COMPILATION OF PHILIPPINE

LITERATURE DURING PRE-SPANISH AND

SPANISH COLONIZATION
21st Century Literature from the Philippines &
the World
 PRE HISPANIC PERIOD
Long before the Spaniards and other foreigners landed or set foot on Philippine
shores, our forefathers already had their own literature stamped in the history of our
race.
 O ur ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in everyday life as traced 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 ancestor was similar to that of the Malayo-Polynesian
alphabet. Whatever records our ancestors left were either burned by the Spaniards 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 the existence of a native culture truly our own. Some of these were
passed on byword 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:

1. LEGENDS
Are forms 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. Its
aim is to entertain.
 The Legend of the Tagalogs
In a certain wide region of Luzon, there was a village frequented by young men. The town was full of trees,
beautiful flowers and a river where clear waters flowed. What attracted the young men more than the scenery was a beautiful
nymph- like maiden.
The maiden was Maria and she had lots of suitors who came from afar and who fought for her hand. But Maria
remained unconcerned and very choosy. Because she was kind, her suitors remained undaunted so Maria thought of a plan.
She called all the men together and told them, "You are all good and kind and it is difficult for me to choose one among you.
Let me decide with a test. "I'll marry the first man who can bring me a big, live and strong serpent, "Maria said in jest.
The young men were dumbfounded. After a while, the voice of Ilog broke the silence. "In promise to bring you
one, Maria. Eve if I have to risk my like, I'll bring you what you wish. Ilog was a man known for his bravery. He left
immediately to fulfill his promise.
The men whispered among themselves. They were sure that Ilog would never be able to return. They
waited for a long while but Ilog had not returned. Even Maria was saddened because she also grieved the loss of a man
as brave and accommodating as Ilog. After many hours, Ilog returned. They crowded to see how Ilog would prove
his bravery. Ilog held a big snake by its nape and tail. While the men were thus occupied, two Spaniards passed by.
Their attention was caught not by what Ilog held but by the beauty of Maria.
"Maria," heroically called Ilog. "I've brought you the serpent you wished for. What else do you want me to do
to make you happy?"The Spaniards were startled. They asked the people around where they were and in what place they
were in but nobody paid attention for their attention were focused on the snake and on Maria. When Maria saw that the
snake was still struggling, she shouted.
"Taga, Ilog! Taga, Ilog!" (Cut, Ilog! Cut, Ilog!) which she addressed to Ilog so he would cut the snake up
again.
The two Spaniards, thinking that this was in answer to their question repeated the words TAGAILOG,
TAGAILOG which later became TAGAL.
 Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by:

2. FOLK TALES
Is 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.
 The Moon and the Sun
(Tingguian folk tale)

In the olden days, like the moon, the sun had also star children which were
yellowish in color, very bright and very hot. He star children of the moon, however, were
reddish and cool. That moon was scared hat his stars would wither and die if they play with
the star children of the sun. The moon suggested to the sun that they kill their children who
were crowding the heavens with their number.
When the sun had killed her children, the moon merely hid behind the clouds. In
the evening, when the clouds faded, the moon stars appeared. This angered the sun so he
gave chase to the moon. Thus when he overtakes the moon, we have the so-called eclipse.
Every morning, the kills the moon stars that he catches.
Until now, this chase continues and because the moon still continues to
give birth to stars, these moon stars are still around.
 Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by:

3. EPIC
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.
Aside from the aforementioned epics, there are still other epics that can be read and studied like the
following:
 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
 Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by:
4. 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.
Example:
KUNDIMAN
(Awit ng Pag-ibig – Songs of Love)
Noong unang panahon nung ako ay bata pa,
Natisod mo na ay di pa alintana,
Nang ako ay lumaki at maging dalaga,
Tila sa Wari ko y may pagbabanta pa.
Pagsinta mo sa akin ay di ko tatanggapin
Pagka’t akong ito ay alangan sa tingin,
Ako ay mahirap, pangit pa sa tingin.
 OTHER FORMS OF PRE-SPANISH POETRY

