Republic of the Philippines

Cebu Normal University

Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City, 6000 Philippines

College of Arts & Sciences

Telephone No.: (+63 32) 254 6814 local 140
Email: cnucas@cnu.edu.ph
Website: www.cnu.edu.ph

LITERATURES OF THE PHILIPPINES

ACADEMIC TASK #2

Instructions: Work with your teammates and provide three Filipino Sayings that were
produced or circulated during the Pre-spanish period of Philippine Literature, and are still
evident to Filipinos today. Provide a comprehensive analysis of the literary pieces that you
chose as an example of the pre-assigned genre to your team below. Do not forget to cite
your sources if there are any.

FILIPINO SAYING 1: “Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”

TEAM ANALYSIS:
We always hear this saying from childhood. There are many similarities to this saying
such as "What you sow, is what you reap", "You get what you deserve", and "What
goes up always comes down". The saying refers to three situations of human life which
are saving, perseverance, and doing good.
The saying refers to a person’s saving. This means that when a person is frugal or
knows how to save, he or she has resources in times of need. Sometimes, there are
situations that we do not expect such as disasters or financial problems, and when that
time comes, if a person has something saved, he already has resources.
It also refers to a person’s perseverance. We do not get or achieve our desires and
dreams in life just by chance. It is gained with persistence. If a person patiently
struggles in the pursuit of life, he will reap the success he hopes for.
On the other hand, it also refers to doing good to our neighbors. If a person continues to
do good to his fellow man, he will also receive good from others.
 Republic of the Philippines
Cebu Normal University
Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City, 6000 Philippines

College of Arts & Sciences

Telephone No.: (+63 32) 254 6814 local 140
Email: cnucas@cnu.edu.ph
Website: www.cnu.edu.ph

FILIPINO SAYING 2: “A person who does not remember where he (she) came from will
never reach his (her) destination.”

TEAM ANALYSIS:
This is a common proverb from Doctor Jose Rizal. This is commonly known by its
Tagalog translation which is the original language used. The Tagalog version is stated
as "Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan." It
conveys a message that urges a person to give value to one's origin. Whatever you
have reached in life, look back, always remember those who have helped you and
never forget to give thanks. This aspect is known by Filipinos as "utang na loob." It’s
translated to “debt of gratitude” to one’s who helped you become who and what you
have right now.

FILIPINO SAYING 3: “If someone throws a rock at you, throw him bread.”

TEAM ANALYSIS:
This is one of the famous proverb that really fits the attitude of being a Filipino. Its
Filipino translation is "Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay". This
saying/proverbs means that instead of revenging your enemy, or someone who
betrayed you, hurt you. Be compassionate to them by giving them bread, bread means
you forgive them, you show love and care to your enemy. This saying wants us to
remember a lesson that if someone does evil to you, do good to that person.