Development of Philippine Literature
 25,000 BC – ancient NEGROID people who came from the South were
the first inhabitants of the country.
 They were short, black, kinky hair, flat nose and thick lips
 They only knew hunting and planting
 They were called food gatherers and hunters.
 They were skilled in bow and arrow.
 They stayed in caves In the mountainous areas in the country.
 Another migration of the Negritos occurred, they reached Luzon.
 They practiced agriculture.
 They built their houses made of indigenous materials like the branches
and leaves.
 They used bows and arrows and stone tools.
 NEW STONE AGE (5000 to 3000 BC) – seafaring Malays from what is
today Indonesia came in the Phils.
 The first wave had fair skin, tall, slender bodies, and deep-set eyes.
 They came here by boat.
 They brought polished stone tools.
 They lived by fishing and planting.
 3000 – 1000 BC -- second wave of Indonesians came.
 Their looks were very much different from the first wave because they
have lived with the black men for a long time.
 They settled in Papua New Guinea and married black men before they
migrated in the Philippines.
 They had dark skin and sturdy bodies.
 They were superior than the first wave.
 They introduced boat building, bark and animal skin cloth making,
pottery making, planting, cooking and fire making techniques.
 200 BC – Malays came in three waves
 First waves came from Borneo and settled in the mountainous areas of
Luzon.
 They practice pagan beliefs and brought with them religious songs.
 They became the ancestors of the Igorots, Bontocs, and Tingguians.
 IRON AGE (200 BC to 1000 AD) – Second waves of Malays came by sea
with their ships loaded with small clan.
 They brought with them their language, alphabets, folktales, and origin
myths.
 They introduced animist religion and jar burial
 Beads, pendants, bangles, stones, and shells were developed in this
year.
 Body tattooing, filling, and blackening of teeth then wrapped with gold
were observed.
 PORCELAIN AGE (1000 AD to 1200 AD) – Chinese migrated in the
country.
 They settled in Batangas, Quezon, Sorsogon, Samar, Marinduque,
Mindoro, and Eastern Mindanao.
 Trading with Arabia, India, China, and Europe started during this
period.
 They contributed close family ties, respect for the elders, Chinese
vocabulary, trading, and religious beliefs.
 1200 to 1500 AD – Indies migrants from Borneo brought Buddhism and
spread in the Southern part of the country.
 The second wave of Indies came from Java and Borneo
 The Hindu Empire of Madjapahit on Java became influential in some
parts of the archipelago.
 They passed their religion, epics, folk songs, and lyric poems
 1300 to 1400 AD – Arabs and Persian came to the country.
 They propagated their Islam faith in the southern part of the Phils.
 They also brought with them their epics, folktales, origin myths and
drama.
  1450 – The Muslim sultanate of Jolo was established in the islands
between Borneo and Mindanao.
 1475 – The Muslim sultanate of Maguindanao was founded in
Mindanao and Islam spread throughout the archipelago.
 Most of the literatures were contributions of the earliest settlers who
came from neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, China,
India, and Arabia.The early settlers spread out to the different islands
of the Archipelago.
 It was manifested in the existence of literary works like epics, origins,
myths, fables, folktales, proverbs, sayings, riddles, and stories in almost
all regions in the country.
 These literatures were orally transmitted from one generation to
another.
  1521 – Spaniards came, the following changes occurred:
  The alibata brought by the Malays was replaced by the Roman
alphabet.
 Printing of books started. Doctrina Christiana was the first book
printed, then printing of vocabulary books in different native dialects
followed.
 The old literatures brought by the first settlers were collected. Some of
these oral literatures were transcribed and were translated in Tagalog.
 Origin myths, songs, corridor, moro-moro, cenaculo, zarzuela, and
other European culture and traditions were added to the rich collection
of the Philippine literature.
 Spanish language became the medium of written literature during the
period. A number of Spanish words are now included in Filipino
language.
 1898 – American period, the development of Philippine literature
continued to flourish.
 More reading materials were printed at this period.
 Most of these reading materials expressed in Filipino people’s
sentiments and daily life experiences in the hands of the oppressors.
 The freedom of the press and the freedom of religion given to the
Filipinos greatly influenced the liberal changes in the literary forms at
this period.
  The tone, theme, and even the writer’s style have dramatically
changed from religious to more personal and satirical mood.
 Samahan ng Mananagalog was formed. Some of these were Ilaw at
Panitik, Akademya ng Wikang Tagalog, Kapulungang Balagtas, Aklatang
Bayan, etc.
 These organizations initiated various literary and musical contacts to
encourage Filipino writers to explore and enhance their craft in writing.
 1900 – English language became the official medium of instruction.  
 The Thomasites, a group of volunteers were the first American
teachers in the Philippines.
 It was then when Filipino writers started writing in English aside from
Filipino.
  Significant events in the development of Philippine literature during
the American period are the ff:
 1905 – Philippine Free Press is founded.
 1910 – The College Folio is published in the University of the
Philippines
 1920 – Philippine Herald begins publication.
 1921 – “A Child of Sorrow,” first Filipino novel in English is written by
Zoilo M. Galang; “Life and Success,” first volume of essay in English by
Zoilo M. Galang is published.
 1924 – Philippine Education Magazine is started.
 1925 – The Philippine Free Press offers literary prizes.
 1927 – The Writers Club is founded at the University of the Philippines.
 1936 – The Philippine Book Guild is organized.
 1940 – The First Commonwealth Literary Awards are given.
 1942 -- The development of Philippine literature was shortly disrupted
when Japan occupied Manila and proclaimed Martial Law.
 The freedom of the press once enjoyed by the Filipino writers was
suppressed by the new colonizer.
 The Japanese stopped the circulation of newspapers and other reading
materials written in English.
 Filipino writers in English momentarily turn their back on English and
continue writing in Filipino and Spanish.
 1943 – During this period, 25 golden stories were selected and
published.
 Filipino Writers Association considered the Japanese period as the
“Golden Era.”