5. EPIGRAMS, RIDDLES, CHANTS, MAXIMS,

PROVERBS OR SAYINGS
A. 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.
B. Riddles (Bugtong) or Palaisipan. These are made up of one or more
measured lines with rhyme and may consist of four to 12 syllables.
C. Chant (Bulong). Used in witch craft or enchantment.
D. Maxims. Some are rhyming couplets with verses 5,6 or 8 syllables, each
line having the same number of syllables.
E. Sayings (Kasabihan). Often used in teasing or to comment on a person’s
actuations.
F. Sawikain (Sayings with no hidden meanings)
 HISPANIC PERIOD
Let's go back in time and discover more about our heritage
and literature when Spaniards came in 1521.
 The arrival of the Spaniards in 1565 brought Spanish culture and language. The Spanish
conquerors, governing from Mexico for the crown of Spain, established a strict class system that was
based on race and soon imposed Roman Catholicism on the native
population. Augustinian and Franciscan missionaries, accompanied by Spanish soldiers soon spread
Christianity from island to island.
GOALS OF SPANIARDS
Before Spanish move here in the Philippines they've already set goals known as 3 G's, the gold,
glory and god. Gold is the accumulation of wealth, Glory is the supremacy of Spain over Portugal as a
superpower and the most important among the three is the God. Its aim is to convert the natives to
Christians.
The spreading of Christianity was never easy for Spaniards since they are already Muslim
settlement in Mindanao. However, people in the lowlands were forced to practice different ceremonies
like mass baptism, reduction policies. The beginning of Passion play, and even the crucifixion of
Christ.
Spain also brought to the country, though at much later time, liberal ideas and an
internationalism that influenced our own Filipino intellectuals and writers for them to understand the
meaning of liberty and freedom.
 SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE
LITERATURE
 The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman
alphabet.
 The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
 The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent
many of its words to our language.
 Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.
 Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and
Visayan.
 Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.
 Religious themes dominated the literature of the time.
 European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros.
 THE FIRST BOOKS

 DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN

DOCTRINE)
This was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography.
 NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL ROSARIO
It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers on religion.
 LIBRO DE LOS CUATRO POSTRIMERIAS DEL
HOMBRE
First written book in typography
 BARLAAN AT JOSEPHAT
Biblical Story printed in the Philippines
First Tagalog novel printed in the Philippines even though it is only a translation
 THE PASSION
 THE FIRST BOOKS
 URBANA AT FELISA Modesto de Castro- Father of Classical Prose in Tagalog
Influenced greatly the behavior of the people in the society
 ANG MGA DALIT KAY MARIA (PSALAMS FOR MARY) Collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary
 Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala (Art and Rules of the Tagalog Language)
Translated to Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in 1610 & Written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose
 Compendio de la Lengua Tagala (Understanding the Tagalog Language)
Written by Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin in 1703
 Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala (Tagalog vocabulary) first Tagalog dictionary written by Fr. Pedro de San
Bueneventura in 1613.
 Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga (Pampanga vocabulary) the first book written in
Pampango
written by Fr. Diego in 1732
 Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisayan Vocabulary) Best Visayan language book
Written by Mataeo Sanchez in 1711
 Arte de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the Ilocano Language) First Ilocano
grammar book by Francisco Lopez
 Arte de la Lengua Bicolana (The Art of the Bicol Language) First book in the Bicol
Language by Fr. Marcos Libson in 1754
 PROMINENT PEOPLE DURING THE HISPANIC
PERIOD
FranciscoBaltazar (born Francisco
Balagtas y de la Cruz; April 2, 1788 –
February 20, 1862), also known
as Francisco Balagtas, was a
prominent Filipino poet, and is widely
considered one of the greatest Filipino
literary laureates for his impact on
Francisco Filipino literature. The famous
“Balagtas”
Baltazar
epic, Florante at Laura, is regarded as
his defining work.
 PROMINENT PEOPLE DURING THE HISPANIC
PERIOD
José Protasio Rizal
Mercado y Alonso Realonda
(June 19,1861 – December 30, 1896) widely
known as José Rizal, was a Filipino
nationalist and polymath during the tail end
of the Spanish colonial period of
the Philippines. An ophthalmologist by
profession, Rizal became a writer and a
key member of the Filipino Propaganda
Movement which advocated political
reforms for the colony under Spain.
He was executed by the Spanish
colonial government for the crime
of rebellion after an anti-dd revolution,
inspired in part by his writings, broke out.
Though he was not actively involved in its
planning or conduct, he ultimately
José Rizal approved of its goals which eventually led
to Philippine independence.
NOVELS AND ESSAYS OF JOSE
RIZAL
 Noli Me Tángere, novel, 1887 (literally Latin for 'touch me not', from John 20:17)
 El Filibusterismo, (novel, 1891), sequel to Noli Me Tángere
 Alin Mang Lahi" ("Whate'er the Race"), a Kundiman attributed to Dr. José Rizal
 The Friars and the Filipinos (Unfinished)
 Toast to Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo (Speech, 1884), given at Restaurante Ingles, Madrid
 The Diaries of José Rizal
 Rizal's Letters is a compendium of Dr. Jose Rizal's letters to his family members, Blumentritt,
Fr. Pablo Pastells and other reformers
 "Come se gobiernan las Filipinas" (Governing the Philippine islands)
 Filipinas dentro de cien años essay, 1889–90 (The Philippines a Century Hence)
 La Indolencia de los Filipinos, essay, 1890 (The indolence of Filipinos)
 Makamisa unfinished novel
 Sa Mga Kababaihang Taga Malolos, essay, 1889, To the Young Women of Malolos
 Annotations to Antonio de Moragas, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (essay, 1889, Events in the
Philippine Islands)
 PROMINENT PEOPLE DURING THE HISPANIC
PERIOD

