Historical Development of

Philippine Literature
 Historical Development of
Philippine Literature
I. Pre Spanish Literature
II. Literature during Spanish Colonization
III. Literature during the American
Occupation
IV. Literature during the Japanese Occupation
V. Literature in the Contemporary Period
 Pre Spanish Literature
General Characteristics:
Spontaneous and instinctive
Expressed in its own dialect
Crude in ideology and phraseology
Literary forms during precolonial
period
1. Myths 7. Riddles
2. legends
8. Epics
3. fables
4.fantastic
9. Rituals
stories 10. Songs
5. Proverbs 11. folktales
6. Ambahan/Tanaga
 1. MYTHS
Myths deal mainly with the
creation of the universe, the
origin of man, the gods and
supernatural beings, and native
culture heroes (Maramba, 2006).
ex: “Bathala” or “Abba”
2. Legends
Legends are prose narratives like myths
that are regarded true by the narrator
and audience but are set in a period
more remote, when the world was much
as it is today (Lopez, 2006).
ex:
“Daragang Magayon”
3. FABLES
Fables are stories that use
animals as characters and are
meant to impart lessons.
ex:
“The Tortoise and the Monkey”
4. Fantastic Stories
Fantastic stories deal with the
unseen world or underworld and
features odd, whimsical or grotesque
characters (Maramba, 2006).
ex:
“Tianak”
5. Proverbs (salawikain)
The two essential features of proverbs are …its
didactism for the contents and its conciseness
for the form (Krappe, 1964).

Philippine proverbs range over a wide variety of

subject matter, for it is hardly an exaggeration
to say that there is a proverb for every occasion
in life (Eugenio, 1975).
Philippine proverbs
ex:
Ang liksi at sipag ay daig ng agap. (Tagalog)

Ing taung maagap, daig ne ing masipag . (Pampango)

Translation:

Alertness excels dexterity and industry.

Ambahan
It is a short lyric poems that employ metaphorical
language in order to comment on human situations
that are compared to ‘equivalent’ phenomena in
nature. This has no prescribed length; number of
lines depend on the complexity of the situation or
moment described. Hispanized version of this is
called tanaga (with four monoriming heptasyllabic
lines).
6. Tanaga
Tanaga are short folk poems composed of seven
syllables and four lines and full of metaphors
ex:
Nagalmusal mag-isa
Kanin-lamig, tinapa.
Nahulog ang kutsara
Ikaw na sana sinta
7. Riddle (Bugtong)
A riddle is a traditional verbal expression containing one or
two descriptive elements, a pair of which may be in
opposition to each other, the referent of the elements is to
be guessed (Georges and Dundes, 1963).

ex:
Kapag hiniwa mo,
Nanghihilom nang walang pilat

Answer: Tubig
8. Epics
Philippine folk epic (Manuel, 1962):

Common features of the folk epics

1. Narratives of sustained length
2. Based on oral tradition
3. Revolving around supernatural events or heroic deeds
4. In the form of verse
5. Which is either chanted or sung
6. With a certain seriousness of purpose, embodying or
validating the beliefs, customs, ideals or life-values of the
people
8. Epics
Philippine folk epic (Manuel, 1963):

Epics are narratives of sustained length, based on oral

tradition, revolving around supernatural events and
heroic deeds, in the form of verse, is either chanted or
sung, with a certain seriousness of purpose, embodying
or validating the beliefs, customs, ideals or life values
of the people.
Some Examples Philippine Epic
EPIC Region/Ethnic Group
Biag ni Lam-Ang Ilocos Region

Kumintang Tagalogs

Hari sa Bukit Negros Bisaya

Ronsay
Kuyunon Bisaya

Parang Sabil
Sulu Muslims
Tatuaang
Bagobos of South Mindanao
9. Rituals
Rituals are based on daily activities.

exs:
Ch’along of the Ifugao
Pagdiwata from the Tagbanua
10. Songs
a. ambahan—seven-syllable verse of unrhymed couplets
b. bikal-verbal joust in song
c. balak-courting accomplished in metaphors
accompanied by the kudyapi and korlong
d. siday—sung by paid singers
e. parahaya—dirges sung by women during wakes
f. dalit or prayer in memory of the dead
g. oyayi or lullaby songs
Literature under Spanish Colonization
Characteristics:
 Centered on Christian faith
 Imitative of Spanish themes, forms and traditions
 Repetitious plots
 Characters thin, shadowy and bloodless
 Secular literature was transmitted orally
 rise of the printing press in the 19th century enabled
faster dissemination of works
Literary Types that Arise during the
Spanish Colonization
1. Corrido 7. Tibag
2. Awit 8. Duplo and Karagatan
3. