Pre-Colonial Period

Literature during the pre-colonial Literary Compositions.

 Legends  Vocabulario de la lengua Tagala ( Tagalog Volabolary)
 Folk tales  Vocabulario de la lengua Pampanga ( Pampanga Volabolary)
 Epics  Vocabulario de la lengua Bisaya ( Bisayan Volabolary)
 Folk songs
 Epigrams Folk Songs
 Riddles  Leron-Leron Sinta
 Chants  Dandansoy
 Sayings  Sarong Banggi

Spanish Period (1565-1898) Recreational Plays

Historical Background  Tibag
 The spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565. During the time of Miguel  Lagaylay
Lopez del Legazpi, the first spanish governor-general in the philippines.  The cenaculo
 Embraced Catholic Religion. (baptized, held fisteas)  The salubong
 Formation of the classes.  The Zarzuela
 Schools already has been established. Moro-moro
Depicts the battles between Christians and Muslims Moros. It is performed during town
Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature fiestas to entertsin people.
 ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
malayo polinician- philippine alphabeth Karagatan
 Teachings of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices. It is a form of drama that tests the bravery of men so that the bravest can marry the
 Spanish Language princess.
 European legends and traditions became assmilated in our songs, corridos, and moro
moros. Duplo
 Ancient Literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects. It is a poeticsl debate held by men and women played during wakes for the dead.
 rammar books printed in Tagalog, Ilocano, Visayan
 Periodicals gained religious tone. Balagtasan
First Books it is a debate on a particular topic or issue. This replaced the duplo and is held to honor
1. Ang Doctrina Cristiana (The Christian Doctrine)- the first book printed in the philippines in Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltazar.
1593. Written by Fr. Juan de Palencia and Father Domingo.
Dung-aw
2. Nuestra Senora del Rosario- Biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his representative beside the corpse of
on religion. Written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose the dead.

3. Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre- first book printed in typography. Awit
 it is an dodecasyllabic verse
4. Ang Barlaan at Josephat- a biblical story translated from greek to tagalog by Fr. Antonio  Fabricated stories from writer’s imagination although the setting and characters are
de Borja. The ilocano translation in poetry was by Fr. Agustin Mejia. european
 it refers to chanting
5. The Passion- Life and sufferings of Jesus.
Corrido Period of Active Revolution
 it is in octosyllabic verse  Noted leaders : Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini.
 usually legends or stories from european countries  the gist of literature contained mostly accusations against the government and were
 it refers to narration. meant to arouse the people to unite and prepare for independence.

Andres Bonifacio
Period of Enlightenment (1872- 1898)  Father of Katipunan
 Works: Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog, Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak ng
The Propaganda Movement Bayan, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, Huling Paalam
 Spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle class (Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar,
Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Maria Panganiban, and Emilio Jacinto
Pedro Paterno.  intelligent assistant of Bonifacio
 Seeks reform and chsnges from the government  Brain of Katipunan
 Works: Kartilya ng Katipunan, Liwanag at Dilim, A Mi Madre, A La Patria.
Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda
 Pen names: Laong Laan, Dimasalang Apolinario Mabini
 Books: Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Mi Ultimos Adios  Works: El Verdadero Decalogo, El Desarollo y Caida De La Republica, Sa Bayabg
Pilipino, Pahayag.
Graciano Lopez Jaena
 A writer and orator in the Philippines Newspapers During the Revolution
 wrote 100 speechespoo  Heraldo De La Revolucion
 Established La Soladaridad  La Independencia
 Works: Ang Fray Botod (Friar Botod), La Hija del Fraile (The child of the Friar), Sa mga  La Republica Pilipina
Pilipino 1891, Honor en Pilipinas.  La Libertad

Marciano H. Del Pilar PHILIPPINE LITERATURE DURING THE AMERICAN PERIOD (1898-1941)
 Pen Names: Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat, Dolores Manapat
 Established Diariong Tagalog  The Filipino revolutionist won against the Spaniards who colonized Philippines for
 Cathecism and Passion Book more than 300 years.
 Dasalan at Tocsohan  June 12, 1898, raised the Philippine flag as a symbol of our independence.
 Kaiingat kayo Americans colonized the country.
 Replaced Graciano Lopez Jaena as the editor of La Soledaridad in short time.  And in 1901, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo surrendered to the Americans.
 Works: Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, Kaiingat Kago, Dasalan at Tocsohan, Por Telefono. The Filipino American war resulted in the defeat of Gen. Miguel Malvar in 1903.
Their writings clearly depicted their love for the country and their longings for
independence.

