Pre-Spanish Period

Historical Background

Long before the Spaniard and other foreigners landed on Philippine shores, our forefathers already
had their own literature stamped in the history of our race.

Our ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in everyday life as trace in our folk stories,
old plays and short stories.

Our ancestors also had their own alphabet which was different from that brought by the Spaniards.
The first alphabet used by our ancestors was similar to that of the Malayo-Polynesian alphabet.
Whatever record our ancestors left were either burned by the Spanish friars in the belief that they were
works of the devil or were written on materials that easily perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves
and bamboo cylinders which could not have remained undestroyed even if efforts were made to
preserve them.

Other records that remained showed folk songs that proved existence of a native culture truly our
own. Some of these were passed on by word of mouth till they reached the hands of some publishers or
printers who took interest in printing the manuscripts of the ancient Filipinos. The Spaniards who came
to the Philippines tried to prove that our ancestors were really fond of poetry, songs, stories, riddles and
proverbs which we still enjoy today and which serve to show to generations the true culture of our
people.

Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by

A. LEGENDS. Legends are a form of prose the common theme of which is about the origin of a thing,
place, location or name.

The events are imaginary, devoid of truth and unbelievable. Old Filipino customs are reflected in
these legends. Its aim is to entertain. Here is an example of a legend is THE LEGEND OF THE TAGALOGS

B. FOLK TALES. Folk tales are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror and humor where
one can derive lessons about life.

These are useful to us because they help us appreciate our environment, evaluate our personalities
and improve our perspectives in life. An example of this is THE MOON AND THE SUN.

C. THE EPIC AGE. Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events,
usually of a hero, are dealt with at length. Nobody can determine which epics are the oldest because in
their translations from other languages, even in English and Spanish. We can only determine their
origins from the time mentioned in the said epics. Aside from the aforementioned epics, there are
still other epics that can be read and studied like the following epics.

 Bidasari-Moro epic  Hari sa Bukid-Visayan epic

 Biag ni Lam-ang-Ilokano epic  Kumintang-Tagalog epic
 Maragtas-Visayan epic  Parang Sabir-Moro epic
 Haraya-Visayan epic  “Dagoy”at “Sudsod”-Tagbanua epic
 Lagda-Visayan epic  Tatuaang-Bagobo epic
  Indarapatra at Sulayman l. Bantugan  Daramoke-A-Babay –Moro epic in
“Darangan”

D. FOLK SONGS. Folk songs are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that emerged in the pre-
Spanish period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture.

Many of these have 12 syllables. Here are the examples:

 Kundiman  Diana
 Kumintang o Tagumpay c. Ang Dalit o  Soliraning
Imno  Talindaw
 Ang Oyayi o Hele
OTHER FORMS OF PRE-SPANISH POETRY

E. Epigrams, Riddles, Chants, Maxims, Proverbs or Sayings

1. Epigrams (Salawikain). These have been customarily used and served as laws or rules on good
behavior by our ancestors. To others, these are like allegories or parables that impart lessons for
the young. 2. Riddles (Bugtong) or Palaisipan. These are made up of one or more measured lines
with rhyme and may consist of four to 12 syllables.
2. Chant (Bulong). Used in witchcraft or enchantment.
3. Maxims. Some are rhyming couplets with verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line having the same
number of syllables.
4. Sayings (Kasabihan). Often used in teasing or to comment on a person’s actuations.
5. Sawikain (Sayings with no hidden meanings)

Spanish Period

Historical Background

It is an accepted belief that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565 during the time
of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the Philippines. Literature started to
flourish during his time. This spurt continued unabated until the Cavite Revolt in 1872. The Spaniards
colonized the Philippines for more than three centuries.

During these times, many changes occurred in the lives of Filipinos. They embraced the Catholic
religion, changed their names, and were baptized. Their lifestyles changed too. They built houses mad of
stones and bricks, used beautiful furniture like the piano and used kitchen utensils. Carriages, trains and
boats were used as means of travel. They held fiestas to honor the saints, the pope and the governors.
They had cockfights, horse races and the theater as means of recreation.

This gave rise to the formation of the different classes of society like the rich and the landlords. Some
Filipinos finished courses like medicine, law, agriculture and teaching. Many Filipinos finished their
schooling already had been established.

A. SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Due to the long period of colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards, they have exerted a strong
influence on our literature.
1. The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.

2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.

3. The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent many of its words to
our language.

4. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-
moros.

5. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.

6. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan

7. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.

B. THE FIRST BOOKS

1. ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE). This was the first book printed in the
Philippines in 1593 in xylography. It was written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr. Domingo Nieva, in
Tagalog and Spanish. It contained the Pater Noster (Out Father), Ave Maria (Hail Mary), Regina Coeli
(Hail Holy Queen), the Ten Commandments of God, the Commandments of the Catholic Church, the
Seven Mortal Sins, How to Confess, and the Cathecism. Three old original copies of this book can still be
found at the Vatican, at the Madrid Musem and at the US Congress. It contains only 87 pages but costs
$5,000.0. 2. Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The second book printed in the Philippines was written by Fr.
Blancas de San Jose in 1602, and printed at the UST Printing Press with the help of Juan de Vera, a
Chinese mestizo. It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers on religion.

3. Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog). This is the first book printed in
typography.

4. Ang Barlaan at Josephat. This is a Biblical story printed in the Philippines and translated to Tagalog
from Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borja. It is believed to be the first Tagalog novel published in the
Philippines even if it is only a translation. The printed translation has only 556 pages. The Ilocano
translation in poetry was done by Fr. Agustin Mejia.

5. The Pasion. This is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is read only during Lent.
There were 4 versions of this in Tagalog and each version is according to the name of the writer.

These are the Pilapil version (by Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan, 1814), the de Belen version (by Gaspar
Aquino de Belen of Bat. in 1704), the de la Merced (by Aniceto de la Merced of Norzagaray, Bulacan in
1856) and the de Guia version (by Luis de Guia in 1750). Critics are not agreed whether it is the Pilapil or
the de la Merced version which is the most popular.

6. Urbana at Felisa. A book by Modesto de Castro, the so called Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog. These
are letters between two sisters Urbana at Felisa and have influenced greatly the behavior of people in
society because the letters dealt with good behavior.

7. Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary).

A collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary.

Fr. Mariano Sevilla, a Filipino priest, wrote this in 1865 and it was popular especially during the Maytime
“Flores de Mayo”festival. C. LITERARY COMPOSITIONS

1. Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala (Art and rules of the Tagalog language). Written by Fr. Blancas de
San Jose and translated to Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in 1610.

2. Compendio de la Lengua Tagala (Understanding the Tagalog language).

Written by Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin in 1703.

3. Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala (Tagalog vocabulary). The first Tagalog dictionary written by Fr. Pedro
de San Buenaventura in 1613. 4. Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga (Pampanga vocabulary). The first
book in Pampanga written by Fr. Diego in 1732.

5. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisayan vocabulary). The best language book in Visayan by Mateo
Sanchez in 1711.

6. Arte de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the Ilocano language). The first Ilocano grammar book by
Francisco Lopez.

7. Arte de la Lengua Bicolana (The Art of the Bicol language). The first book in the Bicol language and
written by Fr. Marcos Lisbon in 1754.

D. FOLK SONGS. Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song
from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Folk songs truly manifest the artistic feelings of the Filipinos. They show the Filipinos’ innate
appreciation for and love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy,
Sarong Banggi and Atin Cu Pung Singsing.

E. RECEREATIONAL PLAYS. There are many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
times. Almost all of them were in poetic form. Here are examples:

1. Tibag –the word tibag means to excavate.

This ritual was brought here by the Spaniard to remind the people about the search of St. Helena for
the Cross on which Jesus died.

2. Lagaylay –this is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during Maytime to get together.

As early as April, the participating ladies are chosen and sometimes, mothers volunteer their girls in
order to fulfill a vow made during an illness or for a favor received. In some parts of Bicol, a different
presentation is made but the objective is the same –praise, respect and offering of love to the Blessed
Cross by St. Helen on the mound she had dug in.

3. The Cenaculo –this is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
There are two kinds: the Cantada and Hablada. In the Hablada the lines are spoken in a more deliberate
manner showing the rhythmic measure of each verse and the rhyming in each stanza and is more
dignified in theme; the Cantada is chanted like the Pasion. The Cenaculo is written in octosyllabic verse,
with 8 verses to the stanza. The full length versions take about 3 nights of staging.
 Performers come in costumes with wigs and performers are carefully chosen for their virtuous life.
One performs the role of Jesus Christ and another the role of the Virgin Mary. Many famous Cenaculo
players come from the Tagalog regions although there are also those from Ilocos, Pampanga, Bicol and
both Sibulanon and Hiligaynon.

4. Panunuluyan –this is presented before 12:00 on Christmas Eve. This is a presentation of the search of
the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein to deliver the baby Jesus. 5. The Salubong (or
Panubong) -The Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and his
Mother. It is still presented in many Philippine towns.

6. Carillo (Shadow Play) –this is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night during
a town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. This shadow play is made by projecting cardboard figures
before a lamp against a white sheet. The figures are moved like marionettes whose dialogues are
produced by some experts.

The dialogues are drawn from a Corrido or Awit or some religious play interspersed with songs.

These are called by various names in different places:

Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas and Laguan; TITRES in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Bataa, Capiz and
Negros; TITIRI in Zambales; GAGALO or KIKIMUT in Pampanga and Tarlac; and ALIALA in La Union.

7. The Zarzuela –considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama three acts
which dealt with man’s passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or
political proble.