 Some of the golden stories were written by Narciso Reyes, Liwayway
Arceo, N.V.M. Gonzales, etc.
 Filipino writers’ works focused on rural life.
 Literary works were published in Liwayway.
 Stage plays, and musical shows became popular, during this period.
 Haiku is an important contribution of Japan in Philippine literature.
The fall of Japan in 1946 can be considered as the turning point in the
development of Philippine literature.
  Award giving bodies were organized such as:
 Palanca Memorial Award (1950 – present)
 Republic Cultural Heritage Awards (1960)
 Graphic Magazine Literary Award (1970)
 National Artists Awards (1973 – present)
 Several conferences and symposia for Filipino writers were also
conducted.
 The freedom of the press once again was oppressed when former Pres.
Marcos proclaimed Martial Law.
 The CCP and Folk Arts Theater were built to e the center of activities
and festivities which highlight Filipino literary musical and cultural
heritage
  After the fall of Marcos in 1986, the print media and the broadcast
media became active and powerful mediums in liberalizing people.
 Today, the teaching of Philippine literature in the tertiary schools in the
country is a requirement by the CHED as stipulated in CHED Memo
#59.
 This mandate emphasizes the teaching of vernacular literature or
literature of the different regions.
Poetry is derived from a Greek word poesis meaning “making or creating.”
Poetry is a kind of language that says it more intensely than ordinary language
does. Apparently, we have to remember five things about poetry. (Baritugo,
2004, p.1)
Poetry is a concentrated thought.
◦ Poetry is a kind of word-music.
◦ Poetry expresses all the senses.
◦ Poetry answers our demand for rhythm.
◦ Poetry is observation plus imagination.
Elements of Poetry
A. Sense – is revealed through the meaning of words, images and symbols.
1. Diction – denotative and connotative meaning/symbols.
2. Images and sense impression – sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, motion and
emotion.
3. Figure of speech – simile, metaphore, personification, apostrophe,
metonymy, synecdoche, hyperbole, irony, allusion, antithesis, paradox, litotes,
oxymoron, onomatopoeia.
B. Sound – is the result of a combination of elements.
1. Tone color – alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhyme, repetition,
anaphora.
2. Rhythm – ordered recurrent alteration of strong and weak elements in the
flow of the sound and silence: duple, triple, running or common rhyme.
3. Meter – stress duration, or number of syllables per line, fixed metrical
pattern, or a verse form: quantitative, syllabic, accentual and accentual syllabic.
4. Rhyme scheme – formal arrangement of rhymes in stanza or the whole
poem.
C. Structure – refers to (1) arrangement of words, and lines to fit together,
and (2) the organization of the parts to form a whole.
1. Word order – natural and unnatural arrangement of words
2. Ellipsis – omitting some words for economy and effect
3. Punctuation – abundance or lack of punctuation marks
4. Shape – contextual and visual designs: jumps, omission of spaces,
capitalization, lower case.
Types of Poetry
A. Narrative Poetry – tells a story in richly imaginative and rhythmical
language.
1. Epic is a long, narrative poem which deals with the adventures and exploits
of legendary heroes.
2. Metrical Romance is a long verse which deals about the ideals of chivalry,
romantic love, and religious elements and which have the characteristics of the
Middle Ages when knighthood was popular.
3. Ballad is a short narrative intended to be sung. Types are folk or literary as
in the epic.
4. Metrical Tale is a story in poetry form. It is told in a simple, straightforward
and realistic manner.
5. Popular Ballad – a ballad of wide workmanship telling some simple incidents
of adventure, cruelty, passion, or superstition, an incident that shows the
primary instincts of man influenced by the restraint of modern civilization.
6. Modern or Artistic – created by a poet imitation of the folk ballad, makes
use (sometimes with considerable freedom) of many of its devices and
conventions.
7. Metrical Allegory – an extended narrative that carries a second meaning
along with the surface story. Things and actions are symbolic.
B. Lyric Poetry – expresses personal thoughts and feelings.
1. Ode is a poem addressed to some person or thing.
2. Elegy is a poem about the dead. It contains the author’s personal grief for a
loved one and suggestions of hope to soothe his sorrow.
3. The song is a short lyric poem intended to be sung.
a. Secular songs have non-religious themes.
b. Sacred songs are songs of praise to God such as oratorios and cantatas.
4. Simple Lyric is a short poem with verses that are musical and with a
subjective or emotional tone.
5. Sonnet is a lyric poem with fourteen iambic pentameter lines.
a. Italian Sonnet contains an octave and sestet. The themes, problem, hope or
desire is presented in the octave and sestet contains the resolution or
conclusion. It has a rhyming scheme of abba-abba-cde-cde.
b. Shakespearean sonnet (English) has a rhyming scheme of abab-cdcd-efef-
gg. It has four quatrains and a couplet. The theme is developed in the first
three quatrains and the couplet contains the conclusion.
C. Dramatic Poetry portrays life and character put into action.
1. Poetic Plays
a. Comedy is a type of drama which aims to amuse and entertain. The main
character in the story overcomes the obstacles, thus it ends happily.
b. Tragedy is a type of drama in which the main characters are overthrown by
the obstacles. It usually ends with death.
c. Farce is an exaggerated comedy based on broadly humorous situations.
d. Historical Play is a drama about the lives of outstanding figures in history.
e. Melodrama is a play with sensational actions, a sentimental love story,
extravagant emotions, and generally, a happy ending.
2. Masque is a form of court pageantry which was popular in England in the
16th century. The actors were dressed in lavished costumes against a lavish
scenery and music.
3. Dramatic Monologue is drama characterized by a one-sided conversation.
The character reveals his innermost character as she or he speaks all
throughout.
Literary Devices in Poetry
Figures of Speech
1. Simile – consists of comparing two things using the worlds like or as.
2. Metaphor – uses direct comparison of two unlike things or ideas.
3. Personification – gives human traits to inanimate objects or ideas.
4. Apostrophe – is a direct address to someone absent, dead, or inanimate.
5. Metonymy – substitutes a word that closely relates to a person or a thing.
Example: The pen is mightier than the sword..