Other Propagandists IN 1910

Antonio Luna (Tagailog)  A new group started to write in English.
Mariano Ponce (Tikbalang, Kalipulako, Naning)  Spanish, Tagalog, the Vernaculars and finally English were the mediums used in
Pedro Paterno literature during these times.
Jose Ma. Panganiban (Jormapa)  The writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans.
IN 1920 OTHER WRITERS IN SPANISH
 Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez stand out as a model of perfection in character
delineation, local color, plot, and message. 1.Adelina Guerra
was first woman poet in the Philippines who was good in Spanish. She obtained the Nobel
THE ACTIVE AROUSAL IN THE FIELD OF LITERATURE STARTED TO BE FELT IN THE Prize in her “EL NIDO” (The Nest).
FOLLOWING STARTED TO BE FELT IN THE FOLLOWING NEWSPAPER: 2.ISIDRO MARPORI
 EL NUEVO DIA (THE NEW DAY), 1900 became famous for his four books entitled AROMA DE ENSUENO (Scents of Dreams)
 EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (THE CALL OF THE NATION), 1900
 EL RENACIEMENTO (THE REBIRTH), 1900 B. FILIPINO LITERATURE

Inspiration of the Tagalog writers:

1.Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas
THERE WERE ALSO PLAYS WRITTEN, INCLUDED HERE WERE THE FOLLOWING: 2.Urbana at Felisa by Father Modesto de Castro
KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS, Aurelio Tolentino
TANIKALANG GINTO, Juan Abad JULIAN CRUZ BALMACEDA CLASSIFIED THREE KINDS OF TAGALOG POETS:
MALAYA, Thomas Remigio 1.POET OF THE HEART (MAKATA NG PUSO)
WALANG SUGAT, Severino Reyes 2.POETS OF LIFE (MAKATA NG BUHAY)
3.POETS OF THE STAGE (MAKATA NG TANGHALAN)
OPENING OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Free Education was established. FILIPINO WRITERS
1.LOPE K. SANTOS
A. LITERATURE IN SPANISH “Father of the National Language Grammar”
“apo”
1.CECILIO APOSTOL the poet of the heart
wrote “A RIZAL” and considered the best poem in praise of the hero of bagumbayan. “BANAAG AT SIKAT”
2. FERNANDO MA. GUERERO
he collected the best of his poem in a book called Crisalidas, and one of the poems written 2.JOSE CORAZON DE JESUS
in this book “INVOCACION A RIZAL” known as “huseng batute”
3. JESUS BALMORI the poet of the heart
well known for his pen name of Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe participated in a “ISANG PUNONG KAHOY”
debate on the topic “REMEMBRANCE and FORGETFULNESS”. He was elected ‘Poet 3.ARMANDO V. HERNANDEZ
Laureate” in Spanish besting Manuel Bernabe. “Poet of the Laborers”
4. MANUEL BERNABE “ANG PANDAY”
A lyric poet, and the fierceness of his nationalistic spirit was unchanged in any topic he
wrote about. He was more attractive to the public in a debate with Balmori because of the 4.VALERIANO HERNANDEZ PENA
melodious words he used. He defended OLVIDO (Forgetfulness) known as “Tandang Anong”
5. CLARO M. RECTO “NENA AT NENENG”
he collected his poems in a book entitled BAJO LOS COCOTEROS (Under the Coconut Tree).
One of his writings dedicated to Rizal is “ANTE EL MARTIR”. 5.INIGO ED REGALADO
story teller
novelist
newspaperman
“sumpong”
The Period of Re-orientation: 1898 -1910
By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of instruction in the public schools.
By 1908, the primary and intermediate grade schools were using English
The First attempts in English were in two periodicals of this time:
(a) El Renacimiento: founded in Manila by Rafael Palma in 1901
(b) Philippines Free Press: established in Manila in 1905 by R. McCullough and D. Theo
Rogers.
Poetry
In 1907, Justo Juliano’s SURSUM CORDA was the first work to be published in English.
In 1909, Jan F. Salazar’s MY MOTHER and AIR CASTLES were also published in this paper
In 1909, Proceso Sebatian follewd with his poem TO MY LADY IN LAOAG.
 1919: Paz Marquez Benitez was editor of the Woman's 1924: Journal, the first literary
The Period of Imitation (1910-1924)
By 1919, the UP College Folio published the literary compositions of the first Filipino writers
in English. They were the pioneers in short story writing. They were then groping their way
into imitating American and British models which resulted in a stilted, artificial and
unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity.
Their models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, Wordsworth
and Tennyson, Thackeray and Macaulay, Longfellow, Allan Poe, Irving and other American
writers of the Romantic School.
Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag (the best editorial writer of this period)
Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro, and Francisco Tonogbanua, Maximo
Kalaw, Vidal A. Tan, Francisco M. Africa and Victoriano Yamzon. They pioneered in English
poetry.
Essay
The noted essayists of this time were: Carlos P. Romulo, Jorge C. Bocobo, Mauro Mendez,
and Vicente Hilario. Their essays were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety, substance
and structure. They excelled in the serious essay, especially the editorial type.
The next group of writers introduced the informal essay, criticism and the journalistic
column. They spiced their work with humor, wit and satire. These group included Ignacio
Manlapaz, Godefredo Rivera, Federico Mangahas, Francisco B. Icasiano, Salvador P. Lopez,
Jose Lansang and Amando G. Dayrit.
Short Story
In the field of short stories, DEAD STARS by Paz Marquez Benitez written in the early 1920's
stand out as a model of delineation, local color, plot and perfection in character delineation
message. Other short stories published during this time were but poor imitations of their
foreign models.
The UP College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian. Newspapers and
periodicals also saw print during this time like the Bulletin, the Philippines Herald (1920),
the Philippine Review, the Independent, Rising Philippines and Citizens, and the Philippine
Education Magazine 1924.
Here are a few of the writers during this period:
1910: Bernardo P. Garcia's poem WASHINGTON was published in GEORGE El Renacimiento.
1917: Eulogio B. Rodriquez, a research writer in the UP College of Liberal Arts won the
Vilamor Prize in the provincial history competition. He was an authority on literary and
cultural development in the Philippines.
magazine in English published in the Philippines.
1920: Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion gained recognition for Filipino poetry abroad with his
publication of the poem AZUCENA, in the US.
1920: Procopio L. Solidum wrote NEVER MIND AND
1921: OTHER POEMS. Lorenzo E. Paredes wrote the first poetry anthology REMINISCENSES.
1921: Zoilo M. Galang published his first volume of essays entitled LIFE AND SUCCESS.
1924: Eliseo Quirino and Vicente Hilario wrote the essays THINKING FOR OURSELVES.
1924: Rodolfo Dato published FILIPINO POETRY, the first anthology of poems.
1924: Carlos P. Romulo published a collection of plays DAUGHTERS FOR SALE AND OTHER
PLAYS.
Period of Self-Discovery and Growth
By this time, Filipino writers had acquired the mastery of English writing.
They went into all forms of writing like the novel and the drama.
1.POETRY
Noteworthy names in this field include Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion, Jose Garcia Villa,
Angela Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido and Rafael Zulueta da
Costa.
Jose Garcia Villa, the first to break away from the conventional forms and themes of
Philippine poetry placed the Philippines on the literary map with the publication of his
books in the U.S.
1925: The Philippine Writers Association was organized in Manila
1926: Manila: A Collection of Verses by Luis Dato
1932: BAMBOO FLUTE by Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion
1934: MOON SHADOWS ON THE WATER by Aurelio S. Alvero
1934: An English-German Anthology of Filipino Poets by Pablo Laslo (ed.)
1936: MY BOOK OF VERSES By Luis Dato
1937: FIRST LEAVES by Rafael Zulueta da Costa
1939: NUANCES by Aurelio S. Alvero
1940: LIKE THE MOLAVE AND OTHER POEMS, a first- prize winning collection of poems by a
single author in the Commonwealth Literary Contest won by Rafael Zulueta da Costa
1940: MANY VOICES won second award in the Commonwealth Literary Contest.
1941: POEMS by Doveglion: by Jose Garcia Villa
Essays during this period improved with the years in quality and quantity, in content,
subject and style. Essayists like Carlos P. Romulo became even more eminent editorial
writers.
The notable writers of essays during this period were:
oPolitical, social reflective essays
oCritical essays
oPersonal or Familiar essays
OTHER ESSAYISTS INCLUDE: Ignacio Manlapaz, Vicente Albano Pacis, I. V. Mallari, Jose M.
Fernandez, Leopoldo Y. Yabes, Isidro L. Ritizos, Pura Santillan.
The Philippine Writers' League put out a collection of essays called Literature Under the
Commonwealth.