8. The Sainete –this was a short musical comedy popular during the 18th century. They were
exaggerated comedies shown between acts of long plays and were mostly performed by characters
from the lower classes. Themes were taken from everyday life scenarios.

F. THE MORO-MORO. Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is presented also on a special stage.

This is performed during town fiestas to entertain the people and to remind them of their Christian
religion. The plot is usually the same that of a Christian princess or a nobleman’s daughter who is
captured by the Mohammedans. The father organizes a rescue party where fighting between the Moros
and the Christians ensue. The Mohammedans are defeated by some miracle or Divine Intercession and
the Mohammedans are converted to Christianity.

In some instances, the whole kingdom is baptized and converted. One example of this is Prinsipe
Rodante.

G. KARAGATAN. This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a
person. In this contest, more or less formal, a ritual is performed based on a legend about a princess
who dropped her ring into the middle of the sea and who offered here hand in marriage to anyone who
can retrieve it. A leader starts off with an extemporaneous poem announcing the purpose. He then spins
a “lumbo”o “tabo”marked with a white line.

Whoever comes in the direction of the white line when the spinning stops gets his turn to “go into
the sea to look for the ring.”This means a girl will ask him a riddle and if he is able to answer, he will
offer the ring to the girl.
H. DUPLO. The Duplo replace the Karagatan.

This is a poetic joust in speaking and reasoning. The roles are taken from the Bible and from
proverbs and saying. It is usually played during wakes for the dead.

I. THE BALAGTASAN. This is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate on a particular topic or issue.
This is replaced the DUPLO and is held to honor Francisco “Balagtas”Baltazar.

J. THE DUNG-AW. This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his representative beside the
corpse of the dead. No definite meter or rhyming scheme is used. The person chanting it freely recites in
poetic rhythm according to his feelings, emotions and thoughts. It is personalized and usually deals with
the life, sufferings and sacrifices of the dead and includes apologies for his misdeeds.

K. THE AWIT and the CORRIDO. Some use these two interchangeably because distinction is not clear.

Period of Enlightenment

Historical Background

After 300 years of passivity under Spanish rule, the Filipino spirit reawakened when the 3 priests
Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient evidence of guilt. This occurred on the
17th of February.

This was buttressed with the spirit of liberalism when the Philippines opened its doors to world trade
and with the coming of a liberal leader in the person of Governor Carlos Maria de la Torre.

The Spaniards were unable to suppress the tide of rebellion among the Filipinos. The once religious
spirit transformed itself into one of nationalism and the Filipinos demanded changes in the government
and in the church.

A. The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896)

This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del
Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
The objectives of this movement were to seek reforms and changes like the following:

1. To get equal treatment for the Filipinos and the Spaniards under the law.
2. To make the Philippines a colony of Spain.
3. To restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes.
4. To Filipinize the parishes.
5. To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of the press, assembly and for redress of grievances.

B. Highlights of the Propaganda Movement

There were three principal leaders of the Propaganda movement. They were Jose P. Rizal, Marcelo H.
del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Here are highlights about them and what they have done for our
country.

DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

 Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Alonzo y Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 at Calamba, Laguna. His
first teacher was his mother Teodora Alonozo. He studied at the Ateneo de Manila, started medicine at
UST and finished at the Universidad Central of Madrid. He also studied at the University of Berlin, Leipzig
and Heidelberg. He died by musketry in the hands of the Spaniards on December 30, 1896 on charges of
sedition and rebellion against the Spaniards.

His pen-name was Laong Laan and Dimasalang. His books and writings:

1. NOLI ME TANGERE. This was the novel that gave spirit to the propaganda movement and paved the
way to the revolution against Spain.

In this book, he courageously exposed the evils in the Spanish-run government in the Philippines. The
Spaniards prohibited the reading of this novel but a lot of translations were able to enter stealthily in the
country even if it means death to those caught in possession of them.

The NOLI gave Philippine literature the immortal characters Maria Clara, Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, Elias,
Sisa, Pilosofong Tasio, Doña Victorina, Kapitana Maria, Basilio and Crispin, Rizal had a powerful pen in
the delineation of these characters.

2. EL FILIBUSTERISMO. This is a sequel to the NOLI. While the NOLI exposed the evils in society, the FILI
exposed those in the government and in the church. However, the NOLI has been dubbed the novel of
society while that of FILI is that of politics.

3. MI ULTIMO ADIOS (My Last Farewell).

This was a poem by Rizal while he was incarcerated at Fort Santiago and is one that can compare
favorably with the best in the world. It was only after his death when his name was affixed to the poem.

4. SOBRE LA INDOLENCIA DE LOS FILIPINOS(On the Indolence of the Filipinos). An essay on the so-called
Filipino indolence and an evaluation of the reasons for such allegations.

5. FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN AÑOS(The Philippines within a Century). An essay predicting the increasing
influence of the US in the Philippines and the decreasing interest of Europe here. Rizal predicted that if
there is any other colonizer of the Philippines in the future, it would be the US.

6. A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA(To the Filipino Youth). A poem Rizal dedicated to the Filipino youth studying
at UST. 7. EL CONSEJO DE LES DIOSES (The Council of the Gods). An allegorical play manifesting
admiration for Cervantes.

8. JUNTO AL PASIG (Beside the Pasig River). Written by Rizal when he was 14 years of age.

9. ME PIDEN VERSOS (You asked Me for Verses); 1882 and A LAS FLORES DE HEIDELBERG (To the Flowers
of Heidelberg). Two poems manifesting Rizal’s unusual depth of emotion.

10. NOTAS A LA OBRA SUCESOS DE LAS FILIPINAS FOR EL DR. ANTONIO DE MORGA (Notes on Philippine
Events by Dr. Antonio de Morga): 1889 11. P. JACINTO: MEMORIAS DE UN ESTUDIANTE DE MANILA (P.
Jacinto: Memoirs of a Student of Manila) 1882

12. DIARIO DE VIAJE DE NORTE AMERICA (Diary of a Voyage to North America)

MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

 Marcelo H. del Pilar is popularly known for his pen name of Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat and
Dolores Manapat. He was born at Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan on August 30, 1850. His parents were
Julian H. del Pilar, noted Filipino writer and Biasa Gatmaita. His brother was the priest Fr. Toribio del
Pilar who was banished to Marianas in 1872. Because there were many children in the family, Marcelo
gave up his share of his inheritance for his other brothers and sisters.

Marcelo started schooling at the school of Mr. Flores and then transferred to that of San Jose before
UST. His last year in law school was interrupted for 8 years after he had quarrel with the parish priest
during a baptism at San Miguel, Manila in 1880. He established the Diariong Tagalog in 1883 where he
exposed the evils of the Spanish government in the Philippines and in order to avoid the false
accusations hurried at him by the priests. To avoid banishment, he was forced to travel to Spain in 1888.

He was assisted by Fr. Serrano Laktaw in publishing a different Cathecism and Passion Book wherein
they made fun of the priests.

They also made the DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN and KAIINGAT KAYO taken from the word IGAT, a kind
of snake fish caught in politics.

Upon his arrival in Spain, he replaced Graciano Lopez Jaena as editor of LA SOLIDARIDAD, a paper
which became the vehicle thru which reforms in the government could be worked out. This did not last
long for he got sick and even to reach Hong Kong from where he could arouse his countrymen.

He died of tuberculosis in Spain but before he died, he asked his companions to tell his wife and
children that he was sorry he wasn’t able to bid them goodbye; to tell others about the fate of our
countrymen and to continue helping the country. Plaridel has truly earned a niche in the history of our
nation. Even today, countless streets have been named after him. The former Kingwa has been named
Plaridel, the Malolos High School is now Marcelo H. del Pilar High School and above all, his patriotism
and bravery will remain alive in our memories.

Writings of Marcelo H. del Pilar

1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of Country). Translated from the Spanish AMOR PATRIA of Rizal,
published onAugust 20,1882, in Diariong Tagalog.

2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful). A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the
novel NOLI of Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1888. He used Dolores Manapat as pen-name here.

3. DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and Jokes). Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done agains the
parish priests, published in Barcelona in 1888. Because of this, del Pilar was called “filibuster.”Done in
admirable tone of supplication and excellent use of Tagalog.

4. ANG CADAQUILAAN NG DIOS (God’s Goodness). Published in Barcelona, it was also like a cathecism
sarcastically aimed against the parish priests but also contains a philosophy of the power and
intelligence of God and an appreciation for and love for nature.

5. SAGOT SA ESPANYA SA HIBIK NG PILIPINAS (Answer to Spain on the Plea of the Filipinos). A poem
pleading for change from Spain but that Spain is already old and weak to grant any aid to the
Philippines.

This poem is in answer to that of Hermenigildo Flores’Hibik sa Pilipinas (A Plea from the Philippines).
6. DUPLUHAN…DALIT…MGA BUGTONG (A poetical contest in narrative sequence, psalms, riddles). A
compilation of poems on the oppression by the priests in the Philippines.

7. LA SOBERANIA EN PILIPINAS (Sovereignty in the Philippines). This shows the injustices of the friars to
the Pilipinos.

8. POR TELEFONO (By Telephone)

9. PASIONG DAPAT IPAG-ALAB NG PUSO NG TAONG BABASA (Passion that should arouse the hearts of
the readers)

GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA

(1856-1896)

A most notable hero and genius of the Philippines, Graciano Lopez Jaena was born on December 18,
1856 and died on January 20, 1896. The pride of Jaro, Iloilo, he won the admiration of the Spaniards and
Europeans.

He is a known writer and orator in the Philippines. He wrote 100 speeches which were published by
Remigio Garcia, former bookstore owner in Manila Filatica and which are still read up to no by modern
Filipinos.

