Paz Marquez-Benitez’s doodle alludes to her famous work, “Dead Stars”
Google celebrates the life of legendary Filipina writer Paz Marquez-Benitez on her 129th birthday! A Google Doodle especially made for her is displayed today, March 3, 2023.
The Google Doodle features an illustration of Marquez-Benitez set against a field of shining stars, which is an allusion to her famous work, “Dead Stars.”
“Dead Stars” is touted as the first-ever modern short story in English from the Philippines. It tells the somber and melancholic love story of lawyer Alfredo Salazar and the young and charming Julia Salas. The short story is a deeper allegory critical of the American occupation and its effect on local culture and social norms.
Aside from being a famous author, Marquez-Benitez was a writing professor at the University of the Philippines. She retired in 1951. She also founded the Philippine Women’s University, which has advanced the cause of women’s education in the country.
Google Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke honors the contributions of Marquez-Benitez in Philippine literature.
He says, “Google Philippines is proud to honor an important figure in Philippine literature, Paz Marquez-Benitez. Our rich literary heritage would definitely not be the same today without Marquez-Benitez’s impactful contributions, not only with her creations, but also with her valuable mentorship of a long line of writers in the country.”
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