LESSON 1

Geographic, Linguistic, and Ethnic Dimensions of Philippine Literary History from Pre-Colonial to the
Contemporary

Our forefathers already had their literature, which reflected in their customs and traditions. They had their
alphabet even before they had colonized. The Spanish friars burned their alphabet in the belief that they were works of
the devil or were written on materials that quickly perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves, and bamboo
cylinders, which could not have remained firm even if efforts were made to preserve them. Our unique geographic
location is the reason why we are rich.

Pre-Spanish Period is characterized by:

Chant (Bulong). This was used in witchcraft or enchantment especially in remote places in the Visayas.
Legends. These are genres of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions perceived or
believed both by teller and listeners to have taken place within human history.
Folk Tales. These are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror, and humor where one can derive
lessons. An example of this is THE MOON AND THE SUN.
Epics. These are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events, usually of a hero,
are dealt with at length.
Folk Songs. These 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. Examples of which are
Kundiman, Kumintang o Tagumpay, Ang Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana, Soliraning and Talindaw.

Spanish Period (1521 – 1871)

Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature

The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA, was replaced by the Roman alphabet. Also, the teaching
of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices. European legends and traditions brought
here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
Folk Songs
It manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate appreciation for and love of
beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung
Sing-sing.
Recreational Plays
There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times. Almost all of
them were in a poetic form such Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, Salubong, Embayoka, Lagaylay, and Zarzuela.

Period of Enlightenment (1872 – 1898)

In the 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Ilustrados began to write about the hitch
of colonization.

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.
o Some of Rizal’s writings: Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Mi Último Adios, Sobre La Indolencia
De Los Filipinos and Filipinas Dentro De Cien Aňos.
o Some of Del Pilar’s writings: Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of Country), Kaingat Kayo (Be
Careful), and Dasalan at Tocsohan (Prayers and Jokes).

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 o Some of Jaena’s writings: Ang Fray Botod, La Hija Del Fraile (The Child of the Friar), Sa mga
Filipino, and Everything Is Hambug (Everything is mere show), Sa Mga Pilipino...1891), and
Talumpating Pagunita Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to Commemorate Columbus).

The American Regime (1898 – 1944)

Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using the English language. Jose Garcia Villa
became famous for his free verse.

Characteristics of Literature during this period:

The languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of the different regions. But
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 and the writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the
Americans.

The Japanese Period (1941 – 1945)

Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when another foreign country, Japan, conquered the
Philippines between 1941-1945. Philippine literature in English came to a halt. This led to all newspapers not to be
circulated in the community except for TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE REVIEW.

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:

o Haiku, a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into three
lines and
o Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but it has measure and rhyme.
o Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form)

Philippine Literature in English (1941 – 1945)

Because of the strict prohibitions imposed by the Japanese in the writing and publishing of works in English,
Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period. For the first twenty years, many books were published both
in Filipino and in English. In the New Filipino Literature, Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during this
period. Most themes in the writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, the poverty of life under the Japanese government,
and the brave guerilla exploits.

Rebirth of Freedom (1946 – 1970)

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. Literary writing in vernacular became popular. The
writers had a better knowledge of their craft and enjoyed political activism.

1. Poetry
a. When I see a barong-barong by Maximo Ramos
2. Short Story
a. Plighted Word by Narciso G. Reyes
b. Scent of Apples by Bienvenido Santos
c. Cadaver by Alberto S. Florentino
d. They Called It “Brotherhood” by Maximo V. Soliven
e. Kwento Ni Mabuti by Genoveva Edroz

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Period of Activism (1970 – 1972)

According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide causes. Because
of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms.

The Literary Revolution

The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded a change in the government. It was
manifested in the bloody demonstrations and the sidewalk expressions and also in literature.

Period of New Society (1972 – 1980)

The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards continued to give
annual awards. Poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs, and the beauties of nature and
surroundings. 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. Filipinos before were hooked on reading magazines and
comics.

Period of the Third Republic (1981 – 1985)

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. The Philippines became a new nation, and this, former
President Marcos called “The New Republic of the Philippines.” Poems during this period of the Third Republic were
romantic and revolutionary. Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were true-to-life like those of grief, poverty,
aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and fellowmen.

Post-Edsa 1 Revolution (1986 – 1999)

History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their independence, which they lost
twenty years ago. In four days from February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. In
the short span of the existence of the real Republic of the Philippines, several changes already became evident. It was
noticed in the new Filipino songs, newspapers, speeches, and even in the television programs. The now crony
newspapers that enjoyed an overnight increase in circulation were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S
JOURNAL.

21st Century Period

The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the needs and tastes of the new generation. 21st
Century learners are demanded to be Information and Communication Technology (ICT) inclined to compete with the
style and format of writing as well. New codes or lingos are used to add flavor in the literary pieces produced
nowadays.

LESSON 2

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 Identifying Representative Texts from the Regions

The country’s rich repertoire of literary masterpieces may be rooted in the diverse cultural heritage of the
Filipino people. They have produced varied texts because of differences. The mighty roar of the North and the fiery
temperament of the South blended well. The Filipinos speak of the collective experiences from the people who have
gone through difficulties, triumphs, struggles, successes, armed conflicts, bloodless revolutions, and others. It is the
reason why these masterpieces resonated loud and clear in the Philippine archipelago.

A Taste of Philippine Poetry

Located in the northwest of Luzon, the Ilocos Region or Region 1 comprises four provinces, namely: Ilocos
Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. It is bordered to the west by the turbulent South China Sea, to the east
by the Cordillera Administrative Region, the northeast and southeast by Cagayan Valley and the South by Central
Luzon. Most of the inhabitants of the Ilocano homeland are concentrated along a narrow coastal plain. Because of
geographical boundaries, these people often experience heavy rains and violent typhoons, especially during rainy
seasons.

The region, then, takes pride in long stretches of white sand and clear waters alongside its rich cultural
heritage. What you are about to read is a poem written by a Carlos Palanca Memorial awardee in Poetry in 1964,
Carlos A. Angeles. His collection of poems entitled, Stun of Jewels, also bagged him the Republic Cultural Heritage
Award in Literature in the same year.

A Moment of Silence

Gabu depicts a coastline in Ilocos that is constantly experiencing the battering restlessness of the sea. The
water that comes back to the shore seems furious and ruthless with its daylong bashing, which havocs the wasteland.
Being an archipelagic country, the Philippines knows the importance of water and the sea.

A Taste of Tagalog Essay

More popularly known now as the CALABARZON referring to the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas,
Rizal, and Quezon, Region IV-A is home to Tagalog-speaking people in the Philippines. Recognized all over the
country for their bravery and fearlessness in battles, CALABARZON has participated actively in the country’s fight
for freedom and democracy. It is home to many Philippine heroes foremost, and among them are Rizal of Laguna,
Mabini of Batangas, and Aguinaldo of Cavite.

A Taste of Creative Nonfiction

The island of Visayas is one of the major geographical divisions in the Philippines, the other two being Luzon
and Mindanao. It is divided into Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas. The Visayas region comprises several islands
circling the Visayan Sea. Its people, therefore, share a sea-based culture and tradition that may be rooted in a strong
religious foundation.

The dwelling place of many festivals such as the Ati-Atihan, Di-nagyang, Sinulog, Pintados, and Maskara, the
Visayas may indeed be considered as one of the cradles of Philippine civilization.

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