LIT 21/LIT 101/ LIT 1: THE LITERATURE OF THE PHILIPPINES

MODULE 1
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE AND ITS LITERARY PERIODS
Prepared by: RLColegadoJr.,LPT.
Lesson Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Define literature;
 Enumerate the reasons, qualities, ingredients and divisions of literature; and
 Trace and distinguish literature in different literary periods.

Literature refers to any “written work”; derived from ‘literatura’ which means writing formed with
letters. It is the mirror of the society which reflects societal norms, culture, tradition, experiences etc. Literature
goes along with society.

PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

-is the verbal expression, oral or written, of experience of Filipinos with oral literature being home-
grown and written literature the consequence of extensive cultural influence from both the colonial regimes and
contact with other cultures.

Reasons for Studying Literature

1. To know ourselves, our heritage, and genius of our race as a people distinct from others.
2. To realize that like other people, we also have great noble traditions that we may use as foundation for
assimilation of new cultures and new civilizations.
3. To realize the limitations of our literary capacities and to train ourselves to overcome them.
4. To recognize our literary merits and find means to improve them.

Qualities of Literature

1. Artistry – This quality appeals to our sense of beauty. It presents truth which only few could appreciate.
2. Suggestiveness – It is associated with emotional power of literature. It moves us deeply and stirs our
feelings and imagination.
3. Intellectual Value – Refers how literature stimulates thoughts. It enriches our mental life by making us
realize fundamental truths about human life and nature.
4. Spiritual Value – It brings out moral values which make us better person.
5. Universality – Literature appeals to everyone regardless of culture, race, sex and time which are all
considered significant.
6. Permanence – It means it is here to stay. Literature endures across time and remains invariable
throughout time.

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 Three Ingredients of Literature

1. Subject – Any work of literature is about something and for this reason, it is a subject. The subject may
be an emotion, an object, an abstract idea, or an event.
2. Form – It is the verbal and artistic structuring of ideas. The subject on friendship for example may be
expressed in a poem, in a short story or in a drama.
3. Point of View – This refers to the angle of vision of the narrator; it determines the narrator of the story:
First Person Point of View, Third Person Omniscient, Third Person Limited and Third Person Central.

Division of Literature

Literature falls under two main categories: Poetry and Prose.

Poetry is generally more concentrated than prose. It is concerned with ideas and insights expressed through
sense-oriented language.

Prose is usually divided into Fiction and Non-fiction.

Fiction is the work of the imagination and invention. Written works like novels, short stories, plays and
poems are fictional.

Non-fiction is usually thought to be based on facts such as essay, memoirs, biography, and other works that
are factual in scope.

LITERARY PERIODS

A. Pre-Colonial Literature
Pre-Colonial Literature deals with folk literature (also called folklore or oral tradition, the lore, tradition
knowledge and beliefs of cultures having no written language). Early literature was created by ordinary
folks to express their lives. It is transmitted by words through mouth and consist, as does written
literature, of both prose and verse narratives, poems and songs, myths, dramas, rituals, proverbs, riddles,
and the like.

Classification of Folk Literature

A. Folk Narratives
1. Myths
Explains how the world and people came to be. Early Filipinos might have asked the question of
where they come from or who were the first man and woman. Myths were the first tool man used
to define his world, explain his feelings and make his judgments. Main characters are not usually
human beings, but they often have human attributes: animals, deities, cultural heroes, their love
affairs, family relationships, friendship and enmities, victories and defeats.
Example: Creation Myth – Igorot

2. Legends
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 Accounts of an extraordinary happening believed to have actually occurred.it may tell of an
encounter with marvelous creatures which the folks still believe in-fairies, ghost, water spirits,
the devil and the like. Legends are believed to be about more recent events, and like myths they
may also deal with stories which explain the origin of things, places and their names, plants and
animals and others
Example: Legend of the Coconut Tree

