Learning Module in

Core Subject Title: 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

No. of Hours: 80 hours

Semester: 1st semester

Grade: 11

Student’s name:___________________________

Grade/Section:____________________________

Time/Schedule: _ ___________________

Prepared by Ms. Irene May E. Tolentino

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNIT I 21st Century Philippine Literature from the Regions

Module 1 Mapping Our Literary Past, Present, and Future

Module 2 Poetry from the Archipelago
Module 3 The Landscape of Philippine Fiction
Module 4 In an Ocean of Emotions: Philippine Drama
Module 5 Archipelagic Life, or Creative Nonfiction
Module 6 Remapping of Philippine Literature through Criticism
Module 7 Looking Beyond: The Future of the Philippine Literature
Module 8 Finding the Literary Space within You

Unit II 21st Century Literature from the World

Module 9 A Rediscover of the Literary World

Module 10 Charting Our Own in Southeast Asia
Module 11 The Roots of East Asia
Module 12 Exploring South Asia and Western Asia
Module 13 Delving Deep into the Anglo-American Frontier
Module 14 Traversing Europe and Its Intricacies
Module 15 The Magic of Latin America
Module 16 Deep into Africa
Module 17 The Atlas of World Literature

General Instructions
 Read every instruction before doing the activity, doing so will lead you to the right and correct output.
 Submission and getting another module will take place every MONDAY at the guard house drop box.
 Late submission will have a deduction of scores.
 Answer it seriously and honestly.
 Notebooks, worksheets or any materials asked in the module should be submitted in a long plastic envelop with
your name and the name of subject teacher at the back.
 For questions, clarifications and concerns you can contact this phone number 09551093817, or email at
irenemiho15@gmail.com or thru facebook MissMiho Tolentino.

Learning Outcomes for the Unit

Understand and appreciate the elements and contexts of 21 st century Philippine literature from the different
regions.
Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of 21st century Philippine literature from the different regions
through the following;
 A written close analysis and critical interpretation of a literary text in terms of form and theme, with a
description of its context derived from research
 An adaptation of a text into other creative forms using multimedia.
 UNIT I
21st Century Philippine Literature from the Regions

MODULE 1

Mapping Our Literary Past, Present, and Future

At the end of this module, I can:

Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from the precolonial era
to the contemporary.
Value the contributions of local writers to the development of regional literary traditions.
Differentiate the various 21st century literature genres and the ones from the earlier genres or periods citing their
elements, structures, and traditions.
Explain the literary, biographical, linguistic, and sociocultural contexts, and discuss how they enhance the text’s
meaning and enrich my understanding.

Philippine Precolonial Literature

Before the Philippines was colonized, it was already brimming with a BIG IDEA
rich tradition of oral literature. Early Filipinos weaved together countless The precolonial literature
myths and legends to explain certain phenomena in life. They had stories on of the Philippines was
how the world was created-why there is a sun in the morning and the moon at marked by your ancestors’
night, how a mountain was formed, why there are earthquakes, and other life daily observations about
events. However, because paper was not invented yet, many of these tales life, explanations for
were not preserved and have vanished from local knowledge. Most of what natural phenomena, and
have been transcribed now are taken from oral literature, which means that beginnings of rituals.
these stories have been passed on from one generation to another. Most of these also function as an
that which survived are epics and folklores. Here are there descriptions and explanation for society
other forms of literature that were passed on by the early Filipinos to today’s and culture as they know
generation. it to be

 Proverbs is not merely an anthology but a "collection of collections"

relating to a pattern of life which lasted for more than a millennium. It is an example of the biblical wisdom
literature, and raises questions of values, moral behaviour, the meaning of human life, and right conduct, and its
theological foundation is that "the fear of God (meaning submission to the will of God) is the beginning of
wisdom." Wisdom is praised for her role in creation; God acquired her before all else, and through her he gave
order to chaos; and since humans have life and prosperity by conforming to the order of creation, seeking
wisdom is the essence and goal of the religious life.
Examples:

A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.

Howsoever big a task is, it starts with a small step.
Example: I’m feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of completing 4,000-word paper by next week, but I guess I’ll start
by writing 500 words every day. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

All good things come to an end.

