21st Century Literature from the Philippines
Although
and the World
I. Introduction to Literature
Key Features of Literature
1. Literature is a form of
communication
 man’s inner thoughts feelings and
conditions can be disclosed and
revealed through the power of
literature. As we read stories from
the past, our forebears or ancestors
communicated with us through
literature. And, literature engages us
to share and impart a portion of
ourselves which may be interesting
and benefiting to other people.
2. Literature is an art
– Dulce is a term referring to beauty
and magnificence. Literature takes
an excellent form. Its beauty is a
deliberate manifestation of the
mind’s ability to create and to
imagine.
 Remember: you cannot tell
anyone that something is
beautiful because you perceive
it as beautiful because in our
minds, we have our own
‘criteria’ of what is beautiful or
not.
3. Nobility of thoughts
 Literature deals with ideas that
can lead to new responses to
the world and can move people
to achieve great discoveries of
the dimension of human life and
experience
4. Timelessness
 A literary work does not wane
and dissipate as time passes
by. A work must have an
enduring quality in which its
beauty and applicability can
withstand the change of time,
and it can be applied to different
contexts and situations.
5. Universality
 It has global applicability in
which a work transcends across
culture, gender, religion, age,
time, and generation.
literature is written by different
localities. It is
appreciated by anyone
anywhere in the world.
6. Literature has Utility
 The word Utile refers to
intellectual, emotional and social
function of any creative or
literary work. Though literature,
we can obtain relevant
information to better understand
people, society, and culture.
Also, with what literature can
share, it can lead to personal
renewal and transformation.
Moreover, it has the power to
influence perspective about the
self and the world in general.
Etymology of Literature
 the word literature was derived from
these Latin words
littera - letters
litteratura - writing
litteratus – learning
 It covers both oral (poetry) and
written (prose) forms of work.
Literature is not only present in
the materials we read but also in
a form of performances which
we listen or we view.
 It takes significant human
experiences as its main subject.
We can say that literature is
almost always in a form of
creative expression, and, the
content of literary works is
based on human experiences.
Thus, literature is a creative
presentation of human
experiences.
 Literature is humanity itself. This
is perhaps even an
understatement considering
how literature has become the
key connection to the world as it
helps recognize the nature of
 humanity in different times and
places.
Features of Literature
Matthew Arnold, an English poet and cultural
critic (1822-1888) - "criticism of life"
The American Heritage Dictionary of the
English Language - "literature must be an
analysis of experience and a synthesis of the
findings into a unity."
Oscar Wilde an Irish author, playwright, and a
poet (1854-1900) - "literature always anticipates
life. It does not copy it, but molds it to its
purpose."
Henry Van Dyke, an American author, educator,
and clergyman - "consists of writings which
interpret the meanings of nature and life, in
words of charm and power, in artistic forms and
permanent interest"
Central to the given definitions is LIFE and
how this life is given to HUMANKIND.
Why Study Literature?
 It is not enough to write about life;
rather, a writer has to render it
imaginatively.
 Literature orients the reader to the
beauty of order and arrangement, as in
a beautifully written poem or a well-
structured story.
 A literary work is subjected to certain
literary standards to be considered
literature in the true sense of the word.
 A literary work must be aesthetically
satisfying, intellectually stimulating, and
spiritually uplifting.
 A reader should refer to these standards
when analyzing and evaluating a literary
production.
Collective Body of Literature Productions
 Poetry
 Prose
 Drama
Poetry - Literature that evokes a concentrated
imaginative awareness of experience or a
specific emotional response through language
chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound,
