What is the biography of Manuel Arguilla?

Manuel Arguilla y Josón (June 17, 1911–August 30, 1944), known simply as Manuel Arguilla, was a Filipino writer and journalist. He is considered as one of the most important Filipino writers in the English language, and is known for his short stories which depicted Philippine rural life in the early 20th century. He is best known for his stories "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" (1934) and "The Long Vacation" (1934), which are considered classics of Philippine literature and are widely included in anthologies of Philippine short stories.

Biography:

- Birth and Early Life: Manuel Arguilla was born on June 17, 1911 in Bauang, La Union, Philippines. His father, Crisanto Arguilla, was a municipal president and a successful businessman, while his mother, Magdalena Joson, was a housewife and an active member of the community. Arguilla was the eldest of five children, and he grew up in a loving and supportive environment.

- Education: Arguilla received his early education in Bauang, and later attended the University of the Philippines in Manila. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1932, and went on to become an instructor in English at the university.

- Literary Career: Arguilla's literary career began while he was still a student at the University of the Philippines. He wrote short stories and poems for the Philippine Collegian, the university's student publication, and won several literary awards. In 1934, he published his first collection of short stories, titled "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife and Other Stories." The book was critically acclaimed and established Arguilla as a major literary figure in the Philippines.

- Journalism and Activism: In addition to his literary work, Arguilla was also a journalist and an activist. He worked as a reporter for The Philippine Free Press, one of the leading newspapers in the Philippines at the time. He also became involved in the labor movement, and wrote articles advocating for the rights of workers.

- Death: Arguilla was arrested and imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II for his involvement in the anti-Japanese resistance movement. He was executed on August 30, 1944, at the age of 33. His untimely death cut short a promising literary career, and he remains one of the most highly regarded writers in Philippine literature.

Legacy:

Manuel Arguilla's works continue to be studied and appreciated by students, scholars, and literary enthusiasts alike. He is considered one of the pioneers of Philippine literature in English, and his short stories are widely regarded as some of the best in Filipino literature. His works have been translated into several languages, and have had a significant impact on Philippine literary culture. Arguilla's legacy is one of literary excellence, social consciousness, and a deep sense of patriotism.