Good experiences eventually come to an end.
Example: I was so sad to graduate from college and separate from my friends, but I’ve to realize that all good things
come to an end.

 Riddles is a statement or question or phrase having a double or veiled meaning, put forth as a puzzle to be
solved. Riddles are of two types: enigmas, which are problems generally expressed
in metaphorical or allegorical language that require ingenuity and careful thinking for their solution,
and conundra, which are questions relying for their effects on punning in either the question or the answer
Examples
What has to be broken before you can use it?
Answer: An egg

What month of the year has 28 days?

Answer: All of them

 Folksong are beautiful songs that are informal expressions of our ancestors’ experiences in life. These range
from courtship (which they sing in a hararna or a serenade for a girl), to lullabies, harvests, funerals, and others.

 Tales A tale is a story, especially one that's full of creative embellishments. You can read a tale from a book,
or tell a bedtime tale to the kids you're babysitting.

Tales can be true or fictional, but they generally consist of a narrative, with a beginning and an end, made more
interesting and exciting with vivid details. Some tales are meant to teach specific lessons (like your family's history or
your community's values), while others simply relay a funny story. Tale can also mean "lie," like when your mom asks,
"You're not telling a tale, are you?"

 Epics long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds, although the term has also been loosely used to describe
novels, such as Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and motion pictures, such as Sergey Eisenstein’s Ivan the
Terrible. In literary usage, the term encompasses both oral and written compositions. The prime examples of the
oral epic are Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Outstanding examples of the written epic
include Virgil’s Aeneid and Lucan’s Pharsalia in Latin, Chanson de Roland in medieval French, Ludovico
Ariosto’s Orlando furioso and Torquato Tasso’s Gerusalemme liberata in Italian, Cantar de mio Cid in
Spanish, and John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Edmund Spenser’s Faerie Queene in English. There are also
seriocomic epics, such as the Morgante of a 15th-century Italian poet, Luigi Pulci, and the pseudo-
Homeric Battle of the Frogs and Mice. Another distinct group is made up of the so-called beast epics—narrative
poems written in Latin in the Middle Ages and dealing with the struggle between a cunning fox and a cruel and
stupid wolf. Underlying all of the written forms is some trace of an oral character, partly because of the
monumental persuasiveness of Homer’s example but more largely because the epic was, in fact, born of an oral
tradition. It is on the oral tradition of the epic form that this article will focus.

Reflect Upon

1. How can these precolonial forms of literature be of use to your life right now?
2. Do you think you can still use the lessons they teach in your daily life? Explain your answer.

Beyond Walls 1.1 Read and Answer

The following story is an epic from Central Panay. Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

The Hinilawod

Figure1.1 A scene from the play

entitled, “Hinilawod,” at the LUCE
Auditorium in Dumaguete City last 1-3
July 2010.
 HINILAWOD(Hiligaynon Epic)

A SU MM AR Y

THE HINILAWOD EPIC tells the story of the exploits of thethree demigod brothers, Labaw Donggon, Humadapnon
andDumalapdap of Panay. In its original form the epic would takeabout three days to perform (including breaks for food
and sleep),thus making it one of the longest epics in the world.Anthropologist Dr. F. Landa Jocano recorded a version of
theepic from the inhabitants of Central Panay. This is how the storygoes:

When the goddess of the eastern sky Alunsina (also knownas Laun Sina, “The Unmarried One”) reached
maidenhood,the king of the gods, Kaptan, decreed that she should marry.All the unmarried gods of the different
domains of the universetried their luck to win her hand to no avail. She chose tomarry a mortal, Datu Paubari, the
mighty ruler of Halawod.Her decision angered her other suitors. They plotted tobring harm to the newlyweds. A
meeting of the council ofgods was called by Maklium-sa-t’wan, god of the plains, wherea decision by those present was
made to destroy Halawod byflood.Alunsina and Paubari escaped harm through the assistanceof Suklang Malayon, the
goddess and guardian of happy homesand sister of Alunsina, who learned of the evil plot and warnedthe two so they
were able to seek refuge on higher ground.