and rhythm.
Four Major Types of Poetry
Lyric Poetry
 Consists of poems that deal with
emotions or feelings
 “Spontaneous flow of emotion” – William
Wordsworth
 Lyric types that abound with figures of
speech include the sonnet, song, elegy,
ode, and simple lyric
Narrative Poetry
 A story-telling verse
 Poems that narrate stories
 Ballads, metrical tale, metrical romance,
and epic
Dramatic Poetry
 Consists of poems in which everything
is conveyed through the words of a
single speaker.
 Dramatic Monologue – the speaker
converses with a silent listener who is
present during his or her crisis.
 Soliloquy – the speaker recites in long
verse his or her private thoughts and
feelings to no one in particular; rather,
he or she directs this to the audience.
Prose Poetry
 Has all the characteristics of poetry
such as vivid imagery, poetic meter,
heightened emotion, and language
play except that it is written in
sentences.
Prose
 It uses a natural form of expression.
 It does not adhere to the rules of rhyme,
rhythm, and meter
 It employs a language characterized by
its close resemblance to the patterns of
everyday speech.
Two Major Type of Prose
Fiction
 A form of narrative that tells about
imaginative characters and events.
 Short story and novel.
Non-Fiction
  Prose writing based on real people and
events.
 Essay, oration, biography, autobiography,
memoir, letters, and epistles.
Drama - “Composition in verse or prose
intended to portray life or character or to tell a
story usually involving conflicts and emotions
through action and dialogue; it is typically
designed for theatrical performance.”
 Dialogue – lines spoken by characters
 Plot and Action – interaction of
characters
Classified as:
Tragedy
 Deals with serious subjects and
involves persons of significance
 Reveals the nobility of the human
condition
Comedy
 Treats themes and characters with
humor and typically has a happy
ending
 Demonstrates its folly portraying
human beings as selfish,
hypocritical, vain, weak, and
irrational.
II. Literary Periods in the Philippine Literature
(features and highlights)
Oral Lore from Pre-Colonial Times
 Our ancestors had their own literature;
which reflected their customs and
traditions.
 Literary pieces were transmitted through
the word of mouth. They were either
sung, recited, or chanted.
 Literature then talked of explanations
about the natural phenomena and the
Filipino wisdom.
 Early means of Filipino entertainment
ENCULTURATION – is the process of passing
one’s culture from one generation to another.
Forms of literature during Pre-Colonial
Philippines
Folk Narrative (Kwentong Bayan) - Comprised
of myths, legends, and epics
Sample literary pieces:
• Myth: Si Malakas at Si Maganda
• Legend: Alamat ng Piña
• Epic: Biag ni Lam-ang
Folk Speeches (Karunungang Bayan) -
Proverbs, sayings, and riddles.
Samples:
 Proverb: Full of good cheer while
borrowing a measure of rice, Full of
wrath when you ask him to pay it back.
 Saying: Kung may tinanim, may aanihin
 Riddle: When you slice it, it heals
without a scar. (Water)
Folk Songs (Awiting Bayan) - These songs
mirrored the early forms of culture.
Sample folk songs:
 Kundiman
 Oyayi (Lullaby)
Other Forms of Literature
 Pamahiin
 Bulong/Chants
In history:
 They had their alphabet even before
they had colonized.
 The Spanish friars burned their alphabet
in the belief that they were works of the
devil or were written on materials that
quickly perished, like the barks of trees,
dried leaves, and bamboo cylinders,
which could not have remained firm
even if efforts were made to preserve
them.
Literature under Spanish Colonialism (1565 –
1872)
 Spanish colonial rule derives its
authority from the union of Church &
State.
 Parish priests become the embodiment
of Spanish power and culture – since
they have direct contact with the
Filipinos.
 Religion exerted a pervasive influence to
the minds of Filipinos – Christianity
 From the nature and natural
phenomena, there was a shift to
religious, social, and cultural influences.
Doctrina Christiana
  1593, by Fray Juan de Plasencia
 First book printed in the Philippines
 Spanish & Tagalog
 Pater Noster, Ave Maria, 10
Commandments
Pasyon
 It highlights the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 Popularly read during Lenten season.