Andrés Bonifacio (November 30, 1863 –

May 10, 1897) was a Filipino revolutionary leader and
the president of the Tagalog Republic. He is often
called "The Father of the Philippine Revolution". He
was one of the founders and later Supremo (Supreme
Leader) of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalanggalangang
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more
popularly called Katipunan, a movement which sought
the independence of the Philippines from Spanish
colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He
is considered a de facto national hero of the
Philippines, and is also considered by some Filipino
historians to be the first President of the Philippines
(through the revolutionary government he established),
Andres Bonifacio
but officially he is not recognized as such.
 PROMINENT PEOPLE DURING THE HISPANIC
PERIOD
Leona Florentino (born Leona Josefa
Florentina,19 April 1849 - 4 October
1884)
was a Filipino poet in
the Spanish and Ilocano languages.
She is considered as the "mother of
Philippine women's literature" and
the "bridge from oral to literary
tradition".
Leona Florentino
WORKS
Her lyrical poetry in Spanish, and especially that in Ilocano,
gained attention in various international forums
in Spain, Paris and St. Louis, Missouri. Her literary contributions -
particularly 22 preserved poems - were recognized when she was
included in the Encyclopedia Internationale des Oeuvres des
Femmes (International Encyclopedia of Women’s Works) in
1889. She is believed to be the first Filipina to receive this
international recognition, an homage that occurred after her death
at a young age.
 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.

Examples of Folk Songs

A. Leron-leron Sinta
B. Pamulinawen
C. Dandansoy
D. Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing
 RECREATIONAL PLAYS
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 through a dramatic performance
2. Lagaylay – this is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon
during Maytime to get together. This also shows praise, respect and
offering love to the Blessed Cross by St. Helena and the mound she dug
in.
3. The Cenaculo – this is a dramatic performance to commemorate the
passion and death of Jesus Christ.
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.
 RECREATIONAL PLAYS
6. Salubong – an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and his
Mother.
7. 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.
8. 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 problem.
9. Sainete – a short musical comedy that were exaggerated and shown between long
plays.
10. The Moro-Moro – a play that depicts a Christian princess who is captured by the
Mohammedans. The father organizes a rescue party where fighting between the
Moros and Christians ensues.
 KYLE ALFAFARA
JADE EDISAN
APPLE DORAINE
MENDOZA
JEMMAR SEVILLE
2017-2018