After the flood waters subsided, Paubari and

Alunsinareturned to the plains secretly. They settled
near the mouth ofthe Halawod river.Several months
later Alunsina became pregnant and toldPaubari to
prepare the siklot, things necessary for childbirth.She
delivered a set of triplets and summoned the high
priestBungot-Banwa to perform the rites of the gods of
MountMadya-as (the mountain abode of the gods)to
ensure the goodhealth of the children. The high priest
promptly made an altarand burned some alanghiran
fronds and a pinch of kamangyan.When the ceremony
was over he opened the windows of thenorth side of the
room and a cold northernly wind came inand suddenly
the three infants were transformed into
strong,handsome young men.Labaw Donggon, the
eldest of the three, asked his motherto prepare his magic
cape, hat, belt and kampilan (sword) forhe heard of a place called Handug where a beautiful maidennamed Angoy
Ginbitinan lived.The journey took several days. He walked accross plainsand valleys, climbed up mountains until he
reached themouth of the Halawod river. When he finally met themaiden’s father and asked for her hand in marriage,
thefather asked him to fight the monster Manalintad as partof his dowry. He went off to confront the monster and
withthe help of his magic belt Labaw Donggon killed themonster and to prove his feat he brought to AngoyGinbitinan’s
father the monster’s tail.

After the wedding, Labaw Donggon proceeded home with his new bride. Along tha way they met a group of young men
who told him that they were on their way to Tarambano Burok to win the hand of Abyang Durunuun, sister of Sumpoy,
the lord of the underworld and whose beauty was legendary.

Labaw Donggon and his bride continued on their journey home. The moment thev arrived home, Labaw Donggon told
his mother to take care of his wife because he is taking another quest, this time he was going to Tarambang Burok.

Before he can get to the place he has to pass a ridge guarded by a giant named Sikay Padalogdog who has a hundred
arms. The giant would not allow Labaw Donggon to go through without a fight. However, Sikay Padalogdog was no
match to Labaw Donggon's prowess and skill in fighting so he gave up and allowed him to continue.

Labaw Donggon won the hand of Abyang Durunuun and also took her home. Before long he went on another journey,
this time it is to Gadlum to ask for the hand of Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata who is the young bride of
Saragnayan, the lord of darkness.
This trip required him to use his biday nga inagta (black boat) on which he sailed across the seas for many months, went
across the region of the clouds, and passed the land of stones until finally he reached the shores of Tulogmatian which
was the seaside fortress of Saragnayan. The moment he set foot on the ground Saragnayan asked him, "Who are you and
why are you here?"

To which he answered, "I am Labaw Donggon, son of Datu Paubari and goddess Alunsina of Halawod. I came for the
beautiful Malitong Yawa Sinagmaling Diwata."
Saragnayan laughed. He told Labaw Donggon that
what he wished for was impossibie to grant because
she was his wife. Labaw Donggon then challenged
Saragnayan to a auc saying that whoever wins will
have her.

The challenge was accepted and they started

fighting. Labaw Donggon submerged Saragnayan
under water for seven years, but when he let go of
him, Saragnayan was still alive. The latter uprooted a
coconut tree and started beating Labaw Donggon
with it. He lheating but was not able to surpass the
powers of Saragnayan's pamlang (amulet) and
eventually he gave up and was imprisoned by Saragnayan beneath his house

Back home, Angoy Ginbitinan and Abyang Durunuun both delivered sons. Angoy Ginbitinan's child was named Aso
Mangga and Abyang Durunuun's son was called Abyang Baranugon.

Only a few days after they were born, Aso Mangga and Abyang Baranugon embarked to look for their father. They rode
their sailboats through the region of eternal darkness, passed the region of the clouds and the land of stones, finally
reaching Saragnayan's home. Saragnayan noticed that Abyang Baranugon's umbilical cord have not yet been removed,
he Abyang Baranugon was slighted by the remarks and immediately challenged laughed and told the child to go home
to his mother.

Abyang Baranugon was slighted by the remarks and immediately challenged Saragnayan to a duel. They fought and
Abyang Baranugon defeated Saragnayan and won his father's freedom.

