Geographic origin - refers to the place where a
SPANISH COLONIZATION PERIOD (1565 – 1863)
piece of literature came from.
The linguistic origin of a piece of literature is
somewhat related to its geographic origin.
Ethnic Origin - which refers to the racial or cultural
beginning .
DIFFERENT PERIODS OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
I. PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (BC to 1564)
A. Characteristics
1. Based on oral traditions
2. Crude on ideology and phraseology
B. Literary Forms Oral Literature
a. Riddles (bugtong) – battle of wits among
participants Tigmo – Cebu Paktakon – Ilonggo
Patotdon – Bicol
b. Proverbs (salawikain) – wise sayings that contain
a metaphor used to teach as a food for thought
etc. Example: Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang
gawa.
c. Tanaga - a mono-riming heptasyllabic quatrain
expressing insights and lessons on life, is "more
emotionally charged than the terse proverb, and
thus, hasaffinities with the folk lyric."
d. Folk Songs - It is a form of folk lyric which
expresses the hopes and aspirations, the people's
lifestyles as well as their loves.
- These are often repetitive and sonorous, didactic,
and naive.
1. Hele or oyayi – lullaby
2. Ambahan (Mangyan) – 7-syllable per line
poem that are about human relationships and
social entertainment
3. Kalusan (Ivatan) - work .
4. Tagay (Cebuano and Waray) – drinking song.
5. Kanogan (Cebuano) – song of lamentation for
the dead
Folk Tales
a. Myths – explain how the world was created, how
certain animals possess certain characteristics, why
some places have waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains,
flora, or fauna.
b. Legends – explain the origin of things; examples
are Why the Pineapple Has Eyes and The Legend of
Maria Makiling.
c. Fables – use animal characters and allegory
d. Fantasy stories – deal with underworld characters
such as ―tiyanak,‖ ―aswang,‖ ―kapre,‖ and others.
e. Epics - these are ―narratives of sustained length
based on oral tradition revolving around
supernatural events or heroic deeds.‖ (Arsenio
Manuel)
Examples:
Lam-ang (Ilocano), Hinilawod(Panay),
Kudaman (Palawan), and Darangen (Maranao)
II.
A. Characteristics
1. It has two distinct classifications:
RELIGIOUS and SECULAR.
It introduced Spanish as the medium of
communication.
B. Literary Forms
1. RELIGIOUS LITERATURE - Religious lyrics written by
ladino poets or those versed in both Spanish and
Tagalog were included in early catechism and were
used to teach Filipinos the Spanish language.
a. Pasyon – long narrative poem about the passion
and death of Christ.
The most popular was ―Ang Mahalna Passion ni Jesu
Cristong Panignoon Natin‖ by Aguino de Belen
b. Senakulo – dramatization of the pasyon;
it shows the passion and death of Christ
2. SECULAR (NON-RELIGIOUS) LITERATURE
a. Awit - colorful tales of chivalry made for singing
and chanting
Example: Ibong Adarna
b.Korido–metrical tale written in octosyllabicquatrains (a
line of verse with eight syllables)
Example: Florante at Laura by Francisco Baltazar
c. Prose Narratives – written to prescribe proper
decorum
o Dialogo
o Ejemploii.Manual de Urbanidad
o Tratado
Examples: Modesto de Castro's "Pagsusulatan ng
Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at si Feliza"
and Joaquin Tuason's "Ang Bagong Robinson" (The
New Robinson) in 1879.
III. NATIONALISTIC / PROPAGANDA AND
REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (1864 – 1896)
A. Characteristics
a) Planted seeds of nationalism in Filipinos
b) Language shifted from Spanish to Tagalog
c) Addressed the masses instead of the
―intelligentsia‖
B. Literary Forms
1. Propaganda Literature - Reformatory in objective
a. Political Essays – satires, editorials, and news
articles were written to attack and expose the evils
of Spanish rule.
Diariong Tagalog – founded by Marcelo H. del Pilar
La Solidaridad – editor-in-chief was Graciano Lopez-
Jaena
b. Political Novels
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – Jose Rizal’s
master pieces that paved the way to the revolution
2. Revolutionary Literature – more propagandistic
than literary as it is more violent in nature and
demanded complete independence for the
country
a. Political Essays – helped inflame the spirit of
revolution Kalayaan – newspaper of the society,
edited by Emilio Jacinto
b. Poetry
True Decalogue – Apolinario Mabini
Katapusan ng Hibik ng Pilipinas –Andres Bonifacio
Liwanag at Dilim – Emilio Jacinto
IV. AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1910 – 1945)
A. Period of Apprenticeship (1910-1930)
1. Filipino writers imitated English and American
models.
2. Poems written were amateurish and mushy,
whose phrasing and diction was awkward and
artificial.
a. Short Stories
1. Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez
2. The Key by Paz Latorena
3. Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa
b. Novels
1. Child of Sorrow – first novel in English by Zoilo
Galang
B. Period of Emergence (1920-1930)
*Highly influenced by Western literary trends like
Romanticism and Realism.
a. Short Stories – most prevalent literary form
*Jose Garcia Villa – earned the international title
―Poet of the Century‖
V. JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1942 - 1945)
War Years (1942-1944)
1.Tagalog poets broke away from the Balagtas
tradition and instead wrote in simple language and
free verse
2.Fiction prevailed over poetry
a. 25 Pinakamabuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino
(1943) – compilation of the entries to the short story
contest by the military government.
b. Suyuan saTubigan by Macario Pineda
c. Lupang Tinubuan by Narciso Reyes
d. Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa by Liwayway Arceo
Period of Maturity and Originality (1945-1960)
1. Bountiful harvest in poetry, fiction, drama, and
essay
2. Filipino writers mastered English and familiarized
themselves with diverse techniques
3.Literary ―giants‖ appeared
A. Palanca Awards for Literature
1. Jose Garcia Villa 4.Bienvenido Santos
2. Nick Joaquin 5.Gregorio Brillantes
3. NVM Gonzales 6. Gilda Cordero Fernando
B. National Artist Awards
1. Jose Garcia Villa
2.Nick Joaquin
VI. THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1945 – 1970)
A. Characteristics
1. Americans came back to the Philippines in 1945,
