QUEZON MEMORIAL ACADEMY

Progreso St., Poblacion West Umingan Pangasinan

Name: _________________________________________ Section:

_______________________
21st Century Literature
Week 3
(All Grade 12)
I. Title:
Pre-colonial Philippine Literature
Topics:
 Philippine Pre-colonial Literature
 Salawikain (Proverbs)
 Bugtong (Riddles)
 Kantahing Bayan (Folk song)
 Tales (Kuwento)
 Myths (Mito)
 Legends (Alamat)
 Epics (Epiko/Mahabangtula)
 Fables
 “The Hinilawod”
II. Objectives:
In this module, you will be able to:
a. identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary
history during pre-colonial times;
b. identify representative texts, genres, and authors of the pre-colonial period;
c. value the contributions of local cultures to the development of regional literary
traditions;
d. situate texts in the context of the region and the nation
e. explain the socio-cultural context and discuss how it enhances the meaning of text
and enriches the reader’s understanding; and
f. explain the relationship of context with its meaning.
III. Anticipatory Guide:
 Review of the Previews Lessons: What have the students learn in the Spanish Period?

INTRODUCTION
Pre- Colonial Literature

To understand our literature as it is now- and where it is headed- we must first

trace its past. By appreciating how Philippine literature has evolved throughout the centuries, we
shall realize why we have come to explore certain themes and to craft certain genre. We shall
also gain a sense of a national pride as we uncover the richness of literature in the Motherland.
IV. Lesson Content:
 What is Pre-colonial Philippine literature
 What are the other forms of pre-colonial Philippine literature
1. Proverbs are practical observations and philosophy of everyday life that are written
usually in rhyming scheme.
Example: Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.(Whatever the tree, so is the fruit)

2. Riddles are like proverbs with one main difference: they demand an answer and are
used to test the wits of those who are listening to them.
Example: Heto na si kaka, bubuka-bukaka.(Here comes kaka, walking with as open leg.)

3. Folksongs are beautiful songs that are informal expressions of our ancestors’
experiences in life.
Types of folksongs:
Bansal/Harana or Serenade (courtship)
Kundiman (love song)
Oyayi (lullaby)
Dipayanin(harvest/feast)
Bung-aw (funeral song)
Diona (wedding song)
Kumintang (war song)
Soliranin (boat song)
Dalit (religious song)
Hibais (travel song)
4. Tales are stories of origin for certain places, their names, and their creation. These are
also known as myths and legends. They usually are used to explain certain events or
phenomena in our ancestors’ lives that cannot be explained by the limited practical kind
of science they knew back then.

5. Epics are long-winded poems about a hero and his adventures and misadventures.it
usually tells of a male hero who is born with all the pleasing qualities that your ancestors
like in a person and who also has superhuman capabilities.

6. Fables are short tales that usually highlighted animals. It is didactic that meant to teach
lessons.

 READING ACTIVITY:
“The Hinilawod”

The Hinilawod epic shows how our Filipino ancestors have relied on their familial
relations and bravery to get them through any situation. Nowadays, relying on
 strong family ties and friendships is still one of the best ways to get through any
difficult situation that you may encounter in daily life.

V. Task:
ACTIVITY 1
Reflect Upon
Write your answer on a one whole sheet of paper.
1. How can these pre-colonial forms of literature be of use to your life right now?
2. Do you think you can still use the lessons teach in your daily life? Explain your
answer.
ACTIVITY 2
GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. How did LabawDonggon win the hand of AgnoyGibintinan in marriage?

2. Who saved Halawod and Alunsina from being drowned in a flood?
3. What are the names of the three sons of Alunsina and Halawod?

VI Assignment:

Search for the following and write a summary of comparison between these different periods in
a one whole sheet of paper.
 Spanish period of literature in the Philippines.
 American period of literature in the Philippines.
 Japanese period of literature in the Philippines.
 Post-war/Contemporary Period of literature in the Philippines.

Prepared by:
Ma. Aulene V. Montemayor
Subject Teacher