21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Abagat
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
LITERATURE
- Origin – “litera” means letter
Deals with ideas, thoughts and emotions of
man – thus it can be said literature of man. It
comes from the French phrase “belles letters”
which means beautiful writing. Used to refer to
words of the creative imagination including the
world of poetry, dramas, fiction and non-fiction.
The best way to understand human nature
fully and know a nation completely is to study
literature (Garcia et.al, 2004).
Literature offers an experience in which we
should participate as we read and test what we
read by our own experience. It is our life’s story
including struggles, ideas, failures, sacrifices,
and happiness.
Term used to describe written or spoken
material. Art of written works. Mirror of life.
Published in a particular style. Body of written
works of a language period or culture.
TWO MAJOR FORMS:
1. PROSE
This literary piece applies a natural flow
of speech and grammatical structures
which are mainly consisting of complete
sentences arranged logically and
sequentially in a paragraph form.
a) Fiction - This serves as a product of
the writer's wild imagination and
creative thinking where the
characters react to the conflict and
various issues central to the main
idea of a literary work. Its three types
are: short story, novel, and novella.
Pauline Dawn B.
11 – Ramanujan
The main genres are crime, fantasy,
romance, science fiction, western,
inspirational, historical fiction and
horror.
b) Non-fiction - These are stories
inspired by real events where the
writers aim to present, interpret, or
describe experiences based on facts.
The judgments, opinions, and
commentaries of the writers may be
presented in the form of essays,
journals, diaries, feature articles,
editorials, and the like
2. POETRY
This literary type is usually written in
lines and is characterized by having the
element of rhythm, sound, imagery, and
form. Its main purpose is to express
feelings, thoughts, and ideas.
It can be divided into three types:
narrative, dramatic, and lyrical poetry.
a) Narrative Poetry - this poetry tells a
story and has the elements of a
narrative such as characters, setting,
conflict, etc.
b) Dramatic Poetry - this is an emotionally
appealing drama written in verse that
tells a story and is intended to be
recited or sung in front of the audience
by a character speaking in poetry.
c) Lyric Poetry - it is the most common
type of poetry that focuses on
expressing feelings rather than telling a
story.
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING
LITERATURE
 To express one’s self
 Access to culture in different
countries
 Recognize human dreams and
struggles
 To appreciate beauty
 To shape one’s own goals and values
and clarity of one’s identity.
 We can appreciate our literary
heritage, culture, traditions, and
history.
 We can understand ourselves better.
 We can take pride in our very own
literary heritage and culture.
IMAGINATIVE LITERATURE / LITERATURE
OF POWER – includes poems, short stories,
novels, and plays. It interprets human
experience by presenting fictitious persons,
incidents, or situations, not by actual truth
about particular events.
NON-FICTION / LITERATURE OF
KNOWLEDGE – it includes biographies and
essays which present actual facts, events,
experiences, and ideas.
Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
11 – Ramanujan
THE PHILIPPINE LITERARY LITERATURE
Philippine Literature is divided into
different periods. These periods are unique
in the way that each possesses different
ways of life, culture, and issues. People
created literature in response to these
periods and therein reflected their own
feelings, aspirations, customs and
traditions. These writings eventually
become mirrors of history.
DIFFERENT PERIODS IN PHILIPPINE
LITERARY HISTORY
1. Pre – colonial Period
2. Spanish Period
3. American Period
4. Japanese Period
5. Contemporary Period
PRE – COLONIAL (BC to 1564)
Includes all kinds of literature produced by
our native ancestors before any colonization.
Literary Genre – riddle, proverbs, chants,
myths, folks, and songs
Authors – any members of the community can
be a poet, singer, or a storyteller as long as
he/she knew the language and convections of
the forms.
Literature was passed down through
storytelling from one person to another.
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
Lesson 1: 11 – Ramanujan
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND RIDDLE
The Philippines has its very own forms of Called “Bugtong” or “Palaisipan” is made of
literature way before the Spaniards and other one more measured lines with rhyme.
foreigners landed its shores. Our ancestors
Examples:
already had their own literature etched in the
history of our race.  Isang balong malalim, punong – puno
We have few surviving records of our ng patalim. ---- bibig
literature during this period because whatever  Dalawang balon, hindi malingo. ----
our ancestors left were either destroyed by the tenga
Spaniards for they believed that those were
CHANT
works of the devil or that they were written
easily rotten or destroyed. Due to this, many of Called “Bulong”. Used in witchcraft,
the folk stories and songs from this period that enchantment and superstitious belief such as
have survived were preserved through “the the very famous: “Nono sa Ponso, Tabi – tabi
word of mouth” or oral tradition until they po”.
were transcribed and printed.
EPIGRAM
Early Filipinos use different writing systems.
Of all these, Baybayin is the most known. Called “Salawikain”. Used to impart lessons
and values to the young.
KEY LITERARY FORMS
Example:
1. LEGEND
2. RIDDLE Mahirap gisingin ang nagtutulug-tulugan.
3. CHANT
FOLK SONG
4. EPIC
5. EPIGRAM The song mirrors the early life and customs
6. FOLKSONG of the people. It is known as the oldest form of
7. FABLE Philippine Literature.