and there was a lot of palpable rejoicing among
Filipinos.
2. Filipinos regained their freedom on July 4, 1946.
B. State of Literature During This Period
1. ―The early post-liberation period was marked by a
kind of „struggle of mind and spirit‟ posed by the
sudden emancipation from the enemy and the wild
desire to see print. Filipinos had, by this time, learned
to express themselves more confidently, but post-
war problems beyond language and print-like
economic stability, the threat of new ideas, and
mortality had to be grappled with side by side.‖
(Kahayon and Zulueta)
NEWSPAPERS:
A. Free Press
B. Morning Sun of Sergio Osmeña, Sr.
C. Daily News of Manuel Roxas
D. Manila Times and Daily Mirror of Joaquin Roces
E. Evening News of Ramon Roces
F. The Philippines Herald of Andres Soriano, Sr.
G. Chronicle of the Lopezes
H. Bulletin of Menzi
WRITERS AND THEIR BOOKS:
A. The Voice of the Veteran by Amante Bigornia,
Roman de la Cruz, Ramon de Jesus, and J. F.
Rodriguez
B. Twilight in Tokyo, and Passion and Death of the
USAFFE by Leon Ma. Guerrero
C. For Freedom and Democracy by S. P. Lopez
D. Betrayal in the Philippines by Hernando Abaya
E. Seven Hills Away by NVM Gonzales
POETS AND THEIR POEMS
A. Have Come, Am Here by Jose Garcia Villa
B. Prose and Poems by Nick Joaquin
C. Who Spoke of Courage in His Sleep by NVM
Gonzales
D. Speak Not, Speak Also by Conrado V. Pedroche
E. Philippine Harvest by Amador Daguio
NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH
A. Without Seeing the Dawn by Stevan Javellana
B. Pen Anthology of Short Stories (1958) by Francisco
Arcellana
C. The Hand of the Enemy (1961) by Kerima Polotan
D. The Adversary (1968) and The Trail of Professor
Riego (1969) by Luis V. Teodoro, Jr.
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN TAGALOG
A. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro Abadilla
B. Sining at Pamamaraan ng Pagaaral ng Panitikan
(1965) by Rufino Alejandro
C. Manlilikha, Mga Piling Tula (1961-67) by Rogelio
G. Mangahas
D. Manunulat: Mga Piling Akdang Pilipino (1970) by
Efren Abueg
E. Mga Aklat ni Rizal (Many books about Rizal were
written by Filipino authors during this period.)
2. The Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature
(headed by Carlos Palanca, Sr.) was launched in
1950 and served as inspiration to Filipino writers. Till
now, The Palanca Awards are still being given
although Mr. Palanca had already passed away.
VII. CONTEMPORARY/MODERN PERIOD (1970 – Formalist Criticism
PRESENT)
Formalist Critics (or New Critics) focus on the formal
A. Characteristics
1. The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration elements of a work - its language, structure, and
of Martial Law by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.The tone; they offer intense examinations of the
youth became completely rebellious during this relationship between form and meaning within a
period. This was proven not only in the bloody work, emphasizing the subtle complexity of how a
demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions, but
work is arranged.
also in literature. Campus newspapers showed
rebellious emotions. (Kahayon and Zulueta) i.e. how such things as diction, irony, paradox,
2. Martial Law repressed and curtailed human rights, metaphor, symbolism, plot, characterization, rhyme,
including freedom of the press, and Filipino writers
or narrative technique develop the overall meaning
wrote about these dark days in their writings.
3. Writers used symbolisms and allegories to drive of the piece.
home their message, at the face of heavy A formalist reads literature as an independent work
censorship. Theatre was used as a vehicle for
of art rather than as a reflection of the author’s state
protest, such as the PETA (Philippine Educational
Theatre Association) and UP Theatre. From the of mind or as a representation of a moment in
eighties onwards, writers continued to show history.
dynamism and innovation.
Such things as biography, history, politics, and
4. The period of the New Society lasted from 1972-
1980, and this period had writings about the theme economics, for example, are considered far less
of development and progress of the country – the important than the writing’s form. Words and image
Green Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, shape the work itself.
environment, drug addiction, and pollution.
However, all these supposed to be ideal projects Applying Formalism in Analysing a Literary Text
were being done with the military in the Step 1. The first step in the formalist approach is to
background. The military government were
read with an active and critical mind and paying
supervising the newspapers, books, and other
publications. attention to the details of the poem.
5. Though Martial Law was lifted on January 2, 1981, Step 2. Next carefully examine how it is written in
the oppression and suppression being done by the
narrative form, or in stanzas.
Marcos government continued, and rebellion was
seething among Filipinos. History would turn a Step 3. Note the word that appeals to the senses,
sudden twist when Ninoy Aquino, one of Pres. more specifically look for images, similes, metaphors
Marcos‟ critics, was assassinated on August 21, 1983.
and symbols used in the literary text.
When this happened, the people’s emotions could
not be suppressed; they were mad, and this showed Step 4. Study who is narrating or telling what
in the pieces of literature churned out during that
happens, who are the characters in the literary
period.
6. Cory Aquino, Ninoy‟s widow, was elected in piece and how are these characters revealed to
February 1986 through a peaceful revolution, and the readers.
People Power brought feelings of euphoria among
Step 5. Finally, how these parts work together will tell
the Filipino people. All these showed in the songs,
poems, speeches, news, and even in television you the theme and the message it conveys. It
programs during that time. answers the question what it is about.
7. When before, the press was suppressed and
censored, the restoration of democracy during the
time of Pres. Cory Aquino brought back not only
press freedom, but also freedom for the Filipino
people to speak up and express themselves
whenever they felt the need to, without the fear of
being jailed or killed.

