21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

MELC: Writing a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary texts and doing an
adaptation of these require from the learner the ability to identify: a. the geographic, linguistic,
and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary b.
representative texts and authors from each region (e.g. engage in oral history research with
focus on key personalities from the students’ region/province/town)

Title: Philippine Literary History: From Precolonial to Spanish Colonization

Lesson Overview:
This lesson focuses on the dimensions of Philippine literary history from the precolonial period
to the Spanish colonization era. It delves into the rich oral tradition of precolonial literature, the
influence of early indigenous writing systems, and the significant impact of Spanish colonization
on the evolution of Philippine literature during this period.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the characteristics of precolonial Philippine literature and its oral tradition.
2. Explore the indigenous writing systems used in precolonial times.
3. Analyze the effects of Spanish colonization on Philippine literature.
4. Appreciate the cultural significance of early Philippine literary works.

I. Precolonial Philippine Literature

Oral Tradition in Precolonial Philippine Society:
Oral storytelling played a crucial role in precolonial Philippine society as it was the primary
means of transmitting knowledge, history, cultural values, and entertainment from one
generation to another. Before the arrival of written records, the indigenous peoples of the
Philippines relied on oral tradition to pass down their stories, beliefs, customs, and collective
wisdom. This oral tradition was an essential aspect of their cultural identity and social cohesion.

Importance of Oral Storytelling:

1. Cultural Preservation: Oral storytelling served as a repository of cultural knowledge,
including the community's creation stories, beliefs, and rituals. It helped preserve the
unique identity of each tribe or ethnic group.
2. Historical Transmission: Through oral storytelling, the history of the community was
passed down, recounting important events, heroes, and significant achievements of the
past.
3. Entertainment and Education: Oral storytelling was an engaging form of entertainment,
captivating audiences through the use of vivid language, music, and gestures.
Additionally, it served as a valuable educational tool, teaching ethical and moral lessons
to the younger generations.
4. Language and Literature: The oral tradition nurtured the development of local languages
and literature, as stories and narratives were passed down in their native tongues.

Main Literary Forms of the Oral Tradition:

 1. Epics: Epics were long narratives that celebrated the deeds of legendary heroes and
heroines, often embodying the ideals and values of the community. These epics were
performed in poetic form, often with musical accompaniment.
2. Myths: Myths were symbolic narratives that explained the origins of the world, natural
phenomena, and the creation of people and societies. They typically involved gods,
goddesses, and other supernatural beings.
3. Legends: Legends were stories about historical or semi-historical figures and events,
often with elements of the supernatural woven into them. They sometimes served as a
bridge between myths and actual historical events.
4. Folktales: Folktales were short narratives that revolved around ordinary people, animals,
or mythical creatures. They conveyed life lessons, moral values, and practical wisdom.

Notable Epics and Myths:

1. "Hinilawod": "Hinilawod" is an epic poem of the Sulod people of Panay Island. It is one
of the longest and most complex epics in Philippine literature, consisting of more than
27,000 lines. The epic follows the adventures of three main characters: Humadapnon,
Dumalapdap, and Labaw Donggon. It explores themes of heroism, love, family, and the
supernatural. The epic reflects the cultural values of the Sulod people, emphasizing
bravery, loyalty, and the importance of kinship ties.
2. "Biag ni Lam-ang": "Biag ni Lam-ang" is an epic from the Ilocano people of the Ilocos
region. It tells the story of Lam-ang, a legendary hero known for his extraordinary feats
and abilities. The epic showcases the theme of heroism and the triumph of good over
evil. It also reflects the Ilocano's strong family ties and their belief in the supernatural.

Both "Hinilawod" and "Biag ni Lam-ang" are prime examples of how oral tradition in the
Philippines was utilized to transmit cultural values, historical knowledge, and moral
lessons from one generation to another. These literary works were not only sources of
entertainment but also served as an integral part of the cultural identity of their
respective communities.

II. Indigenous Writing Systems

Baybayin and Other Writing Systems
1. Baybayin: Baybayin is one of the primary indigenous writing systems of the precolonial
Philippines. It is also known as Alibata, although this term is a misnomer as it was
coined during the colonial period. Baybayin is an ancient script that was used by various
ethnic groups in the archipelago, particularly the Tagalog, Visayan, and Bikol-speaking
regions. It is a Brahmic script, which means it is derived from the ancient Indian script
Brahmi.

Baybayin is a syllabic script composed of characters representing different syllables.

Each character represents a consonant followed by a vowel sound. It was traditionally
written on bamboo or palm leaves using a pointed instrument. The script was also
utilized to inscribe on other materials such as metal, stone, and pottery.

2. Hanunuo, Buhid, and Tagbanwa: Apart from Baybayin, there are three other indigenous
writing systems found in the Philippines:

Hanunuo: Used primarily by the Hanunuo Mangyan people of Mindoro, the Hanunuo
script is syllabic and is also derived from the Brahmi script. Like Baybayin, it is used for
inscriptions on bamboo and other surfaces.
 Buhid: The Buhid script is used by the Buhid Mangyan people, also from Mindoro. It is
another syllabic script with a distinct set of characters representing syllables in their
language.