6. Synecdoche – uses a part to represent the whole.
Example: No busy hand provoke a tear.
7. Hyperbole – makes use of exaggeration.
8. Irony – says the opposite of what is meant.
9. Allusion – refers to any literary, biblical, historical, mythological, scientific
event, character or place.
10. Antithesis – involves a contrast of words or ideas.
Example: “Love is so short…. Forgetting is so long.”
11. Paradox – uses a phrase or statement that on surface seems contradictor,
but makes some kind of emotional sense.
12. Litotes – makes a deliberate understatement used to affirm by negating its
opposite.
Example: War is not healthy for children
And other living things 
13. Oxymoron – puts together in one statement two contradictory terms.
Example: Silent scream Living dead
PROSE
A. The Essay is a short literary compositions in prose dealing with a single
matter usually from a personal point of view.
1. Narrative or Story Essay makes use of an incident to illustrate an idea or a
theme.
2. Descriptive Essay deals with some aspect of nature or animal life with some
human or architectural backdrop.
3. Biographical Essay or Character Sketch presents a character analysis – not
the entire life – but one aspect of that life.
4. Critical Essay is a criticism of any work of art, literature, music, drama,
motion picture painting, or sculpture. Reviews of new books, plays, art
exhibits, and concerts are often primarily news reports and guides for seekers
of entertainment.
5. Editorial Essay is a feature of most newspapers and magazines. An editorial
writer may plead a cause or denounce a wrong. He may express indignation or
appreciation.
6. Reflective Essay enforces a moral, or lesson and therefore adopts a more
serious and dignified tone as the fundamental values and problems of life are
discussed.
B. Fiction
1. Prose Allegory is a prose form in which the characters, ideas, and actions
stand for ideas with implied meanings. Concrete character are personifications
of abstract ideas.
a. Fable is a short allegorical tale which conveys a moral. The characters are
animals that talk and act like human beings.
b. Myths are traditional tales of a tribe, race, or nation which involve the
supernatural to explain a natural phenomena or suggest a religious or moral
truth.
c. Legends are stories of wonderful events believed to have historical basis and
which are passed down through the ages.
2. Prose Romances are stories of supernatural or magical events – fantastic
and unrealistic.
a. Fairy Tale use folklore motifs, commonplace expression, and typical themes
which revolve around the characters like a cruel king, cruel stepmother,
naughty sister, substitute bride, magic and supernatural changes and
restorations.
b. Folk Tales which originally handed down orally, are stories which consist of
many folklore themes or motifs.
3. Prose Satires are stories of human vices and follies. The treatment is
humorous but its intention is to ridicule some person(s) or institution(s).
4. Novels are prose narratives usually presented in chapters like a book they
can be categorized into three types: fantasy, love, and adventure novels.
5. Short Story is a prose narrative of limited length which must have
characterization, unity, cumulative interest, climax, and resolution.
6. Novelettes are prose narratives which are longer than a short story. It can
also be read at one sitting.
C. Prose Drama is a literary work written in dialogues and intended for
presentation by actors. Similar to poetic plays, it is divided into categories,
such as comedy, tragedy, melodrama, farce, and historical play.
Plot consists of the following:
Exposition (beginning) time, place, setting and the main characters.
Complication (rising action) unfolds the problems
Climax (result of the crisis
Denouement problem is solved,
Resolution (end) the last statements about the story
.
Qualities of the Plot
Exciting – It should be more exciting than the everyday reality that surrounds
us.
Good Structure – The episodes must be arranged effectively, but the most
important element of plot structure is tying all the incidents together, so that
one leads naturally to another.
Plot Devices
Flashback – something out of chronological order; to reveal information, to
understand a character’s nature.
Foreshadowing – a device to give a sign of something to come, its purpose is to
create suspense, to keep the readers guessing what will happen when.
Suspense – this is the feeling of excitement or tension in the reader’s
experiences as the action of the plot unfolds
Surprise Ending – this is an ending that catches the reader off guard with an
unexpected turn of events.
In Media Res – the technique of beginning a story in the middle of the action,
with background information given later in flashbacks.
Point of View –who tells the story
First Person – the writer uses the pronoun “I”.
Third Person – the writer-narrator is a character in the story limited third
person is an outsider/observer who is not part of the story.
Omniscient – the writer-narrator sees all;
Mood – the emotional ambience of the work)melancholy, joyous, tense,
Tone – attitude of feeling of the speaker or author ironic, humorous); it
describes the attitude of the narrator or persona of the work whereas MOOD
refers to the emotional impact felt by the reader
Symbolism – idea or obstruction that is associated with them.
Images – characterized by concrete qualities rather than abstract meaning;
these appeal to the senses of taste, smell, feel, sound, or sight
.
Theme – the central or dominating idea in a literary work
 The rich is composed of three groups:
CAR: CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION • Kadangyan or ordinary rich people.
PROVINCES & CAPITAL
• Ballihung or immuy-ya-uy more elite class.
• ABRA - Bangued    
• Himagabi or the wealthiest.
• APAYAO - Kabugao    
Ifugao believe that the universe is divided into five worlds or regions:
• BENGUET - La Trinidad
• Skyworld called “Kabunian”
• IFUGAO - Lagawe    
• Earthworld called “puga or pugaw”
• KALINGA - Tabuk    
• Underworld called “dalum”
• MT. PROVINCE – Bontoc
• Downstream or “lagod”
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THIS REGION
• Upstream or “dayya” or “daiya”
• Ibaloy – old ethnic group of the old Mountain Province occupying
• Substream or “dagah-na”
Baguio City and the territory northeast and northwest of it.
• Isneg – they lived in the upper half of Cordillera Province known as
The main agricultural product of the Bontoc is rice, the are two kinds:
Kalinga-Apayao.