LEGEND Example:

This is a prose usually imaginary or  Bahay kubo

unbelievable and which explains the origin of a  Leron Leron Sinta
thing, a place, or a name.  Ang Pipit
 Dandansoy
Example:
FABLE
A story that features animal characters and
that illustrates or leads to a particular moral
lesson.
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
NOTABLE WORKS DURING PRE –
COLONIAL PERIOD
1. Biag ni Lam – ang – Epic (Ilokano)
2. Bidasari – Epic (Moro)
3. Indarapatra at Sulayman – Epic (Mindanao)
4. Sitsiritsit Alibangbang – (Folksong)
5. Ang pinagmulan ng Sansinukob at Lahi –
(Legend)
6. Si Amo kag si Bao – (Fable)
SPANISH PERIOD (1565 – 1863)
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Spanish colonization in the Philippines
started in 1565. The Philippines faced many
challenges during this period such as racism,
abusive treatment, and forced labor. These
prompted education Filipinos such as Jose Rizal
to rebel against the Spaniards through the
Propaganda Movement. These disputes with
the Spaniards also led to bloody revolts.
During this period, many changes happened
to the Filipinos especially in their lifestyle and
religion.
 Baybayin was replaced by the Roman
Alphabet.
 Spanish language became the literary
language and the language of the
intellectual during this time.
 Roman Catholic faith and the Christian
Doctrine were embraced in most regions of
the country.
 Fiestas to honor saints were celebrated.
 Theater, the first printing presses, trains,
carriages, European eating utensils,
formation of classes of society
Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
11 – Ramanujan
were a few of what the Spaniards contributed
to our culture.
 The Filipinos embraced the Catholic religion
and changed their names
 People built houses made of stones and
bricks
 People used beautiful furniture and
utensils
 Carriages, trains, and boats were used as a
means of travel
 People had cockfights, horse races, and the
theater as means of recreation
 The Christian Doctrine became the basis of
religious practices
 European legends and traditions brought
here were assimilated in our literature
 Ancient literature was collected and
translated to Tagalog and other dialects
 Many grammar books were printed in
Filipino like Tagalog, Ilocano, and Visayan.
DOCTRINA CRISTIANA
“The Christian Doctrine”. The first book
printed in the Philippines in 1593 in
xylography. It consists of 87 pages and it
includes 10 commandments, Roman Catholic
teachings, prayer (Our Father, Ave Maria).
Written by Fr. Juan de Placensia and Fr.
Domingo Nieva in Tagalog and Spanish.
KEY LITERARY FORMS
1. Song 7. Poetry
2. Recreational Plays
3. Zarzuela
4. Karagatan
5. Duplo
6. Novel
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
SONGS
Regions had their own songs depicting
natural beauty and daily life.
RECREATIONAL PLAYS
These are stories performed by actors to an
audience. Spaniards introduced plays with
religious themes.
a) TIBAG – the word tibag means to excavate.
This ritual brought here by the Spaniards to
remind the people about the search of St.
Helena for the Cross on which Jesus died.
Mostly happens in Sorsogon.
b) LAGAYLAY – is a two – hour celebration of
the Holy Cross that emerges through
singing and dancing. Performed nine nights
in a row. It recreates the discovery of the