Lopez Jaena left the Philippines in 1887 with the help of Don Claudio Lopez, a rich uncle, in order to
escape punishment form his enemies and arrived at Valencia, the center of the Republican movement of
the Spaniards. He gained the acquaintance of the high officials like Piy Margall, Morayta, Moret,
Castelar, and Salmeron. From Valencia, he moved to Barcelona where he established the first magazine
LA SOLIDARIDAD. This later became the official voice of the Association Hispano de Filipinas (a Filipino-
Spanish Association) composed of Filipinos and Spaniards who worked for reforms in the Philippines.
Because of this, Jaena successfully showed the Spaniards and the people of the world how a
newspaperman can introduce changes in law and reforms towards a better life and progress.

Jaena, although he didn’t become a professor, was also a teacher in a sense to his friends and
relatives in the Philippines. Like Antonio Maria Regidor, Tomas G. del Rosario and Felipe Calderon, he
stood for the separation of church and state for free education, better government and schools,
freedom of worship and for an independent and free university.

He sided with Rizal in the controversy between Rizal and del Pilar over who should head the
Association Hispano de Filipinas in Madrid. He returned to the Philippines to ask for donations to
continue a new government called El Latigo Nacional or Pambansang Latigo. He sold the rights of La
Solidaridad ot del Pilar who had become a lawyer and had brought in money from his sojourn in Spain
Graciano Lopez Jaena died in a charity hospital in Barcelona on January 20, 1896, eleven months before
his best friend Rizal was shot at the Luneta on December 30, 1896.

A. The Works of Graciano Lopez Jaena

1. ANG FRAY BOTOD (Friar Botod). One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six years after
the Cavite Revolt attacking the friars in the Philippines. He exposed how some of the friars were
greedy, ambitious and immoral.
 2. LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (The Child of the Friar) and EVERYTING IS HAMBUG (Everything is mere
show). Here Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.
3. SA MGA PILIPINO...1891…A speech which aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos to
become free and progressive.
4. TALUMPATING PAGUNITA KAY KOLUMBUS (An Oration to Commemorate Columbus). A speech
he delivered in Madrid on the 39thanniversary of the discovery of America
5. EN HONOR DEL PRESIDENTE MORAYTA DE LA ASSOCIACION HISPANO FILIPINO 1884.
Here he praised Gen. Morayta for his equal treatment of the Filipinos.
6. EN HONOR DE LOS ARTISTAS LUNA Y RESURRECCION HIDALGO. A sincere expression of praise
for the paintings of Hidalgo on the condition of the Filipinos under the Spaniards.
7. AMOR A ESPAÑA O A LAS JOVENES DE MALOLOS (Love for Spain or To the Youth of Malolos).
The theme is about how girls were taught Spanish in schools and whose teachers were the
governors-general of the place.
8. EL BANDOLERISMO EN PILIPINAS (Banditry in the Philippines). Jaena refuted the existence of
banditry in the Philippines and of how there should be laws on robbery and other reforms.
9. HONOR EN PILIPINAS (Honor in the Philippines). The triumphant exposition of Luna, Resurrecion
and Pardo de Tavera of the thesis that intellect or knowledge gives honor to the Philippines.
10. PAG-ALIS SA BUWIS SA PILIPINAS (Abolition of Taxes in the Philippines)
11. INSTITUCION NG PILIPINAS (Sufferings of the Philippines). Jaena refers here to the wrong
management of education in the Philippines 1887.

B. OTHER PROPAGANDISTS

ANTONIO LUNA

Antonio Luna was a pharmacist who was banished by the Spaniards to Spain. He joined the
Propaganda Movement and contributed his writings to LA SOLIDARIDAD. Most of his works dealt with
Filipino customs and others were accusations about how the Spaniards ran the government. His pen
name was Tagailog.

He died at the age of 33 in June 1899. He was put to death by the soldiers of Aguinaldo because of
his instant rise to fame which became a threat to Aguinaldo. Some of his works are:

1. NOCHE BUENA (Christmas Eve). It pictured true Filipino life.

2. SE DEVIERTEN (How They Diverted Themselves). A dig at a dance of the Spaniards where the
people were very crowded.
3. LA TERTULIA FILIPINA (A Filipino Conference or Feast). Depicts a Filipino custom which he
believed was much better than the Spanish.
4. POR MADRID (For Madrid). A denouncement of Spaniards who claim that the Philippines is a
colony of Spain but who think of Filipinos as foreigners when it comes to collecting taxes for
stamps.
5. LA CASA DE HUEPEDES (The Landlady’s House). Depicts a landlady who looks for boarders not
for money but in order to get a husband for her child.

MARIANO PONCE
 Mariano Ponce became an editor-in-chief, biographer and researcher of the Propaganda Movement.
He used Tikbalang, Kalipulako, and Naning as pennames. The common themes of his works were the
values of education. He also wrote about how the Filipinos were oppressed by the foreigners and of the
problems of his countrymen. Among his writings were:

1. MGA ALAMAT NG BULACAN (Legend of Bulacan). Contains legends, and folklores of his native
town.
2. PAGPUGOT KAY LONGINOS (The Beheading of Longinos). A play shown at the plaza of Malolos,
Bulacan.
3. SOBRE FILIPINOS (About the Filipinos)
4. ANG MGA PILIPINO SA INDO-TSINA (The Filipinos in Indo-China)

PEDRO PATERNO

Pedro Paterno was a scholar, dramatic, researcher and novelist of the Propaganda Movement.: He
also joined the Confraternity of Masons and the Asociacion Hispano-Pilipino in order to further the aims
of the Movement. He was the first Filipino writer who escaped censorship of the press during the last
day of the Spanish colonization.

The following were a few of his wrtings:

1. NINAY. The first social novel in Spanish by a Filipino.

2. A MI MADRE (To My Mother). Shows the importance of a mother especially in thehome.
3. SAMPAGUITA Y POESIAS VARIAS (Sampaguitas and Varied Poems). A collection of his poems.

JOSE MA. PANGANIBAN

Jose Ma. Panganiban hid his identity behind his penname JORMAPA. He was also known for having
photographic mind. He was a member of a number of movements for the country.

Some of his writings were:

1. ANG LUPANG TINUBUAN (My Native Land)

2. ANG AKING BUHAY (My Life)
3. SU PLANO DE ESTUDIO (Your Study Plan)
4. EL PENSAMIENTO (The Thinking)

C. Period of Active Revolution (1896-1898)

Historical Background

The Filipinos did not get the reforms demanded by the propagandists. The government turned deaf
ears to these petitions; oppression continued and the church and the government became even more
oppressive to the Filipinos. The good intentions of Spain were reversed by the friars who were lording it
over in the Philippines.

Because of this, not a few of the Filipinos affiliated with the La Liga Filipina (a civic organization
suspected of being revolutionary and which triggered Rizal’s banishment to Dapitan). Like Andres
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini, Jose Palma, and Pio Valenzuela decided that there was no
other way except to revolt. The gist of literature contained mostly accusations against the government
and was meant to arouse the people to unite and to prepare for independence.

D. Highlights of the Active Revolution

The noted leaders of this period were Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Apolinario Mabini. These
are their contributions to our country.

ANDRES BONIFACIO

Andres Bonifacio is best known as the Father of Filipino Democracy, but more than others, as the
Father of the Katipunan because he led in establishing the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galanga Katipunan
ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).

Andres Bonifacio came from a poor family and it is said that what he learned he got from the school
of experience.

He was a voracious reader and among those he loved to read which aroused his revolutionary spirit
were the NOLI and the FILI of Rizal. He joined the La Liga Filipina founded by Rizal in 1892. He
established the Katipunan which triggered the spirit of freedom especially when Rizal was banished to
Dapitan, Mindanao.

Bonifacio is better known as the great Revolutionary rather than a writer but he also wrote things
which paved the way for the revolution and which also became part of our literature. Among his works
were:

1. ANG DAPAT MABATID NG MGA TAGALOG (What the Tagalogs Should Know)
2. KATUNGKULANG GAGAWIN NG MGA ANA NG BAYAN (Obligations of Our Countrymen). This is
an outline of obligations just like the 10 commandments of God.
3. PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUAN LUPA (Love of One’s Native Land). A poem with a title similar to that of
Marcelo H. del Pilar.
4. HULING PAALAM (Last Farewell). A translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in Tagalog.
APOLINARIO MABINI

Apolinario Mabini is known in literature and history as the Sublime Paralytic and the Brains of the
Revolution.

EMILIO JACINTO

Emilio Jacinto was the intelligent assistant of Andres Bonifacio in the establishment of the Katipuna.
He is called the Brains of the Katipunan. He edited Kalayaan (Freedom) a Katipunan newspaper.
Bonifacio withdrew his writing of the Kartilya in deference to Jacinto’s work as secretary of the
Katipunan. His Kartilya was the one followed by the members of the organization. Here are few of his
writings:

1. KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN (A primer book on the Katipunan)

2. LIWANAG AT DILIM (Light and Darkness). A collection of essays on different subjects like
freedom, work, faith, government, love of country.
3. A MI MADRE (To My Mother). A touching ode to his mother.
 4. A LA PATRIA (To My Country). His masterpiece. He was born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas on
July 22, 1864. Because he was born of a poor family he had to work in order to study. He
became known to his professors and classmates at Letran and the UST because of his sharp
memory and the simple clothes he used to wear throughout his schooling.

He became the right-hand of Emilio Aguinaldo when the latter founded his Republic in Malolos.

His contributions to literature were writing on government society, philosophy and politics.

