The Development of

Philippine Literature:
Journey from Pre-Colonial
to Contemporary Times

RAJAN GALILA
galilarajan@gmail.com
Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, your should be able to:

1. Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of

Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary;

2. Appreciate the development of the Philippine literature in each

period; and

3. Create a 3D timeline depicting the development of Philippine

literature.
Introduction to Philippine Literature

Today, we will explore the rich

and diverse literary heritage of
the Philippines from pre-colonial
to contemporary times. Get
ready to embark on a fascinating
journey through time and culture.
Pre-Colonial Period: Rich Oral Tradition and Epic Poetry
Ancestral Legacy of Storytelling
1 Oral Tradition
In the pre-colonial period, Philippine literature
thrived through a vibrant oral tradition.
Stories, legends, and myths were passed
down through generations by skilled
storytellers.
3 Diversity of Languages
The Philippines is home to a diverse range of
ethnic groups, each with its own languages and
literary traditions. This diversity contributed to a
rich tapestry of oral literature.
2 Indigenous Scripts
The Baybayin script was the indigenous writing
system used by some Filipino ethnic groups
before Spanish colonization. While it was not
widely adopted, it did exist and was used for
inscriptions.
4 Role of Oral Bards
Oral bards or "bayanis" played a significant role
in preserving and transmitting the oral literature
of their respective communities. They were
responsible for memorizing and performing epic
poems and stories.
Pre-Colonial Period: Rich Oral Tradition and Epic Poetry
Ancestral Legacy of Storytelling
Folk tales like the Ibong Adarna and the Juan Gathers Guava
Chants 1 Folk Tales entertained and imparted moral lessons to listeners.

Proverbs Epic poems, such as the Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocos), the

2 Epic Poetry Hinilawod (Visayas) and the Darangan (Maranao), showcased
Folk Songs the heroic deeds and cultural values of the Filipino people.

This is told to explain a belief, a practice, or a natural

Folk Narratives 3 Myth phenomenon, for example, The Creation (Igorot) and The
Creation (Tagalog).

4 Legend This is presented as history but is unlikely to be true, for

instance, The Flood Story (Bukidnon) and the Legend of Lake
Literary Forms Pinamaloy.
This features animal characters or inanimate objects that
5 Fable behave like people such as The Monkey and the Crocodile.
Question:

What texts are

considered
precolonial
literature?
Spanish Colonial Period: The Birth of Philippine Written
Literature

With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th

century, Philippine literature underwent a
transformation. Reflecting the influence of
Spanish language and culture, written literature
emerged as a powerful tool of expression for
the Filipino people. The Spanish Period in the
Philippines, which lasted for over three
centuries, had a profound impact on the
development of Philippine literature
 Spanish Colonial Period: The Birth of Philippine
Written Literature
1 Introduction of Writing
Spanish colonization brought the introduction
of the Roman alphabet and writing system to
the Philippines. The friars played a significant
role in teaching the natives to read and write
in Spanish.
3 Impact on Language
Spanish greatly influenced the Filipino
language, resulting in the incorporation of many
Spanish loanwords into Tagalog and other
native languages.
2 Religious Influence
Much of the early literature during this period
was religious in nature. The Spanish friars used
literature to propagate Christianity, with works
like "Doctrina Christiana" being among the
earliest printed books in the Philippines.
4 Colonial Themes
Literature of this period often explored themes
related to colonial oppression, social injustice,
and the plight of the natives under Spanish rule.
Spanish Colonial Period: The Birth of Philippine Written
Literature

Major Literary Forms

Religious Literature Non-Religious Literature

• religious lyrics written by Iadino poets a. Awit—colorful tales of chivalry made

or those versed in both Spanish and for singing and chanting Ex. Ibong
Tagalog were included in early Adarna
catechism and were uses to teach b. Korido—metrical tale written in
Filipinos the Spanish language octosyllabic quatrains
a. Pasyon—long narrative poem c. Prose Narratives—written to prescribe
about the passion and death of proper decorum
Christ. i. Dialogo
b. Senakulo—dramatization of the ii. Manual de Urbanidad
pasyon, it shows the passion and iii. ejemplo
death of Christ iv. tratado
Spanish Colonial Period: The Birth of Philippine Written
Literature
Notable Filipino Writers and Works

Francisco Baltazar The master of traditional

Florante and Laura
(1788-1862) tagalog poetry.

