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21st Century Literature

Introduction to
Philippine Literature
Lesson 1: Exploring Philippine Literary Forms,
Genres, Elements and Traditions

 183 living languages

 17 regions
 82 provinces

What’s New
 Traditionally, literature was strictly viewed as any form of written works especially during the
18th century.

 Literature
 "littera" - means "a letter of the alphabet"
 defined as body of written works associated to imaginative and creative works of poetry and
prose and can be classified according to variety of systems such as language, national origin,
historical period, genre and subject matter.
 can either be in oral or written form.

 Literary text
 products of written literature
 considered literary if it has the elements of psychological characterization and chronology.
 literature uses literary devices such as metaphor and symbolism

characteristics of literary text

 it narrates a story
 it expresses feelings, thoughts, and ideas which can either be based from the imagination or
real life experiences of the author or other people
 it delivers significant information and crosses boundaries of time, places, cultures and
languages.

 Literary Structure
 organizational method used in literature
 narrative - most common type
 the general features or characteristic of genre, style, a specific literary trend, literature as
an art form, and finally, art as a whole
 arrangement of various elements according to purpose, style, and genre to effectively
convey the intended meaning for the audience [Murphy (n.d.)]

Parts of the narrative structure

 exposition  Falling Action
 rising action  resolution
 climax (denouement).

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Two Major Forms of Literature

 Poetry
1. Narrative
 Epic
 Ballad
 Metrical Tales
2. Dramatic
 Dramatic Monologues
 Soliloquy
3. Lyric
 Haiku
 Ode
 Elegy
 Sonnet
 Song
 Prose
1. Fiction
 Short Story
 Novel
 Play
 Legend
 Fable
2. Non – Fiction
 Biography / Autobiography
 Narrative Essay
 Memoir
 Diaries / journal

 Genre
 refers to the forms of literature
 general ones are oral and written
 main types are prose and poetry

 Literary elements
 to particular identifiable characteristics of a whole text

 Traditions
 specific traits of literary works that define a generation or period in history
 A literary tradition
 “is a collection of works that have an underlying interconnectedness and coherence that
makes them more than simply a group of works sharing geography or group”

Overview of Philippine Literature

 oppression, religion, freedom, or anything that reflects the experiences of Filipino people
 Post-colonial - is the period after the rebirth of freedom in the Philippines up to the present
 Martial Law during the Marcos regime

 Pre-Colonial:
 chants, proverbs, songs, and folk narratives
 mostly of oral traditions
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  noted for being music lover as more than ten types of songs in various Philippine languages
were discovered
 valued words of wisdom for teaching values as evidenced by numerous proverbs or
salawikain
 Story telling - was used to explain phenomenon and to teach lessons as well
 bugtong / riddles - favorite past time

 Spanish Period:
 morality and religion
 Corrido, Pasyon, and Cenaculo
 production of printed materials started
 develop sense of nationalism
 oppression, corruption, and other social ills

 American Period:
 developments in education and culture
 free public education
 During the apprenticeship period, the Filipino writers imitated English and American
models
 short stories - most prevalent literary form
 Jose Garcia Villa - “Poet of the Century"

 Japanese Period [1941-1945]:

 forbidden to write anything against the government
 banning the English language
 short stories written in the vernaculars

Lesson 2: Historical Overview of Philippine

Literature: Pre-colonial Period

 The beginning period - considered as the longest as evidenced by the artifacts of

different periods recovered ranging from 50,000 years ago to 14th century A.D. in the
Tabon Cave of Palawan
 folk speech, folk songs, and folk narratives: riddles, proverbs, myths, legends, fables, and
hero tales
 Epics - are of great proportions among oral literature in all regions
 Spiritual traditions and regular trading with our Asian neighbors
 Indigenous animism - was predominant at the time
 Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism were also embraced
 Philippines is predominantly Islamic since it was introduced in the 14th century
 Early Filipinos already had their own government system
 Daily experiences and religious rites and ceremonies mostly reflect the type of literature
produced at that time

 1521 - certain events in the Philippines during pre-colonial period started to be recorded
 Filipinos were ruled by chieftains of different barangay.

the following were commonly practiced:

 Early Filipinos heavily believed on spirits and supernatural entities (animism).
 Social ranking and classes were practiced.
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  Economic and political dimensions involved trading, marriage, feasting, and alliance

Dimensions of Pre-colonial Literature

 mostly based on oral traditions
 language used pertains to daily life
 Common forms of oral literature are riddles, proverbs, and songs to express a thought or emotion
 Epic - was considered as the most exciting poetic and narrative form of literature
 more than one-hundred epics discovered where majority came from Palawan
 Majority of proverbs, epigrams, and proverbs collected by researchers come from Tagalog,
Cebuano, and Ilocano dialects
 Baybayin - The ancient pre-Spanish form of writing which was often cited in the work of Pedro
Chirino during the 1500s,
- National Writing System of the Philippines through House Bill No. 1022.

