Literary Periods of Philippine Literature

Spanish Colonization Period (1565–1898)

 The Spanish colonization of the Philippines lasted for approximately 333 years, from 1565
to 1898. It began when the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the
Philippines and established the first Spanish settlement in Cebu in 1565.
 When the Spanish arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, they brought with them the
Roman alphabet and the Spanish language.
 Spain wanted to set the history of the discovered land as if everything had started in the
existence and presence in the islands. They attempted to erase any mark of its pure identity
and culture.
 Non-Secular (Religious) Literature. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the
basis of religious literature.
 Doctrina Christiana (Christian Doctrine/The Teachings of Christianity). Wrote by
Juan de Plasencia is one of the earliest books printed in the Philippines during the 16th
century, and it served as a religious primer. This was written by friars in both Tagalog
and Spanish languages and contained religious texts like the basic prayer such as Pater
Noster or the "Our Father" and "Ave Maria" also known as "Hail Mary" and also the Ten
Commandments.
 Barlaam and Josaphat.
 A significant literary and linguistic milestone in Filipino literature is "Barlaan at
Josaphat," first published in 1708. The full title of the book is "Aral na tunay na
totoong pag-aacay sa tauo, nang manga cabanalang gaua nang manga
maloualhating santos na si Barlaan ni Josafat.”
 It was included in the writings of St. John Damascene, translated into Tagalog by
Fray Antonio de Borja, and published by La compañía de Jesús. It consists of
553 pages.
 In 2003, it was republished along with a modernized version of the original Tagalog
text edited by Virgilio Almario with the aim of making it understandable to the
current generation.
 Urbana at Felisa.
 It is a collection of letters exchanged between two fictional sisters, Urbana and
Felisa. These letters were written in the 19th century and aimed to guide readers on
proper behavior and moral values.
 The content of the letters emphasizes virtues such as respect for elders, humility,
diligence, and other qualities that were highly valued in Philippine society during that
time.
 Pasion/Passion of Christ.
 It highlights the life and death and resurrections of Jesus Christ.
 This book is popularly read and celebrated during the Lenten season. There are
several versions of the Pasion attributed to different writers like Gaspar Aquino De
Belen, Padre Mariano Pilapil, Padre Aniceto Dela Merced, and Don Luis Guian.
 Senakulo/Cenakulo.
 Cenakulo is a traditional Filipino religious drama or passion play that reenacts the
events of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 It is typically performed during Holy Week, particularly on Maundy Thursday and
Good Friday, as part of the observance of Lent and Easter in the Philippines.
  Comedia de Capa y Espada or "Moro-Moro".
 Is a traditional form of Filipino folk theater that incorporates drama, dance, and
music elements. This type of stage play often depicts the conflict between the Moros
(Filipino Muslims) and the Christians during the Spanish colonial period.
 The term "Moro" refers to the Muslim inhabitants of the southern Philippines,
particularly in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

 Secular (Non-Religious) Literature:

 Awit.
 It is in dodecasyllabic verse which refers to a specific poetic form where each line
consists of twelve (12) syllables.
 Are fabricated stories from writers’ imagination although the setting and characters
are European.
 Refers to chanting.
 Example: Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas
Sa isang madilim, gubat na mapanglaw
dawag na matinik ay walang pagitan,
halos naghihirap ang kay Pebong silang
dumalaw sa loob na lubhang masukal.
 Korido.
 Is in octosyllabic (8) verse.
 Were usually on legends or stories from European countries like France, Spain,
Italy, and Greece.
 Refers to narration.
 Example: Ibong Adarna by Jose de la Cruz
Ibong Adarna by Maria Odulia de Guzman
Oh, Birheng kaibig-ibig
Ina naming nasa langit,
liwanagan yaring isip
nang sa layo'y di malihis
 Karagatan at Duplo.
 Ang Duplo at Karagatan ay isa sa itinuturing a matandang anyo ng panitikan. Ang
Karagatan y isa larong patula bilang pang-aliw sa mga naulila ng isang yumao,
subalit sa Katagalugan ang Karagatan ay sang dulang nababatay sa isang alamat
tungkol sa singing ng isang prinsesa.
 Karagatan - uri ng sinaunang panitikang larong patula na kadalasang ginagawa sa
lamayan.
o Ang paksa ng karagatan ay tungkol sa isang prisesa na nawala ang
singsing sa karagatan.
o Nagpapasikatan ang mga binata sa kanilang mga husay at talento (na
isinasagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagtula). Kung sino man sa kanila ang
makakakuha ng singsing ay magiging asawa ng prinsesa.
 Duplo - Isa ring pagtatalo at pahusayan sa pagbigkas ng tula ang duplo ng
ginagawa sa lamayan. Tinaguriang punong halamanan ang haring namumuno rito.
Nagsimula ang paligsahan sa pagdarasal para sa kaluluwa ng yumaong
pinararangalan.
o Ito ay may layuning aliwin ang mga naulila. Ito ay patula ngunit hindi
nangangailangan ng palagiang sukat at tugma.
 o Ang halimbawa ng duplo ay may tauhang bilyako at bilyaka walang iisang
paksa isang madulang debate kung saan ay isa ay magbibintang na krimen
sa isa pa na magtatanggol sa kanyang sarili.
Period of Enlightenment (1872-1896) | Revolutionary Period (1896-1900)