Whose Face Do I Behold (Translation by Florentino H.

Hornedo from Muyin Paru Ñinu, An Ivatan Laji
 WRITER‟S ROLE IN SOCIETY
Writers and storytellers are the individuals who have
designated themselves with the daunting task of
recreating the time, place, and characters of
whatever era they live in.

A novel written during the 1990s, on the other hand,

can definitively show the flavor of the time, the
voices that were most important, and the
subconscious fears that drove that generation’s
BICOLANO WRITERS
actions.

The different fiction genres each demonstrate a

unique facet of the writer’s society. A horror writer
will memorialize the discomforts of his era. A science
fiction writer will demonstrate that era’s views on
technology, change, and widespread social issues.

A literary writer will display what mundane everyday

life was really like. By writing a novel, the writer acts
to keep their era alive for future generations, so that
our children and grandchildren can understand
who we really were, and what we stood for.
However, there’s more to it than that. By nature,
writers are teachers. Again, writers write because
they have something to say to the world. They have
a lesson to teach, a lesson so important to them—
whether it be moral, intellectual, idealistic, or
cynical—that they’ve sculpted an entire story for the
sheer purpose of teaching that lesson. - Nicolas
Conley

THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE

FINEST WRITERS FROM OTHER REGIONS WHO HAVE ➢ "By reading narratives, we can empathize and
ALSO CONTRIBUTED A LOT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF understand others," -Judith Caesar, English professor
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE. at the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

➢ Literature is thought provoking; it allows us to raise

questions and gives us a deeper understanding of
issues and situations."

