intervened in the intellectual and popular debates on the historical origins, ascendancy, power, and legitimacy of the elites. Writers like Jose Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Ninotchka Rosca, Miguel Syjuco, and Ramon Guillermo are unsparing in their criticism of elite authorship of the Philippines' past and present woes while seeking to recuperate the critical stance represented by the ilustrado. The book highlights a number of figures―the "middle sector" or "middle element" in Manila and other urban areas, Manila men and musicians, overseas Filipino workers, intellectuals, and Fil-foreigners―whose emergence as social forces points to the ongoing redefinition of the elites and the transformation of Philippine society, politics, and economy. Preface Introduction: “Patria e Intereses” Chapter 1: Who are the “Elites”? Chapter 2: Portraits of the Elites as Filipinos Chapter 3: The Misadventures of Ilustrado Nationalism Chapter 4: Ilustrados and OFWs Chapter 5: People's Power, Crony Capitalism, and the (Anti-)Developmental State Chapter 6: Transnational Elite Alliances Chapter 7: Overseas Filipino Intellectuals and Fil-Foreigners Epilogue Notes Works Cited Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z