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., & 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. Furthermore, Central Luzon is also
known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, rivers, 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.

Florante at Laura
"Florante at Laura" is a famous epic poem written in the Filipino language by
Francisco Balagtas. It tells the story of Florante, a nobleman and the son of Duke
Briseo, who was exiled from his kingdom of Albania and found himself in the land of
the Moro. There, he fell in love with Laura, the daughter of the Moro king. The poem
explores themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, and social justice. The characters in the
story undergo various challenges, including political turmoil, imprisonment, and
physical and emotional struggles. Through their journeys, they learn valuable
lessons about life and the human condition. The poem is considered a masterpiece
of Philippine literature and is often studied in Filipino literature classes.

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”. Aside from that, 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 language.
Balagtas is a Filipino literary hero who greatly influenced Philippine literature
through his use of metaphor and symbolism, and his contributions to Filipino poetry
and prose. He is considered a national hero of the Philippines and has earned
several accolades and titles, including "The Prince of Filipino 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: The passage highlights the rich natural resources and strategic location
of Albania, which makes it an important kingdom in the story.
Linguistic Dimension in Florante at Laura:
One of an example of linguistic dimension in ‘’Florante at Laura'' can be found
in the opening stanza of the poem's prologue:
"Tumangis ang araw sa pagkabilanggo,
Hinagkan ng hangin ang mga punong nalanta,
Nagdalamhati't namighati ang daigdig,
Nang si Florante'y dahil sa pag-ibig,
Ay nahandusay sa kanyang pagkabilanggo.
English Translation: "The sun wept in imprisonment, the wind kissed the withered
trees, the world mourned and suffered when Florante, due to love, fell into captivity."
Explanation: These lines showcase Balagtas' mastery in the Filipino language, as he
skillfully employs rich and vivid imagery to describe the sorrowful state of the world
when Florante is imprisoned. The use of metaphor and personification adds depth
and emotional weight to the poem, making it a truly captivating piece of literature.