3. Folktales (Kwentong Bayan)

Primarily told for amusement and individual entertainment, and instructional values, dealing
with events set in an indefinite time and place.

a. Fables
Short tales generally involving animals which convey a message of virtue.
Example: The Monkey and the Turtle

b. Magic Tales or Fairy Tales

Are stories of fantasy and wonder told mainly to entertain, teach a lesson – the most universal one –
the idea of all – pervading power of love and the reward for kindness and the punishment for
wickedness.
Example: The Pauper and The Princess

c. Humorous Tales – divided into numskull or trickster

 Numskull – Recounts the funny, amusing, odd and occasionally heart-rending clumsy acts of
a ridiculous person.
Example: The Misadventures of Juan Tanga

 Trickster Tale – May narrate the foolishness of central character that cheats or plays tricks
on other people.
Example: Pilandok and the Crocodiles

d. Novelistic Tales (Novellas)

Rather than magic powers, human wit and common sense make for the male and female hero.

Example: The King and Farmer’s Daughter

e. Religious and Didactic Tales

Are mainly told to illustrate the rewards of goodness and punishment for evil.
Example: The Golden Rule

4. Epics

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 Long narrative accounts of heroic exploits or events of hero under supernatural control. Are either sang
or chanted during communal affairs such as harvest, weddings, by bards chosen for wisdom or age. Many of
these folk narratives have been through times, but a few have survived.

Example: Hudhud – Ifugao

B. Folk Speech
Consist of proverbs and riddles. They are the shortest form of folk literature.

1. Proverbs

Also called “Salawikain”, use metaphors drawn from surrounding nature and everyday life. Filipinos
highlight their teachings, advice or counsel in talks or conversations by quoting a proverb or saying. Proverbs
embody general truths or observations on nature, rules of conduct or moral.

Example: “Ang dila ay hindi patalim, ngunit kung sumugat ay malalim.”

2. Riddles

Are generally poetic in form and come in 1, 2, 3, or 4 lines. Central of the riddle is the the ‘talinghaga’
or metaphor because it reveals “subtle resemblances” between two unlike objects and one’s power of
observation and wit are put to test.

C. Folk Poetry

Are usually quatrains consisting of 5-12 syllables per line and which are used to be chanted. An example
is the Tagalog ‘bulong’ which is an invocation to environmental spirits or animals believed to possess
magical powers. One Tagalog ‘bulong’ is addressed to duwende living on an earth mound or another, to a
mouse being appealed to replace a fallen milktooth.

Example: “Tabi tabi po Ingkong. Makikiraan po.”

Another form of folk poetry is the Tanaga of the Tagalog. It consist of four lines, full of metaphors, and
the consistent use of seven syllables in every line.

D. Folk Songs
Are forms of folk lyrics which express the hopes and aspirations, the people lifestyles as well as their
loves. These are repetitive and sonorous, didactic and naïve as in the children songs or Ida-ida
(Maguindanao), Tulang Pambata (Tagalog) or casiones para abbing (Ibanag). These are songs which
are classified intolife cycles songs; work and activity songs; ritual and religious songs; and
miscellaneous songs, such as songs about nature, humorous songs and the like.

B. Spanish Period (1565-1896)

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 Spanish missionaries utilized the stage to propagate Christian religion and literature was used as a tool
for religious conquest. Thus, literature in this feature was predominantly religious and moral in character
and tone.
Nationalistic Period (1864-1896) saw the growth of reformist and revolutionary literature. Reformist and
revolutionary literature reflected the clamor for change and independence. The Filipino students from
Spain wrote literary works that were either parodies of the religious literature or new literary forms that
better articulate issues.

Literary Types

A. Poetry
1. Ladino Poems – poems with Tagalog and Spanish lines alternating.

Salamat nang walang hanga Macapagpanao ng dilim

Gracias se den sempiternas Que destierre las tinieblas
Sa pagsilang ng tala Sa lahat na bayan natin
Al que hizo salir la estrella De toda esta nuestra tierra.

