Indigenous Literary Traditions
the negritos. When these efforts failed, the
Indigenous People
● Indigenous is derived from the Latin word
indigena, meaning "sprung from the land,
native".
● Are ethnic groups who are the original
inhabitants of a particular geographic region.
These communities have historical ties to the
land they inhabit, predating the arrival of
external and often dominant societies.
As defined by Republic Act 8371
● A group of people who… through resistance to
political, social and cultural inroads of
colonization, non-indigenous religions and
culture, became historically differentiated from
the majority of the Filipinos.
● "Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of
1997,".
INDIGENOUS LITERATURE - refers to the body of
written and oral works produced by the original
inhabitants of a specific geographic region, often
predating the arrival of external or dominant
cultures.
Example of Indigenous Literature
The Opening Theme in Trese is an Ifugao
chant called “Hudhud”, it is an Ifugao epic poetry
that talks about heroism, honor, love and revenge
recited and chanted during occasions. The
"Hudhud" is performed during the rice sowing
season and chanted by the Ifugao elders or the
“mumbaki” (ritualist).
Philippine Indigenous Groups
NEGRITOS
● The term Negrito means “little black people” in
Spanish.
● “Negro” derived from the Spanish word means
black and the suffix “-ito” means smallness.
● The Negritos are the aboriginal of the peoples
of the Philippines. They are believed to have
come to the Philippines from mainland Asia
approximately 30,000 years ago.
● During the Spanish colonial period, the negritos
still maintained their foraging lifestyle. Spanish
colonialists, who were determined to convert
Spaniards regarded the Negritos as infidels and
barbarians.
● Historians believe Negritos arrived in the
Philippines in small migrations from mainland
Southeast Asia. Negritos are the only surviving
members of the original hunter gatherers that
lived in Southeast Asia, alongside their cousins
the Semang Negritos of Malaysia.
● Negritos are mostly animism.
TRIBES OF NEGRITOS
● Ayta or Aeta
● Batak
● Agta
● Dumagat
● Mamanwa
ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
● The Ati-Atihan Festival is a traditional and lively
celebration in the Philippines, particularly in
Kalibo, Aklan. It is known for its vibrant street
dances, colorful costumes, and lively music.
The festival is deeply rooted in religious and
cultural traditions and has connections to the
indigenous people known as the Ati, who are
considered as the Negritos of the Philippines.
● The word "Ati-Atihan" means "to be like Aetas"
or "make-believe Ati" in the Hiligaynon
language.
● Ati-Atihan is not only a celebration of faith but
also a celebration of unity and cultural diversity,
symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of
different cultures in the Philippines.
Types of Indigenous Literature of the Negritos
in the Philippines
Oral traditions
● Myths and Legends:
● Folktales
○ “ Legend About the Creation of the World”
Songs and Poems
● Work Songs:
1. “Amba” - a song that conveys happiness,
has a sweet-sounding melody that is
repeated from memory but can be enriched
 by singing in varying intonations for select
parts. Usually sung at weddings, it is set to
the rhythm of clapping hands or flat gongs.
2. “Undas” - On the other hand, sorrow and
grief are expressed through the undas. As
the community sings the undas, they come
towards the bereaved and lay offerings on
the bow and arrow beside him. Even just a
few grains of rice can be given, signifying
the simple and communal life of the
Negritos.
3. “Aliri” - Love is expressed through the uso
or the aliri. Uso is a courtship song
characterized by a four-count beat and sung
alternately by a man and woman. Four
dancers clap to the first and third beat
during the song’s duration while two players
beat the gongs.
Ritualistic Literature:
● Prayers and Ritual Texts: In traditional healing
practices, Negrito communities may use poetic
chants and songs as part of the ritual.
Oratory and Storytelling:
● Verbal Storytelling: Some Negrito groups have
narrative poems or epics that tell stories of their
cultural heroes, legends, and myths.