Labaw Donggon's defeat and subsequent imprisonment by the Lord of Darkness also angered his brothers. Humadapnon
was so enraged that he swore to the gods of Madya-as that he would wreak revenge on all of Saragnayan's kinsmen and
followers.

Humadapnon prepared to go to Saragnayan's domain. He employed the aid of Buyong Matanayon of Mount Matiula
who was well-known for his skill in swordsmanship. For their journey they rode on a sailboat called biday nga rumba-
rumba. They travelled through the region of the clouds, passed by the region of eternal darkness and ended up at a place
called Tarambang Buriraw. In this place was a ridge called Talagas Kuting-tang where a seductive Sorceress named
Piganun lived.

Piganun changed herself to a beautiful maiden and captured the heart of Humadapnon. Buyong Matanayon begged with
Humadapnon to leave the place with him but the latter refused. After seven months passed, Buyong Matanayon
remembered that they have brought with them some ginger. One evening at dinner time Buyong Matanayon threw seven
slices of ginger into the fire. When Pinganun smelled the odor of burning ginger she left the dinner table because
sorcerers hated the odor of ginger. Immediately Buyong Matanayon struck Humadapnon, who became unconscious. He
dragged his friend with him, and they were able to escape

They continued with their trek and everywhere they went they exacted revenge on all of Saragnayan's people and
relatives. One day they reached a place called Piniling Tubig, which was ruled by Datu Umbaw Pinaumbaw. There was
a big gathering in the village and when they asked what was going on they were told that the datu was giving his
daughter for marriage to whoever could remove the huge boulder that rolled from a mountain into the center of the
village. Many men tried their luck but no one so far was able to even move the stone.
Humadapnon took off his magic cape and used it to
lift the stone and threw it back into the mountain.
The datu kept his word and Humadapnon married
his daughter. During the wedding feast,
Humadapnon heard about the beauty of the goddess
of greed Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan from
a guest minstrel who sang at the celebration.

After the wedding, Humadapnon went to seek the

hand of the goddess in marriage. Along the way he
encountered Buyong Makabagting, son of the
mighty Datu Balahidyong of Paling Bukid who was
also travelling with the same purpose in mind.
Upon learning of Humadapnon's intent, Buyong
Makabagting challenged him to a duel. They fought
and Buyong Makabagting was no match to
Humadapnon's strength and skill. The fight ended when Buyong Makabagting surrendered and even promised to aid
Humadapnon in his quest. Humadapnon maried the goddess and brought her home.

Meanwhile, right after Humadapnon left to seek Saragnayan's followers and relatives. his brother Dumalapdap left for
Burutlakan-ka-adlaw where the maiden Lubay-Luhbvok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokon lived. For the trip he brought
along Dumasig, the most powerful wrestler in Madya-as.

Several months later they came to a place called Tarambuan-ka-banwa where thev hey encountered the two-headed
monster Balanakon who guarded a narrow ridge leading to the place where the maiden lived.

With the aid of Dumasig, Dumalapdap killed Balanakon. However, upon approaching the gate of the palace where the
maiden lived he was confronted by Uyutang, a bat-like monster with sharp poisonous claws. There ensued a bloody
battle between the Dumalapdap and the monster. They fought for seven months and their skill and prowess seemed to be
equal. But on the seventh month, Dumalapdap was able to grab on to Uyutang's ankle and broke it. Then he took his
iwang daniwan (magic dagger) and stabbed Uyutang under the armpit. Uyutang cried out so loud that the ridge where
they were fighting broke into two, and there was an earthquake. Half of the ridge became the island of Buglas (Negros)
and the other became the island of Panay.

Dumalapdap married Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokan and then took her home. Datu, Paubari was very
happy when he was reunited with his three sons and he prepared a feast in their honor. After the celebration, the three
brothers left for different parts of the world. Labaw Donggon went to the north, Humadapnon went south, Dumalapdap
to the west and Datu Paubari remained in the east.

Guide Questions:

1.How did Labaw Donggon win the hand of Agnoy Gibintinan 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?