 “Ang Mahal na Pasion ni Jesu Christong
Panginoon Natin na Tola.”
 Gaspar Aquino de Belen (1704)
Senakulo – A stage play on the passion and
death of Christ
Comedia/Moro-moro - A love story and a
struggle between the
Christians and the Moros--- Moros are defeated
and converted to Christianity
Tibag - Dramatizes St. Helena’s search for the
Holy Cross. It is a religious festival in
May.
Duplo and Karagatan
 Forms of verbal jousts
 Reflects the linguistic talents of Filipinos
Propaganda (1872-1896) and Revolutionary
(1896-1900) Periods
Propaganda Period
 After 300 years of passivity under
Spanish rule, the Filipino spirit
reawakened when 3 priests Gomez,
Burgos, Zamora were guillotined without
sufficient evidence of guilt. This
occurred on the 17th of February.
 Reaction of Filipinos against the
abuses of the Spaniards
 Nationalist literature
 Works are critical and satirical
 Jose Rizal: Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo
 Marcelo H. Del Pilar: introduced
Diariong Tagalog (1882) which signaled
the open campaign for reform.
 Graciano Lopez-Jaena: first editor of La
Solidaridad
 Herminigildo Flores: Hibik ng Pilipinas
sa Inang Espanya (1888)
Revolutionary Period
 Reflects the reaction of the Filipinos
against the Spaniards and Americans.
 Language used differ:
 Tagalog: Andres Bonifacio and
Emilio Jacinto in their nationalistic
writings.
 Spanish: Apolinario Mabini and
Jose Palma who fought the
Americans
 Jose Palma: Filipinas (1899) - became
the text of the Philippine National
Anthem.
Literature under American Colonialism (1898
– 1945)
Important things to note during the American
Colonization:
Laws enacted:
1. Making English the medium of instruction
in all public schools. ---- Philippine Literature in
English
2. Sedition Law of 1901: affected the Filipino
writers- it prohibits any Filipino in advocating
Philippine independence
 Yet, it did not stop the Filipinos from writing
as they clamor for change.
 Aurelio Tolentino – Kahapon, Ngayon, at
Bukas
 Juan Abad – Tanikalang Ginto
Features in this period:
 The poets of the period focus on love,
life, and playwriting
 The use of both Filipino (Tagalog) and
English in literary productions.
 Writers set out to create national
literature – no longer relied on imitation.
 Content: Social consciousness |
craftsmanship
Notable writers during this period:
 Lope K. Santos
 Jose Corazon De Jesus
 Paz Marquez-Benitez – Dead Stars
 Jose Garcia Villa
 Amador T. Daguio
 Arturo B. Rotor
 Jorge Jacobo
Literature under Japanese Conquest in the
Philippines (1942 – 1945)
Features of Philippine Literature during this
period
 Literary development was interrupted.
 Writers in English were encouraged to
write in Filipino.
 The Filipino way of life is depicted
 Huk and guerilla stories were produced
through songs and plays.
 Works bespeak the Filipinos’ cry for
independence
Poems:
 Haiku – 3 Lines (5-7-5)
 Tanka – 5 Lines (5-7-5-7-7)
Short story - N.V.M. Gonzales – Lunsod,
Nayon, at Dagat-Dagatan
Play:
 Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo: Sa Pula...Sa
Puti
 Play on humor
Literature under the Republic (1945 – 1985)
 Literary works would naturally talk of the
experiences during war time.
 Clamor for social change continues as
revealed by Amado V. Hernandez (Mga
Ibong Mandaragit and Luha ng Buwaya)
 Filipinos continuously influenced by
Americans.
Literature under the period of the New
Society (1972-1985)
 Themes in most writings dealt with the
development or progress of the country
 The military government controlled all
publications
 Radio, Television and Films flourished
throughout the period.
Television
 Gulong ng Palad
 Pinakamamahal kita Flordeluna
 Annaliza
 Julie Vega
Films - Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino
 Maynila. . . Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag
 Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo
 Ganito Kami Noon. . . Paano Kayo
Ngayon
 Insiang
 Aguila
Contemporary Period (1986 – Present)
 Constant change in the world
 Technology is “a way of life”
In an article titled 21st-Century Literature by
Isagani Cruz
 Enumerated the so-called 21st century
literature
 Textula, graphic novel, performance
poetry
 Prose novel serialized in blogs,
hypertext poem, eBook, flash fiction,
urban legend, chick lit, speculative