Tagbanwa: The Tagbanwa script is used by the Tagbanwa ethnic group, mainly found in
Palawan. It is a syllabic script and is one of the few writing systems in the Philippines
that is also used for poetry and songs.

Role of Writing Systems:

The writing systems, including Baybayin and the other mentioned scripts, played a crucial role
in precolonial Philippine society:
1. Record-Keeping: These scripts were used to record important events, historical accounts,
genealogies, and cultural knowledge. They served as a means of preserving the collective
memory of the community, ensuring that their history and traditions were passed down
to future generations.
2. Rituals and Ceremonies: The writing systems were utilized to document rituals, religious
practices, and ceremonies. These texts provided guidelines for conducting ceremonies,
prayers, and offerings to the gods and ancestors.
3. Literature and Folklore: The scripts were used to transcribe myths, epics, and folktales,
preserving the rich oral literature of the indigenous communities. This allowed for the
dissemination of stories that imparted moral values, cultural beliefs, and societal norms.
4. Communication and Trade: Writing systems facilitated communication between
different communities and tribes. They were used for diplomatic exchanges, trade
agreements, and communication between leaders or ruling elites.
5. Identity and Heritage: The use of indigenous scripts contributed to the cultural identity
and heritage of the various ethnic groups. It was a tangible representation of their unique
languages and distinct ways of life.
III. Spanish Colonization and Its Impact on Literature
a. Arrival of the Spaniards and Its Impact on Literature and Culture:
1. Historical Context of Spanish Colonization: The Spanish colonization of the Philippines
began in 1521 when the explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the archipelago. He
claimed the islands for Spain, but it was only in the late 16th century that the Spanish
established permanent settlements and began their colonization efforts. Spanish rule
continued for over three centuries until the Philippine Revolution in the late 19th
century.
2. Impact on Indigenous Literature and Culture: The arrival of the Spaniards had a
profound impact on indigenous literature and culture. Spanish authorities sought to
spread Christianity and imposed their language and culture on the native population.
This led to a transformation in the traditional forms of indigenous literature and the
gradual assimilation of Spanish elements into the local literary expressions.
3. Many precolonial literary works, particularly those written in indigenous scripts like
Baybayin, were destroyed or lost due to Spanish efforts to eradicate pagan beliefs and
practices. Oral traditions and written records were suppressed, and the emphasis was
placed on promoting Spanish language and culture.

b. Christianization and the Impact on Literature:

1. Influence on Themes and Forms of Literature: The introduction of Christianity
significantly influenced the themes and forms of literature during the Spanish
colonization period. As the natives were converted to Christianity, religious themes
 became prominent in literature. Biblical stories, the lives of saints, and moral teachings
formed the core of many literary works.
2. The concept of sin and redemption, as taught by Christianity, also became prevalent in
literary expressions. This led to the emergence of literary works that explored themes of
repentance, salvation, and the struggle between good and evil.
3. Introduction of Religious Dramas and Poetry: Spanish friars and missionaries
introduced religious dramas and poetry as part of their efforts to evangelize the native
population. These religious dramas, known as "moros y cristianos" (Moors and
Christians), often depicted the battles between the Christian forces and the Muslim
invaders from the southern islands. They were performed during religious festivals and
were used as tools for conveying religious messages and converting the indigenous
people.
4. Spanish language, particularly in the form of poetry, also began to be adopted by native
writers. Early examples of this were the "awit" and "corrido" poetic forms, which were
often used to narrate Christian themes and stories.
5. The Spanish colonization period marked a significant shift in Philippine literature, as it
integrated religious elements and themes into the indigenous literary traditions. This
fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences laid the groundwork for the development of
Philippine literature as it evolved over the centuries under subsequent periods of colonial
rule and beyond.

V. Literary Works During Spanish Colonization

During the Spanish colonization period in the Philippines, several notable literary works
emerged. These works were often written by Spanish friars, missionaries, and educated natives
who had embraced Christianity. The themes and purposes of these literary works were closely
tied to religion, colonization, and the propagation of the Christian faith. Here are some of the
early literary works from that era:
1. "Doctrina Christiana" (Christian Doctrine) - This is one of the earliest books printed in
the Philippines, dating back to 1593. It was written in Spanish and Tagalog by Fray Juan
de Plasencia, a Franciscan missionary. The primary purpose of the book was to teach
Christian doctrine to the native population, particularly the newly converted.
2. "Florante at Laura" - This is an epic poem written by Francisco Baltazar, popularly
known as Balagtas, during the early 19th century. Although it was written after the
Spanish colonization period, it is often associated with the colonial era due to its
incorporation of European influences. The poem features a complex narrative and
explores themes of love, heroism, and patriotism. While not overtly religious, it reflects
the enduring influence of Spanish language and literary forms.
3. "Pasyon" - The "Pasyon" is a long narrative poem written in Tagalog that narrates the
life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was written by Gaspar Aquino de
Belen in the 17th century. The "Pasyon" played a significant role in the Christianization
of the Filipinos, as it became a popular form of religious literature, often read or chanted
during Lent and Holy Week.
4. "Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Española y Tagala" (Christian Doctrine in Spanish and
Tagalog) - This book, written by Fray Juan de Plasencia in 1593, aimed to teach Christian
doctrine to the native Filipinos in both Spanish and Tagalog languages. It was an
essential tool for the Spanish missionaries in their efforts to convert the indigenous
population to Christianity.
5. "Cautiverio y Trabajos de los Religiosos en las Islas Filipinas" (Captivity and Labors of
the Religious in the Philippine Islands) - This work, written by Fray Gaspar de San
Agustin in the early 17th century, chronicles the challenges and struggles faced by the
early Spanish missionaries in the Philippines. It highlights the difficulties they
encountered while trying to spread Christianity and establish their religious orders in the
archipelago.
The themes and purpose of these early literary works were deeply rooted in religious conversion,
colonization, and the spread of Christianity. They aimed to educate the native population about
Christian teachings, instill Christian values, and legitimize the Spanish colonization efforts.
These literary works became essential instruments in the cultural and religious assimilation of
the Filipino people during the Spanish colonial era.