2. Metrical Romances
a. Corridos – are legendary and religious poems. Example: Ang Ibong Adarna
b. Awit – are chivalric-heroic poems. Example: Florante at Laura – Francisco Baltazar

B. Prose – Example: Urbana at Feliza by Fr. Modesto de Castro

C. Drama
1. The Religious Dramas
a. The Panunuluyan – (Tagalog for “asking for lodgings”) is a Philippine Christmas dramatic
ritual narrating the Holy Family’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus Christ birth through
song.
b. The Cenaculo – (From the Spanish word cenaculo) is a Lenten play that depicts events from the
Old and Testaments related to the life, sufferings and death of Christ.
c. The Salubong – is an Easter Sunday pre-dawn ritual that reenacts the Risen Christ’s meeting
with His Mother.
d. The Moriones – is an annual festival held of Holy Week on the Island of Marinduque,
Philippines. The “Moriones” are men and women in costumes and masks replicating the garb of biblical
Roman soldiers as interpreted by local folks.
e. The Tibag or Santacruzan – a commemoration of the finding of the Holy Cross by Saint
Helena and Constantine.
f. The Pangaluluwa – The belief that the souls of the dead return to earth to visit the living family
members has given birth to the Tagalog practice of “Pangaluluwa” or the Visayans’ “Kalag-kalag”. This
view allows the living, usually young people, to pretend to be the suffering souls in purgatory and to go
caroling in the evening from house begging for assistance. They usually are given some money.
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 2. Secular Dramas

These were generally held during nights of vigil and prayers after someone’s death, or the first
death anniversary when the family members put away their mourning clothes.

a. The Karagatan – is literally “open sea”. This came from the legendary practice of testing the
mettle of young men vying for a maiden’s hand. The maiden’s ring would be dropped into the
sea and whoever retrieves it would have the girl’s hand in marriage.
b. The Duplo – the performers consist of young women called Dupleras or Belyakas; and the other,
of young men called Dupleros or Belyakos. An ederly man – the hari or punong halaman –
presides over the proceedings. This is a forerunner for balagtasan.
c. The Comedia – a play which had for its main theme courtly love, usually between a prince and a
princess of different religions – one a Christian, and other a Muslim. These conflicts were
resolve in the end, with victory of the Christians,a propaganda tool which was endorsed by friars.

C. United States Colonial Rule (1910-1930)

Public school was introduced and English became the official medium of instruction. Literature was
written in Tagalog, Spanish and English. The imposition of English as the medium of instruction
resulted the dominance of literature in English. New literary forms were introduced: free verse in poetry,
modern short story and critical essay. The beginnings of Philippine literature in English can be traced
with the coming of the Americans. This period id divided in three time frames, namely:
a. Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)
Air Castles (Poetry) by Juan F. Salazar (1909-1910)
b. Period of Imitation (1911-1925) American Period
The Sea by Natividad Marquez (Poetry)
c. Period of Self Recovery(1925-1941)
Poetry
1896 by Aurelio Alvero
To a Lost One by Angela Manalang Gloria
Prayer of a Student by Trinidad L. Tarossa Subido
Short Story
Dead Stars by Paz Marquez-Benitez
The Making of a Writer by Salvador P. Lopez
Shadow and Solitude by Claro M. Recto translated by Nick Joaquin

D. Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)

Filipino literature experienced renewed attention because writers in English turned to writing in Filipino.
Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Many wrote plays, poems, short stories, etc. The
common themes of most poems during the Japanese occupation were of nationalism, country, love, and
life in barrios, faith religion and the arts. Three types of poems emerged during this period. They were:
Haiku, Tanaga, and Karaniwang Anyo.
Noteworthy writers of the period include Carlos P. Romulo who won the Pulitzer Prize for his
bestsellers I Saw the Fall of the Philippines, I See the Philippines Rise and His Mother America and My
Brothers Americans; Nick Joaquin produced The Woman Who Looked Like Lazarus; and Carlos
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 Bulusan’s works included The Laughter of the Father (1944), The Voice of Bataan (1943), Six Filipino
Poets (1942), among others.