1. Chinacon 2. Pak-ang
• Tingguian – or Itneg as they are also known and they were Abra’s first
There are three social classes in the Bontoc community:
inhabitants.
1. Kadangyan/Kachagyan – they are the traditional rich.
• Ifugao – the group of people living in Ifugao province
2. Wad-ay ngachana – the middle class
(derived from the term ipugo means the hill).
3. Pusi/lawa- the poor
• Bontocs – refers to the people of the Mountain Province
Lumawig – culture hero.
(bun means heap and tuk means top).
Kabunian – son of the god.
• Kankanay – also known Kankanai, Kankana-I, or Kankana-ey are the
Ato – dormitory of the young and old unmarried males.
third largest cultural community in the Mountain Province. The
Ulog/olog – female dormitory
northern Kankanays are called Lepanto Igorots who are usually located
Afong – family residence
in the south western part of Mountain Province.
• Kalinga – means enemy or fighter or head hunter, their territory is in
• “ibaloy’’ is derived from “I,” a prefix indication an ethnic group or
the southern half of the province Kalinga-Apayao.
people and “inibaloy”, “inibaloi”.
FACTS:
• Ethnic group of the old mountain province means the “language of the
• During World War II the Ifugao helped the guerillas and remained loyal
strangers”.
to the Americans.
• Inibaloy is the language spoken by the igorot. The ibaloy people are
• Agriculture is the main source of livelihood among the Ifugao.
low stature, sturdy, robust, and ordinarily fair in complexion.
• Social classes among the Ifugao are based on their possessions.
• Ancient accounts of the Spanish expedition into Benguet in 1582 noted
• The lounge chair hagibi is a status symbol that the family belongs to
that there were filled lands and mined golds.
“Kadangyan class” or Aristocracy.
• Spanish occupation began in 1618 when king Philip III sent orders to
• The servants or tenants belong to “nawotwot” or lower class.
the Philippines to search for the golds of the Igorots because he
• In between are the “natumok” who may own a small piece of land.
needed it to finance his involvement to the 30 years war.
 • Barter system was replaced by cash exchange and Christianity was also
introduced.
• Ibaloy’s habitat is mountainous and rocky but they have skills in
terracing the mountain and planting them with rice, their staple food,
from which tafey/tapuy or wine is also made.
• They are industrious gardeners and horticulturists.
TYPE OF PEOPLE IN IBALOY
BAKNANG (wealthy class)
ATIBUG (the poor)
TOTONG (council)
ISNEG
• Term isneg was derived from a combination of “IS” meaning “recede”
and “Uneg” meaning “Interior”.
• They lived in the northwesterly end of northern Luzon, in the upper
half of cordillera province known as Kalinga-Apayao
• Municipalities occupied by the isneg include pudtol, kabugao,
kalanasan, and Conner.
• Slender and graceful structure, with manners that were kind,
hospitable and generous, possessed with spirit of self-reliance and
courage and clearly artistic in their temperament.
• Isneg‘s ancestors were believed to have been the Proto-Austro-asians
who came from South China Thousands of years ago.
• Land is owned through first use (pioneer principle), actual possession
and active occupation inheritance.
• Land that an individual or clan can own through the first use or pioneer
principles are: the banuwag (swedden) the sarra or angnganupan.
• The isneg women traditionally give birth in a kneeling position, using a
mushroom as a talisman to ensure a succesful delivery. The umbilical
cord, cut with a bamboo silver, is mixed with the rest of the “after
birth” tied up with ginger and herbs, and buried in a coconut shell
under the house.
“Kankanay” also “ Kankanaey” has no different etymological derivation. The
kankanay are the third largest cultural community in the mountain province.
Both the southern and northern kankanay have brown skin, large eyes, and
prominent cheekbones. They are also called Lepanto Igorots.
Other kankanay people were engage of doing pottery, carpentry and some part
time jobs, many of them moved in other places to find job that suit to their
education. unlike in bontoc, kankanay have no formal political leadership,
except to their traditional social classes. they have knowledge in oral traditions,
possession of healing powers and knowledge in agricultural rituals.
The kankanay have a rich collection of riddles and epics. They have the sudsud
or (short talks).
The main content of their stories is marriage and family life, social customs and
traditions, religious values and practices and magic.
Kalinga comes from the common noun “kalinga” means Enemy Fighter or head
hunters” in the Ibanag and Gaddang languages. The kalinga are some of the
major ethno linguistic groups.
• The Kalinga and other Cordillera people are believed to have arrived in
separate migrations from the southeastern and eastern Asia. The
original mountain people may have progressed from primary
dependence in root crops until they developed swidden farming.
Wedding Dance By Amador T. Daguio
"The Wedding Dance" by Amador Daguio is a short story about a
husband and wife, Awiyao and Lumnay, who had been married for
seven years. In spite of being in love with his wife, Awiyao feels the
need to marry again to have a son. ... Lumnay was in fact at his
wedding, but left.

Region 1: ILOCOS
• ILOCOS NORTE – LAOAG CITY
• ILOCOS SUR – VIGAN CITY
• L A UNION – SAN FERNANDO CITY
• PANGASINAN – LINGAYEN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ILOCANO PEOPLE
• industrious,
• religious,
• thrifty,
• hardworking
3 PRESIDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES ORIGINATED IN REGION 1
• Elpidio Rivera Quirino (6th President)
• Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. (10 th President)
• Fidel Valdez Ramos (12th President)
WELL-KNOWN PLACES
• Hundred Islands (Pangasinan)
• Manaoag Church (Pangasinan)
• Ma-Cho Temple (Taoist Temple) La Union
• Gapuz Grapes Farm (La Union)
• Calle Crisologo in Vigan (Ilocos Sur)
• Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo in Vigan (Ilocos Sur)
• Kapurpurawan Rock Formation (Burgos) Ilocos Norte
• Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte)
• Pagudpud Beach (Ilocos Norte)
MYTH
Dagiti Dios ken Diosas (The Gods and the Goddesses)
Characters:
Abra – God who could control all kinds of weather
Lady Makiling – wife of Abra, mother of Caburayan
Caburayan – Goddess of Healing
Anianihan – God of Harvest
Saguday – God of the wind
Revenador – God of Thunder and Lightning
Bulan – God of Peace and Calm
DAGITI DIOS KEN DIOSAS
(THE GODS AND THE GODDESSES)
Cabalengan was formerly a jungle at the edge of the river Abra. In the
far sides of the river were mountains high and steep. On these mounntains
lived an old man named Abra, the father of Caburayan. The old man lived and
controlled the weather. It is said that the river Abra was a gathering of water
vapor, shaded, and the days were always bright with sunlight.