3.BIOGRAPHY 1925-1941
In 1935, IP. Caballero and Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion wrote about QUEZON.
In 1938, THE GREAT MALAYAN won a prize in the national contest sponsored by the
Commonwealth of the Philippines.
2. THE SHORT STORY 1925-1941 In 1940, I.V. Mallari's The Birth of Discontent revealed the sensitive touch of a writer who
in simple language was able to reveal his profound thoughts and feelings.
Probably because of the incentives provided by publications like the Philippine Free Press,
The Graphic, The Philippine Magazine and college publications like the UP Literary 4.HISTORY (one Slide)
Apprentice, poetry and the short story flourished during these times. 5.PUBLICATIONS (one Slide)
6.THE DRAMA (1925-1941)
The Commonwealth Literary Contest awarded first prize to HOW MY BROTHER LEON Among the writers of plays during this period were:
BROUGHT HOME A WIFE by Manuel Arguilla. DAUGHTERS FOR SALE AND OTHER PLAYS by Carlos P. Romulo
THE RADIANT SYMBOL by
Other writers during this time include Osmundo Sta. Romana, Arturo Rotor, Paz Latorena's Jorge C. Bocobo THE HUSBAND OF MRS. CRUZ and
Sunset, Jose Garcia Villa's Mir-in-isa. A DAUGHTER OF DESTINY by Vidal A. Tan
THE OIL LAMP and THE EARTHQUAKE by Augusto C. Catanjal
1927- Paz M. Benitez published her first anthology of Filipino short stories entitled FILIPINO THE WAVES by Hilarion Vibal
LOVE STORIES. THE LAND OF OUR FATHERS by Severino Montano
1929- Jose Garcia Villa published Philippine Short Stories. PANDAY PIRA, THE CANNON MAKER by Jose M. Hernandez
1930- Jose Garcia Villa's Mir-in-isa won first place in The Age Press short story writing 13 PLAYS by Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero
contest.
1932- Zoilo M. Galang published his first volume of short stories entitled TALES OF THE
PHILIPPINES.
THE JAPANESE PERIOD
3. ESSAYS AND OTHER PROSES STYLES 1925-1941 (1941- 1945)
 1. Jose Ma. Hernandez – wrote PANDAY PIRA
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 2. Francisco Soc Rodrigo – wrote SA PULA, SA PUTI
Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the 3. Clodualdo del Mundo – wrote BULAGA (an expression in the game Hide and Seek).
Philippines was again conquered by another foreign country Japan. 4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda – wrote SINO BA KAYO?, DAHIL SA ANAK, and HIGANTE NG PATAY.

Philippine literature in English came to a halt. Except for the TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE
REVIEW almost all newspapers in English were stopped by the Japanese. C. The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short
stories.
Juan Laya who used to write in English turned to Tagalog because of the strict prohibitions AMONG THEM WERE:
of the Japanese regarding any writing in English. The weekly LIWAYWAY was placed under • BRIGIDO BATUNGBAKAL
strict surveillance until it was managed by a Japanese named Ishiwara. • MACARIO PINEDA
• SERAFIN GUINIGUNDO
A. TAGALOG POETRY DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD • LIWAYWAY ARCEO
THREE TYPES OF POEMS EMERGED DURING THIS PERIOD • NARCISO RAMOS
• NVM GONZALES
1. Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables • ALICIA LOPEZ LIM
divided into three lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, 7 syllables, and the third, • LIGAYA PEREZ
five. The Haiku is allegorical in meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in meaning. • GLORIA GUZMAN

2. Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short but it had measure and rhyme, has 4 lines, each line has FIRST THREE PRIZES WHO WON THE BEST WRITINGS IN 1945:
7 syllables.
1.Narciso Reyes (Lupang Tinubuan)
3. KARANIWANG ANYO (USUAL FORM)- it is the common form of poetry
2. Liwayway Arceo (Uhaw Ang Tigaw Na Lupa

3. NVM Gonzales (Lunsod Nayon at Dagat-Dagatan)

B. TAGALOG DRAMA DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD D. PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing Because of the strict prohibitions imposed by the Japanese in the writing and publishing of
American films were closed. The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows. works in English, Phil. Literature in English experienced a dark period. Those few who dared
Many of the plays were reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. to write did so for their bread and butter or for propaganda.

The translators were: Writings that came out during this period were journalistic in nature and what literary
Francisco Soc Rodrigo output there was hardly negligible. Writers felt suppressed but slowly, the spirit of
Alberto Concio nationalism started to seep into their consciousness. While some continued to write, the
Narciso Pimentel. majority waited for a better climate to publish their works.