Although few, the surviving stories of your ancestors prove that the Philippines was a lively nation with a
rich indigenous heritage. These tales, such as the Hinilawod, tell more than just stories of brave men and
magical creatures; they also illustrate the history of the country and the formation of its values system. You
see in the story the values of bravery, brotherhood, friendship, and communal respect among the characters.
You see also the way society worked back then, which is important when you think about the society you
live right now. How do these values shape you as a Filipino today? How much has changed from the way
Filipinos lived before and the way we live now? The surviving records of your precolonial literature can tell
you not only about life in the past, but also in the present.
 BIG IDEA
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 your daily life.

What Have I Learned So Far?

1. Why is it important to learn about the precolonial literature of the Philippines?

2. How different and similar are the situations of your ancestors back then to your situation right now? Are there
still values that you can learn from them that you can apply in your life?

Spanish Colonial Philippine Literature

When the Spaniards came, there was an immediate shift on the focus of literature. It became
centered on the Christian faith, and the stories about natural phenomena suddenly became all about the lives of saints
and other religious hymns. Slowly, Philippine literature started to emulate the traditional Spanish ways of themes and
forms in writing, including the repetitive plots and obvious shadowy character. Despite these changes, Filipinos still
found a way to make Spanish literature their own, as shown through these common kinds:
 Corrido is a legendary religious narrative form that usually details the lives of saints or the history of a tradition
 Awit is a chivalric poem about a hero, usually about a saint. It is also usually sung and used in religious
processions.
 Pasyon is a narrative poem about the life of Jesus Christ, beginning from his birth and up to his death. This is
usually sung during the Lenten season. Many women were trained before to perform the Pasyon. Nowadays, it
is sung by seasoned performers in churches nationwide.
 Cenaculo is the dramatization of the passion of Christ. It highlights the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, and
it is also done during the Lenten season. A good example is the San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites in San Fernando,
Pampanga, where fervent Catholiccs volunteer themselves to be actually nailed to the cross to re-enact the
suffering of Jesus Christ.
 Moro-moro or Comedia de capa y Espada is a blood-and-thunder melodrama depicting the conflict of
Christians and Muslims. It is usually about battles to the death and the proofs of faith.
 Carillo is a play that uses shadows as its main spectacle. This is created by animating figures made from
cardboard, which are projected onto a white screen.

BIG IDEA
Spanish colonial literature focused on the society and culture as reflected and affected by the Catholic
faith. Up until now, this kind of influence still reigns true in Filipino society, as the Philippines is one
of the largest remaining catholic countries in the world in terms of population.

Beyond Walls 1.2 Go Online

Research for an example of each kind of Spanish colonial Philippine literature. If you can, look for
examples of those that are still practical today, like the Pasyon. Afterward, share what you have
researched with a group in your class and discuss the similarities and differences of these literary pieces
with one another.
  Tibag is a dramatic re-enactment of St. Helena’s search for the Holy Cross. St. Helena is the mother of
Constantine and is oftentimes credited to have influenced her son to be the great Christian leader he is known
for today. She is also well-known to have travelled to Syria to look for the relics of Jesus Christ’s cross, the one
that was used in his crucifixion. It is also widely believed that she found it in the same country.
 Duplo or Karagatan are native dramas that are connected to Catholic mourning rituals and harvest celebrations.
 Zarzuela is probably one of the most famous forms of entertainment back in the Spanish era. Zarzuelas are
comedies or melodramas that deal with the elemental passions of human beings. A zarzuela follows acertain
plot, which shows either a satirical look at society or a begrudged life.

These kinds of Spanish colonial literature show how welcoming your Filipino ancestors were to the Catholic
faith. Most of them were happy to be baptized and immediately began to follow Catholicism’s traditions and teachings.
This faith and belief transcended up until now, because the Philippines is the third largest Catholic nation in the world in
terms of population (after Brazil and Mexico). At the same time, these kinds of literature also helped shape the literature
that we have today, not only in terms of faith, but also in terms of values system, societal norms, and realizations about
life.

What Have I Learned So Far?

How has the literature during the Spanish era differed from the literature during the precolonial era? Which
era do you think has been able to exert its influences the most in contemporary Philippine society?