Key Points of the Lesson:

1. Precolonial Oral Literature: Before Spanish colonization, the Philippines had a rich
tradition of oral literature, including epics, myths, legends, and folktales. Oral
storytelling was crucial in preserving cultural knowledge, history, and values, passing
them from one generation to another.

2. Indigenous Writing Systems: Precolonial Filipinos used writing systems such as

Baybayin, Hanunuo, Buhid, and Tagbanwa to record important events, rituals, and
literature. These scripts played a significant role in preserving the cultural identity and
heritage of various ethnic groups.

3. Spanish Colonization: With the arrival of the Spaniards, indigenous literature and
culture were heavily impacted. Spanish colonization led to the suppression of precolonial
oral traditions, the loss of some written works, and the imposition of Christianity and the
Spanish language.

4. Christianization and Literary Transformation: Under Spanish influence, early literary

works in the Philippines focused on religious themes and propagated Christianity.
Missionaries introduced religious dramas, poetry, and books like "Doctrina Christiana"
to teach Christian doctrine to the natives.

5. Transition to Written Works: Spanish colonization brought about a shift from oral
literature to written works in Spanish and indigenous languages. Literary expressions
became intertwined with religious themes, reflecting the assimilation of Spanish
elements into local literary forms.

Encouragement for Reflection:

As students learn about this historical transition, it's essential to reflect on the importance of
preserving precolonial literary heritage. The precolonial oral literature held deep cultural and
historical significance, representing the diverse identities and beliefs of the indigenous
communities. Preserving this heritage not only safeguards the rich past but also enriches
contemporary Philippine literature.
By recognizing the impact of Spanish colonization on indigenous literature, students can gain a
deeper understanding of the complex historical forces that have shaped the country's literary
landscape. Additionally, reflecting on the influence of Christianity on early Philippine literature
allows students to appreciate the intersection of culture, religion, and language during the
colonial period.
Preserving precolonial literary heritage helps promote cultural diversity, pride, and a sense of
belonging among Filipinos. It enables contemporary writers to draw inspiration from their
roots, creating literature that resonates with the shared experiences and wisdom of the past.
In conclusion, understanding the transition from precolonial oral literature to written works
under Spanish influence helps students appreciate the richness of Philippine literary heritage
and its enduring impact on the country's culture and identity. It encourages them to value and
preserve this heritage for future generations, ensuring that the voices of the past continue to
resonate in the literature of today and tomorrow.

Quiz: Precolonial Philippine Literature and Spanish Colonization

1. What were the main literary forms in precolonial Philippine society?

a) Novels and short stories
b) Epics, myths, legends, and folktales
c) Poems and essays
d) Plays and dramas

2. How did indigenous writing systems like Baybayin contribute to precolonial Philippine
culture?
a) They were used for trade agreements with neighboring countries.
b) They facilitated communication with Spanish colonizers.
c) They helped preserve cultural knowledge, history, and traditions.
d) They were mainly used for artistic expression.

3. What impact did Spanish colonization have on precolonial oral literature?

a) It led to the creation of new oral epics and myths.
b) It had no impact as Spanish colonizers respected indigenous traditions.
c) It resulted in the suppression of oral traditions and the loss of some written works.
d) It transformed oral literature into Spanish-language literature.

4. Which of the following early literary works focused on teaching Christian doctrine to the
native Filipinos?
a) "Doctrina Christiana"
b) "Florante at Laura"
c) "Pasyon"
d) "Hinilawod"
5. How did Spanish colonization influence the themes and forms of early Philippine literature?
a) It introduced themes of nationalism and patriotism.
b) It emphasized the preservation of indigenous languages.
c) It focused on themes of heroism and love.
d) It incorporated religious themes and forms to propagate Christianity.

Answers:
1. b) Epics, myths, legends, and folktales
2. c) They helped preserve cultural knowledge, history, and traditions.
3. c) It resulted in the suppression of oral traditions and the loss of some written works.
4. a) "Doctrina Christiana"
5. d) It incorporated religious themes and forms to propagate Christianity.