Jose Garcia Villa

Jose Garcia Villa: The doveglion of Philippine Literature  When we talk about Philippine literature, one of the names that always shines brightly is Jose Garcia Villa. Known as the “Doveglion” — a combination of dove, eagle, and lion — Villa was a Filipino poet, literary critic, and short story writer who brought Philippine writing to the international stage. His works were not only celebrated in the Philippines but also recognized in the United States and beyond. Born on August 5, 1908, in Manila, Villa displayed his talent for writing early on. He first studied medicine and law but later shifted to literature, a decision that would shape his legacy. His early writings already showed originality and daring, qualities that would become his trademark as a writer. Villa became famous for his unique style, particularly his “comma poems,” where he used commas to slow down the reading and give emphasis to every word. This innovation was both praised and criticized, but it definitely pr...