Despite being colonized, most Filipinos back then still treasured the old myths and folklores of their ancestors.
One of these is Jose Rizal. Even though he is an ilustrado(a Filipino student educated abroad), he still firmly
championed the literature of orecolonial Philippines and had also spent time researching on them. This is his retelling of
a famous mysterious maiden who once lived in mountains of his hometown.

Mariang Makiling
(As retold By Gat. Jose P. Rizal in Northern Luzon)

Mariang Makiling is said to be the mysterious fairy guarding Mount Makiling. No one knows how old she is. It is
believed she is as old as the mountain itself. The very few people who have seen her wandering around the thick forest
of Makiling say she is tall and graceful, with brown skin, deep black eyes, and hair almost touching the ground. Deer
hunters have seen her standing on the edge of a cliff on moonlit nights, with her long hair floating in the air and her
singing echoing throughout the deep valleys.

Mariang Makiling likes to appear after a storm. She strolls around the woods to straighten broken trunks, replace nests
on the branches of trees, mend the wings of butterflies, and clear the streams of fallen twigs and logs. As she walks
around, all signs of the storm disappear; roses and orchids bloom, birds chirp with glee, and deer run around once again.

Mariang Makiling is also known to have a good heart. She would appear as a young girl to help old women gather
firewood. She would then slip gold nuggets, coins, and jewels into their bundles of wood. She would also invite tired
hunters to her home where she will serve them a warm meal and cold drinks. She often gives them a small parting gift of
ginger, which hunters discover to have turned into gold when they arrive home.

Many of those who were granted Mariang Makiling’s generosity knows well how to repay her kindness. They thus leave
on the grounds of Mount Makiling a hen that is less than one year old and with feathers as white as milk. White hens are
her favourite treats.

Mariang Makiling has often appeared as an old woman begging for food from hunters. She does this to test their
kindness to those in need. People who refuse to help her are chased away from the forest with the sound of howling
monsters hiding in the shadows of the woods.
As time went by people saw less of Mariang Makiling. She no longer appears to people to bring them gifts of gold and
jewels. Hunters have no one to turn to when they are hungry and thirsty.

Many blame Mariang Makiling’s disappearance from the forest on the people who do not return her generosity. Others
say that the cutting of trees and excessive hunting of wild animals have greatly disappointed Mariang Makiling that she
refuses to come out anymore. But the tale of the mysterious fairy of Mount Makiling lives on.

BIG IDEA
By studying these old folklores and myths, you are exploring your history as a Filipino.
Also, you get a chance to know yourself and the culture, society, and family you have been raised
in.

Reflect Upon

What distinctive values did Mariang Makiling’s story show? How can you apply these values in
your life as a student?

Criterion Description Score

10 points 7 points 4 points
Visual appeal The mural is visually The mural is The mural has poor
appealing, with moderately visual appeal, with
harmonious colors, appealing visually, unbalanced color
shapes, and sizes of with generally combinations,
figures harmonious colors, shapes, and sizes of
shapes, and sizes of figures.
figures.
Cohesion The mural is The mural is slightly The mural is
cohesive, with the cohesive, with the confusing, with the
two stories blending two stories generally two stories not
together as if they blending together blending together at
were just one. despite some out-of- all, and there is an
space elements. introduction of out-
of-place elements.
Organization The mural is The mural is slightly The mural is
organized and may organized and may disorganized and
blend well as a blend well as a may need
backdrop of a room. backdrop of a room, adjustments before
with a few being mounted on
adjustments the material.
Score: /30

Beyond Walls 1.3 Apply It in Real Life

You were hired by a corporate firm to design a wall mural that will depict the richness of the Philippine culture and its
history. The room where your mural will be found is meant to house some priceless precolonial artifacts that will be available for the
form’s new public museum. The firm has specifically asked you to heavily incorporate the scenes in the epic Hinilawod and the
moments in the story of Mariang Makiling in painting the walls. These two stories need to blend, so that the room will not only be
appealing historically, but also aesthetically. Because this room will be available to the public, your painting must be visually
appealing, cohesive, and organized. You can use any materials of your like.