Here are some of his works:

1. EL VERDADERO DECALOGO (The True Decalogue or Ten Commandments). This was his
masterpiece and his aim here was to propagate the spirit of nationalism.
2. EL DESAROLLO Y CAIDA DE LA REPUBLICA (The Rise and Fall of the Philippine Republic)
3. SA BAYANG PILIPINO (To the Filipino Nation)
4. PAHAYAG (News)

OTHER REVOLUTIONISTS

JOSE PALMA

Jose Palma became popular because of his Himno Nacional Filipino (The Philippine National Anthem)
which was set to music by Julian Felipe. He was born in Tondo, Manila on June 6, 1876.

His brother Rafael Palma became the president of the UP.

He joined the revolution against the Americans together with Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest Filipino
general who died during the revolution.

Aside from the National Anthem, here are his other works:

1. MELANCOLIAS (Melancholies). A collection of his poems.

2. DE MI JARDIN (In My Garden). A poem expressing one’s longings for his sweetheart.

NEWSPAPERS DURING THE REVOLUTION

In the effort of the Revolutionists to spread to the world their longings for their country, many
newspapers were put up during the Revolutionary period. They were:

1. HERALDO DE LA REVOLUCION. Printed the decrees of the Revolutionary Government, news and
works in Tagalog that aroused nationalism.
2. LA INDEPENDENCIA (Independence). Edited by Antonio Luna and whose aim was for Philippine
Independence.
3. LA REPUBLICA PILIPINA (The Philippine Republic). Established by Pedro Paterno in 1898.
4. LA LIBERTAD (Liberty). Edited by Clemente Zulueta.

American Regime

Historical Background
 The Filipino Revolutionists won against the Spaniards who colonized us for more than 300 years. Our
flag was hoisted on June 12, 1898 as a symbol of our independence. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected
the first President of the Philippine Republic but this was short-lived.

The Fil.-American was resulted in the defeat of Gen. Miguel Malvar in 1903. The peace movements
started as early as 1900.

Many Filipinos started writing again and the nationalism of the people remained undaunted. Filipino
writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and novels.
Their writings clearly depicted their love of country and their longings for independence.

The active arousal in the field of literature started to be felt in the following newspapers.

1. EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day). Established by Sergio Osmeña in 1900. The American censors
twice banned this and threatened Osmeña with banishment because of his nationalistic
writings.
2. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation). Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
3. EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth). Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.

There were also plays written then but after the first and second presentations, the Americans put a
stop to this because of the consistent theme of nationalism. Included here were the following:

1. KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow). Written by Aurelio Tolentino
depicting the suppression done by the Americans and their plan to colonize the Philippines.
2. TANIKALANG GINTO of Juan Abad.
3. MALAYA by Tomas Remigio.
4. WALANG SUGAT by Severino Reyes.

Characteristics of Literature during This Period

Three groups of writers contributed to Philippine Literature during this period. During the first year of
the American period, the languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of the
different regions, but Spanish and Tagalog predominated.In 1910, a new group started to write in
English. Hence, Spanish, Tagalog, the Vernaculars and finally, English, were the mediums used in
literature during these times. While the three groups were one in their ideas and spirit, they differed in
their methods of reporting. The writers in Spanish were wont to write on nationalism like honoring Rizal
and other heroes. The writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of the
country and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue. The writers in English imitated the
themes and methods of the Americans.

A. Literature in Spanish

The inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish was Rizal not only because of his being a national
leader but also because of his novels NOLI and FILI. These two novels contained the best qualities of a
novel ever written, in English or in Filipino. Those who were inspired to write in praise of him were
Cecilio Apostol, Fernando Ma. Guerrero, Jesus Balmori, Manuel Bernabe and Claro M. Recto.

CECILIO APOSTOL
 Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes but his poem
dedicated to Rizal is considered the best poem in praise of the hero of Bagumbayan.

FERNANDO MA. GUERRERO

It is believed that Fernando Ma. Guerrero shared with Apostol the reign in the balagtasan in Spanish
during their time. He also dedicated a poem to Rizal but he collected the best of his poems in a book
called CRISALIDAS, meaning, a kind of black, wooly caterpillar. Here are a few stanzas of his call to Rizal
which he wrote on June 19, 1901 to commemorate Rizal’s birthday.

JESUS BALMORI

Jesus Balmori is well-known for his pen name of Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe participated in
a debate on the topic –(Remembrance and Forgetfulness). He was elected Poet Laureate in Spanish
besting Manuel Bernabe.

MANUEL BERNABE

Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet and the fierceness of his nationalistic spirit was unchanged in any topic
he wrote about. In his debate with Balmori, he was more attractive to the public because of the
modious words he used. He defended OLVIDO (Forgetfulness).

CLARO M. RECTO

In nobility of speech and theme, Claro M. Recto can compare with the other writers of Spanish. He
collected his poems in a book entitled BAJO LOS COCOTEROS (Under The Coconut Trees).

Other Writers in Spanish

1. Adelina Guerrea was the first woman poet in the Philippines who was good in Spanish.
1. She obtained the Zobel prize in her song El Nido. (The Nest).
2. Isidro Marpori became famous for his four books entitled Aromas de Ensueño (Scents of
Dreams).
3. Macario Adriatico wrote of a legend of Mindoro entitle La Punta de Salto (The Place of Origin).
4. Epifanio de los Santos (known as Don PAnyong). He was a good leader and biographer during
the whole period of Spanish literature.
5. Pedro Aunario wrote the Decalogo del Proteccionismo.

B. Filipino Literature

FLORANTE AT LAURA of Francisco Balagtas and URBANA AT FELISA of Modesto de Castro became the
inspiration of the Tagalog writers.

Julian Cruz Balmaceda classified three kinds of Tagalog poets: They were:

1.Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso). These included Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado, Carlos
Gatmaitan, Pedro Deogracias del Rosario, Ildefonso Santos, Amado V. Hernandez, Nemecio Carabana,
and Mar Antonio.

2.Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay). Led by Lope K Santos, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Florentino Collantes,
Patricio Mariano, Carlos Garmaitan, and Amado V. Hernandez.
3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan). Led by Aurelio Tolentino, Patricio Mariano, Severino Reyes,
and Tomas Remigio. In the realm of short stories that started to appear in the column Pangsandaliang
Libangan (Short-time Leisure) and Dagli (Fast) we find here the names of Lope K. Santos, Patricio
Mariano, and Rosauro Almario. In the Liwayway Publications, we find Deogracias Rosario, Teodoro
Gener, and Cirio H. Panganiban.

Noted novelists or biographers were Valeriano Hernandez Peña, Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado,
Faustino Aguilar, etc.

Here are the autobiographies of some of the writers mentioned:

LOPE K. SANTOS

Lope K. Santos, a novelist, poet and author, and grammarian covered three periods of Tagalog
literature –American, Japanese and the contemporary period. If Manuel L. Quezon is called the Father of
the National Language, Lope K. Santos is called the Father of the National Language Grammar. He was
also called the “Apo”of the Tagalog writers.

BANAAG AT SIKAT was his masterpiece.

JOSE CORAZON DE JESUS

Jose Corazon de Jesus is very popularly known as Huseng Batute. He was also called the Poet of Love
in his time. ANG ISANG PUNONG KAHOY (A TREE), an elegy, is believed to be his masterpiece.

AMADO V. HERNANDEZ

Amado V. Hernandez was dubbed Makata ng mga Manggagawa (Poet of the Laborers) in our
literature because he pictures in his poem the intense love for the poor worker or laborer. To him, a
poem is a scent, bittersweet memories, and a murmur of flowing water. The pen is powerful and
according to him, even a king can be bent by the pen. He contributed a lot of writings to literature like
ISANG DIPANG LANGIT (A Stretch of Heaven), BAYANG MALAYA (A Free Nation), ANG PANDAY (The
Blakcsmith), and MUNTING LUPA (A Small Plot), but his masterpiece is ANG PANDAY.

VALERIANO HERNANDEZ PEÑA

Together with Lope K. Santos he reached the summit of his novel-writing. He was known as Tandang
Anong and his pen name was Kuntil Butil (Small Grain). He considers NENA AT NENENG his masterpiece.

IÑIGO ED. REGALADO

Iñigo Ed. Regalado was a son of a popular writer during the Spanish time known as Odalger. He
proved that he not only followed the footsteps of his father but also reached the peak of his success by
the “sumpong”(whim) of his pen. He also became a popular story-teller, novelist and newspaperman.

The Tagalog Drama

During the advent of the American period, Severino Reyes and Hermogenes Ilagan started the
movement against the moro-moro ( a play on the Spanish struggles against the Muslims) and struggled
to show the people the values one can get from the zarzuela and the simple plays. The people one
should not forget in the field of writing are the following:
1. Severino Reyes. Father of the Tagalog drama and author of the immortal WALANG SUGAT.

2. Aurelio Tolentino. The dramatist in whom the Kapampangans take pride. Included in his writings were
LUHANG TAGALOG, his masterpiece, and KAHAPON, NGAYONG AT BUKAS that resulted in his
incarceration.

3. Hermogenes Ilagan. Founded the group Campaña Ilagan that presented many dramas in Central
Luzon. 4. Patricio Mariano. Wrote the novel NINAY and ANAK NG DAGAT (Son of the Sea), his
masterpiece.

5. Julian Cruz Balmaceda. Wrote BUNGANGA NG PATING (Shark’s Mouth). This gave him much honor
and fame.

The Tagalog Short Story

Two collections of Tagalog stories were published during the American Period. First was the MGA
KUWENTONG GINTO (Golden Stories) published in 1936 and %) KUWENTONG GINTO ng 50 BATIKANG
KUWENTISTA (50 Golden Stories by 50 Noted Storytellers) in 1939. The first was written by Alejandro
Abadilla and Clodualdo del Mundo that contained the 25 best stories according to them. The second was
written by Pedrito Reyes.