Linguistic and Cultural Preservation:
● Proverbs and Sayings: Proverbs and sayings
serve as repositories of cultural memory. They
encapsulate the collective experiences,
observations, and wisdom of a community.
Visayan Groups
- The Visayan groups were first discovered
during the Western Civilization when Ferdinand
Magellan reached the Island of Homonhon,
situated in eastern Samar in 1521. Since then,
the Visayan people were under Spanish rule
after the discovery of Magellan, where the first
drop of Christianity started.
Visayans were feared and respected as
warriors.
- War and virility were very much central to the
pre-colonial Visayan culture. The Visayans
were seafarers and raiders who attacked each
other or, more often than not, other islands near
the archipelago.
- Men showcased tattoos to boast of their valor,
while women had tattoos for their “conquests” in
sex. Men who had killed an enemy additionally
showcased their feat by wearing a red bahag,
as well as a red turban (magalong).
Visayans practiced unique body modification.
- Aside from tattoos, which led the Spanish to call
them pintados, the Visayans also had a lot of
practices modern society would consider
strange.
Visayans were poets and musicians.
- There was a Visayan alphabet, though there is
dispute if it was different or similar to the
Tagalog baybayin.
Types of Indigenous Literature
- Visayan groups possess a strong sense of
cultural identity and diversity that mirrors their
unique traditions and its ways. Below are the
types of their literature:
A. Epic Stories – Visayan people are known to
make epic stories. Example: "Hinilawod" is an
epic poem originating from the Visayas region
in the Philippines. Composed by the Sulod
people.
B. Songs – they also make songs and present it
during special occasions or even romantic
intentions. Folk songs like Si Pilemon,
Pakitong-kitong, Ili-ili Tulog Anay, Rosas Padan
and Matud Nila originated from this region.
● Examples of their Songs:
○ Si Pilemon - The Si Pilemon is a
Cebuano folk song that tells the story of
a fisherman. The Si Pilemon is a widely
enjoyed folk song in the Philippines
which conveys the story of a fisherman.
○ Pakitong-kitong - The song
Pakitong-kitong is originated in Cebu.
Eventually, they translate it in Tagalog.
○ Ili-ili Tulog Anay - An
Ilonggo/Hiligaynon Lullaby Folksong. It
is traditionally sung by a sister or other
female relative to help the child fall
asleep while the mother is at work.
C. Proverbs – it may vary based on the places but
usually they are short and contain moral
lessons and rich cultural backgrounds.
● Examples of Proverbs in Cebuano:
○ Kon gusto ikao magdali, maghinay. - If
you want to go fast, slow down.
○ Dili tanang magkatawa malipayon. - Not
all who laugh are happy.
○ Mas daghan ka nakuha, Mas labaw ka
mangita. - The more you have, the more
you want.
D. Riddles - this does not fade easily since it was
imparted strong enough before Spanish rule.
● Visayan Riddle:
○ Tigmo, tigmo agokoy, ugma ra kita
magasoy
○ English Translation: Riddles made in the
night will be answered in the morning
light.
- Visayan literature also has themes and
characteristics of their literature. One of these
are:
a. Rich cultural instilment and background.
b. Strong love for their homeland.
c. Tough sense of rituals and festivals.
d. Language Diversity.
Contemporary Indigenous Writers
There are no longer writers for indigenous
Visayan literature but universities and institutions
are currently discovering the rich backgrounds and
cultural identity of indigenous literature. Museums,
historical accounts keeper, and local books are also
available.
Moros
● The main Moro ethno-linguistic groups are
Maguindanao, Marano, Tausug, Samal, Bajau,
Yakan, Ilanon, Sangir, Melabugnan and Jama
Mapun.
● Three of these groups – the Maguindanaos of
North Cotabato, Kudarat and Maguindanos
provinces, the Maranos of the two Lanao
provinces, the Tausug from Jolo – make up the
great majority of Moros.