At the time Anianihan, God of Harvest was in love with Caburayan,
Goddess of Healing. Her mother, Lady Makiling knew about their mutual
understanding, but Abra did not know it for the three were afraid to tell since
he might punish them as he disapproved of Anianihan. Abra wanted his
daughter to marry either Saguday, God of the Wind or Revenador, God of
Thunder and Lightning. This being so, Anianihan took Caburayan from her
home. Abra wept a great deal. He sent Lady Makiling away after beating her.
When Abra was alone, he wept day and night till Bulan, God of Peace
and Calm, came. But though Bulan was there to brighten Abra’s spirits, Abra
did not stop weeping. He could not express his anger. He begged the other
gods to bring back his daughter.
ANIANIHAN > CABURAYAN /SAGUDAY > ABRA > BULAN
• Life of Lam-Ang by Pedro Bukaneg
• Lam-Ang Ines Kannoyan
• Don Juan Panganiban Namongan
• Parents of Ines Dog and Rooster
• Igorots Maidens
• Sumarang Sarindang
• Headman Marcos
• Rarang Berkakan
Don Juan Panganiban and Namongan were parents of Lam-Ang. He had to • 3.640 million hectares
leave to fight the band of Igorots his enemies.Namongan gave birth to Lam-Ang • The largest and longest river in the Philippines is found in this region and
but her husband was not able to return home. that is Cagayan River
As Lam-Ang was born he was the one who said, he should be called Lam-Ang. • Gadang/Gaddang
Nine months later, he was already a grown-up warrior and he asked his • Isinay
mother, “Where is his father?” • Ilongot/Ilungot
That night he dreamt that his father was beheaded by the Igorot • Ivatan
When he reached the place of the Igorot he saw that they were feasting with • Ibanag
the beheaded head of his father. He was so mad and he killed them all except
for one whom he let him run but tortured it thoroughly.
After the fight, he went to the river to remove all the dirt of his body he was THE LEGEND OF MAGAT RIVER
helped by some maidens. The water turns black and all the living creatures in Magat was a handsome and strong-willed young man who save a
that water died. On his way going to Kalanutian, he met Sumarang his rival with lovely maiden bathing in a stream from the clutches of python. He proposed
Ines Kannoyan, he hurled him nine hills away. marriage to the woman, who consented on condition that Magat would swear
When he reached the house of the Kannoyan he saw queue of Ines suitors not to see her at noon.
The rooster crow the house collapsed then the dog growl the house neigbor’s One day, Magat could no longer contain his curiosity and broke into his
house erected again as if nothing happened it was heard and seen by the wife’s seclusion. In place of his wife, he saw a crocodile, who turned into his
Kannoyan wife. “You broke your promise,” lamented the woman. “ I can no longer be
Lam-Ang was the first one that was entertained by the parents of Ines and as happy. Thus, I must now die.” Having said this, she slowly turned once more
he saw Ines he already fell in love with her then, asked the parents of Ines that into crocodile and died.
he would like to marry Ines. The father asked him if he could double their After burying his crocodile-wife in his frontyard, Magat drowned
wealth he would allow them to get married. himself in the same stream where he first espied her.
After the wedding the Headman of the village asked Lam-Ang that he has to Over time, the stream grew into the mighty Magat River. It widens and
follow the tradition to catch the fish Rarang but unfortunately he was bitten grows, it is said, because Magat wants to claim the remain of the wife he
and swallowed by Berkakan. buried in the heart of town.
Marcos the diver gathered all the bones of Lam-Ang as instructed by the Excerpted from the Philippine Encyclopedia, p.254
rooster. LITERARY WORK (EPIC)
• Hudhud Hi Aliguyon

REGION 2: CAGAYAN VALLEY

PROVINCES & CAPITAL
• BATANES - Basco    
• CAGAYAN - Tuguegarao City
• ISABELA  - Ilagan    
• NUEVA VIZCAYA - Bayombong    
• QUIRINO – Cabarroguis
Facts
• The name Cagayan Valley is derived from the famous Cagayan river.
• Second biggest region in the country
 They also chip their teeth fro decorative purposes; and also boring (making of
holes) of the nose, which is decorated by a silver or bamboo. They also produce
necklaces, anklets, and bracelets to be used as jewelry.
Aeta’s literary arts are limited to legends, riddles, narratives, and myths.
Some of their riddles take the forms of our “bugtong” which are structured in
two lines and rhymed.
These are used to describe some things found in Aeta culture.
A riddle recorded among the Aeta of Northern Cagayan Province comes in two
lines with assonantal rhyme (rime).

Legends and myths are used by Aeta to describe the origin of their environment.
Region 3: CENTRAL LUZON With a central cause and effect theme, this legends and myths are taken as fact by
Provinces & capital the Aeta.
• AURORA - Baler    
• BATAAN - Balanga City     Since Aeta are skilled craftsmen, they also produce their own musical
• BULACAN - Malolos City instruments, which accompany their dances. Among the Aeta groups,
• PAMPANGA - San Fernando City     instruments vary in name, and construction, but all serve the same purpose.
• NUEVA ECIJA - Palayan City They make harps and guitars from bamboo joints, flutes from mountain cane,
• TARLAC - Tarlac City     and the coconut resonator. The most common type of the bamboo flute is the
• ZAMBALES – Iba nose flute. Some instruments are made from metal such as brass and metal
Facts: plates and basins.