PAROLANG GINTO (Golden Lantern) and TALAANG BUGHAW (Blue List) of Abadilla became popular
during this period.

Tagalog Poetry

Almost all Tagalog writers during the American Period were able to compose beautiful poems which
made it difficult to select the best. Even if poetry writing is as old as history, poetry still surfaces with its
sweetness, beauty, and melody.

Other Forms of Literature

The following are those recognized in the field of Ilocano Literature:

1. Pedro Bukaneg. Father of Ilocano Literature. From his name was derived the word Bukanegan, which
means Balagtasan (a poetic contest) in Ilocano.

2. Claro Caluya. Prince of Ilocano Poets. Known as poet and novelist.

3. Leon Pichay. Known as the best Bukanegero (from Bukaneg). Also a poet, novelist, short story writer,
dramatist and essayist. Literature of the Kapampangans

(Pampango Literature)

Two stalwarts in the literature of the Kapampangans stand out: they are:

1. Juan Crisostomo Soto. (Father of Kapampangan Literature). The word CRISOTAN (meaning Balagtasan)
in Tagalog is taken from his name.

2. Aurelio Tolentino. He truly proved his being a Kaampangan in his translation of KAHAPON, NGAYON
AT BUKAS into Kapampangan which he called NAPON, NGENI AT BUKAS.
Visayan Literature

The following are the top men in Visayan literature:

1. Eriberto Gumban. (Father of Visayan Literature). He wrote a zarzuela, moro-moro and a play in
Visayan.

2. Magdalena Jalandoni. She devoted her talent to the novel. She wrote ANG MGA TUNUK SAN ISA CA
BULACLAC.

C. Philippine Literature in English

In a way, we can say that we can trace the beginnings of Philippine literature in English with the
coming of the Americans. For this purpose, we can divide this period into three time frames, namely:

1. The Period of Re-orientation: 1898-1910

2. The Period of Imitation: 1910-1925

3. The Period of Self-Discovery: 1925-1941 (1) The Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)

English as a literary vehicle came with the American occupation in August 13, 1898 and as they say, a
choice bestowed on us by history.

By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of instruction in the public schools. From the American
forces were recruited the first teachers of English.

By 1908, the primary and intermediate grades were using English. It was also about this time when
UP, the forerunner in the use of English in higher education, was founded. Writers of this period were
still adjusting to the newfound freedom after the paralyzing effect of repression of thought and speech
under the Spanish regime. They were adjusting the idea of democracy, to the new phraseology of the
English language and to the standards of the English literary style Writers had to learn direct expression
as conditioned by direct thinking. They had to learn that sentence constructions; sounds and speech in
English were not the same as in the vernacular. They had to discard sentimentality and floridity of
language for the more direct and precise English language. Not much was produced during this period
and what literature was produced was not much of literary worth. The first attempts in English were in
two periodicals of this time:

(a) El Renacimiento: founded in Manila by Rafael Palma in 1901.

(b) Philippines Free Press: established in Manila in 1905 by R. McCullough Dick and D. Theo Rogers.

POETRY

In 1907, Justo Juliano’s SURSUM CORDA which appeared in the Renacimiento was the first work to be
published in English. In 1909, Jan F. Salazar’s MY MOTHER and his AIR CASTLES were also published in
this paper.

It was also in 1909 when Proceso Sebastian followed with his poem TO MY LADY IN LAOAG, also in
this same paper.

(2) The Period of Imitation (1910-1924)

 By 1919, the UP College Folio published the literary compositions of the first Filipino writers in English.
They were the pioneers in short story writing. They were then groping their way into imitating American
and British models which resulted in a stilted, artificial and unnatural style, lacking vitality and
spontaneity. Their models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, Wordsworth and
Tennyson, Thackeray and Macaulay, Longfellow, Allan Poe, Irving and other American writers of the
Romantic School.

Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag (the best editorial writer of this period) Juan F.
Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro, and Francisco M. Africa and Victoriano Yamzon. They
pioneered in English poetry.

ESSAYS

The noted essayists of this time were: Carlos P. Romulo, Jorge C. Bocobo, Mauro Mendez, and
Vicente Hilario.

Their essays were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety, substance and structure. They excelled in
the serious essay, especially the editorial type. The next group of writers introduced the informal essay,
criticism and the journalistic column. They spiced their work with humor, wit and satire. These group
included Ignacio Manlapaz, Godefredo Rivera, Federico Mangahas, Francisco B. Icasiano, Salvador P.
Lopez, Jose Lansang and Amando G. Dayrit.

SHORT STORIES

In the field of short stories, DEAD STARS by Paz Marquez Benitez written in the early 1920’s stand out
as a model of perfection in character delineation, local color, plot and message.

Other short stories published during this time were but poor imitations of their foreign models. The
UP College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian. Newspapers and periodicals also saw
print during this time like the Bulletin, the Philippines Herald (1920), the Philippine Review, the
Independent, Rising Philippines and Citizens,and the Philippine Education Magazine 1924.

D. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

By this time, Filipino writers had acquired the mastery of English writing. They now confidently and
competently wrote on a lot of subjects although the old-time favorites of love and youth persisted. They
went into all forms of writing like the novel and the drama. 1. POETRY

Noteworthy names in this field include Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion, Jose Garcia Villa, Angela
Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido and Rafael Zulueta da Costa.

They turned our not only love poems but patriotic, religious, descriptive and reflective poems as well.
They wrote in free verse, in odes and sonnets and in other types. Poetry was original, spontaneous,
competently written and later, incorporated social consciousness.

2. THE SHORT STORY (1925-1941)

Probably because of the incentives provided by publications like the Philippine Free Press, The Graphic,
The Philippine Magazine and college publications like the UP Literary Apprentice, poetry and the short
story flourished during these times. Other writers during this time include Osmundo Sta. Romana,
Arturo Rotor, Paz Latorena’s Sunset, and Jose Garcia Villa’s Mir-in-isa. From 1930 to 1940, the Golden
Era of Filipino writing in English saw the short story writers “who have arrived,”like Jose Lansang’s The
Broken Parasol, Sinai C. Hamada’s Talanata’s Wife, Fausto Dugenio’s Wanderlust, Amando G. Dayrit’s His
Gift and Yesterday,Amador T. Daugio’sThe Woman Who Looked Out of the Window.

Characteristics of the short stories during these times:

There were still remnants of Spanish influence in the use of expressions that were florid,
sentimental, exaggerated and bombastic. The influence of the Western culture also was already evident.

3. ESSAYS AND OTHER PROSE STYLES (1925-1941)

Essays during this period improved with the years in quality and quantity, in content, subject and style.
Essayists like Carlos P. Romulo became even more eminent editorial writers.

The notable writers of essays during this period were:

a. Political, social reflective essays: Through their newspaper columns the following became very
popular: Federico Mangahas, Salvador P. Lopez, Pura S. Castrence, Vicente Albano Pacis, Ariston Estrada
and Jose A. Lansang.

b. Critical essays were espoused by Salvador P. Lopez, I.V. Mallari, Ignacio Manlapaz, Jose Garcia Villa,
Arturo B. Rotor, and Leopoldo Y. Yabes. An example of this is Maximo V. Soliven’s THEY CALLED IT
BROTHERHOOD.

c. Personal or Familiar essays were written by F.B. Icasiano (Mang Kiko), Alfredo E. Litiatco, Solomon V.
Arnaldo, Amando G. Dayrit and Consuelo Gar (Catuca). Some of the notable works during this time
were:

1940: Salvador P. Lopez’ LITERATURE AND SOCIETY which is a collection of critical reflections and serious
essays and which won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest of 1940.

1940: Camilo Osias published THE FILIPINO WAY OF LIFE, a series of essays on the Filipino way of life as
drawn from history, folkways, philosophy and psychology of the Philippines. 1941: F.B. Icasiano (Mang
Kiko) was reprints of the best of Icasiano’s essays in the Sunday Times Magazine under the column From
My Nipa Hut. It is an essay of the common “tao”and is written with humor and sympathy.

August 16, 1941: Carlos P. Romulo had an editorial printed in the Philippines Herald. Entitled I AM A
FILIPINO, it was reprinted in his book MY BORTHER AMERICANS in 1945 in New York by Doubleday & Co.

OTHER ESSAYISTS INCLUDE:

Ignacio Manlapaz, Vicente Albano Pacis, I.V. Mallari, Jose M. Fernandez, Leopoldo Y. Yabes, Isidro L.
Ritizos, Pura Santillan. The Philippine Writer’s League put out a collection of essays called Literature
Under the Commonwealth.

Amando G. Dayrit with his column Good Morning Judge led others like Leon Ma. Guerrero, Salvador P.
Lopez, Vicente Albano Pacis, Jose A. Lansang and Federico Mangahas.

4. BIOGRAPHY 1925-1941
 In 1935, I.P. Caballero and Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion wrote about QUEZON.

In 1938, THE GREAT MALAYAN won a prize in the national contest sponsored by the Commonwealth of
the Philippines. This was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of the period. He also
wrote Quezon, the Man of Destiny. In 1940, I.V. Mallari’s The Birthof Discontentrevealed the sensitive
touch of a writer who in simple language was able to reveal his profound thoughts and feelings.

5. HISTORY

Not much about history has been written by Filipino writers. In 1937, with regard to literary history,
we can cite Teofilo del Castillo’s The Brief History of the Philippine Islands.

6. PUBLICATIONS

The Philippine Free Press provided the first incentives to Filipino writers in English by offering prizes to
worthwhile contributions. Other publications followed suit.