Types of Pre-colonial Literature

 Folk Tales - These are stories which can be characterized as anonymous, timeless, and placeless
tales circulated orally among a group of people.
 Legends - a form of prose which deal with the origin of a thing, location or name.
 Myths - the characters here usually have supernatural powers where the main purpose is to provide
explanation about the existence of something or someone.
 Epics - a type of a long narrative poem mainly focusing on the heroic achievements and deeds of the
main character.
 Folk Songs - These can be considered as the oldest forms of Philippine literature.
 Examples: kundiman, kumintang, oyayi / hele, drinking songs

 Other forms:
 proverbs (salawikain)
 riddles (bugtong)
 chant (bulong)
 maxims - rhyming couplets of 5, 6, or 8 syllables
 sayings (kasabihan)
 idiom (sawikain)
 Tanaga - favorite poem consisting of four rhyming lines of 7 syllables each.

What’s More
 Proverbs - are brief expressions that serve as a norm which are commonly uttered by elders based
on their everyday experiences to encourage positive behaviors among young people.
 Damiana L. Eugenio - "Mother of Philippine Folklore"

Lesson 3: Philippine Literature during Colonial Period

 1521 - discovery of the Philippines during Ferdinand Magellan's exploration marks the beginning
of the colonial period.
 The Spaniards successfully colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years
 American period of colonialism officially took place after Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered.
 The setting of public schools during the American period became a necessary tool for popularizing
democracy in our country
 The last colonizers to enter the Philippines were the Japanese who failed to gain the trust of
Filipinos and only lasted for less than 5 years.
 Eastern (Asia and Middle East)
 Western (Europe and North America)
 Eastern culture - conservative and traditions
 Western culture - liberal, open, and blunt

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 Europeans and North Americans are quite expressive and have high regards for one's own
decision-making
 Christian doctrine - was manifested through various types of texts which replaced stories about
heroes and animated creatures to Biblical characters and saints as evidenced by novenas, prayer
books, and other printed materials
 literature during the Early Spanish Period didactic or intended for teaching morality and conduct
for good behavior
 American colonizers used democratic approach as manifested by allowing a Filipino to lead the
country through elections where Manuel Quezon won over Aguinaldo.
 Tagalog language was favored by the Japanese which made Tagalog stories and dramas flourish at
the time
 Love for music was evident through exposure to opera and classical music
 Life struggles, nationalism, and patriotism were the common themes and subjects but were
secretly published

 SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD (1565-1898)

 Early Spanish Period (1565-1863)
 Later Part or Revolutionary Period (1864-1896)
 Early Spanish Period - categorized as either religious or secular
 Spanish, Tagalog, vernacular - type of literature produced during this period
 Xylographic press - introduction of the printing equipment by the Dominicans resulted in
publication of various religious materials and earliest books
 Ladinos - Poetically inclined writers led by Tagalog versifiers (natives who were also fluent in
Spanish)
 Fernándo Bágongbantâ and Tomas Pinpin - tackled mostly morality and religion
 Folk songs still existed
 Drama and Metrical tales based on European origin (such as awit and corrido) flourished
 Diaryong Tagalog (1882) - a Spanish-Tagalog newspaper, published bulk of Filipino writings.
 La Solidaridad (in 1889) - an underground newspaper, became the mouthpiece of the Reform
Movement