Ang kwento ng Jabida at ang pagsibol ng
Bangsamoro
● 1967 OPLAN MERDEKA - inilunsad ng dating
pangulong Ferdinand Marcos- nabuo para
makapag talaga ng military force para sa pinag
aagawang lugar na SABAH.
● JABIDAH code of military force
● JUAN PONCE ENRILE - Justice Secretary and
Defense Minister during the Marcos
administration.
March 19, 1968 na identified and JABIDAH
MASSACRE
● 1968, the Muslim Independence Movement
(MIM) was launched by radical Islamic leaders
calling for independence from the Philippines
and the creation of a Bangsa Moro, or Moro
nation.
● 1972, Marcos claimed that he had done so in
response to the "communist threat" sectarian
"rebellion" of the Mindanao Independence
Movement (MIM).
● 1976 Tripoli agreement between Philippines
government and MNLF.
● 1977 MILF was formed
● 1987 The jeddah peace accord between
government and MNLF.
● 1989 Republic act no. 6734 organic act for the
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao was
signed into law.
● 1996 final peace agreement, leading to creation
of ARMM
● 2008 Memorandum of agreement on ancestral
domain between government and MILF 2012
Framework on agreement on Bangsamoro
● 2014 Comprehensive Agreement of
Bangsamoro. ends armed hostilities between
two parties
● 2018 Republic Act No. 11054 BARMM
● 2019 First plebiscite
MAGUINDANAO
● *Maguindanaon whose name means “people of
the floodplain,” and with the word danao
meaning “lake,” are also called “people of the
lake.”
● They mainly inhabit Maguindanao and are also
found in North Cotabato, South Cotabato,
Sultan Kudarat, and Zamboanga del Sur
● There are approximately 1,000,000 speakers of ● Pat-I-Mata
their language, called Maguindanao or
Maguindanaon. The Maguindanao Luwaran is a set of encoded
adat laws that deal with murder, theft, and adultery,
Inaul as well as with inheritance and trade. The laws
● The Maguindanaons are famous for their art of apply to all regardless of class, and have since
weaving called the inaul, which literally means become the basis of modern Islamic jurisprudence
“woven.” Considered one of Maguindanao’s (Darangen 1980:33).
most valued treasures, inaul is traditionally
created by women using a basic bamboo loom. LEGEND OF SARIMANOK
● The Sarimanok is a legendary bird that serves
Maguindanaon Sagayan as the symbol of the Maranaos. Came from the
● It is performed as a ritual for healing called ipat words “sari” (a garment of different colors
or as a festive dance for wedding, deeply related to their culture) and “manok”
enthronement, and other festive celebrations. (rooster with its beautiful and colorful feathers),
● The attire, props, music, and dance movements ● The folklore of Sarimanok is traced back to a
consist of important meanings serving overall folk hero named Rajah Indarapatra, who
as medium to the friendly spirit called “tonong”. married a water nymph, Putri. They had two
sons: the Seen, who is ancestor of the present
Maguindanaon literature is no less rich. They day maranaos, and Unseen, who became the
are famous for their folk speech, deity that they call on in their rites and rituals.
antuka/pantuka/paakenala or riddles. ● The itotoro or the totem bird (rooster), which is
taken-cared of by the Seen (Maranaos), served
BAYOK OR LYRIC POEMS. as the link to the Unseen spirits.