7. THE DRAMA (1925-1941)

Drama during this period did not reach the heights attained by the novel or the short story. The UP
provided the incentives when they introduced playwriting as a course and established the UP Little
Theater.

Japanese Period

Historical Background

Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the Philippines
was again conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in English came to a halt.
Except for the TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE REVIEW, almost all newspapers in English were stopped by
the Japanese.

This had an advantageous effect on Filipino Literature, which experienced renewed attention because
writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. Juan Laya, who use to write in English turned to Filipino
because of the strict prohibitions of the Japanese regarding any writing in English. The weekly
LIWAYWAY was placed under strict surveillance until it was managed by Japanese named Ishiwara.

In other words, Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Many wrote plays, poems,
short stories, etc. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.

A. FILIPINO POETRY DURING THIS PERIOD

The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was nationalism, country, love,
and life in the barrios, faith, religion and the arts. Three types of poems emerged during this period.
They were:

1. Haiku –a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into three
lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, 7 syllables, and the third, five. The Haiku is allegorical in
meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in meaning.
2. Tanaga –like the Haiku, is short but it had measure and rhyme. Each line had 17 syllables and it’s also
allegorical in meaning.

3. Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form) –like those mentioned earlier in the beginning chapters of this book.

B. FILIPINO DRAMA DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD

The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing American
films were closed. The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows.

Many of the plays were reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. The translators were Francisco Soc
Rodrigo, Alberto Concio, and Narciso Pimentel. They also founded the organization of Filipino players
named Dramatic Philippines. A few of playwriters were:

1. Jose Ma. Hernandez –wrote PANDAY PIRA

2. Francisco Soc Rodrigo –wrote sa PULA, SA PUTI 3. Clodualdo del Mundo –wrote BULAGA (an
expression in the game Hide and Seek).

4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda –wrote SINO BA KAYO?, DAHIL SA ANAK, and HIGANTE NG PATAY.

C. THE FILIPINO SHORT STORY DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD

The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short stories.
Among them were: Brigido Batungbakal, Macario Pineda, Serafin Guinigindo, Liwayway Arceo, Narciso
Ramos, NVM Gonzales, Alicia Lopez Lim, Ligaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman. The best writings in 1945
were selected by a group of judges composed of Francisco Icasiano, Jose Esperanza Cruz, Antonio
Rosales, Clodualdo del Mundo and Teodoro Santos. As a result of this selection, the following got the
first three prizes:

First Prize: Narciso Reyes with his LUPANG TINUBUAN

Second Prize: Liwayway Arceo’s UHAW ANG TIGANG NA LUPA

Third Prize: NVM Gonzales’LUNSOD NAYON AT DAGAT-DAGATAN

D. PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (1941-1945)

Because of the strict prohibitions imposed b the Japanese in the writing and publishing of works in
English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period. The few who dared to write did so for
their bread and butter or for propaganda.

Writings that came out during this period were journalistic in nature. Writers felt suppressed but
slowly, the spirit of nationalism started to seep into their consciousness. While some continued to write,
the majority waited for a better climate to publish their works. Noteworthy writer of the period was
Carlos P. Romulo who won the Pulitzer Prize for his bestsellers I SAW THE FALL OF THE PHILIPPINES, I
SEE THE PHILIPPINES RISE and his MOTHER AMERICA AND MY BROTHER AMERICANS.

Journalists include Salvador P. Lopez, Leon Ma. Geurrero, Raul Manglapuz and Carlos Bulosan.

Nick Joaquin producedTHE WOMAN WHO LOOKED LIKE LAZARUS.Fred Ruiz Castro wrote a few
poems.
 F.B. Icasino wrote essays in The Philippine Review. Carlos Bulosan’s works included THE LAUGHTER
OF MY FATHER (1944), THE VOICE OF BATAAN, 1943, SIX FILIPINO POETS, 1942, among others. Alfredo
Litiatco published With Harp and Sling and in 1943, Jose P. Laurel published Forces that Make a Nation
Great.

The Commonwealth Literary Awards gave prizes to meritorious writers. Those who won were:

1. LIKE THE MOLAVE –by Rafael Zulueta da Costa (Poetry)

2. HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGTH HOME A WIFE –by Manuel E. Arguilla (Short Story)
3. LITERATURE AND SOCIETY –by Salvador P. Lopez (Essay)
4. HIS NATIVE SOIL –by Juan Laya (Novel)

President Manuel L. Quezon’s autobiography THE GOOD FIGHTwas published posthumously.

Radio broadcasts echoed the mingled fear and doubts in the hearts of the people.

Other writers of this period were Juan Collas (19440, Tomas Confesor (1945), Roman A. de la Cruz and
Elisa Tabuñar.

Rebirth of Freedom

Historical Background

The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerillas who fled to the mountain joined the
liberating American Army.

On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained is freedom and the Filipino flag waved joyously alone. The
chains were broken.

A. THE STATE OF LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD

The early post-liberation period was marked by a kind of “struggle of mind and spirit”posed by the
sudden emancipation from the enemy, and the wild desire to see print. Filipinos had, by this time,
learned to express themselves more confidently but post-war problems beyond language and print-like
economic stability, the threat of new ideas and mortality –had to be grappled with side by side.

There was a proliferation of newspapers like the FREE PRESS, MORNING SUN, of Sergio Osmeña Sr.,
DAILY MIRROR of Joaquin Roces, EVENING NEWS of Ramon Lopezes and the BULLETIN of Menzi. This
only proved that there were more readers in English than in any ocher vernaculars like Tagalog, Ilocano
or Hiligaynon. Journalists had their day. They indulged in more militant attitude in their reporting which
bordered on the libelous. Gradually, as normality was restored, the tones and themes of the writings
turned to the less pressing problems of economic survival.

Some Filipino writers who had gone abroad and had written during the interims came back to publish
their works.

Not all the books published during the period reflected the war year; some were compilations or
second editions of what have been written before. Some of the writers and their works of the periods
are:
THE VOICE OF THE VETERAN –a compilation of the best works of some Ex-USAFFE men like Amante
Bigornia, Roman de la Cruz, Ramon de Jesus and J.F. Rodriguez.

TWILIGHT IN TOKYO and PASSION and DEATH OF THE USAFFE by Leon Ma. Guerrero

FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY–by S.P. Lopez

BETRAYAL IN THE PHILIPPINES–by Hernando Abaya SEVEN HILLS AWAY–by NVM Gonzales

POETRY IN ENGLISH DURING THIS PERIOD

For the first twenty years, many books were published…both in Filipino and in English.

Among the writers during this time were: Fred Ruiz Castro, Dominador I. Ilio, and C.B. Rigor.

Some notable works of the period include the following:

1. HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) –a collection of poems by Manuel Viray

2. PHILIPPINES CROSS SECTION (1950) –a collection of prose and poetry by Maximo Ramos and
Florentino Valeros
3. PROSE AND POEMS (1952) –by Nick Joaquin
4. PHILIPPINE WRITING (1953) –by T.D. Agcaoili
5. PHILIPPINE HAVEST –by Amador Daguio
6. HORIZONS LEAST (1967) –a collection of works by the professors of UE, mostly in English (short
stories, essays, research papers, poem and drama) by Artemio Patacsil and Silverio Baltazar The
themes of most poems dealt with the usual love of nature, and of social and political problems.
Toribia Maño’s poems showed deep emotional intensity.
7. WHO SPOKE OF COURAGE IN HIS SLEEP –by NVM Gonzales
8. SPEAK NOT, SPEAK ALSO –by Conrado V. Pedroche
9. Other poets were Toribia Maño and Edith L. Tiempo

Jose Garcia Villa’s HAVE COME, AM HERE won acclaim both here and abroad. NOVELS AND SHORT
STORIES IN ENGLISH

Longer and longer pieces were being written by writers of the period. Stevan Javellana’s WITHOUT
SEEING THE DAWN tells of the grim experiences of war during the Japanese Occupation.

In 1946, the Barangay Writer’s Project whose aim was to publish works in English by Filipinos was
established.

In 1958, the PEN Center of the Philippines (Poets, essayists, novelists) was inaugurated. In the same
year, Francisco Arcellana published his PEN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES. In 1961, Kerima Polotan’s
novel THE HAND OF THE ENEMY won the Stonehill Award for the Filipino novel in English.

In 1968, Luis V. Teodoro Jr.’s short story THE ADVERSARY won the Philippines Free Press short story
award; in 1969, his story THE TRAIL OF PROFESSOR RIEGO won second prize in the Palanca Memorial
Awards for Literature and in 1970, his short story THE DISTANT CITY won the graphic short story award.

THE NEW FILIPINO LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD

 Philippines literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the writings dealt with
Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the Japanese government and the brave guerilla
exploits.

Newspapers and magazine publications were re-opened like the Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang Ilangand
Sinag Tala. Tagalog poetry acquired not only rhyme but substance and meaning. Short stories had better
characters and events based on facts and realities and themes were more meaningful. Novels became
common but were still read by the people for recreation. The people’s love for listening to poetic jousts
increased more than before and people started to flock to places to hear poetic debates.

