The use of native languages as the primary medium of literary expression rather than foreign languages characterizes the Filipino literary present period. The modern era began in the 1960s, but it really took off once the martial-law regime ended in 1986. Since then, the country has had several changes in leadership, and its democracy has been repeatedly tested by protests and elections. Nowadays, the Philippines is a middle-income country with an economy that depends heavily on exports of mining products, oil, and food. It also receives significant aid from abroad, especially from Japan and the United States. In literature, poetry is most often associated with classicism, while novels are typical of realism. However, many novelists write both types of work, and many poets write essays as well as poems. Currently, the Philippine literature scene is very active and includes writers in various genres including historical fiction, literary criticism, memoirs, science fiction, fantasy, horror, young adult literature, and playwriting. A notable figure of the early modern period is José Rizal, who is considered the father of the nation of the Philippines. Rizal was born in the city of Laguna in the province of Laguna in 1861. He went to school in Spain for only a year before returning to the Philippines.