Example:
Pupulayog sa papas Flying hard, the swift is Singkil
ka pumagapas apas Trying to catch up with ● One of the most famous royal dances of the
Ka tulakin kon ko the hawk Maranaos is the singkil, a popular form of
banog But he cannot equal him dancing in which the woman is elegantly
Na diron pukatalakin Because he is far too dressed and gently steps in and out of the
Ka daon kasakriti. small clipping bamboos while holding a fan and
Kanogon si kanogon Woe, woe unto me moving to the accompaniment of kulintang [a
nakanogon ni ladan Worried from thinking of set of eight small gongs of bronze, on a wooden
ko a loved one stand in the shape of a Sarimanok] and agung
A pukurasai mamikir a And I cannot let my [a set of two wide-rimmed, vertically suspended
ana palandong a dar feelings prevail, express gongs used by Filipino-Muslim] which are the
Na di akun my love main instruments used in singkil music.
mapkangud a Because every time I
bologang ko sa gugao want to reveal it
Ka Oman akun Stops it in its way.
ipantao na pusulakan
a ig
O matao kandalia.

Maguindanao tudtul (folktales) are short stories

involving simple events. Two examples are
presented.
● The “Lagya Kudarat”
Epic Poetry and Oral Tradition
ORAL TRADITION AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
● Oral tradition is information, memories, and
knowledge held in common by a group of
people, over many generations, it is not the
same as testimony or oral history. In a general
sense, oral tradition" refers to the recall and
transmission of a specific, preserved textual
and cultural knowledge through vocal utterance
● Philippine law recognizes Oral Tradition as one
of the important poles of Indigenous cultures. It
is considered proof of Indigenous peoples
long-standing connection to their lands, which is
necessary for the state to recognize their land
claims as legitimate
Epigrams, Riddles, Chants, Maxims, Proverbs
or Sayings
1. Epigrams (Salawikain). These have been
customarily used and served as laws or rules
on good behavior by our ancestors. To others,
these are like allegories or parables that impart
lessons for the young.
Examples:
● May tainga ang lupa, may pakpak ang balita
● Kahit saang gubat, ay mayruong ahas
● Walang lumura sa langit na di sa kanyang
mukha nagbalik
● Bago ka bumati ng sa ibang uling, uling mo
muna ang iyong pahirin.
● Ang umaayaw ay di nagwawagi, ang
nagwawagi ay di umaayaw
2. Riddles (Bugtong) or Palaisipan. These are
made up of one or more measured lines with
rhyme and may consist of four to 12 syllables.
Examples:
● Hiyas na puso kulay ginto, mabango kung
amuyin, masarap kung kainin (manga)
● Nanganak ang birhen, itinapon ang lampin
(saging)
● May langit, may lupa. May tubig walang
isda. (niyog)
● Buhok ni Adan. hindi mabilang (ulan)
● Nagsaing si Hudas. kinuha ang tubig
itinapon ang bigas (gata ng niyog)
3. Chant (Bulong). Used in witchcraft or
enchantment
4. Maxims. Some are rhyming couplets with
verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line having
the same number of syllables
5. Sayings (Kasabihan). Often used in teasing or
to comment on a person's actuations
6. Sawikain (Sayings with no hidden
meanings)
7. Folktales. Folk tales are made up of stories
about life, adventure, love, horror and humor
where one can derive lessons about life. These
are useful to us because they help us
appreciate our environment, evaluate our
personalities and improve our perspectives in
life
Example:
● THE MOON AND THE SUN (Tingguan folk
tale)
8. Folksongs. Folk songs are one of the oldest
forms of Philippine literature that emerged in
the pre-Spanish period These songs mirrored
the early forms of culture.
Example:
● lullabies or Ili-ill (Ilongo), love songs like the
panawagon and balitao (Ilongo) harana or
serenade (Cebuano) the bayok (Maranao)
EPIC POETRY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
● An epic poem is a long, narrative poem that is
usually about heroic deeds and events that are
significant to the culture of the poet Many
ancient writers used epic poetry to tell tales of
intense adventures and heroic feats.
● Epic poetry has been and continues to be used
by peoples all over the world to transmit their
traditions from one generation to another,
without the aid of writing. These traditions
frequently consist of legendary narratives about
the glorious deeds of their national heroes.