Holy Cross by St. Helena and her female
aides.
c) CENACULO – is the stage re-enactment of
Christ’s passion and death. It is also known
as pasyon y muerte, passion play (Rizal,
Bulacan, and Pampanga); centurion or
hudyuhan (Laguna); tanggal (Bicol region);
ang pamalandong (Leyte).
d) PANUNULUYAN – is a Philippine Christmas
dramatic ritual narrating the Holy Family’s
search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for
Jesus Christ’s birth through song. This
event is during December
e) CARILLO – this is a form of dramatic
entertainment performed on a moonless
night during a town fiesta or on dark night
after a harvest. This shadow play is made
by projecting cardboard figures before a
lamp against a white sheet.
Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
11 – Ramanujan
f) SAINETE – this was a short musical comedy
popular during the 18th century. They were
exaggerated comedies shown between acts
of long plays and were mostly performed
by the characters from the lower classes.
ZARZUELA
This is a musical comedy usually performed
just like a play. However, this genre alternates
between spoken and sung scenes.
KARAGATAN
A poetic vehicle played during the wake of a
dead person.
This is a poetic vehicle of a socio – religious
nature celebrated during the death of a person.
In this contest, more or less formal, a ritual is
performed based on a legend about a princess
who dropped her ring into the middle of the sea
and who offered her hand in marriage to
anyone who can retrieve it.
DUPLO
Another poetic joust in speaking and
reasoning and played also during wakes for the
dead.
This was a poetical debate held by trained
men and women in the ninth night, the last
night of the mourning period for the dead.
Bellacos – male participants, they are the heads
of the games.
KARAGATAN
Also a poetical debate like the Duplo, but its
participants were amateurs.
NOVEL
A long prose narrative divided by chapters.
Novels are of book – length.
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
Lesson 1: 11 – Ramanujan
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
Example: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo 6. Jose Maria Panganiban
7. Pedro Paterno
José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
 To get equal treatment for Filipinos and
POETRY Spaniards under the law.
A literary work in which special intensity is
given to the expression of feelings using style  To make the Philippines a colony of Spain.
and rhythm. Filipinos became more expressive
in their sentiments against the Spanish rule and  To restore Filipino representation in the
some of these resentment and anger became Spanish Cortes.
the recurring themes for their poetry.
 To Filipinize the parishes.
THE PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT
 To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of
 The Filipino spirit awakened when the 3 the press, assembly, and for redress of
priests (Gomez, Burgos, Zamora) were grievances.
guillotined without sufficient evidence of
guilt. NOTABLE WORKS DURING SPANISH
 The Philippines opened its doors to world PERIOD
trade
 Filipinos demanded changes in the 1. CENACULO – Passion of Christ (Play/Drama)
government and in the church
2. “FLORANTE AT LAURA’’ by Francisco Balagtas
THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT (Poetry)