Different regions have different names for them, such as “Pugut”, the Ilocano
term for someone dark-skinned. However, some Aeta groups may find some The Aeta also have produced several songs and chants used from courtship to
names termed by non-aeta groups insulting such as “Ita”. On the other hand, religious ceremonies. These songs and chants are usually traditional with fixed
some Aeta groups find the term”beluga”, as a compliment, which means verses syllables, tones, and pitch. Passed on from generations to generations,
hybrid, similar to that of “meztizo” for the fair-skinned Filipino, although some these songs and chants are done in rituals, which are usually accompanied by
other Aeta groups also find it insulting. Different regions have different names dancing.
for them, in Northern Luzon, “Aeta,” or “Agta”, in Mindanao, “Mamanua,” Dances of the Aeta come in two forms:
although they are collectively known as Aeta.  Festive dancing is usually held when meeting friends, after a good
The traditional Aeta economy is composed of hunting and food gathering. hunt, and other festivities.
Skilled with the use of bows and arrows, it is still the primary weapon today of  Ceremonial dances are usually religious and always held during a full
the Aeta. moon. Combined together, music and dancing form a ritual for good
They are very good hunters day or night and are very effective with the bow luck and mourning the dead.
and arrow.
Often employing a variety of techniques, they are also agile in using traps to The kakanap is a question and answer game song sung by two Agta.
capture animals for food such as spear traps and pit traps. Each musical phrase of the kakanap has six syllables. Performer 1 and
Aeta also practice scarification from tradition, which consists of elaborate scars performer 2 sing the phrases alternately, but the last phrase is sung together.
from all over the body as a form of bodily ornament. Example of a Christian kakanap:
SI AMA (BY: EDGARDO M. REYES)
NCR: NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Municipality: Pateros
Cities: Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila,
Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San
Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela
*There are 2 locations of Caloocan city
* Former First Lady Imelda Marcos became the governor of Metropolitan
Manila
* There are one Spanish conquistadores founded the Manila >> Miguel López
de Legazpi.
HISTORY
• National Capital Region or Metropolitan is one of the most populous
area not just in the country but also in the world.
• It is the administrative region without any provinces.
• In June 24,1571 Manila was first founded by three Spanish
conquistador, namely Martin Gouti, Juan Salcedo, and Miguel Lopez de
Legaspi.
• In 1867, the Spanish government created the province of Manila
composed of Tondo, Navotas, Malabon, and Caloocan.
• Manila remained a province Until 1901.
• The Metropolitan Manila Composed of Valenzuela in Bulacan, Manila
and Quezon City. First Lady Imelda R. Marcos was appointed as
governor of Metro Manila.
• In 1986, Pres. Corazon Aquino re-structured the Manila Commission
and charged its name to Metropolitan Manila Authority through
Executive Order No.392.
• 1995 Metro Manila Authority was reorganized and became
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
• Metro Manila is the capital and the seat of the Philippine government.
• The Metropolitan Manila Composed of Valenzuela in Bulacan, Manila
and Quezon City. First Lady Imelda R. Marcos was appointed as
governor of Metro Manila.
• In 1986, Pres. Corazon Aquino re-structured the Manila Commission
and charged its name to Metropolitan Manila Authority through
Executive Order No.392.
• 1995 Metro Manila Authority was reorganized and became
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
• Metro Manila is the capital and the seat of the Philippine government.
THE HOUSE ON ZAPOTE STREET By Nick Joaquin  
Quijano De Manila
Pablo asked for a dowry worth 5000 pesos before Leonardo
marry Lydia.
There were four gunshots heard in the room of Lydia and
Leonardo and both of them died. 
Lydia and Leonardo were killed by Pablo Cabading
Characters:
Pablo Cabading (Father of Lydia and Husband of Anunciacion)
Anunciacion Cabading (Mother of Lydia and wife of Pablo)
Lydia Cabading (only daughter of Pablo and Anunciacion; wife of Leonardo)
Leonardo Quitangon (Husband of Lydia Cabading)
Nonilo Quitangon (Brother of Leonardo)
Eugene Quitangon (Brother of Leonardo)
Mr. Quitangon or Father of Leonardo, Nonilo, and Eugene
Brother of Lydia (foster son of the Cabading)
Two Maids of the Cabading
Leonardo Quitangon and Lydia Cabading met in UST.
Leonardo is the only suitor that was entertained by Pablo and Anunciacion
Cabading. They got married. They stayed in the house on Zapote Street.
One night Leonardo came home late due to his car broke but he was not
allowed by his father-in-law to come in that is why he went to their house.
There are a lot of problems that the couple encountered because of Pablo • CAVITE - Trece Martirez City    
Cabading that is why at first, Leonardo went out and didn’t return home, then, • LAGUNA - Santa Cruz
Lydia asked him that she needs to be with him. They went to Cavite and live as • QUEZON - Lucena City    
• RIZAL - Antipolo City
couple together alone for the first time as husband and wife.

But when Pablo knew about it he was so mad and they went to the house of
Quitangons and even poke a gun to the brother of Leonardo.

One of the brothers of Leonardo fetch them in Cavite, when Pablo saw them Corregidor Island
both he was very happy and invited all of them to celebrate the coming back of
Corregidor played an important role during the invasion and liberation of the
Leonardo and Lydia. And he even agreed with the decision of the couple to live Philippines from Japanese forces.
in one apartment just the two of them. But that thing did not last too long, Heavily bombarded in the latter part of the war, the ruins left on the island
one day Lydia was asked was once to go their house because her mother is not serve as a military memorial to American, Filipino and Japanese soldiers who
feeling well. served or lost their lives on the island.
Corregidor is one of the important historic and tourist sites in the country.
When Lydia was left by his brother-in-law in their house Leonardo went there
and as they were getting some of the things they left, they were shot by Pablo Lake Caliraya
Cabading and the couple died instantly.