The period of Enlightenment in Philippine literature was primarily led by a group of educated
Filipinos known as the Ilustrados.

Jose Rizal
 Jose Rizal was a polymath who wrote influential novels like "Noli Me Tangere" and "El
Filibusterismo," which exposed the abuses of Spanish colonial rule and called for social
reform.
 "Noli Me Tangere" (Touch Me Not): Published in 1887, "Noli Me Tangere" is Rizal's
first novel. It is a powerful social and political commentary that exposed the injustices
and abuses of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.The novel follows the story of
Crisostomo Ibarra, a Filipino who returns to his hometown after studying in Europe, and
his quest for social reforms.
 "El Filibusterismo" (The Subversive/The Reign of Greed): Published in 1891, "El
Filibusterismo" is the sequel to "Noli Me Tangere." It continues the story of Crisostomo
Ibarra, who returns under the pseudonym Simoun and becomes involved in a plot to
overthrow the colonial government. Like its predecessor, the novel is a critique of
Spanish colonialism and a call for social change.
 Mi Último Adiós (My Last Farewell): This poem, written by Rizal on the eve of his
execution in 1896, is a heartfelt farewell and a declaration of his love for the Philippines.
It expresses his deep patriotism and his willingness to sacrifice his life for the country's
freedom. "Mi Último Adiós" is one of Rizal's most famous literary works.
 "The Philippines a Century Hence," is an essay that offers a vision of the Philippines'
future. His writings often advocated for reforms, education, and the promotion of Filipino
identity.

Marcelo H. del Pilar

 As the father of Philippine Journalism, Del Pilar founded the Diariong Tagalog where
he exposed the atrocities committed by the Spanish friars against the Filipinos of the
time.

Graciano Lopez Jaena

 Writer of Fray Botod which depicts the abusive and immortality of friars (Botod means
Botyok in in Filipino language, which means a big-bellied man)
 First editor of La Solidaridad, a newspaper that seeks solution in both political and
social issue in a democratic way.

Andres Bonifacio
 He assumed the position of the society's Supremo (leader). He is often regarded as the
"Father of the Philippine Revolution”.
 The Cry of Pugad Lawin: On August 23, 1896, Bonifacio and other Katipunan members
led the Cry of Pugad Lawin (also known as the Cry of Balintawak), a significant event
that marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. During this event,
they tore up their cedulas (residence certificates) and openly revolted against Spanish
authorities.

"Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa"

Ang banyaga'y malupit, ang lupain ay atin
Wala nang pag-aalinlangang kalupitan niya'y ating mapapawi.
 Mahigpit na kapit-bisig, magtulungan, magka-isa
Hanggang sa malupit na umaga ng kalayaan ay sumiklab sa kalangitan.

"Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" is a poem written by Andres Bonifacio, one of the most
prominent leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. This poem reflects
Bonifacio's deep love for his homeland and his call for fellow Filipinos to rise up and fight for
independence.

Emilio Jacinto
 Often referred to as the "Brains of the Katipunan.”
 "Kartilya ng Katipunan" (The Kartilya of the Katipunan). It outlines the society's
beliefs, principles, and goals, emphasizing the need for freedom and equality. The
Kartilya played a significant role in shaping the revolutionary ideology.
 The Katipunan Code of Conduct.
 Jacinto also wrote for the Katipunan newspaper called Kalayaan. He wrote in the
newspaper under the pen name "Dimasilaw.”

Apolinario Mabini
 The True Decalogue presents his ten commandments which focus on God and on the
country.
 The first decalogue orders everyone to love and honor God and honor above all things.