1. The Heterogeneity of the Filipino Experience: The Philippines is an archipelago nation with diverse ethnicities, languages, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity creates a rich tapestry of literary expressions, making it challenging to identify a single unifying sensibility.
2. The Influence of Colonialism: The Philippines has been colonized by different powers (Spain, America, Japan), each leaving its mark on the country's literature. These influences create a complex blend of literary traditions, making it difficult to define a purely "Filipino" sensibility.
3. The Evolving Nature of Literature: Literature is a dynamic entity that constantly evolves. It reflects the changing social, political, and cultural landscape, making it difficult to pin down a static national sensibility.
4. The Individuality of Writers: Each writer brings their unique perspective, experiences, and artistic vision to their work. These individual differences make it challenging to generalize about a national literary sensibility.
5. The Lack of a Cohesive Literary Movement: Unlike some other nations, the Philippines does not have a single, dominant literary movement that defines its national sensibility. Filipino literature encompasses a wide range of styles, themes, and approaches.
6. The Absence of a Single "National Language": The Philippines has two official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. This linguistic duality adds another layer of complexity to defining a national literary sensibility.
Tinio argued that it is more meaningful to appreciate the diverse voices and perspectives within Filipino literature rather than seeking a single, unifying national sensibility. He believed that this diversity is the strength of Filipino literature, showcasing the richness and complexity of the Filipino experience.