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Alejandro Reyes Roces: A Biography

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19 views2 pages

Alejandro Reyes Roces: A Biography

Uploaded by

bossbaby07112000
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Alejandro Reyes Roces

Alejandro Roces was a Filipino author,


essayist, and dramatist. He was better
known for his humorous short stories in
English.

Background
Roces was born on July 13, 1924, in
Manila, Philippines; the son of Rafael
Gonzalez Roces and Inocencia Batista
(Reyes) Roces.

Education
Roces attended elementary and high
school at the Ateneo de Manila
University. He received a Bachelor of
Fine Arts degree from Arizona State
University. He was given a Master of
Arts degree from the Far Eastern
University. Also Alejandro was given an
honorary doctorates from Tokyo
University, Baguio's St. Louis University,
Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University.

Career
Roces began his career as a dean at the Institute of Arts and Sciences of the Far
Eastern University in 1955 and held it for seven years. Also he was a captain in
the Marking’s Guerilla during World War II and a columnist in Philippine dailies,
including "Manila Chronicle" and "Manila Times".

He served as a secretary at the Department of Education from 1961 to 1965. In


2001, Roces was appointed chairman of the Movie and Television Review and
Classification Board, where he served until 2002. In addition, he published
books, including "Of Cocks and Kites", 1959, "Fiesta", 1980 and "Something to
Crow About", 2005.
Achievements
Roces was known for his changing the date of Philippine Independence Day from
July 4 to June 12. He also recovered the stolen original manuscripts of Noli Me
Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and Mi último Adiós. In addition, Alejandro changed
the language used in Philippine passports, coins, bills, and diplomas to Wikang
Pambansa.

His story "My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken" was listed as Martha Foley’s Best
American Stories among the most distinctive for years 1948 and 1951.
Alejandro`s book "Something to Crow About" won the Aliw Award for Best
Musical and Best Director for a Musical Production.

Views
"You cannot be a great writer; first, you have to be a good person."

Connections
On June 25, 1950, Alejandro Roces married Irene Yorston Viola.
They have a daughter.
Father: Rafael Gonzalez Roces
Mother: Inocencia Batista (Reyes) Roces
Spouse: Irene Yorston Viola
child: Elizabeth Roces

Interests
Reading, writing, walking, weightlifting

Source: [Link]

Common questions

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Alejandro Roces's belief that moral character underpins great writing is reflected in his works, which are infused with humor and cultural insight, demonstrating respect and affection for the Filipino people. His ethical perspective might be a driving force in producing stories that not only entertain but also reflect societal values and identity. This philosophy contributes to the enduring relevance and acknowledgment of his stories .

Alejandro Roces served as a captain in Marking’s Guerrilla during World War II, which could have instilled in him a sense of patriotism and leadership that influenced his later pursuits in promoting national identity and cultural preservation as a government official. His experience in the resistance may have shaped his determination to recover national treasures and influence the recognition of Philippine independence .

Alejandro Roces influenced Philippine national symbols and language by changing the language used in national elements like passports, coins, bills, and diplomas to 'Wikang Pambansa.' He aimed to promote national identity and pride. This action demonstrated his commitment to cultural nationalism and linguistic unity in the Philippines .

Alejandro Roces's literary works and government roles synergistically shaped Filipino identity by promoting a cohesive cultural narrative and heritage. His stories celebrated local lore, while his policies safeguarded and elevated national symbols, reinforcing a sense of historical and cultural identity. These dual contributions nurtured both the artistic and administrative landscapes in the Philippines, fostering a unified cultural consciousness .

Alejandro Roces received recognition and awards, such as the Aliw Award for Best Musical and Best Director, due to his impactful storytelling and ability to infuse culture and humor into his works. His commitment to preserving Filipino traditions and identity through literature and his recovery of national literary treasures highlighted his dedication to cultural advocacy, earning him acclaim in both cultural and literary fields .

As a government official, Alejandro Roces’s major achievements included changing the date of Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, which was a significant move to assert national identity. He also played a pivotal role in recovering the original manuscripts of important literary works such as Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and Mi último Adiós, safeguarding national heritage .

Alejandro Roces significantly contributed to Philippine literature and culture through his humorous short stories and recovery of key literary manuscripts, like Noli Me Tangere. His writing not only celebrates Filipino life and traditions but also reinforces cultural identity. By holding leadership positions in education and media, he influenced cultural policies and public consciousness, making significant impacts that continue to resonate .

Roces's philosophy that one must be good to be great is evident in his cultural preservation efforts and policy-making. His moral commitment to preserving national identity led to the recovery of vital manuscripts and the change of Independence Day, reflecting his dedication to cultural integrity. This blending of personal ethos and professional duty highlights a coherent approach to cultural advocacy .

Alejandro Roces’s educational background provided a diverse foundation for his career. His education at Ateneo de Manila University likely influenced his initial engagement in academics as a dean at the Far Eastern University. The Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts from Far Eastern University would have refined his skills in arts and literature, enabling him to produce acclaimed works. Honorary doctorates recognized his contributions to literature and culture .

Alejandro Roces’s work as a dean and an educational leader positioned him to influence cultural norms by integrating nationalist ideals into academia. His actions in government, such as altering national symbols to reflect 'Wikang Pambansa,' reveal an initiative to instill pride and unity within the educational system and society, thereby integrating cultural awareness with education .

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