Sampaguitas Y Poesias Varias (1880, first

Pedro Paterno
A poet and novelist poetry collection by a Filipino); Spanish
(1857-1911)
Ninay (1885, the first Filipino novel))

Jose Rizal A prominent ilustrado and

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
(1861-1896) the country’s national hero

Andres Bonifacio
The founder of Katipunan Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa
(1863-1897)

The mother of Philippine

Leona Florentino Blasted Hopes; Kakaibang Pagkalibing ng
Women’s Literature
(1894-1884) Paghahangad; Naunsyaming Pag-asa
(Ilocano and Spanish
Question:

What do those works

reflect about the life of
Filipinos during this
period in history?
American Colonial Period: Modernization and the Rise of
Nationalism
The Impact of American Rule

Introduction of English
Language Transition from Spanish Colonial Themes

English language The shift from Spanish to Literature during this

and literature English marked a period often explored
significant change in the themes related to
became prominent language of Philippine colonialism, imperialism,
during this period, literature. While Spanish- and the impact of
serving as a means language works American rule on Filipino
to bridge cultures continued to be produced, society. Writers grappled
English began to with issues of identity and
and convey Filipino dominate as the literary cultural assimilation.
experiences. medium.
 American Colonial Period: Modernization and the Rise
of Nationalism
The Impact of American Rule

Education and Press Freedom

Under American colonial rule,
education was expanded,
leading to increased literacy
rates and the establishment of
newspapers and publications.
The emphasis on English-
language education expanded
literary opportunities for
Filipinos. Many Filipino authors
received formal education in
English literature, which
furthered the development of
their craft.
Emergence of Nationalist
Writers
Filipino writers like Jose
Rizal and Claro M. Recto
embraced nationalism,
using literature to advocate
for independence and
challenge colonial
oppression.
Influence of American
Literature
American literature,
including the works of
writers like Mark Twain and
Walt Whitman, influenced
Filipino writers during this
period. This influence can
be seen in the themes and
writing styles of Filipino
authors.
American Colonial Period: Modernization and the Rise of
Nationalism
A. Period of Apprenticeship (1910–1930)
1. Filipino Writers imitated English and American models
2. Poems written were amateurish and mushy, which phrasing and diction is awkward
and artificial.
a. Short Stories
i. Dead Stars—Paz Marquez Benitez
ii. The Key—Paz Latorena
iii. Footnote to Youth—Jose Garcia Villa
b. Novels
i. Childe of Sorrow—first novel in English by Zoilo Galang

B. Period of Emergence (1920–1930)

1. Highly influenced by Western literary trends like Romanticism and Realism.
a. Short Stories—most prevalent literary form
i. Jose Garcia Villa —earned the international title “Poet of the Century”
Questions:

1) Who wrote during American

Periods?

2) What kind of literary forms produce

in this Periods?
Japanese Occupation and World War II: Literature in
Times of Struggle
Resistance and Resilience

Japanese Occupation War Literature

During World War II, the Literary works like the

Japanese occupation novel 'Hindi Man' and
stifled free expression. poems of Philippine
Many writers joined the
guerillas depicted the
resistance movement,
producing clandestine
horrors and heroism
literary works to inspire experienced during the
and preserve Filipino war, offering hope and
identity. strength to the Filipino
people.
Japanese Occupation and World War II: Literature in Times
of Struggle
Resistance and Resilience
Censorship and Control
The Japanese occupation
of the Philippines was
marked by strict censorship
and control over media,
including literature. Many
publications were closely
monitored, and writers had
to adhere to Japanese
propaganda guidelines.
Suppression of Free Expression
The Japanese authorities
suppressed freedom of
expression, leading to a
climate of fear among writers
and artists. This period saw a
decline in the production of
literature that openly
criticized the occupation.
Resistance Literature
Despite the censorship and
risks, some Filipino writers
engaged in resistance
literature. They used subtle
allegory, symbolism, and
coded language to convey
their opposition to
Japanese rule while
evading censorship
 Japanese Occupation and World War II: Literature in Times
of Struggle
Resistance and Resilience
Underground Publications
Underground publications
and clandestine literary
circles emerged during this
period, serving as
platforms for anti-
Japanese sentiments.
These writings were
distributed secretly among
like-minded individuals.
Preservation of Culture
Some writers and artists
focused on preserving Filipino
culture and heritage in the
face of foreign occupation.
They documented folklore,
traditions, and indigenous
stories as a form of cultural
resistance.
Role of Theater
Theater continued to be a
powerful medium for
conveying messages during
the Japanese Period.
Zarzuelas and plays often
contained veiled critiques
of the occupation.
Japanese Occupation and World War II: Literature in Times
of Struggle
Resistance and Resilience

