CORE SUBJECT

21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE

PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD
_____ SEMESTER, SY _____________
QUARTER 1, MODULE 1
IDENTIFYING THE THREE
DIMENSIONS OF PHILIPPINE
LITERARY HISTORY
21ST Century Literature from the Philippines and the World
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
___ Semester – Quarter 1 Module 3: Geographic, Linguistic, and Ethic Dimensions of
Philippine Literary History from Pre-Colonial to Contemporary
First Edition, 2021

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Published by the Division of Romblon

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Language Evaluator: Glaiza M. Molo
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Lesson GEOGRAPHIC, LINGUISTIC AND ETHNIC
DIMENSIONS OF PHILIPPINE LITERARY
HISTORY FROM PRE-COLONIAL TO
CONTEMPORARY

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 21st Century Literature Module on Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic
dimensions of Philippine Literary history from Pre-Colonial to Contemporary. This
module will bring you on a journey from our past to the present era of our rich literary
heritage, which serves as our pride and sense of identity as a Filipino. This will also
guide you in understanding our past and how literature evolves overtime, while
appreciating its aesthetic sense of beauty as mirror of our lives, culture, beliefs and
traditions.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

❖ Writing a close analysis and interpretation of literary texts and doing an

adaptation of these require from the learners the ability to identify:
The geographic, linguistic and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history
from Pre-colonial to the contemporary. EN12LIT-IA-21

Do you know that literature is as old as its country’s history? It is a piece of written
work which is undying. The word literature originated from the Latin term “Littera” which
means “Letter”.

Now, let us embark on a journey and explore our literary origin.

“THERE IS NOTHING BETTER TO STUDY THAN ONE’S OWN LITERATURE. IT IS NOT JUST
SOME SORT OF CRAFTED MASTERPIECES CONCEIVED AT THE TIP OF THE PEN OF
FILIPINO WRITERS BUT A REFLECTION OF OUR LIFE, ORIGIN AND IDENTITY.”

-A. R. MONTOJO-
 Motivation Questions:

1. Why do we need to study Philippine Literature?

2. What are the different literary eras in Philippine Literature?

LESSON AND PRACTICES

Before the conquest, early Filipinos already had their rich literary tradition classified as
oral and written which represents their ethnic group heritage. They also had their first Filipino
alphabet” Alibata” as writing system. Yet, due to fact that ancient literature was written on
perishable materials such as dried leaves, bamboo cylinder and bark of the trees, only few
have survived the ravages of time. Among the only native systems of writing that have survived
are the syllabaries of the Mindoro Mangyans and the Tagbanua of Palawan. Others as
believed by early scholars were destroyed by the Spaniards. Oral literature on the other hand
was handed down from generation to generation through words of mouth.

PHILIPPINE LITERARY HISTORY

PRE- COLONIAL PERIOD (---B.C. - 1564)

The Pre-Colonial period is the longest period in the history of Philippine literature. Some
of these early literature is created by ordinary folks to express tradition, belief, and custom of
those times. It is handed down from generation to generation.

The ancient Folk used native Syllabary wrote on fragile materials. They also used
pointed objects like sticks, daggers, and iron as pens.

The following are examples of Pre-Colonial literature:

• EPIC – is a long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds.

Example: Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocano Epic)

• RIDDLES - is a question, a puzzle, a phrase, or a statement devised to get

unexpected or clever answers.

Example: Nang hatakin ko ang baging, nagkagulo ang mga matsing. /

Sagot: Kampana

• PROVERBS – is a short sentence that people often quote, which gives advice
or tells you something about life.

Example: Ang hindi lumingon sa pinangalingan, Hindi makakarating sa

paroroonan.
 Kahulugan: The statement shows the importance of “debt of gratitude”.
People who don’t possess this kind of Filipino value may likely not succeed in the
future.