➢ "Literature provides insight into the minds of other

human beings, into the mind of the author and the
minds of the character he or she brings to life,"-
Sophie Chamas, international studies student at AUS.
➢ "Literature teaches us to analyze a character,
allows us to reach inside his or her mind so we see
what drives a character, what shapes his or her
beliefs and how one relates to others."

➢ Literature also allows us to question some of our

most prominent beliefs and examine our lives, giving
them deeper meaning.
The poem entitled Storm is written by Jaime Jesus
Borlagdan. He is popularly known as Jimple
Borlagdan, a multilingual Filipino writer, song-writer,
graphics artist and musician. Born on March 6, 1979,
in Tabaco City, Albay, Philippines. He is better
known in the Tabaco underground scene as the
front man and guitarist of the band, KREAR BATHALA.
On July 14, 2000. Borlagdan released his collection
of poems in Filipino, Maynila: LIBRO NG POBYA,
which is now considered by his young followers as
an important and influential collection.
21st Bicolano authors and their famous
masterpieces.
Francisco Penones, Jr.
- sounded a clarion call in his poem An Opon
SaIbalon: Kan Mahale an Maskara (The Board
in Ibalon When Unmasked). Society, he
declared, is the boar that brought hunger
and poverty to the land. For this poem,
Penones received a CCP award.
Merlinda C. Bobis
- wrote a masterly poetic drama titled
Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Maiden)
overturns the passive maiden in the legend
and makes her decisive to do her part in
changing society. In her poems, Bobis subtly
presents an idealism associated with
remembering one’s childhood, each of them
a strong and evocative portrait only
thoughtful, sensitive poet can create. For this,
she merited a Palanca award.
Carlos O. Aureus
- weaves together theology and philosophy to
present Bikol values and a panorama of Bikol
scenes. In ten well-written stories, a novel and
a play, he wins the coveted Palanca, CCP,
Free Press and Graphic literary awards.
Emelina G. Regis
- won a Palanca Award for her environmental
play Dalawang Mukha ng Kagubatan (Two
Faces of the Forest).
Barbara Barquez Ricafrente
- writes poems and paints with rage. She is the
first novel awardee of the U.P. Creative
Writing Center.
Maria Lilia F. Realubit
- a recipient of the national award ―Alagad ni
Balagtas‖ by the Unyon ng Mga Manunulat
sa Pilipinas and is a National Book Awardee
(1987) for her book “Philippine Drama: Twelve
Plays in Six Regional Languages”. She wrote
the first book on Bikol history and literature:
“Bikols of the Philippines.”
Jaime Jesus Borlagdan
- he wrote Maynila: Libro ng Pobya, which is
now considered by his young followers as an
important and influential collection.
Estelito “Esting” Baylon Jacob
- he wrote the collection of poetry in Bikol
entitled Mga Nirukitdukit.
Seasoned writers include:
 Luis Cabalquinto
 Gode Calleja
 Rudy Alano
The young writers are Home Life magazine winners:
 Angelica Gonzales
 Honesto Pesimo
 Jazmin Llana
 Victor Velasco
 Nino Manaog
 Xavier Olin
 Cynthia Buiza
YOUNG LITERARY FICTIONISTS AND SEARCH FOR SELF,
IDENTITY AND NATION.
 Marco Lopez
 Alvin Yaban
 Ulysses P. Aureus
 Lorenzo D. Paran III
Regional literature - ―literary traditions, written or
oral, of the various ethno linguistic groups in the
country, communities that despite much internal
migration, can still have distinct geographical
settings or identity.
Literary traditions - is the passing down of stories
which give meaning to human experiences,
according to literary articles. It can be categorized
as national, formal or periodic.
How Local Authors Contribute To The Development
Of Regional Literary Traditions Local authors
contribute to the development of regional literary
traditions in various ways.
Some of these are the following:
 Local writers directly influence literary traditions.
 Writers directly and indirectly reply to writings of
others on literary traditions.
 Basically, a majority of writers will write on their
past history or what happened to them in
common. Events in a society are highly
associated with the culture of that place.
 By writing on those traditions they help grow
those literary traditions both locally and
regionally. They also remind people of those
cultures that were long forgotten.
 Local writers may also help to explain events in
details. People locally or regionally depending
on the popularity of the writers is in a position to
understand the literary traditions.
 Writers are able to spread their literary traditions
in a variety of ways. One way is through poems
and songs.
 Writers are valuable in the development and
growth of traditions.
Significance of Authors in the Development of Regional
Literature Local
 Authors play an important role not only in the
development of regional literature but also our
national literature. They have enriched the Filipino
culture, preserved the heritage of our literary arts and
helped in introducing and exploring our humanity as
Filipinos.