Interestingly, Lake Caliraya in Laguna is a man-made lake situated in three
Then Pablo also killed himself after killing his son-in-law and his beloved towns - Lumban, Cavinti and Kalayaan.
daughter. And it was all witnessed by Anunciacion. The cool mountain breeze of the Sierra Madre mountain and the deep waters
of the lake combine to make Caliraya an excellent place for various water
activities such as boating, jetskiing, water skiing, and windsurfing.
Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa
Characters: Pagsanjan Falls
Dodong – is 17 yrs old
Teang – wife of dodong Pagsanjan Falls (indigenous name: Magdapio Falls) is one of the most famous
Blas - oldest son of Dodong who decided to get married at the age of 18 waterfalls in the Philippines.
Tona – wife of blas Located in the province of Laguna, the falls is one of the major tourist
attractions in the region.
Parents of Dodong
The falls are reached by a river trip on dugout canoe, known locally as Shooting
Lucio – another suitor of Teang the rapids, originating from the municipality of Pagsanjan.
The boat ride has been an attraction since the Spanish Colonial Era with the
oldest written account in 1894.
The town of Pagsanjan lies at the confluence of two rivers, the Balanac River
and the Bumbungan River (also known as the Pagsanjan River).
REGION 4-A: CALABARZON
PROVINCES & CAPITAL Rizal Shrine
• BATANGAS - Batangas City    
The Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna, the birthplace of the Philippines'
national hero, is one of the most frequented historical and tourist sites in
Laguna.
An average of 270,000 tourists visit this shrine annually.
According to the National Historical Institute (NHI), "It was in that house that
the boy (Jose Rizal) was shaped and molded and who would become the finest
expression of his race."
Batangas
Batangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern
part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region.
Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and
Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east.
Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to
the west lies the South China Sea.
Poetically, Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name Kumintang.
Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila.
The province has many beaches and is famous for excellent diving spots
including Anilao in Mabini, Sombrero Island in Tingloy, Ligpo Island in Bauan,
these areas more popularly known as Anilao. Matabungkay in Lian, Punta
Fuego in Nasugbu, Calatagan and Laiya in San Juan.
Batangas is also where Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes is located.
It is also where the Taal Heritage town lies, a small picturesque town that has
ancestral houses and structures dating back to the 19th century.
Rizal
The province of Rizal is located east of Metro Manila, south of Bulacan, west of
Quezon, and north of Laguna and Laguna de Bay.
Terrain is mostly mountainous with small valleys and plains in the southwest or
near the shoreline of Laguna de Bay.
Climate is not characterized by not very pronounced seasons: relatively dry
from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.
Rizal is a province located in the CALABARZON, just 16 kilometers east of
Manila.
The province was named after the country's national hero, José Rizal. Rizal
Governor Dr. Casimiro Ynares III on June 17, 2008 announced the transfer of
the Capitol from Pasig.
Its P270-million capitol building, constructed in Antipolo by Ortigas & Co.,
owner thereof, was completed by December of that year.
Built on 5-hectare lot at the Ynares Center, it employs 2,008 employees.
The New Capitol was successfully inaugurated on March 4, 2009, bringing back
the Capitol Building inside the provincial territory, from which it was absent for
33 years (when Pasig was incorporated into Metro Manila).
Quezon Province
Quezon is a province of the Philippines in the CALABARZON region of Luzon.
The province was named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the
Philippines, and its capital is Lucena City.
Quezon is southeast of Metro Manila and is bordered by the provinces of
Aurora to the north, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Batangas to the west and the
Camarines provinces to the east.
Part of Quezon lies on an isthmus connecting the Bicol Peninsula to the main
part of Luzon island.
The province also includes the Polillo Islands in the Philippine Sea.
A major tourism draw to the province is Mt. Banahaw.
The mountain is surrounded by spiritual mysticism with many cults and
religious organizations staying on the mountain.
Numerous pilgrims visit the mountain especially during Holy Week.
The Small Key
By Paz M. Latorena
The small key aren’t found inside small trunk
Soledad is the young and jealous wife of Pedro Buhay
Pedro Buhay is a prosperous farmer
Macario’s Noche Buena by Tarcilla Malabanan Katigbak
Macario is a tulisan and leader of the gang
Macario was imprisoned during Christmas Eve. *
Macario reminisces that his godfather gave him a toy drum when
he was a very young boy
Macaraio's Noche Buena, Macario and his men declared hold up
to the merchant > FALSE
REGION 4-B: MIMAROPA
• MARINDUQUE - Boac     Is a poetic form using seven syllable lines that rime at the final syllable. P
• OCCIDENTAL MINDORO - Mamburao
• ORIENTAL MINDORO - Calapan City 
• PALAWAN - Puerto Princesa City  Batak Origin Myth (PALAWAN) the couple has four sons
• ROMBLON –Romblon
Facts about Region of 4B – MIMAROPA
There were seven different ethnic groups living in Mindoro, collectively called
Mangyans.
But only the ethnic group living in the South of Mindoro claims the name
Mangyan, are the “Hanunoo”
The Hanunoo is the most numerous of the Mangyan group.
Hanunoo men and women wear the
“Hagkus” (willed rattan belt with pocket.)
TAGBANUA (PALAWAN)
The term Tagbanua is derived from “taga” meaning “people from” and
“banua” meaning “countryside “ so Tagbanua means “a person from the
upland area” they are fairly short, slender people.
Like another tribe they also believe in their own native Gods
 Nagabacaban - the highest-ranking deity who lives in Awan-awan, the region
beyond the Langit; the god of the heavens; the punisher of crime;
Polo - the benevolent god of the sea; whose help is invoked during the time
of illness
Sedumunadoc - the god of the earth, whose favor is sought in order to have a
good harvest
Tabiacoud -  the god of the underworld in the deep bowls of the earth.
Rice are the staple crop in the region. They called the rice “Paray” and
“Tabad’ for rice beer.