• FOLK TALES - is a story originating in popular culture, typically passed on by

word of mouth.
Example: The Moon and the Sun (Visayan Folk Tale)

• LEGEND – is a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but

unauthenticated.
Example: The Legend of Mayon Volcano (Albay Legend)

• MYTH - is a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a

people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving
supernatural beings or events.
Example: Tungkung Langit and Alunsina (The Visayan Creation Myth)

THE SPANISH PERIOD LITERATURE (1565-1898)

Literature during this period was used as tool for religious conquest

Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature

The Spaniards had influenced the Filipino way of life in many ways even our
literature. The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA, was replaced by Roman script.
Spanish missionaries utilized the stage to propagate Christian religion and literature
was predominantly religious and moral in character and tone. Spanish and vernacular
languages became the medium of writing.

• DOCTRINA CHRISTIANA – is the first book published in the Philippines in 1593

which contains teachings on the 10 commandments, 7 deadly sins and the Lord’s
prayer written in both Spanish and Tagalog languages

• FOLK SONG - manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate
appreciation for and love of beauty.
Examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong
Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.

• Lyric Narrative, corrido, pasyon, duplo, karagatan, comedia, moro moro, cenaculo,
Zarzuela, carillo, biographies, saints and doctrines were some of the famous literary
types during this era.

NATIONALISTIC PROPAGANDA AND REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD

(1864-1896)

Works of literature in this era planted the seed of nationalism in the hearts of
every Filipino. During this period, the language was slowly shifting from Spanish to
Tagalog and the works of literature were addressed to the masses instead of
addressing only the elite.

The Propaganda movement was established, spearheaded mostly by the rich

young Filipinos who studied liberal arts in Europe and introduced the Reformist
Literature. They were Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena,
Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno. They also
wrote the Newspaper “La Solidaridad” which played a significant part in the
Propaganda movement that paved the way to the Philippine revolution.

AUTHORS AND THEIR LITERARY WORKS

o Jose P. Rizal- is the Philippine National Hero who wrote Noli Me

Tangere, Mi Ultimo Adios, El Filibusterismo, Sobre La Indolencia Delos
Filipinos and etc. under the Pen name: Dimasalang and Laong Laan.

o Marcelo H. del Pilar- is widely considered as the Father of Journalism.

He wrote Dasalan at Tocsohan, Pag ibig sa Tinubuang lupa, Caiingat
Cayo, Ang Cadaquilaan nang Dios and etc. using the Pseudonym:
Plaridel.

o Graciano Lopez Jaena- is known as the very fiery orator who wrote
Fray Botod, La Hija del Fraile, Sa mga Filipino and many more using
the Pen name: Diego Laura

o Antonio Luna- is regarded as one of the fiercest general of his times

who fought in the Spanish-American war, Philippine Revolution and
Philippine American war before his assassination in 1899. He wrote a
piece entitled” Impressionism” under the Pen name: Taga- ilog.

o Mariano Ponce- was an editor- in- chief of the propaganda movement.

Some of his Notable works are: Ang Wika at Lahi, Cartas Sobre La
Revolucion, La Oceania Espaniola
Pseudonyms: Naning, Kalipulako, Tikbalang.

AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1946)

Essential contribution of American in the Philippine Literature includes the

following:

• English, Spanish, and the vernaculars flourished during the period

• Public school was introduced and English became the official medium of
instruction.
• Short story flourished both in quantity and quality
• The first short story in English “Dead star by Paz Marquez Benitez was
published in 1925.
• The short story “How My Brother Leon brought home a Wife” by
Manuel Arguilla won First Prize in the Commonwealth Literary Awards.
THEMES
 - Desire for freedom
- Love of Country
. - Fight against colonialism and imperialism.
Literary Periods under American Regime
•
•
•
•

• Period of Orientation- American rule introduced significant changes

such as orientation to the democratic way of life and new literary
standards.
• Period of Apprenticeship - Filipino writers’ imitated English and
American writers.
• Period of Self-Discovery and Growth – Filipino writers mastered
•
writing in English.
•
•
•
•
•

JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1942-1945)

The Japanese occupation is called as one of the darkest days in the history and
literary tradition of the Philippines. Some of the changes in literature during this period
are as follows:

• The field of Short Story widened during this period.

• Many Plays were reproduction of English plays to Tagalog
• The common theme of Filipino poetry were nationalism, country, love,
life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
Three types of poems emerged during this period:
a. HAIKU- a very short Japanese poem of three verse.An unrhymed
poetics form consisting of 17 syllables arranged in 3 lines of 5, 7, 5,
syllables.
Example: ANYAYA
Ulilang Damo / 5
Sa tahimik na ilog / 7
Halika, Sinta / 5

-Gonzalo K. Flores-

b. TANAGA –. Consists of four lines with seven syllables each with the
same rhyme at the end of each line --- that is to say a 7-7-7-7
Syllabic verse.

Example: Ikaw lang, walang iba / 7

Ikaw lang nakikita /7
Ng aking mata, Sinta / 7
At sana’y maniwala / 7

c. KARANIWANG ANYO (Usual Form)

CONTEMPORARY/MODERN PERIOD (1960-PRESENT)

A. Characteristics
• Martial Law curtailed human rights, including freedom of the press.
 • Writers used symbolisms and allegories to drive home their message at
the face of heavy censorship.
• Writers used native languages as main tool of literary expression rather
than foreign Languages.
• Theater was used as a vehicle for protest, such as the PETA (Philippine
Educational Theater Association) and UP Theater.
• From the eighties onwards, writers continue to show dynamism and
innovations.
• Literary types: Poetry, short story, drama, essays, novels.
• Themes: Love of Nature, social and Political problems.

Notable works:
• HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) –a collection of poems by Manuel
Viray.
• PHILIPPINES CROSS SECTION (1950) –a collection of prose and
poetry by Maximo Ramos and Florentine Valero’s.
• PROSE AND POEMS (1952) –by Nick Joaquin.
• PHILIPPINE WRITING (1953) –by T.D. Agcaoili

DIMENSIONS OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Philippine literature is commonly being identified with its three dimensions. These three
greatly affects the totality of the piece which gives the literary work its own flavor and color.
Though these three vary according to the period the work has been written and the issues the
country faced, still its contribution to the history of Filipino values and perspectives make us
reflect how Filipinos had been changing over time.
These are the questions that needs to be answered to identify these three dimensions
in a literary piece.

GEOGRAPHIC DIMENSION
• Where did the literary piece come from?
• How did the place contribute to the development of the piece?
LINGUISTIC DIMENSION
• Did the author use the dialect?
• What might his purpose be why the author used such language?
ETHNIC DIMENSION
• What are the customs and traditions present in the text?
• How does the ethnicity present in the text affect its totality?

Let us now see if you have put in mind what you have read by answering the tasks
below. Have fun learning ☺
 PRACTICE EXERCISES

PRACTICE EXERCISE 1: “WHERE DO I BELONG?”

Directions: Given below are the different literature. Identify in which Literary Periods they
belong. Choose your answer among the options given inside the box. Write only the letter of
your response on your notebook.
A. Pre- Colonial period C. American Period E. Contemporary Period

B. Spanish Period D. Japanese Period

__________1. Proverbs

__________2. Tanaga

__________3. Prose and Poems by Nick Joaquin

__________4. Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal

__________5. Dead Star by Paz Marquez Benitez

PRACTICE EXERCISE 2: “READ AND ANALYZE”

Directions: Read the poem “Bloketista” by Hipolito M Berano and answer the questions that
follows.

Bloketista by Hipolito Berano Magmamarmol by Hipolito Berano

salin ni Irene Fabella

Kaatubang ko hay bukid Kaharap ko ay bukid

na mga bato
daw higante sa akon atubangan.
Damu ang pangutana
sa akon huna-huna
kung paano ko ini tabtabon
Pero taga-Romblon ako,
unga ng kabatuhan
ginaginhawa ko hay alpog,
ang kusog ko hay halin
sa mga blokiti nga nagapangangayat
sa quarrihan kag planta.
na mga bato
mistulang higante, nakatmabad sa harap ko
Laksang katanungan
nabubuo sa aking isipan
kung paano ko titibagin
Ngunit ako’y taga-Romblon
anak ng marmol
ang hinihinga’y alikabbok,
ang laks ko’y nagmumulas
sa mga nagkalat na bloke ng marmol
sa tibagan at planta.

Ang mga bukid nga marbol Ang mga bukid ng marmol

kaya ko gubaon kaya kong gibain
kaya ko pantayon kaya kong pantayin
hasta maging marble dust hanggang maging marble dust
o dapo-dapo o alikabok
nga nagapuling sa akon mga mata na pumupuwing sa aking mga mata
kag nagapilit sa akon pisngi at dumidiki sa aking mga pisngi
kag mga panit. at sa aking balat.
 Sa akon sinsil kag maso
Inot-inot ta ikaw paisuton
kaya ta ikaw humanon
nga barongoy o kwadrado nga bloketi
kay ibaligya sa minugsukat ning bato
para makwartahan,
para may makaun ang akon pamilya.
Sa aking pait at maso,
unti-unti kitang paliliitin
kaya kitang gawing natural na porma
o kwadradong bloke ng marmol
upang ipagbili
upang mapagkakitaan,
upang pamilya ko’y may makain

Bloketista ako, taga-Romblon ini Magmamarmol ako, taga-Romblon ito

onga ng kabatuhan gani waya may anak ng mga bato kaya walang
guinakahadlukan kinatatakutan
bisan higante ka sa akon atubangan. maging higante pa ang nasa aking harapan.

Questions:
1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
2. What does the poem talk about?
3. Where is the poem from?
4. What is the message of the poem in the 1st stanza? 2nd stanza?
5. What makes marble a part of our culture and tradition?

Directions: Please write what you have learned from the discussion. Write your learning/s on
your notebook or answer sheet.

Upon reading the lesson above, I learned that ________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

and realized that

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.
 WRITTEN WORKS

- Directions: Read and answer the following questions carefully. Underline the letter of your
response on your answer sheet.

1. What literary Period is considered as the longest period in Philippine Literature?

A. Spanish Period

B. American Period

C. Pre-Colonial Period

D. Contemporary Period

2. Which of the following is a literary piece written during the Spanish Period?

A. Dead Star by Paz Marquez Benitez

B. Fray Botod by Graciano Lopez Jaena

C. Heart of the Islands by Manuel Viray

D. Ako’y Isang Tinig by Genoveva Edroza Matute

TUTUBI

Hila mo’y tabak…

Ang bulaklak nanginig

Sa paglapit mo

-Gonzalo K. Flores-

3. The above literary piece is an example of what kind of poem?

A. Tanaga

B. Tanka

C. Haiku

D. Karaniwang Anyo/Usual Form

4. Which of the following dimension of literature is present in the poem “Bloketista”?

I. Ethnic

II. Linguistic

III. Geographic

IV. Biographic

A. I, II B. I, III, IV C. I, II, III D. I, II, III, IV

5. In the poem Bloketista, the author used the Ini dialect to showcase his expertise of using
the language and make the readers believe that the persona talking in the poetry is really from
Romblon. What dimension of Philippine literature is shown?

A.Ethnic B. Linguistic C. Geographic D. Biographic

PERFORMANCE TASK
- Directions: You have read the poem Bloketista by Hipolito M. Berano. Identify the
Dimensions of literature present in the poem by completing the table below. Then create a
short critique about it.

Geographic Dimension Linguistic Dimension Ethnic Dimension

(Where did the poem/story take (What are the terms in the passage (What are the cultures and traditions
place?) that represent the community?) of the ethnic group that were
portrayed in the poem/story?)

Grading Rubrics

Trait 5- Advanced 3- Proficient 2- Basic 1- Limited Points

Focus/ The essay The essay The essay The essay is
Controlling has an maintains a shows an confusing
Idea exemplary steady focus attempt at and/or has an
focus on a supported establishing a inaccurate
captivating with analysis focus but it is focus. No
topic that that shows a not clearly attempt is
analyzes all clear idea of stated. Writer made to
aspects of the author’s expresses an analyze the
of the author’s intent. opinion but text.
intent. does not
consider all
 aspects of
author’s intent.
Reading & The essay The essay The essay The essay
Research demonstrates demonstrates inconsistently makes no
an insightful a general demonstrates attempt to
interpretation interpretation awareness of interpret the
of text of text and meaning of the text. Literary
revealed in literary text, but some elements are
depth of elements. attempt to not included.
understanding discuss literary
of literary elements is
elements. evident.
Grammar Works has Works has Works has Works has
and four or more three mis- no more no
spelling mis-spelling spelling and than two misspelling
and or or misspelling and or
grammatical grammatical and or grammatical
errors. errors grammatical errors
errors
Total
Website
Source: “21st Century Literature from the Philippines”, Uploaded by Reigne Bombasi,
last visit August 10, 2021, https://www.scribd.com/presentation/399331384/21ST-
CENTURY-LITERATURE-FROM-THE-PHILIPPINES-AND-THE-pptx
Source: “21st Century Literature from the Philippines and The World Activity
Sheets.pdf”, Scibd.com, August 10, 2021,
https://www.scribd.com/document/412260426/21st-Century-Literature-from-the-Philippines-
and-the-World-Activity-Sheets-pdf
Source: “Pre-Colonial Literature: Characters and Characteristics of Philippine
Literature” Google.com, August 10, 2021,
https://www.google.com/search?q=characteristics+of+pre+colonial+literature
Source: “Epic literary Genre”, Britanica.com August 10, 2021,
https://www.britannica.com/art/epic
Source: “Literary Devices”, August 10, 2021, https://literarydevices.net/riddle/
Source: “Handouts for periods in the Philippine Literary History”, July 9 2017,
https://www.slideshare.net/augustianelijah/handouts-for-periods-in-the-philippine-
literary-history
Source: “Graciano lopez Jaena Biography”, Wikipedia, August 4, 2021,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Luna
Source: “Antonio Luna”, Wikipedia, August 4, 2021,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Luna
Source: “Mariano Ponce”, Wikipedia, last edited on August 4, 2021,
https://www.google.com/search?q=mariano+ponce+literary+works
Source: “Tanaga Example- Halimbawa Ng mga Tanaga (Filipino Short Poem)”,
Philnews.ph, February 5, 2020, https://philnews.ph/2020/02/05/tanaga-example-halimbawa-
ng-mga-tanaga-filipino-short-poem
Source: “A HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE HAIKU”, Google.com, August 10, 2021,
https://www.google.com/search?q=haiku+examples+english+written+by+filipino

Source: “The timeline of Philippine literature” Prezi, July

16,2016,https://prezi.com/if5vbcmbyek4/the-timeline-of-philippine-literature/

Source: “Handouts for periods in the Philippine Literary History”, July 9 2017,
https://www.slideshare.net/augustianelijah/handouts-for-periods-in-the-philippine-
literary-history
Source: “The timeline of Philippine literature” Prezi, July
16,2016,https://prezi.com/if5vbcmbyek4/the-timeline-of-philippine-literature/

Berano, Hipolito M. 2013, Bloketista, Whisper of the Heart. Quadtone Printing: Angeles City
 journey on Module 2 ☺
You have successfully finished your Module 1. Get ready for your next
Practice Exercise 2
1. Marble worker
2. It talks about the importance of marble industry to
Romblomanons
3. Romblon
4. 1st stanza—It talks about the geographical display of Practice Exercise 1
Romblon. Its description clearly describes what
Romblon is made of. 1. A
2nd stanza—It talks about how steadfast and 2. D
persistent Romblomanons are. This stanza also 3. E
4. B
shows how important the marble industry to the
5. C
people of Romblon.
5. It is the major source of living of the Romblomanons
Key to Practice Exercises