[ Books ]
 "Doctrina Cristiana" (The Christian Doctrine) - In 1593, book written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and
Fr. Domingo Nieva was first printed.
 "Nuestra Señora del Rosario" by Fr. Blancas de San Jose
 "Barláan at Jósaphát" (first published in 1708) - translated from Greek to Tagalog by Fr. Antonio
de Borja
 "Urbana at Felisa" by Modesto de Castro
 Modesto de Castro - Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog
 Folk Songs - these were songs modified based on the folkways of Filipinos during this period.
 Recreational Plays - these were mostly poetic in nature and intended to be performed during the
Spanish era. Examples: Cenaculo, Carillo, Zarzuela, Moro-Moro, Balagtasan, Duplo, and Karagatan
 Novels - these are fictitious prose usually lengthy and complex in nature..
 "Ninay" by Pedro Paterno - first novel published by a Filipino author (was originally written in
Spanish language and translated into English and Tagalog in 1907 and 1908)
 Newspapers - there has been a debate on whether newspapers should be categorized as literature
or not (can be considered as literature for as long as they achieve a certain level of satisfaction
under aesthetic, chronological, and psychological characterization)
 Francisco Baltazar (1788-1862) - "Master of Traditional Tagalog Poetry".
 Florante at Laura (1838–1861) is regarded as the most famous metrical romance of the country.
 Pedro Paterno (1857–1911) - was the first Filipino who wrote poetry collection in Spanish
entitled Sampaguitas y poesias varias (1880)
 Jose Rizal (1861–1896) - a prominent ilustrado and the country’s national hero, is famous for the
novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo =these novels portray the corruption and abuse of
the Spanish officials and the clergy.
 Andres Bonifacio (1863–1897) - the founder of the Katipunan, wrote the poem “Pag-ibig sa
Tinubuang Lupa” which appeared in the official newspaper of the Katipunan called Kalayaan in
March 1896.
 Leona Florentino (1849–1884) - “Mother of Philippine Women’s Literature,” was a poet in both
Ilocano and Spanish. Twenty of her poems were preserved and exhibited in Europe and were
included in the Encyclopedia Internationaldes Oeuvres des Femme in 1889.
 Leona Florentino (1849–1884) - “Mother of Philippine Women’s Literature,” was a poet in both
Ilocano and Spanish. Twenty of her poems were preserved and exhibited in Europe and were
included in the Encyclopedia Internationaldes Oeuvres des Femme in 1889.
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  AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1898-1941)
 period of apprenticeship (1910-1930)
 period of emergence (1920-1941)
 In 1935, Aguinaldo was soundly defeated by Manuel L. Quezon as the first President of the
Commonwealth
 Short stories became the most prevalent literary form during the latter part of American colonial
period
 Common theme in plays was all about nationalism
 Short Stories - these are stories that can typically be read in one sitting revolving around one
subject and may range between 1,000 up to 20,000 words. The first short story written in English
is entitled "Dead Stars" by Paz Marquez Benitez
 Juan C. Laya - won first prize for his novel "His Native Soil" in the First Commonwealth Literary
Awards in 1940.
 Zoilo M. Galang - is work entitled "A Child of Sorrow" in 1921 is considered as the first Filipino
novel in English

 JAPANESE COLONIAL PERIOD (1941-1945)

 December 8, 1941 - Japan invaded the Philippines on which was strongly opposed by the Guerillas
 Captured soldiers and American deportees were forced to have "Death March" to a prison camp
where they walked for 100 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga. An
estimated 10,000 prisoners died here
 The resurgence of World War II forced former President Manuel L. Quezon and Vice-President
Sergio Osmeña Sr. to immediately leave the Philippines and sought residence in the United States
as the Commonwealth government was suddenly in exile
 HUKBALAHAP – Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (unified guerilla army against Japanese invasion)
 KALIBAPI – Kapisanan ng Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas (political party approved by the
Japanese)
 Jose P. Laurel - was appointed as the President of the Philippines under the Japanese-sponsored
Republic
 In 1942, Mc Arthur escaped but promised to return which he did in 1944. The US victory in the
battle of Leyte gulf signaled the beginning of Philippine liberation from the Japanese.
 All forms of writings were censored
 Only those who were living in the United States such as Carlos P. Romulo and Manuel L. Quezon
could write freely
 Only Tagalog and the vernaculars were permitted
 Victoria Abelardo - according to the author, few literary works were printed and mostly
considered as pessimistic and bitter
 Haiku - consisting of three lines with 5-7-5 syllables or 17 syllabic poetry in all
 Tagalog short stories flourished and some of the best works were compiled by the Liwayway
magazine editors in Ang Pinakamabuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino ng 1943
 “Lupang Tinubuan” by Narciso G. Reyes,
 “Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa” by Liwayway Arceo,
 “Nayon at Dagatdagatan” by N. V.M. Gonzalez
 “Suyuan sa Tubigan” by Macario Pineda.
 Opera and classical music gained popularity
 Essay - "Literature and Society" by Salvador P. Lopez
 Autobiography - "The Good Fight" by Manuel Quezon
 Carlos P. Romulo - won the Pulitzer Prize for his notable works such as "I Saw the Fall of the
Philippines", "I See the Philippines Rise", "Mother America", and "My Brother Americans".
 Narciso Reyes - won first prize with his short story "Lupang Tinubuan".