E. Liberation or Postwar Period (1941-present)

The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)

The Americans returned in 1945 and on July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained its freedom. There
was a proliferation of newspapers like the Free Press, Morning Sun of Sergio Osmena, Sr., Daily
Mirror of Joaquin Roces, Evening News of Ramon Lopezes and the Bulletin by Menzi. Poems of this
period include Who Spoke of Courage in His Sleep by NVM Gonzales; Villa’s Have Come, Am Here
by Jose Garcia Villa; and Speak Not, Speak Also by Conrado V. Pedroche. Other poets were Toribia
Mano and Edith Tiempo. The Palanca Memorial Awards for literature headed by Carlos Palanca, Sr.
was launched in 1950. The awards were given to writers of short stories, plays and poetry. The first
awardees in its first year, 1950-1951 in the field of the short story were the following: First Prize:
Kwento ni Mabuti by Genoveva Edroza; Second Prize: Mabangis na Kamay, Maamong Kamay by
Pedro S. Dandan; and Third Prize: Planeta, Buwan at mga Bituin by Elpidio P. Kapulong.

F. Period of Activism (1970-1972)

Many young people became activists to ask for changes in the government. This activism resulted in the
declaration of Martial Law in 1972. Writers strove to pour out their anguish and frustration in words.
They denounced restrictions on artistic freedom and passionately led a plea for freedom. Writers in the
group include Nick Joaquin, S.P Lopez, Gregorio Brillantes, F. Sionel Jose, Petronilo Daruy, Letty
Jimenez-Magsanoc, Mauro Avelina, and Jose W. Diokno.

G. Period of the New Society (1972-1980)

The military government established a new office called the Ministry of Public Affairs that supervised
the newspapers, books and other publications. Almost all themes in most writing dealt with the
development or progress of the country. Those who wrote poetry during this period were: Ponciano
Penida, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente Dimasalang, Cir Lopez
Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz. The government led in reviving old plays and dramas, like the
Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the Muslims. The Mindanao State University
presented a play Sining Embayoka at the Culturl Center of the Philippines.

Popular television plays were Gulong Palad, Flor De Luna and Anna Liza. Superman and Tarzan were
also popular with the youth. Films during this period included Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag written by
Edgardo Reyes and directed by Lino Brocka; Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo; Ganito Kami Noon, Paano
Kayo Ngayon; Insiang; and Aguila.
Comics also proliferated everywhere and were enjoyed by the masses. Among these were: Pilipino;
Hiwaga; Extra; Klasik; Love Life; and Espesyal.

H. Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)

“The New Republic of the Philippines” came after the Martial Rule was at last lifted on January, 1981.
Many Filipino songs such as Laban ng Bayan Ko and Bayan Ko dealt with themes of grief, poverty,
aspiration for freedom, love of God, of country and of fellowmen. Children’s stories such as Plays for

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 Children by Jame B. Reuter S.J.; Story Telling for Young Children; and Jose and Cardo by Peggy Corr
Manuel were well-loved during this period. Prose fables also emerged which satirized people of power.
Among these were The Crown Jewels of Heezenhurst by Sylvia Mendez Ventura; The Emperors New
Underwear by Menardo A. Macaraig; The King’s Cold by Babeth Lorarga; and The Case of the Missing
Carisma (unfinished) by Sylvia L. Mayuga.

I. Contemporary Periods (1986-1999)

From February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power prevailed. Books during this period included
People Power and Bayan Ko. An album named Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo carried compilation of
songs that reflected historical events and Filipino spirit throughout the trying period of the Revolution.

REFERENCE

Amamio, et al. (n.d), LIT 1: Philippine Literature Worktext of College of Social Sciences
and Humanities, Department English, Mindanao State University – General Santos City 2013-2014,
Not published