Lesson 3

Prose during the Spanish Colonial Period

Doctrina Christiana en lengua Española y tagala- first books printed in the Philippines.

In 1593, a prayer book called the Doctrina Christiana en lengua Española y tagala

Arte y reglas de la lengua tagala - The first book explaining the principles of the Tagalog language

Tomas Pinpin’s - was the first published work by a Filipino and contains a preface that is probably the
first essay written by a Filipino. (A Book for the Tagalog to Study the Spanish Language)

Types of Prose during the Spanish Colonial Period

1. Anecdotes
● short and amusing stories that contain lessons in life
● often used by priests as part of their sermons
2. Pláticas (Sermons)
● lectures presented by Spanish priests that dealt with religious, biblical, and moral topics
3. Novenas
● a series of prayers
4. Novels
● long narrative stories
5. Essays
● personal pieces of writing that use the point of view of the writer
One of the most important essays during the Spanish colonial period is “Ang Dapat Mabatid ng
mga Tagalog” by Andres Bonifacio.

Lesson 4
Drama during the Spanish Colonial Period
The Development of Drama

During the precolonial period

● Performances in the Philippines were in the form of rituals

During the Spanish regime

 rituals were replaced by drama

● Dramas were performed to spread Christianity.

● during this period were focused on the life of Jesus Christ.

Types of Drama during the Spanish Colonial Period:

1. Karagatan - a form of poetic contest usually played

2. Duplo - another poetic contest held when a person dies or during the wake and consists of
puns, jokes, and riddles to relieve sadness.

3. Senakulo - portrays the life, passion, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ

4. Tibag - tells how Saint Helena, also called Santa Elena or Reyna Elena

5. Moriones - a festival in celebration of the life of Saint Longinus, a blind Roman soldier

6. Moro-moro - a play written about the victory of a Christian Filipino army over Muslim forces

7. Sarsuwela - a play with songs and dances with up to five acts

8. Lagaylay - a special occasion participated in by women in some parts of Bicol region and a song-
and-dance performance

9. Panunuluyan - presented before 12:00 on Christmas Eve

10. The Salubong (or Panubong) - depicts the moment when the Risen Christ met his mother
shown during the Easter morning

11. Carillo (Shadow Play) - a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night

The figures are moved like marionettes whose dialogues are voiced by the puppeteers
themselves

12. The Sainete - a short musical comedy popular during the 18th century