Lesson 4: Historical Overview of Philippine Literature:

Post-colonial Period
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 post-colonialism- lasting impact of imperialism and colonialism had been the utmost concern at this
period.
- aftermath of war and a series of foreign invasions in our country
 American colonial- influences and control are still somehow affecting us in terms of social, political
and economic aspects of our country.
 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards- in 1950 literary works of Filipino authors started to be recognized.
 National Artist Awards - realization of the need to grant in 1972 under the former President
Ferdinand Marcos.
 Palanca and Order of National Artists were written in English; writers were considered as social
realists.
 Short stories - became the most popular form of literary expression and more novels were published
which mostly dealt with freedom from both economic and political bondage.
 Social issues such as poverty, survival, gender inequalities, justice system and domestic conditions
have been prevalent themes and subjects in literature.
 Martial Law- significant period that greatly influences many Filipinos during the Marcos regime.
 Sergio S. Osmefia, Sr.- assumed the presidency upon the death of Manuel L. Quezon while the
Philippine Commonwealth government was in exile in the U.S.
 Manuel A. Roxas- defeated Sergio S. Osmefia, Sr. as the President in April 1946 for the Independent
Second Republic of the Philippines.
 Elpidio R. Quirino - assumed the remaining term of Roxas when the latter died of a heart attack in
1948.
 Ramon F. Magsaysay- was elected as the new president in 1953, but died in an airplane crash on
March 16, 1957.
 Magsaysay's position was assumed by Carlos P. Garcia who was re-elected and served until 1961.
 Diosdado P. Macapagal- became the President after Carlos P. Garcia. He changed the date of
Philippine Independence from July 4, 1946 (Liberation from America) to June 12, 1896 (Liberation
from Spanish by the revolutionists). He also recognized the presidency of Jose P. Laurel
 Ferdinand E. Marcos- took office for presidency in 1965 who got re-elected in 1969 making him the
first to win two presidential terms.
- declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972 and led the country into what he calls
"The New Society" against lawlessness which incited a lot of opposition.
 The death of Benigno Simeon "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. became the beginning of calling for Marcos'
removal.
 EDSA People Power Revolution (bloodless revolution) through the initiative of Maria Corazon C.
Aquino and her supporters erupted which marked a significant national event.
 Snap election was conducted in 1986 which seated Corazon Aquino- the widow of Benigno Simeon
"Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. as the 11th President of the Philippines and ended the 21 years of what many
claimed as the tyrant rule.
 Fidel V. Ramos (also known as "Centennial President") took office in 1992 where he immediately
worked on the country's recoveo,'. He was awarded the Peace Award by UNESCO in his effort to
achieve a Peace Agreement with MILF.
 Joseph Ejercito Estrada (Film actor ) won presidency with his pro-poor campaign in1998 but was
ousted in 2001 because of corruption and gambling Issues.
 Maria Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed office in 1998, got re-elected, and served until 2010.
 Former Senator Benigno Simeon C. Aquino Ill (aka PNoy or Noynoy Aquino) seated as the next
president in 2010.
 President- Rodrigo Roa Duterte - a lawyer and politician
 Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. - our current President
 Macario Pineda - The first notable work that appeared right after the second world war under
Japanese occupation in the Philippines is a novel written entitled Ginto sa Makiling.
 Ginto sa Makiling - considered as a narrative of the Philippines' social, political, and moral aspects
(Macansantos, et al, n.d.). It was noted for its resemblance to the work of Rizal and more on the
work of Balagtas in terms of plot and style.
 Sarvia (n.d.) considers the following factors contributory to the flourishing of Filipino literature:
1) establishment of the University of the Philippines in 1908 where English was primarily used as
the medium of instruction,
2) the founding of the Philippine Writers' Association in 1953, and
3) the establishment of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award in 1955 to name a few.

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 Influence of both Spanish and American styles could be observed in the work of Nick Joaquin where
his flashback technique was highly appreciated by critics.