Rombloanon – which originated from the Visayan “Domblon” or “lamyon”
meaning “sitting” refers to the people and language of Romblon.
It is an island off the mainland of Southern Luzon. It is composed of the
major islands of Tablas, Sibuyan and the smaller islands such as Alad,Banton,
Simara, Carabao, Logbon, and Cobrador.
In the north, it is bound by Marinduque, Panay in the south, Mindanao in the
west, and Masbate in the east.
AMBAHAN (MINDORO)
It is created by Mangyan to serve practical purposes within the community.
He didn’t punished his sons
The 4th son is the one who covered their mother with a piece
of cloth.
Once there was a father and a mother who had four sons. One day,
while the parents were sleeping, the four children played outside the house.
When they were through playing, the children went inside. The eldest, who
went in first, saw that his mother was asleep. He lifted up her skirt and laughed
at her nakedness. The second son also laughed, but not very much. The third
did not laugh at all. The fourth son covered his mother with a piece of cloth.
Actually, the parents were only pretending to be asleep. They were watching
the behavior of their children. To the eldest, he gave a stick used to beat bark
for making cloth; to the second, a piece of loin cloth; to the third, a piece of
new cloth; and to the youngest, he gave a piece of iron. The father said, there
was to be no punishment. These objects were theirs to play with. He advised
them to take good care of the objects and to pass these on to their children.
To the eldest, he said if his younger brothers did not help him, he would not
be able to get along. To the youngest, he said that he would not have to work
as hard as his brother, since he possessed the iron rod, which could make work
much easier.
Rombloanon Proverbs:
Ka nagpipili at nakakapili it pasi.
(A selective person selects the worst.) In 1569 barangay system was being practiced.
Pre-colonial period was based on strength, courage, and intelligence.
Iwanon pa ang compy kon patay ron ang kalayo. Still the Augustinian priest pioneered the conversion of the natives.
(Grass is useless to a dead horse.) Records show that Spanish abuse in Luzon started in Bicol.
The natives were oppressed and their gold mines were exploited.
Ang ulong ng tulog gul-anod estulog. The natives’ quick defense led to confiscation of properties, forced labor, and
(A sleeping shrimp is carried away by the current.) loss of traditional power.
Implementation of the Claveria Law
“Adoption of Spanish surname.”
REGION 5: BICOL The province were part of the Hispanization in Bicol.
PROVINCES & CAPITAL The Muslims invasion during the 17th century also necessitated some native
ALBAY - Legazpi City     cooperation with the colonial government.
CAMARINES NORTE - Daet     Bicol natives were described by Spanish chronicles as very fierce warriors.
CAMARINES SUR – Pili Sorsogon participated in Sumuroy Revolt in 1649.
CATANDUANES - Virac     The natives resisted the Spaniards through aimed confrontation.
MASBATE - Masbate City     Mt. Isarog became refuge for rebels, the remontados or those who had gone
SORSOGON - Sorsogon City back to the mountains and cimarrones or run away slaves.
History: Revolution/War
* Region 5 is located in the south eastern end of Luzon After Spanish defeat, the Philippine revolutionary government approached the
Chinese for financial support.
IBALON Problems of financing the revolution persisted during the Anti-American
“Bico” – name of the river which drains into San Miguel Bay. campaign.
Origins also include “bikul” or “bikal” bamboo tree which “bent”. The Bicol guerilla forces were consolidated by Arejola, Angelo, and Bimalibot.
Region 5 is located in the south eastern end of Luzon. They revived the use of the tirador (sling shot) and anting-anting (amulets.)
It surrounded by the Visayan Sea in the south. Ola was the last general to surrender to the Americans.
Pacific Ocean in the east, and Lamon Bay in the north. In 1901, the American Military government was replaced by provincial civil
There are several highland towers which include Bulosan Volcano in Sorsogon: government under the Philippine Commission.
Mayon Volcano, Japanese Invasion
Mt. Malinao and On December 12, 1941, Japanese soldiers landed in Legaspi and later marched
Mt. Masaraya in Albay; in Naga.
Mt. Isarog, The first guerilla forces were organized by Wenceslao Vinsons of Camarines
Mt. Iriga, and Norte in 1941.
Calingan Mountain range in Camarines Sur. In 1944, all guerilla units in the region was defeated.
Bicol language is basically Malayo-Polynesian with adaption of some Arabic, Agriculture and Traditional
Indian, Chinese, and Spanish words. The region’s traditional occupations are agriculture and fishing.
Bicol region is known as Ibalon, derived from “ibalio” meaning to bring to The people plant rice, coconut, and abaca.
another side. Bicol ranks second to eastern Visayas abaca production of rice.
“Ibalon” means people from other side or people who are hospitable and Rice, the staple food, is supplemented with corn and root crops.
generous. Bicol is the largest producer of sweet potato and the third largest producer of
History: Barangay System cassava and calamansi.
Coffee and cacao are also grown.
Camarines Sur has the biggest livestock and poultry production. Bicol’s long
coastlines provides rich fish grounds.
Region 5 has the most iron reserves and known to many. Camarines Norte has
the largest gold and copper deposit.
Custom,Culture, and Tradition
Naming children according to their attributes or conditions and marking their
birth were regional customs.
The practice still exists among Bicol’s rural groups including traditional
courtship, and pre-arranged marriage.
The groom renders services to the brides’ family, dote (dowry), pagdodo (gift
to the bride’s mother), and sinakat ( gift to the bride from the relatives
attending the wedding) are also observed these days.
It has been part of peoples’ daily life and ceremonies during occasions.
The pre-Hispanic belief in the hierarchy of supernatural ranging from bad to
good is preserved to limited extent.
Special devotion to Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia is the most popular and
distinct manifestation of Bicol’s faith.
The Catholic Christmas and Lenten seasons through prayers and rites are still
practiced unceasingly.
Legend of Mt. Mayon
Sarung Banggi
The night was very peaceful when the lover Matapang and Maraut were
killed. *> FALSE