LOG on to the Google homepage today, March 3, and you’ll be greeted with the Doodle of a smiling woman on a dark purple background with twinkling stars.
It’s Google’s way of honoring the work and legacy of Filipina writer Paz Marquez Benitez on her 129th birthday.
Benitez is best known as the author of “Dead Stars,” which is considered the first modern Philippine short story penned in English.
The 1925 critically acclaimed work is required reading for many high school students.
It follows the story Alfredo Salazar, an engaged man who becomes attracted to Julia Salas, but fails to follow through on his feelings for her. He later reconnects with Julia, but finds that what they once shared was no longer there.
While it is a love story, it is also considered an allegory on American imperialism.
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Who is Paz Marquez Benitez?
Marquez-Benitez was a very accomplished Philippine writer who was born to a prominent family of teachers in Lucena in 1894.
At nine years old, she enrolled in high school and impressed many with her English prowess. She was part of the first generation of Filipinos who trained in the American educational system.
She was also among the first freshmen in the University of the Philippines, and graduated in 1912 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Later, she taught in UP. She became a mentor to the first generation of Filipino writers in English, who went on to pen their own distinguished works.
Her students included Bienvenido Santos, Manuel Arguilla, S.P. Lopez and National Artist Francisco Arcellana.
As such, her influence in Philippine literature endured.
Her legacy
Google noted that Márquez-Benítez was a strong proponent of preserving Philippine heritage and firmly supported independence, as reflected in her famous short story.
She also helped found the Philippine Women’s University and served as editor for the Philippine Educational Magazine and the Women’s Home Journal, the country’s first women’s magazine.
Fun, quirky images
Google Doodles are changes made to the Google logo to celebrate famous artists and pioneers, or to observe holidays and anniversaries.
