EPIGRAMS

Epigrams are more commonly called Salawikain. These have been customarily used and
served as laws or rules on good behavior. These are like allegories or parables that impart
lessons for the youth consisting of couplets (2-lines) which usually have rhyming end-
syllables. These lessons in life that they wish to impart are usually implied.
Examples
“Aaanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.”
“Sa marunong umunawa, sukat ang salita.”
Aanhin pa ang damo Kung patay na ang kabayo.

RIDDLES.
They are called “Bugtong” by the Tagalogs and “Burburtia” among the Ilokanos. These
are made up of one or two measured lines which may consist of 4 to 12 syllables. They are
often used to stir a thought-provoking questions. They are often used for entertainment
purposes during gatherings and celebrations. Each group/region feature unique riddles.
Examples:
1. “Maliit pa si kumpare, umaakyat na sa torre.” Answer: Langgam (ant)
2. “Isda ko sa Mariveles, nasa loob ang kaliskis.” Answer: Sili (bell pepper)
3 May binti, walng hita May tuktok, walang mukha.

CHANTS
Chants are customarily called “Bulong” or “Pasintabi” by the Tagalogs and referred to
as “Bari-bari” by the Ilokanos. These are sometimes in witchcraft or enchantment often
with an accompanying “Anting-anting” (amulet or talisman)
Examples:
1. Ikaw na nagnakaw ng mais ko, lumuwa sana ang mga mata mo, mamaga sana ang
kamay mo, parusahan ka ng mga anito.
2. Tabi-tabi po kayo, ako’y magbubuhos ng tubig at mainit ito, kung masaktan ko kayo,
pagpasensiyahan niyo na po.”
3. Ikaw ang nagnanakaw ng bigas ko Lumuwa sana ang mata mo Mamaga sana ang
katawan mo Patayin ka ng mga anito.

SAYINGS

Sayings are more commonly called Sawikain. They are used to emphasize lessons for the
youth and these lessons are explicitly stated.
Examples:
1. “Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”
2. “Ang maglakad ng matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.”
3. Putak, putak Batang duwag Matapang ka’t Nasa pugad

MAXIMS
Some are rhyming coupletswith verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each linehaving the same
number of syllables.
Example:
1. Pag hindi ukol Hindi bubukol.
2. Sa marunong umunawa Sukat ang ilang salita.
3. Birds of a feather flock together

IDION or SAWIKAIN (Sayings with no hidden meanings)

Is an expression that takes on a figurative meaning when certain words are contained,
which is different from literal definition of the individuals word.

Example:
1. Nasa Diyos ang awa Nasa tao ang gawa.
2. Kumukulo ang dugo or Galit
3. Write on water or Kalimutan mo na lang
 Forms Of Poetry
[Pre-Spanish]

Philippine Literature [ LIT 003]

BSAT-3A

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Mariella O. Bilangel Prof: Jose Pablo Jr.