1. Tagalog poets broke away from the Balagtas tradition and instead wrote
in simple language and free verse
2. Fiction prevailed over poetry
a. 25 Pinakambuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino (1943)—compilation of
the short story contest by the military government
i. Suyuan sa Tubigan—Macario Pineda
ii. Lupang Tinubuan—Narciso Reyes
iii. Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa—Liwayway Arceo
b. Period of Maturity and Originality (1945–1960)
1. Bountiful harvest in poetry, fiction, drama and essay
2. Filipino writers mastered English and familiarized themselves
with diverse techniques.
Japanese Occupation and World War II: Literature in Times
of Struggle
Resistance and Resilience

3. Literary “giants” appeared

a. Palanca Awards for Literature
i. Jose Garcia Villa v. Gregorio Brillantes
ii. Nick Joaquin vi. Gilda Cordero Fernando
iii. NVM Gonzales vii. Bienvenido Santos
b. National Artist Awards
i. Jose Garcia Villa
ii. Nick Joaquin
Question:

How did this period help the

development of our literature?
 Post-War and Contemporary Period: Trends and Themes in
Philippine Literature

After the war, Philippine literature witnessed the

emergence of new trends and themes. Writers explored
social issues, personal experiences, and the changing
landscape of the country, reflecting the nation's
journey towards recovery and self-identity.
 Post-War and Contemporary Period: Trends and
Themes in Philippine Literature
Navigating the Modern World
1 Rebirth of Literature
After the liberation of the Philippines from
Japanese occupation, there was a resurgence
of literature. Writers and artists enjoyed
newfound freedom of expression and began
to rebuild the literary scene.
3 Vernacular Literature:
While English remained a dominant literary language,
there was a resurgence of vernacular literature.
Regional languages, such as Tagalog, Cebuano, and
Ilocano, were used to capture the unique voices and
experiences of different regions.
2 Influence of American Literature
American literature continued to influence
Filipino writers during this period. Writers like
F. Sionil Jose and Jose Dalisay adopted
modernist and post-modernist styles
reminiscent of American literature.
4 New Forms and Styles
Contemporary Filipino literature introduced new
forms and styles, including experimental fiction,
magic realism, and post-colonial narratives. This
diversity reflects the evolving nature of Filipino
identity.
 Post-War and Contemporary Period: Trends and
Themes in Philippine Literature
Navigating the Modern World

5 Social Realism and Activism 6 Regional Literature

Filipino writers like F. Sionil Jose and Ninotchka Rosca Writers from different regions celebrated their unique
embraced social realism and activism as they tackled cultural heritage, giving voice to diverse experiences
pressing societal issues through their works. and promoting cultural pride.

7 Innovations in Form and Style 8 Literary Awards and Recognition

The contemporary period witnessed experimentation Prominent literary awards like the Palanca Awards
with new literary forms, such as magical realism and and the National Book Awards recognized and
post-modern techniques, pushing boundaries and celebrated the achievements of outstanding Filipino
challenging traditional norms. writers.
Questions:

What were the usual themes in

the works published during the
post-war and contemporary
period?
Prominent Filipino Writers and their Contributions
Shaping the Literary Landscape

1 Jose Rizal

Considered the national hero of the Philippines, Rizal's novels, such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,
sparked the flames of revolution and laid the foundation for Philippine literature.

2 Nick Joaquin

Joaquin's works, like 'May Day Eve' and 'The Woman Who Had Two Navels,' explored the complexities of Filipino
identity, blending themes of history, religion, and psychology.

3 Lualhati Bautista

Bautista's novels, such as 'Dekada '70' and 'Bata, Bata... Pa'no Ka Ginawa?,' delved into pressing social issues
and challenged prevailing gender norms.
 Conclusion: Celebrating the Diversity and Resilience of
Philippine Literature
A Tapestry of Cultural Expression

1 Cultural Diversity

From its roots in pre-colonial oral tradition to its

contemporary forms, Philippine literature celebrates the
rich diversity of Filipino culture and heritage.

2 Resilience and Identity

Throughout history, Philippine literature has withstood

challenges, reflecting the resilience and indomitable spirit
of the Filipino people in the face of adversity.
 Thank You
Appreciating Philippine Literature