Many books were published during this time, among which were:

1. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro Abadilla

2. Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (1886-1948) by Teodoro Agoncillo
3. Ako’y Isang Tinig (1952) collection of poems and stories by Genoveva Edroza Matute
4. Mga Piling Sanaysay (1952) by Alejandro Abadilla
5. Maikling Katha ng Dalawampung Pangunahing Autor (1962) by A.G. Abadilla and Ponciano E.P.
Pineda
6. Parnasong Tagalog (1964) collection of selected poems by Huseng Sisiw and Balagtas, collected
by A.G. Abadilla
7. Sining at Pamamaraan ng Pag-aaral ng Panitikan (1965) by Rufino Alejandro. He prepared this
book for teaching in reading and appreciation of poems, dramas, short stories and novels
8. Manlilikha, Mga Piling Tula (1961-1967) by Rogelio G. Mangahas
9. Mga Piling Akda ng Kadipan (Kapisanang Aklat ng Diwa at Panitik) 1965 by Efren Abueg
10. Makata (1967) first cooperative effort to publish the poems of 16 poets in Pilipino
11. Pitong Dula (1968) by Dionisio Salazar
12. Manunulat: Mga Piling Akdang Pilipino (1970) by Efren Abueg. In this book, Abueg proved that it
is possible to have a national integration of ethnic culture in our country. 13. Mga Aklat ni Rizal:
Many books about Rizal came out during this period. The law ordering the additional study of
the life of Rizal helped a lot in activating our writers to write books about Rizal.

PALANCA AWARDS

Another inspiration for writers in Filipino was the launching of the Palanca Memorial Awards for
literature headed by Carlos Palanca Sr. in 1950. (Until now, the awards are still being given although the
man who founded it has passed away). The awards were given to writers of short stories, plays and
poetry.

The first awardees in its first year, 1950-51 in the field of the short story were the following:

First Prize: KUWENTO NI MABUTI by Genoveva Edroza

Second Prize: MABANGIS NA KAMAY…MAAMONG KAMAY by Pedro S. Dandan

Third Prize: PLANETA, BUWAN AT MGA BITUIN by Elpidio P. Kapulong

Period of Activism

Historical Background
 According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide causes.
Activism is connected with the history of our Filipino youth.

Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms. Some continued to believe that the
democratic government is stable and that it is only the people running the government who are at fault.
Some believed that socialism or communism should replace democracy. Some armed groups were
formed to bring down the democratic form of government. Many young people became activists to ask
for changes in the government. In the expression of this desire for change, keen were the writings of
some youth who were fired with nationalism in order to emphasize the importance of their petitions.

Many young activists were imprisoned in military camps together with rebel writers.

As early as this period of history we can say that many of those writers who were imprisoned were
true nationalists and heroes of their time. Many books aptly record and embody these times but many
of these are not known to many and many of these writers still have to be interviewed. We just leave to
scholars and researchers the giving of credit where credit is due.

A. THE SEED OF ACTIVISM

The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. We can, however, say that
he seeds were earlier sown from the times of Lapu-lapu, Lakandula, and Rizal. The revolution against the
powerful forces in the Philippines can be said to be the monopoly of the youth in whose veins flow the
fire in their blood. What Rizal said of the youth being the hope of the Fatherland –is still valid even
today.

B. PERIOD OF THE BLOODY PLACARDS

Pineda also said that this was the time when the youth once more proved that it is not the constant
evasion that shapes our race and nationalism.

There is a limit to one’s patience. It may explode like a volcano if overstrained.

Life? What avails like if one is a coward who does not take a stand for himself and for the succeeding
generations?

C. THE LITERARY REVOLUTION

The youth became completely rebellious during this period. This was proven not only in the bloody
demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions but also in literature. Campus newspapers showed
rebellious emotions. The once aristocratic writers developed awareness for society. They held pens and
wrote on placards in red paint the equivalent of the word MAKIBAKA (To dare!).

They attacked the ills of society and politics.

Any establishment became the symbol of the ills that had to be changed. The frustrations of youth
could be felt in churches and school.

Even the priests, teachers and parents, as authorities who should be respected became targets of the
radical youth and were though of as hindrances to the changes they sought The literature of the activists
reached a point where they stated boldly what should be done to effect these changes.
 Some of those who rallied to this revolutionary form of literature were Rolando Tinio, Rogelio
Mangahas, Efren Abueg, Rio Alma, and Clemente Bautista.

WRITING DURING THE PERIOD OF ACTIVISM

The irreverence for the poor reached its peak during this period of the mass revolution. It was also
during this period that Bomba films that discredit our ways as Filipinos started to come out..

PALANCA AWARDEES FOR LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

(Established in 1950, the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature had been giving cash prizes for
short story, poetry and one-act play writing as an incentive to Filipino writers. The prizes come from La
Tondena, Inc., the firm founded by the late Carlos Palanca Sr. For the list of winners from 1950-51 to
1960-70, we recommended Alberto S. Florentino’s “Twenty Years of Palanca Awards.”)

WRITERS DURING THIS PERIOD

Jose F. Lacaba, in his book DAYS OF DISQUIET, NIGHTS OF RAGE; THE FIRST QUARTERS STORM AND
RELATED EVENTS, wrote of the tragic and tumultuous moments in our country’s history.

Describing this period, he writes: “That first quarter of the year 1970…It was a glorious time, a time
of terror and of wrath, but also a time for hope. The signs of change were on the horizon.

A powerful storm was sweeping the land, a storm whose inexorable advance no earthly force could
stop, and the name of the storm was history.” He mentions that those students demonstrating at that
time knew and were aware that what they were doing would be crucial to our country’s history. Student
leaders thought up grandiose names for their organizations and hence, the proliferation of acronyms
likes SUCCOR, YDS, KTPD, SAGUPA, SMP, KKK, KM, MDP, and SDK.

Politicians endorsed bills for those who interfered with student demonstrators.

Mayor Antonio Villegas himself, on Feb. 18, 1970, led demonstrators away from angry policemen.
Other politicians like Eva Estrada Kalaw, and Salvador Laurel, Benigno Aquino Jr. wrote about
condemnation of police brutalities. Lacaba’s book is truly representative of writers who were
eyewitnesses to this time “of terror and wrath.”

Other writers strove to pour out their anguish and frustrations in words describing themselves as
“gasping for the air, thirsting for the water of freedom.”Thus, the Philippine Center for the International
PEN (Poets, Essayists, and Novelists) held a conference centering on the “writer’s lack of freedom in a
climate of fear.” For a day they denounced restrictions on artistic freedom and passionately led a plea
for freedom. Among the writers in this group were: Nick Joaquin, S.P. Lopez, Gregorio Brillantes, F. Sionil
Jose, Petronilo Daroy, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, Mauro Avelina, and Jose W. Diokno.

People in the other media participated in this quest for freedom. Journalists Jose Burgos Jr., Antonio
Ma. Nieva,; movie director Lino Brocka, art critic Anna Leah S. de Leon were battling head –on against
censorship. They came up with resolutions that pleaded for causes other than their own –like the
general amnesty for political prisoners, and other secret decrees restricting free expression.
 They requested editors and publishers to publish the real names of writers in their columns. It called
on media to disseminate information on national interest without partisan leanings and resolved to be
united with all causes decrying oppression and repression.

Period of the New Society

Historical Background

The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards continued
to give annual awards.

Almost all themes in most writings dealt with the development or progress of the country –like the
Green Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction and pollution. The
New Society tried to stop pornography or those writings giving bad influences on the morals of the
people. All school newspapers were temporarily stopped and so with school organizations. The military
government established a new office called the Ministry of Public Affairs that supervised the
newspapers, books and other publications.

The government took part in reviving old plays like the Cenaculo, the Zarzuela and the Embayoka of the
Muslims. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk Arts Theater and even the old Metropolitan
Theater were rebuilt in order to have a place for these plays.

Singing both Filipino and English songs received fresh incentives. Those sent abroad promoted many
Filipino songs. The weekly publications like KISLAP, and LIWAYWAY helped a lot in the development of
literature. These became outlets for our writers to publish many of their works.

A. FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY

Themes of most poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the beauties of
nature and surroundings.

Those who wrote poetry during this period were: Ponciano Pineda, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose Garcia
Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente Dimasalang, Cir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz. Many more
composers added their bit during this period. Among them were Freddie Aguilar, Jose Marie Chan and
the group Tito, Vic and Joey. ANAK of Freddie Aguilar became an instant success because of the spirit
and emotions revealed in the song. There were even translations in Japanese and in other languages.

B. THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY

The government led in reviving old plays and dramas, like the Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the
Embayoka of the Muslims which were presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts
Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Many schools and organizations also presented
varied plays.

The Mindanao State University presented a play Sining Embayoka at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines.

In 1977, the Tales of Manuvu, a new style of rock of the ballet opera was also added to these
presentations. This was performed by Celeste Legaspi, Lea Navarro, Hadji Alejandro, Boy Camara,
Anthony Castello, Rey Dizon and choreographed by Alic Reyes.
 Even the President’s daughter at the time participated as a performing artist in the principal role of
Santa Juana of Koral and in The Diary of Anne Frank. The following organizations contributed a lot to the
development of plays during this period:

1. PETA of Cecille Guidote and Lino Brocka

2. Repertory Philippines: of Rebecca Godines and Zenaida Amador
3. UP Repertory of Behn Cervantes
4. Teatro Filipino by Rolando Tinio

C. RADIO AND TELEVISION

Radio continued to be patronized during this period. The play series like SI MATAR, DAHLIA, ITO AND
PALAD KO, and MR. LONELY were the forms of recreation of those without television.

Even the new songs were first heard over the airwaves. However, many performing artists in radio
moved over to television because of higher pay. Among these were Augusto Victa, Gene Palomo, Mely
Tagasa, Lina Pusing, and Ester Chavez. Popular television plays were GULONG NG PALAD, FLOR DE LUNA,
and ANNA LIZA. SUPERMAN AND TARZAN were also popular with the youth.

