WRITTEN REPORT

Subject: 21st Century Literature of the Philippines and the World

Date of Submission: March 13, 2023
Group 3 Gr.11 Ballada Members: Abanera, J., Asenia, P., Cabiling, R., and Severo, K.

Region III - Central Luzon

Region III, also known as Central Luzon, is a region in the Philippines located in
the northern part of the island of Luzon. It is composed of seven provinces, namely:
Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Central Luzon is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its natural
resources. It is often referred to as the "Rice Granary of the Philippines" due to its vast
agricultural lands and production of rice. The region is also home to several major rivers
such as the Pampanga River, which plays a significant role in the region's irrigation and
transportation systems. Furthermore, Central Luzon is also known for its stunning
natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and forests, making it a popular
destination for local and foreign tourists.
In terms of literature, Central Luzon has produced many notable writers and
poets. Francisco Balagtas, one of the country's most celebrated poets, hails from this
region and is the author of the epic poem "Florante at Laura". Other notable writers
include Lope K. Santos, author of the novel "Banaag at Sikat", and Bienvenido Santos,
who is best known for his collection of short stories, essays, and memoirs. The region
also has a rich tradition of folk literature, with a variety of myths, legends, and epics that
have been passed down through generations.
Central Luzon has also been home to many literary organizations, such as the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Philippine Center for International
PEN. These organizations support and promote Philippine literature, helping to nurture
the literary talents of the region.Central Luzon has a rich and vibrant literary culture that
has produced many influential writers and works. Its literary contributions have helped
to shape the cultural identity of the Philippines and have inspired generations of Filipino
writers.
Author: Francisco Balagtas

Francisco Balagtas y de la Cruz, commonly known as Francisco Balagtas and

also known as Francisco Baltazar, was a renowned Filipino poet and author. He was
born on April 2, 1788, in the town of Balagtas, Bulacan, Philippines, and passed away
on February 20, 1862.
Balagtas' most famous work is "Florante at Laura", an epic poem that tells the
story of a brave knight named Florante and his love for a beautiful lady named Laura.
This work is often considered as the greatest literary masterpiece of Philippine literature
and has been translated into numerous languages.
Aside from "Florante at Laura", Balagtas also wrote several other works, including
plays, poetry, and essays. Like the plays "La India Elegante" and "Orosman at Zafira",
which is a tragic romance play. Francisco Balagtas' writing was known for its vivid
descriptions, emotional depth, and use of the Filipino language, which he helped
elevate and develop into a more formalized literary language.
Balagtas' contribution to Philippine literature is immeasurable. He inspires
generations of Filipino writers to write in their native tongue. He also introduced new
literary techniques, such as the use of metaphor and symbolism, and helped establish
the foundations of Philippine poetry and prose. His works have had a significant impact
on the development of Philippine literature and language, and he is considered a
national hero in the Philippines. His contributions to Philippine literature have earned
him several accolades and titles, including the Prince of Tagalog Poets and the William
Shakespeare of the Philippines.

Ethnic Dimension in Florante at Laura:

One example of the ethnic dimension in "Florante at Laura" can be found in

Kabanata 6, where Florante describes his lineage:
"Ako po ay isang Tagalog, na ipinanganak sa kaharian ng Albanya. Ang aking mga
magulang ay hindi lamang mga karaniwang tao, kundi mga mandirigma na
nakipaglaban para sa kalayaan ng aming bayan. Kami po ay mga mandirigma at
katutubo ng aming lupaing sinilangan."
English Translation: I am a Tagalog, born in the kingdom of Albania. My parents were
not just ordinary people, but warriors who fought for the freedom of our country. We are
warriors and natives of our homeland.
Explanation: This passage highlights Florante's ethnic identity as a Tagalog, which is
important in understanding the cultural context of the story. The concept of ethnic
identity is further explored throughout the story, particularly in the conflicts between
different ethnic groups such as the Tagalogs and the Persians.
Geographical Dimension in Florante at Laura:

An example of the geographical dimension in "Florante at Laura" can be found in

Kabanata 14, where the narrator describes the kingdom of Albania:
"Ang kaharian ng Albania ay matatagpuan sa gitna ng daigdig, sa pagitan ng silangan
at kanluran. Dito ay makikita ang malalawak na bukid at mga lambak na pinaliligiran ng
mga ilog at dagat. Sa mga bukid na ito, may mga uri ng halaman at mga hayop na hindi
matatagpuan sa ibang lugar. Sa kalagitnaan naman ng kaharian, matatagpuan ang
punong-bayan, kung saan naninirahan ang mga tao at kung saan nakikipagsapalaran
ang mga negosyante at mangangalakal."
English Translation: The kingdom of Albania is located in the center of the world,
between the east and west. Here, you can see vast fields and valleys surrounded by
rivers and seas. In these fields, there are types of plants and animals that cannot be
found elsewhere. In the center of the kingdom, you will find the town center, where
people live and where merchants and traders venture.
Explanation: This passage highlights the rich natural resources and strategic location of
Albania, which makes it an important kingdom in the story.

Liguistic Dimension in Florante at Laura:

In Kabanata 26 of "Florante at Laura," Florante's father King Linceo delivers a

powerful and emotive speech in a poetic and elevated language:
"Nalulumbay ako't nanghihinayang, bagaman hindi ako nagtitiis ng kasawian, nang
inaalagaan kita, kung kayo'y magkakapatid ay iisa ang ina ninyo, at hindi naman iba't
ibang ang galing ng lahat sa inyo."
English Translation: I feel sorrow and regret, even though I do not endure any suffering,
when I remember how I have taken care of you, my children, and know that you have
the same mother and talents that set you apart from each other.
Explanation: This passage demonstrates the use of poetic language to convey deep
emotions and the weight of the character's experiences, highlighting the power of
language to evoke a range of feelings and create vivid imagery. The use of elevated
language also serves to underscore the importance and gravity of the character's
message, emphasizing the significance of his words in the context of the story.