fiction, and creative non-fiction
 The forms have traces of the usual but
started veering away from tradition.
The works in this century are seen as
sensitive to gender, alludes to
technology, show culture as plural rather
than singular, and questions conventions
and supposedly absolute norms (Remoto,
2015).
 Not limited to big names in the
literary circle
 Personal blogs, wattpads
 OFW Literature
 Freer in the use of the language
 Issues on women, gays, and
lesbians
 Local and national concerns:
peace, poverty alleviation,
environment
 Changes have taken place
 Presence of award-giving bodies
 Creative Writing workshops
 Technology
III. Gen Z (Zer/s) Literary Trends
Generation Z
 Born after 1996 (Parker & Igielnik, 2020)
 True digital natives: from earliest youth,
they have been exposed to the internet,
to social networks, and to mobile
systems
Gen z and Literature
  Tarrayo (2019) suggests that Gen Z
learners in the Philippines have short
attention span and do not read that
much compared to learners of previous
generations.
 Advanced into a world of "instant"
 Shorter texts --> Evolving trends in
literature
 Texts with less than 200 words
 Students prefer shorter texts compared
to thicker books
 These suggests that Gen Z learners are
NOT non-readers but ‘MEDIATED
READERS’
21st Century Literature
 Mirror the harsh realities of the society
 Realities - truths that people must face
to learn valuable lessons
 Doesn't endorse the imperfect world
 Personal crises & social issues - 'new
normal'
21st Century Literature Genres
Microblog
 A kind of discussion forum or
information site that publishes posts or
text updates in the World Wide Web
 More interactive --- Participants write
and publish their posts or text updates.
Chick Lit
 A 21st genre fiction born from Feminism
 Consists of narratives focusing on the
trials and misfortunes of a female
protagonist
 Addresses issues of modern
womanhood, often humorously and
lighthearted
Speculative Fiction
 Works that combine science fiction with
fantasy and horror
 A broad literary genre encompassing
any fiction with supernatural, fantastical,
or futuristic elements.
 Takes place in a different world
inhabited by characters of extraordinary
abilities
Flash Fiction
 Style of fictional literature of extreme
brevity
 Typically consisting of only a few
hundred words that still offers character
and plot development
 This includes six-word story; the 280-
character story; the "dribble“ (50 words);
the "drabble“ (100 words); "sudden
fiction“ (750 words); flash fiction (1000
words); and "micro-story” (500 words).
Twitterature
 It comes from two words: Twitter and
literature
 It is a literary use of the microblogging
service of Twitter.
 It includes various genres, including
poetry, and fiction (or some combination
thereof) written by individuals or
collaboratively.
Hypertext Literature
 Facilitates the interaction of the readers
via hypertext links, which allows
movement from one node or leads to the
next.
 Movement across links provides readers
a wider database of options for the
possible development or outcome to the
story or poem.
Textula
 It is a blend of the English word text and
the Filipino word tula
 It is a poem written in the form of a text
message.
 It is sent as a direct communication to a
person close to the sender.
Doodle Fiction
 Blends cartoon and doodles with a
realistic narration of a funny incident.
 Hand-scribed fonts and sketches of
caricatures
 Patronized by young readers
Graphic Novel
 Fictional story presented in a comic-strip
format and published as a book
 Comic books - an excerpt from a larger
serialized narrative
Manga
 Japanese term for comics
  A general term used for graphic novels
and comic books published in Japan
o Shonen - Boys
o Shoujo - Girls
o Seinen – Young adult men
o Josei – Young adult women
o Kodomo – Children

Manhwa

 Manhwa – comics and print cartoons

published in South Korea
 Webtoons – digital comics in South
Korea

Fan Fiction

 Fiction written by a fan who rewrites and

alters the setting, character, and plot of
an original or canon work.

Young Adult Literature

 Body of works written, published, and

marketed for adolescents and young
adults
o Young Adult fiction – 16-25
o Teen fiction – 10-15

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