LIFE AND WORKS OF

ALEJANDRO ROCES
"We are the only race that can laugh at ourselves and make
others laugh with us." – Alejandro Roces

Cilicia Grace M. Malana

 Objectives
Identify the significant events in the life of Alejandro Roces.
Recognize his major literary works and contributions to
Philippine literature.
Understand the themes, style, and cultural relevance of his
writings.
Appreciate his influence on Philippine arts, education, and
national identity.
Reflect on the lasting legacy of Alejandro Roces as a National
Artist for Literature.
ALEJANDRO ROCES
National Artist for Literature
Alejandro Roces, is a short story writer and essayist and considered as the country’s best writer of
comic short stories. He is known for his widely anthologized “My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken.” In his
innumerable newspaper columns, he has always focused on the neglected aspects of the Filipino
cultural heritage. His works have been published in various international magazines and have
received national and international awards.
Ever the champion of Filipino culture, Roces brought to public attention to the aesthetics of the
country’s fiestas. He was instrumental in popularizing several local fiestas, notably, Moriones and Ati-
atihan. He personally led the campaign to change the country’s Independence Day from July 4 to
June 12, and caused the change of language from English to Filipino in the country’s stamps,
currency, and passports, and recovered Jose Rizal’s manuscripts when they were stolen from the
National Archives.
His unflinching love of country led him to become a guerilla during the Second World War, to defy
martial law and to found the major opposition party under the dictatorship. His works have been
published in various international magazines and received numerous national and international
awards, including several decorations from various governments.
 Early Life
born in Manila on 13 July 1924 of a prominent family
Parents: Rafael Filomeno Roces (journalist/publisher)
and Inocencia Reyes
Came from a family deeply involved in literature and the
arts
Older brother José “Pepe” Roces was active in media
and publishing
Childhood environment nurtured his love for reading and
storytelling
EDUCATION
Ateneo de Manila University – received his early
education and foundation in literature
University of Arizona (USA) – earned his Bachelor
of Arts, where he developed his passion for
writing
Far Eastern University – completed his Master of
Arts, further honing his literary skills
University of the Philippines – pursued advanced
studies, expanding his knowledge in Philippine
culture and arts
Career in Literature
Alejandro Roces was widely recognized as one of the Philippines’ greatest
short story writers, best known for his humorous and witty style. His works
often revolved around Filipino culture, highlighting traditions such as fiestas,
cockfighting, and the richness of rural life. Many of his stories were first
published in newspapers and magazines, where they quickly gained
popularity before being compiled into collections. Roces elevated humor
into a respected literary form, proving that comedy could carry depth and
cultural value. Through his writing, he celebrated national identity and
instilled pride in the everyday experiences of Filipinos.

The works of Alejandro Roces are characterized by humor, wit, and a deep celebration of
Filipino culture. He often drew inspiration from everyday life, highlighting rural traditions,
fiestas, and the unique quirks of Filipino society. Humor was not simply for entertainment in
his writing; it was a way of revealing truths about human behavior and national identity.
Roces also emphasized nationalism, using his stories to promote pride in being Filipino and
to preserve cultural practices through literature. His themes reflect the values, traditions,
and resilience of the Filipino people, presented in a way that is both lighthearted and
meaningful.
 Notable Works of Alejandro Roces
“We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers” – a humorous short story showing how Filipinos
handle drinking with wit and lightheartedness
“My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken” – his most famous story, centered on a
cockfighting dispute that humorously reflects Filipino culture and logic
“Of Cocks and Kings” (1959) – a collection of short stories focusing on fiestas and
cockfighting, showcasing the vibrancy of Filipino traditions
“Something to Crow About” (2005) – an essay collection that highlights the
richness of Philippine festivals and customs
Journalistic Writings – wrote regular newspaper columns blending satire, humor,
and cultural commentary, making literature accessible to the public
Contribution to Arts and Culture
Promoted Filipino Traditions – highlighted fiestas,
cockfighting, and folk practices in his stories as symbols of
national pride
Cultural Advocacy – encouraged Filipinos to embrace and
preserve their heritage through literature and journalism
Education and Culture – as Secretary of Education, he
supported programs that strengthened cultural awareness in
schools
Elevated Humor in Literature – proved that humor could be a
serious literary form reflecting Filipino values and identity
National and International Recognition – helped showcase the
richness of Philippine culture beyond the country
 Government Service
Alejandro Roces also served the country through government service, where
he played an important role in promoting education and culture. From 1961 to
1965, he was appointed as Secretary of Education under the administration of
President Diosdado Macapagal. During his term, he pushed for reforms that
emphasized the importance of cultural awareness and the inclusion of
Philippine traditions in education. Later, he also served as Chairman of the
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), where he
advocated for responsible media and the promotion of Filipino values through
film and television. His government service reflected his commitment to using
both education and the arts as tools to strengthen national identity and pride.
 Awards and Recognition
National Artist for Literature (2003) – the highest recognition for Filipino writers,
honoring his outstanding contributions to Philippine literature and culture
Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature – won multiple times for his short
stories, proving his mastery of the craft
Gawad CCP para sa Sining – recognized by the Cultural Center of the
Philippines for his role in promoting Filipino arts and heritage
TOFIL Award (The Outstanding Filipino) – acknowledged for his lifelong
dedication to literature and cultural advocacy
Other Literary Distinctions – received recognition both locally and internationally
for elevating humor and Filipino traditions in world literature
 Influence on Philippine Literature
Alejandro Roces greatly influenced Philippine literature by
elevating humor into a respected and meaningful literary form.
Through his witty stories and essays, he proved that humor could
be used not only to entertain but also to reflect Filipino values,
traditions, and national identity. His works preserved elements of
Filipino culture such as fiestas, cockfighting, and rural life by
presenting them in ways that were both lighthearted and thought
provoking. Roces inspired generations of writers to embrace
creativity, humor, and cultural pride in their works. By blending
laughter with lessons, he helped shape a distinct Filipino voice in
literature that continues to resonate today.
 Later Years
Active Writer – continued writing essays and columns even in his later years
Cultural Advocate – remained dedicated to promoting Philippine traditions and
values until the end of his life
“Greatest Filipino Humorist” – remembered for making humor a respected literary
form in the Philippines
Preserver of Culture – his works immortalized Filipino traditions such as fiestas and
cockfighting
Inspiration to Writers – encouraged future generations to use creativity and humor in
expressing national identity
National Pride – his recognition as a National Artist for Literature cemented his role
as a cultural icon of the Philippines
Final Years – passed away on May 23, 2011, at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich
literary and cultural legacy
REFERENCES:
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article=3204&context=phstudies
Supreme Court E-Library – Proclamation No. 387, declaring Alejandro R. Roces as National Artist for
Literature (2003) Judiciary eLibrary
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) — biographical profile of Alej. Roces, National
Artist, and his cultural advocacy efforts NCCA
Philippine Star — coverage of the National Artist conferment and Roces’s contributions, including his
works like Something to Crow About and Fiesta Philstar+1
Wikipedia – Alejandro Roces — for facts like education history, government service (Education
Secretary, MTRCB chair), birth–death dates, and literary roles Wikipedia
GMA News Online — reporting on Roces’s passing (May 23, 2011) and his legacy, including cultural
retrieval efforts (e.g., Rizal manuscripts) GMA Network
The Philippine Star (Philstar) — “Alejandro Roces, freedom fighter” article detailing his actions as
Education Secretary, cultural reforms (Independence Day change, language shifts, fiesta promotion),
and his stance against censorship
Thank You