It's difficult to provide a comprehensive list of *all* zarzuela writers in the Philippines, as many were anonymous or their works are lost to time. However, here are some notable figures and their contributions:
Pioneer and Early Writers:
* Severino Reyes (Lola Basyang): Considered the "Father of Philippine Zarzuela", Reyes was a prolific writer, actor, and director. He popularized the use of Tagalog in zarzuelas and penned many famous works like "Walang Sugat" and "Anak Dalita."
* Juan Abad: Known for his satirical and nationalistic zarzuelas like "Tanikalang Ginto" and "Florante at Laura."
* Hermogenes Ilagan: Wrote "Anak Dalita" and other successful works, known for his use of social commentary.
* Aurelio Tolentino: Author of "Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas," a zarzuela that directly challenged Spanish colonial rule.
* Alejandro Abadilla: Although known as a poet, he also wrote zarzuelas like "Anak ng Bayan" and "Ang Buhay ng Tao."
Later Writers:
* Alberto S. Florentino: Known for his modern zarzuelas like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "Amado V. Hernandez."
* Ricky Lee: A contemporary playwright, screenwriter, and director, he adapted several zarzuelas for television and stage.
* Jose Javier Reyes: A prolific screenwriter and playwright, he wrote the zarzuela "Noli Me Tangere."
* Lualhati Bautista: A novelist and screenwriter, she wrote the zarzuela "Dekada '70."
Other Notable Writers:
* Julian Cruz Balmaseda
* Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas)
* Pedro Paterno
* Jose Rizal (although not strictly zarzuela writers, their works influenced the genre)
Note: This list is not exhaustive and only includes some prominent figures. There are many other lesser-known but equally important zarzuela writers who contributed to the development of this art form in the Philippines.
Further Research:
For a more extensive list, you can explore online resources such as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) website, Philippine literary journals, and academic publications on zarzuela history and development.