D. FILIPINO FILMS

A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulng Pilipino (Yearly Filipino Film Festival) was held during this time. During
the festival which lasted usually for a month, only Filipino films were shown in all theaters in Metro
Manila. Prizes and trophies were awarded at the end of the festival in recognition of excellence in film
making and in role performances.

New kinds of films without sex or romance started to be made but which AGUILA were nevertheless
well-received by the public.

Among these were:

1. MAYNILA…SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG written by Edgardo Reyes and filmed under the
direction of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco was the lead role.
2. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO; Nora Aunor was the principal performer here.
3. GANITO KAMI NOO…PAANO KAYO NGAYON: led by Christopher de Leon and Gloria Diaz.
4. INSIANG: by Hilda Koronel led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan and Christopher de Leon

Sex films could not be shelved. Foreign, as well as local films dealing the bold themes were the
vehicles of producers to earn more money.

E. COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS

During this period of the New Society, newspapers donned new forms. News on economic progress,
discipline, culture, tourism and the like were favored more than the sensationalized reporting of killings,
rape and robberies.

The leading papers during this period were:

1. BULLETIN TODAY 4. BALITA

2. TIMES JOURNAL 1. 8. EVENING EXPRESS
3. PEOPLES JOURNAL 5. PILIPINO EXPRESS
 6. PHILIPPINE DAILY EXPRESS 7. EVENING POST

LIWAYWAY had been an old-time favorite of the Filipinos since 1920. Other magazines were:

1. KISLAP 3. EXTRA HOT

2. BULAKLAK 4. JINGLE SENSATION

Like mushrooms, comics also proliferated everywhere and were enjoyed by the masses.

Among these were:

1. PILIPINO 4. HIWAGA
2. EXTRA 5. KLASIK
3. LOVE LIFE 6. ESPESYAL

NATIONAL ARTISTS

1973

 Amado V. Hernandez (Posthumous) (Literature)

 Jose Garcia Villa (Literature)

1976

 Nick Joaquin (Literature)

G. AN OVERVIEW OF THE LITERATUE DURING THE NEW SOCIETY

Bilingual education which was initiated by the Board of National Education as early as 1958 and
continued up to the period of Martial Rule in September 21, 1972, resulted in the deterioration of
English in the different levels of education. The focus of education and culture was on problems of
national identity, on re-orientation, renewed vigor and a firm resolves to carry out plans and programs.

The forms of literature that led during this period were the essays, debates and poetry. The short
stories, like the novels and plays were no different in style from those written before the onset of
activism. Some of the books that came out during this period were:

1. I Married a Newspaperman (essay) by Maria Luna Lopez (wife of newsapaperman Salvador B.

Lopez), 1976
2. The Modern Filipino Short Story by Patricia Melendrez Cruz, 1980
3. Cross Currents in Afro-Asian Literature, by Rustica D. Carpio, 1976
4. Brief Time to Love by Ofelia F. Limcaco
5. Medium Rare and Tell the People (feature articles and TV Program) by Julie Yap Daza

Period of the Third Republic

Historical Background

After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino which started under the
New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981.
 To those in government, the lifting of military rule heralded a change. To their perceptions, the
Philippines became a new nation and this; former President Marcos called “The New Republic of the
Philippines.” A historian called this the Third Republic. The First Republic he claimed was during the
Philippine Republic of Emilio Aguinaldo when we first got our independence form the Spaniards on June
12, 1898.

The Second was when the Americans granted us our independence on July 4, 1946. This period,
January 2, 1981, was the Third Republic when we were freed from Military Rule.

During this period, it cannot be denied that many people seethed with rebellion and protest because
of the continued oppression and suppression. This was further aggravated when former Senator
Benigno S. Aquno Jr., the idol of the Filipino masses, whom they hoped to be the next president, was
president, was brutally murdered on August 21, 1983.

This stage of the nation had its effect on our literature. After the Aquino assassinated, the people’s
voices could no long be contained. Both the public and private sectors in government were chanting,
and shouting; women, men and the youth became bolder and their voices were raised in dissent. We
can say that Philippine literature, in spite of the many restrictions, still surreptitiously retained its luster.

B. FILIPINO POETRY

Poems during this period of the Third Republic were romantic and revolutionary. Writers wrote
openly of their criticism against the government. The supplications of the people were coached in fiery,
colorful, violent, profane and insulting language.

C. FILIPINO SONGS

Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were really true-to-life like those of grief, poverty,
aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and of fellowmen.

Many composers, grieved over Ninoy Aquino’s treacherous assassination composed songs.

Among them were Coritha, Eric and Freddie Aguilar. Coritha and Eric composed a song titles LABAN
NG BAYAN KO and this was first sung by Coritha during the National Unification Conference of the
Opposition in March, 1985. This was also sung during the Presidential Campaign Movement for Cory
Aquino to inspire the movement against Marcos in February 1986.

Freddie Aguilar revived the song BAYAN KO which was written by Jose Corazon de Jesus and C. de
Guzman during the American period.

D. PHILIPPINE FILMS DURING THE PERIOD

The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to be held during this period. The people’s love for sex
films also was unabated.

Many producers took advantage of this at the expense of public morality.

E. POETRY IN ENGLISH DURING THE THIRD REPUBLIC

Most especially, during the wake of the tragic Benigno Aquino Jr.’s incident, people reacted with
shock, appalled by the suddenness and the unexpectedness of events. Alfredo Navarro Salanga, a
consistent writer of Philippines Panorama Magazine in his column “Post-Prandal Reflections” aptly said
it: “darkness in the mind and soul is how some forgotten poet puts it. Its suddenness was so profound
that we couldn’t but react to it in any other way.”

Elemental to us (poets or writers) was how to grasp to some meaning –in a symbol, a phrase or word –
in the language of heart and tongue, the poet’s only candles. So we tried to reach out in the next and
perhaps the only way we could: by putting pen to paper and speaking out –as partisans in a human
drama.

Poets, surprisingly, by common consent, found themselves writing on a common subject.

Reproduction of some of them is reprinted here. We aptly call them Protest Poetry of the ‘80’s. The
themes of most during this time dealt with courage, shock and grief over the “treachery inflicted upon
Aquino.”

F. MEDIA OF 1983

Sheila S. Coronel, a PANORAMA staff stalwart, reporting on the state of the media during these times
said: it was a year of ferment, and change, of old problems made more oppressive by the new throbbing
beat of the times.”

For journalists, it was a year loaded with libel charges, lawsuits and seditious trials which they
gallantly bore as harassment suits. JAJA (Justice for Aquino, Justice for All) Movement called for a
boycott of government –controlled newspapers in protest of media suppression. People picketed
newspapers offices with coffins to symbolize the death of press freedom.

In campuses, newspapers were set afire to protest lack of free expression. Journalists suffered
physically and otherwise.

Journalists of 3 major dailies demanded a dialogue with their publishers to “restore credibility and
respectability” to newspapers. Opposition tabloids flourished. They sold our papers with the red news to
the starved public; hence, smut magazines like the TIKTIK, PLAYBOY SCENE, and SAKDAL also played the
sidewalks.

Radio led by RADIO VERITAS started reporting coverage of demonstrations. Information Minister
Gregorio Cendaña called the tabloids the “mosquito press” and called their new “political pornography.”

However, there was a perceptible liberalization of editorial policies in the major newspapers.

G. CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Among the well-loved forms of writing which abounded during this period were those of children’s
stories. The Children’s Communication Center (CCC) directed by poet and writer Virgilio S. Almario
already has built up an impressive collection of these kinds of books. The following are some of the
books of the period.

1982: PLAYS FOR CHILDREN by Jame B. Reuter S.J. (New Day Pub.)

1983: STORY TELLING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

1983: JOSE AND CARDO by Peggy Corr Manuel

1983: Joaquinesquerie: MYTH A LA MOD (Cacho Hermanos)

1983: LAHI: 5 FILIPINO FOLK TALES (of 5 English books and 1 cassette tape)

1984: RIZALIANA FOR CHILDREN: ILLUSTRATIONS and FOLKTALES by: Jose P. Rizal, Intoduced and
annotated by Alfredo Navarro Salanga

1984: GATAN AND TALAW by Jaime Alipit Montero

H. (PROSE) FABLES

The people’s cry of protest found outlets not only in poetry but also in veiled prose fables which
transparently satirized the occupants of Malacañang. Among those that saw prints were:

1. The Crown Jewels of Heezenhurst by Sylvia Mendez Ventura

2. The Emperor’s New Underwear by MeynardoA. Macaraig

3. The King’s Cold by Babeth Lolarga

4. The Case of the Missing Charisma (unfinished) by Sylvia L. Mayuga.

In all the fables, the king, differently referred to as TotusMarkus or the king or Haring Matinikwas meant
to poke fun at the ruler at Malacañang; similarly, Reyna Maganda or the Queen, was a veiled thrust at
his queen.

They were both drunk with power and were punished in the end for their misdeeds.

1. THE STATE OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH AT THIS TIME

Isagani Cruz, writing about Philippine literature in the “Age of Ninoy,”makes the following
observations:

“Philippines literature is definitely changing,” and he summarizes these as follows:

1. Change in the direction of greater consciousness in content and form.

2. Change in the number of readers and the number of writers and the kind of class of writers. Writers
who joined the ranks came not only from the established or professional groups but from all ranks –
clerks, secretaries, drivers, housewives, students; in short, the masses.

3. The resurgence of Balagtasismo and the continued dominance of Modernismo. While Balagtasismo
turned its back on the American challenge to Philippine literature its conservative conventions,
Modernismo adapted Americanization for its own ends.

4. The birth of a new poetic movement still dims in outline.

5. The apparent merging of the erstwhile separate streams of oral and written literature.