PEOPLE IN THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT 3. “NOLI ME TANGERE’’ and its sequel ‘’EL
FILIBUSTERISMO’’ by Jose Rizal (Novels)

4.” DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN” by Marcelo H. del

Pilar (Satire)

5. “PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA’’ by

Marcelo H. del Pilar

6. “PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUANG BAYAN” by

Andres Bonifacio

7. “ANG FRAY BOTOD” by Graciano Lopez

Jaena (Satire)

1. Jose Rizal
2. Marcelo H. del Pilar
3. Graciano Lopez Jaena
4. Juan Luna
5. Mariano Ponce
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
AMERICAN PERIOD (1898 – 1945)
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
After we won against the Spaniards who
colonized us for more than 300 years, we
received our long-awaited freedom. The
Philippine flag, the symbol of our independence
was finally hoisted. However, this freedom was
short-lived because of another war. The Filipino
American War ensued and the country was
defeated. Because of this, peace movements
started in the 1900s. Filipinos wrote again to
express their love for their country and their
longing for freedom.
Philippines was sold by the Spaniards to the
American for 20 million dollars in accordance to
the Treaty of Paris (1898). We adapt the English
language which is the medium of instructions in
our country.
During the American Period, education
became one of the prioritized issues by the
American government. Through free public
education, the Americans spread their culture,
values and especially the English language.
The demand for independence was
supported by a campaign to make the
Americans aware of the Filipino culture. Some
writers who used the Spanish language began
to shift to the American language for the fact
that a larger population could comprehend the
said language. It is a fact that Filipinos during
the Spanish period were not given the chance
to learn the language, resulting in a very small
population of people capable of understanding
the literary works
The literary genres that flourished during the
American Period were poetry, sarswela, short
story, and novel. Poetry was written in three
Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
11 – Ramanujan
languages - Filipino, Spanish, English, and in
different dialects. Some of the known poets
during the American period were Maximo
Kalaw, Carlos P. Romulo, Maria Agoncillo, Paz
Marquez Benitez, Salvador P. Lopez, Jose Garcia
Villa, Carlos Bulosan, and many others. There
were three collections of poems printed namely
Filipino Poetry edited by Rodolfo Dato, The
English German Anthology of Poets edited by
Pablo Laslo, and a pre-war collection by Carlos
Bulosan.
BALAGTASAN
The balagtasan, named after Francisco F.
Balagtas, is a debate in verse, a poetical joust
done almost spontaneously between
protagonists who debate over the pros and the
cons of a certain issue. The first ever
balagtasan was held in March 1924 at the
Insituto de Mujeres, with Corazon de Jesus and
Florentino Collantes as rivals. Jose Corazon de
Jesus, known also as Huseng Batute, became
the first-ever king of the Balagtasan.
Short stories in English of early Filipino
fictionists are marked with American style. This
all changed with the founding of the U. P.
Writers Club in 1926 whose aim was to enhance
and propagate the "language of Shakespeare."
With the publication of Paz Marquez Benitez'
"Dead Stars," (forbidden love) it was made the
landmark of the maturity of the Filipino writer
in English. Many writers followed Benitez like
Icasiano Calalang, Arturo Rotor, A. E. Litiatco,
Paz Latorena, and Manuel Arguilla started
publishing stories manifesting skills in the use of
the foreign language and a keen Filipino
sensibility.
BALAGTASAN
1. Short Story 5. Periodicals
2. Tagalog Poetry
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
3. Essay
4. Newspaper
SHORT STORY
These are brief stories usually written in
narrative prose. Tagalog short stories became
very popular during the American Period.
TAGALOG POETRY
Beautiful poetry in Tagalog language rose
during the American Period.
ESSAY
A short formal prose writing on a single
particular subject. Political, social-reflective
essays were rampant during this period.
NEWSPAPER
A publication issued daily (while some are
issued weekly) containing news, other literary
articles and advertisements.
PERIODICALS
A publication that issues literary articles, etc.
periodically throughout the year. Filipinos in
this period used newspapers and periodicals as
Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
11 – Ramanujan
vehicles to express their nationalism and
yearnings of freedom. AMERICAN PERIOD:
NOTABLE WORKS DURING AMERICAN
PERIOD:
1. "We Filipinos are Mild Drinkers" by
Alejandro Roces (Short Story)
2. "Banaag at Sikat" by Lope K. Santos
(Novel)
3. "Dead Stars" by Paz Marquez Benites
(Short Story)
4. "Tanikalang Ginto" by Juan Abad (Play)
5. "Walang Sugat" by Severino Reyes (Play)
JAPANESE PERIOD (1942 – 1944)
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In this period, Philippine Literature's
development was interrupted because of
another war. The Philippines was conquered by
another country, Japan. Philippine Literature in
English was stopped by the Japanese. This
made Filipino Literature rise. Writers turned to
the Filipino language and gave attention to
using it for their literary works. Filipinos were
abused.
The Japanese used a military-centered form
of government where strict curfews and other
disciplinary measures were in effect.
KEY LITERARY FORMS:
1. Haiku
2. Tanaga
3. Drama
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
Lesson 1: 11 – Ramanujan
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
4. Short Story Iyon ang tanging hangad,

Buhay maý igagawad

DRAMA
A play for theater, radio, or television.

HAIKU
A poem originated from Japan; made of 17 SHORT STORY
syllables and divided in 3 lines. The first line has
5 syllables, the second line has 7 and the last A category widened during the Japanese
line has 5. occupation. Many wrote short stories depicting
Filipino's simple provincial life.
Example:
NOTABLE WORKS DURING JAPANESE
I heard no music
PERIOD:
Until the music was you
1. “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a
All love songs are true Wife" by Manuel E. Arguilla (Short Story)

TANAGA 2. "Like the Molave" by Rafael Zulueta de

Costa (Poem)
A short poem just like Haiku, but has
measure and rhyme. Both Tanaga and Haiku 3. "Lupang Tinubuan" by Narciso Reyes
have symbolic meanings. (Short Story)

This is the Haiku equivalent from the
Philippines. In Philippine literature, a Tanaga is
a poem consisting of four lines with each line
equally having between seven and nine
syllables. On the other hand, the
Japanese haiku has 17 phonetic units divided
into three phrases of 5, 7and 5 units,
respectively.
Tanaga does not have any title, although the
apparent theme is used to refer to it. Most are
written in Tagalog, the Filipino national
language.
Example:
Sa gubat na madawag
Talaý mababanaag,
4. "Panday Pira" by Jose Ma. Hernandez
(Story)
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
(1960 – 1986)
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Americans gave the Philippines its
independence during this period. The Filipinos
rejoiced. However, the period was marked by a
"struggle of mind and spirit" due to the sudden
emancipation from the enemy and the wild
desire to write again. During this period, many
books were published both in Filipino and in
English.
THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1964 – 1970)
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
Lesson 1:
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos
rejoiced and guerillas who fled to the mountain
joined the liberating American Army.
PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (190 – 1972)
Many young people became activists to ask
for changes in the government. In the
expression of this desire for change, keen were
the writings of some youth who were fired with
nationalism in order to emphasize the
importance of their petitions.
THE LITERARY REVOLUTION
The youth became completely rebellious
during this period. This was proven not only in
the bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk
expressions but also in literature. Campus
newspapers showed rebellious emotions. The
once aristocratic writers developed awareness
for society. They held pens and wrote on
placards in red paint the equivalent of the word
MAKIBAKA (to dare!)
PALANCA AWARDEES FOR LITERATURE IN
ENGLISH
Established in 1950. The Palanca Memorial
Awards for Literature had been giving cash
prizes for short story, poetry and one – act play
writing as an incentive to Filipino writers. The
prizes come from La Tondena, Inc., the firm
founded by the late Carlos Palanca Sr.
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972 –
1980)
The period of the New Society started on
September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards
continued to give annual awards.
Almost all themes in most writings dealt with
the development or progress of the country –
like the Green Revolution, family planning,
proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction
Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
11 – Ramanujan
and pollution. The New Society tried to stop
pornography or those writings giving bad
influences on the morals of the people. All
school newspapers were temporarily stopped
and so with school organizations.
FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF
THE SOCIETY
Themes of most poems dealt with patience,
regard for nature culture, customs and the
beauties of nature and surroundings.
THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY
The government led in reviving old plays and
dramas, like the Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and
the Embayoka of the Muslims which were
presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater,
the Folk Arts Theater and the Cultural Center of
the Philippines.
FILIPINO FILMS
A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulang Pilipino was
held during this time. During this festival which
lasted usually for a month, only Filipino films
were shown in all theaters in Metro Manila
1. MAYNILA… SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG
written by Edgardo Reyes filmed under the
direction of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco was the
lead role
2. MINSAÝ ISANG GAMU – GAMO; Nora Aunor
was the principal performer here.
3. GANITO KAMI NOON… PAANO KAYO
NGAYON: led by Christopher de Leon and Gloria
Diaz.
4. INSIANG: by Hilda Koronel
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
Lesson 1: 11 – Ramanujan
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
5. AGUILA: led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan 1. Short Story
and Christopher de Leon
2. Novel
PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC (1981 –
3. Tagalog Poetry
1985)
After ten years of military rule and some
changes in the life of the Filipino which started
under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last
lifted on January 2, 1981.
SHORT STORY
FILIPINO POETRY
Many short stories in Tagalog language were
Poems during this period of the Third written during this period. They were usually
Republic were romantic and revolutionary. based on facts and had better plots and
Writers wrote openly of their criticism against characters.
the government. The supplications of the
peoples were coached in fiery, colorful, violent,
profane and insulting language.

PERIODS (1986 – 1999)

NOVEL
History took another twist. Once more, the
Writers were exploring long prose writing.
Filipino people regained their independence
They became common and were read for
which they lost twenty years ago.
recreation.
In the span of four days from February 21 –
25, 1986, the so – called People Power (Lakas
ng Bayan) prevailed, Together, the people
barricaded the streets petitioning the
government for changes and reforms. TAGALOG POETRY
ON NEWSPAPER AND OTHER Poetry in this period acquired rhyme,
PUBLICATIONS substance and deeper meaning.

Newspapers which were once branded crony

newspapers became instant opposition papers
overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY
which became the opposition paper. NOTABLE WORKS DURING
Philippine Literature in the Tagalog language CONTEMPORARY PERIOD:
was revived during this period. The Palanca
Awards was launched and gave inspiration to 1. "Without Seeing the Dawn" by Stevan
writers. Nationalism was highlighted during this Javellana (Novel)
period of seeking identity. 2. "Mga Piling Katha" by Alejandro Abadilla
(Collection of Stories)
KEY LITERARY FORMS
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE Pauline Dawn B. Abagat
Lesson 1: 11 – Ramanujan
Exploring Philippine Literary Forms, Genres, Elements, and
Traditions
3. "Mga Maikling Kwentong Tagalog" by
Teodoro Agoncillo (Collection of Stories)

4. "Who Spoke of Courage in His Sleep" by

NVM Gonzales (Poem