● In pre-colonial Philippines, epic
● In modern-day Philippines, epic poetry
EXAMPLE OF EPIC POETRY
● Biag ni Lam-Ang (Life of Lam-Ang) is a
pre-hispanic epic poem of the Ilocano people of
the Philippines. The story was handed down
orally for generations before it was written down
around 1640 assumedly by a blind Ilocano
 Pedro Bukaneg. The oldest recorded Philippine
literature folk epic.
THE LONGEST EPIC POETRY WRITTEN IN
PHILIPPINES
"DARANGEN"
● It is the longest surviving epic poetry in the
philippines, Darangen is an ancient epic song
that encompasses a wealth of knowledge of the
Maranao people who live In the Lake Lanao
region of Mindanao. This southernmost island
of the Philippine archipelago is the traditional
homeland of the Maranao, one of the country's
three main Muslim groups.
● The Darangen epic was also proclaimed as a
Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage
of Humanity in 2005 by UNESCO (Inscribed in
2008) It is the longest surviving epic poetry in
the Philippines.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORAL TRADITION
AND EPIC POETRY
The relationship between oral tradition and
epic poetry demonstrates a profound
interconnection, wherein the oral transmission of
stories and values shapes the form and content of
epic poems, while these epics, in their grandeur
and substance, serve as treasures of oral tradition
and culture.
ORIGINS OF ORAL TRADITION
Oral tradition likely originated with early
human communities, who relied on spoken
language to convey information, share stories, and
pass down knowledge from generation to
generation.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF EPIC POETRY
The Philippine epic is the body of epic
poetry in Philippine literature. Filipino epic poetry is
considered to be the culmination of the
development of Filipino folk literature, including
stories that tell the adventures of tribal heroes. Two
epic poems originated among Christian Filipinos in
Luzon; the Biag ni Lam-ang of Ilocos and the
Ibalong of Bicol.
Characteristics of Oral Traditions:
● repetition of phrases to emphasize points or
themes
● interaction with the audience
● strong rhythm and meter
● music, costume, and props
● idiomatic expressions
● strong imagery
● techniques such as onomatopoeia (creating
sounds that imitate sounds found in nature)
Characteristics of Epic Poetry:
● The hero is outstanding
● The setting is large
● The action is made of deeds of great valor or
requiring superhuman courage.
● It is written in a very special style (verse as
opposed to prose) and uses epic similes.
● It presents the heroic ideals
● An epic gives a clear picture of the social and
cultural patterns of the culture's life.
The Philippines Folk Narratives and Myths
Folk Narrative - Folk narratives are stories that are
passed through mouth from generations to
generations.
4 TYPES OF FOLK NARRATIVES
1. Myth
2. Legend (Alamat)
3. Folktale (Kwentong Bayan)
4. Folk Epic (Epiko)
Myth - Stories that focus on explaining about the
gods, goddesses, heroes, origins of places, things,
and events.
Examples:
● HOW THE MOON AND STARS CAME TO BE
(Igorot Narrative)
● ORIGIN (Bagobo Narrative)
● THE STORY OF CREATION (Bilaan Narrative)
MYTHICAL HEROES OF THE PHILIPPINES
1. Lam-Ang - Known for his extraordinary
strength, bravery, and various adventures,
including his quest to find his father and his
battle against supernatural creatures alongside
his magical rooster and dog.
2. Urduja - Known as the warrior princess/queen
who ruled over Tawalisi. Due to a series of wars
in the area, the male population had been
depleted. Urduja took it upon herself to lead a
group of all female warriors, known as the
Kinalakian (similar to the Amazons of Greek
Mythology).
3. Baltog, Handyon, and Bantong - The trios
who managed to build their names as the
pioneers of Ibalon by slaying these other
worldly creatures.
4. Bernardo Carpio - Known as the man (or a
giant in some version) that is trapped between
two colossal rocks in the mountain of
Montalban.