They also founded the organization of Filipino players named Dramatic Philippines. Noteworthy Authors of the Japanese Period

A few of playwriters were: Carlos P. Romulo

Salvador P. Lopez
Leon Ma. Goleurrero POETRY IN ENGLISH
Raul Manglapuz Among the writers during this time were Fred Ruiz Castro, Dominador Ilio and C.B. Rigor
F.B. Icasino – Wrote essays in the Philippine Review
Nick Joaquin Notable works during the period
Fred Ruiz Castro – wrote few poems 1. HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) – by Manuel Viray
Carlos Bulosan 2. PHILIPPINE WRITING (1953) – by T.D. Agcaoili
Carlos Bulosan’s works 3. PHILIPPINE HARVEST – by Amador Daguio
4. . HORIZONS LEAST (1967) – by Artemio Patacsil and Silverio Baltazar
-The Laughter of My Father (1994) 5. WHO SPOKE OF COURAGE IN HIS SLEEP – by NVM Gonzales
-The Voice of Bataan (1943) 6. SPEAK NOT, SPEAK ALSO – by Conrado V. Pedroche
-SIX FILIPINO POETS, 1942, among others. 7. Other poets were Toribia Maño and Edith L. Tiempo Jose Garcia Villa’s HAVE COME, AM
Alfredo Litiatco published With Harp and Sling and in 1943, HERE won acclaim both here and abroad.
Jose P. Laurel published Forces that Make a Nation Great.
NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH
Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970) In 1946, the Barangay Writer’s Project was established.
Historical Background On 1958 The PEN center of the Philippines is inaugurated (Poets, Essayists and Novelist)
On July, 4, 1946, the Philippines regained it’s freedom and Filipino waved joyously alone.
1961 Kerima Polatano's Novel The Hand of the Enemy won stonehill award
The State of Literature In 1968, Luis V. Teodoro Jr.’s short story THE ADVERSARY won the Philippines Free Press
 During this period there was a proliferation of newspaper like this short story award
 Free Press
 Morning Sun of Sergio Osmena Sr. NEW FILIPINO LITERATURE
 Daily News of Manuel Roxas Philippine Literature in Tagalog was revived during this period.
 Manila Times and Daily Mirror of Joaquin Rocess Most themes in the writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the
 Evening News of Ramon Roces Japanese government and the brave guerilla exploits
 Philippine Herald of Soriano
MANY BOOKS WERE PUBLISHED DURING THIS TIME, AMONG WHICH WERE:
Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro Abadillo
Mga Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (1886- 1948) by Teodoro Agoncillo
Manlilikha, Mga Piling Tula (1961-1967) by Rogelio G. Mangahas
Mga Piling Akda ng Kadipan (Kapisanang Aklat ng Diwa at Panitik) 1965 by Efren Abueg
Pitong Dula (1968) by Dionisio Salazar Mga Aklat ni Rizal
THE STATE OF LITERATURE
PALANCA AWARDS
Some of the writers and their works: The first awardees in its first year, 1950-1951 in the field of the short story were the
following:
THE VOICE OF THE VETERANS by ex - USAFFE TWILIGHT IN TOKYO and PASSION and DEATH
OF THE USAFFE by Leon Ma. Geurrero First Prize: KUWENTO NI MABUTI by Genoveva Edroza
FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY by S.P. Lopez BETRAYAL IN THE PHILIPPINES by Hernando
Abaya Second Prize: MABANGIS NA KAMAY... MAAMONG KAMAY by Pedro S. Dandan
SEVEN HILLS AWAY by NVM Gonzales
Third Prize: PLANETA,BUWAN AT MGA BITUIN by Elpidio P.Kapulong
REPUBLIC CULTURAL HERITAGE AWARDEES (1960-1971) (awards given on 12 June,
Philippine Independence Day)

19600 : NVM Gonzalez : poet and fictionist

1961 : Nick Joaquin : poet, fictionist, playwright, essayist, critic
Cesar Adib Majul: historian
1962 : Amado V Hernandez : poet and fictionist
Jose Garcia Villa : poet and short story writer 1963 : Kerima Polotan : fictionist
Teo S Baylen : poet and fictionist 1964 : Carlos A Angeles : poet
Carlos Quirino : historian
1965 : Carlos P Romulo : essayist, novelist and playwright
Horacio de la Costa: historian Alejandro G Hufana : poet
Bienvenido N Santos : poet and fictionist

1966 : Iñigo Ed Regalado : novelist Alejandro G Abadilla : poet Arturo B Rotor : short story
writer
1967 : no writer awardee
1968 : Domingo Abella: historian
Ricardo Demetillo : poet 1969 : Nicolaz Zafra : historian 1970 : Lazaro Francisco : novelist
1971 : Lope K Santos : novelist
F Landa Jocano : anthropologist-writer