5. Indarapata and Sulayman - These two are
brothers and are both known for their strength
and bravery. Just like Baltog, Handyman, and
Bantong, these two fought supernatural
monsters and were able to defeat them, freeing
their lands from chaos.
DEITIES IN PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY
- Some groups during the pre-Spanish conquest
era believed in a single Supreme Being who
created the world and everything in it, while
others chose to worship a multitude of tree and
forest deities (diwatas).
First Generation Deities
1. Bathala – supreme god and creator deity, also
known as Bathala Maykapal, Lumilikha, and
Abba.
2. Amanikable – Originally this god was
worshipped as the god of Hunters.
3. Idiyanale – The goddess of labor and good
deeds
4. Ikapati – (Jocano’s Tagalog Pantheon) the
goddess of cultivated land
5. Lakapati – Often combined with Ikapati from
Jocano’s Tagalog pantheon, Lakapati was a
major fertility deity.
6. Mapulon – The god of seasons.
Second Generation Deities
1. Mayari – The goddess of the moon and one of
the three daughters of Bathala by a mortal
woman. She was the most charming of all the
goddesses. She had two sisters, Tala and
Hanan.
2. Tala – The goddess of the stars; sister of
Mayari and Hanan and one of the three
daughters of Bathala by a mortal woman.
3. Hanan – The goddess of morning; sister of
Mayari and Tala and one of the three daughters
of Bathala by a mortal woman.
4. Dumakulem – The strong, agile guardian of
mountains and the son of Idiyanale and
Dimangan. His sister was Anitun Tabu. He later
married Anagolay.
5. Anitun Tabu – The fickle-minded goddess of
wind and rain. She was the daughter of
Idiyanale and Dimangan and the sister of
Dumakulem.
6. Anagolay – The goddess of lost things and the
only offspring of Ikapati and Mapulon. She was
married to Dumakulem.
Third Generation Deities
1. Apolaki – (Jocano’s Tagalog Pantheon) the god
of sun and the chief patron of warriors. He was
the son of Anagolay and Dumakulem.
2. Diyan Masalanta – The goddess of love,
conception and childbirth and the protector of
lovers. She was the daughter of Anagolay and
Dumakulem and youngest of all the deities.
PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES
- Philippine mythological creatures are the
mythological beasts, monsters, and enchanted
beings of more than 140 ethnic groups in the
Philippines. Each ethnic people has their own
unique set of belief systems, which includes the
belief in various mythological creatures.
1. The Aswang - is perhaps the most well-known
and feared creature in Philippine mythology.
Aswangs are known for their ability to change
their physical form at will. They can fly at night
in search of victims.
2. The Kapre - is a mythical giant that lurks in
trees and forests. They are said to be tall, hairy
men that smell of tobacco. Kapres are thought
to reside in large trees like acacia and bamboo
as well as tucked away in forest thickets. The
smoke they exhale explains the mysterious
mists sometimes seen swirling around trees.
3. The Tiyanak - takes the form of a small child
but is in fact a dangerous vampire-like monster.
The Tiyanak uses its baby-like guise to lure
potential victims.
4. Engkantos - are said to appear as elfish
creatures with fair skin and height ranging from
diminutive to giant. They can alter their forms.
As spirits, Engkantos have abilities like
teleportation, invisibility, flight and shapeshifting.
They have knowledge of herbal cures.
5. The Manananggal - appears as an ordinary
woman by day. But at night, her upper body
detaches, sprouts bat wings, and flies off with
its entrails dangling below.

SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS AROUND

PHILIPPINES
● If you saw a doppelganger of someone you
know, or someone's shadow headless, you
must tell them to burn their clothes and bite into
a tree.
● Dreaming of a tooth (or teeth) falling out is
viewed as a sign of bad luck.
● Sleeping with damp or wet hair is believed to
cause blindness.
● A superstition that is still pretty much a part of
Filipino New Year's Eve holiday tradition is the
belief that jumping on New Year's Eve will make
a person grow taller.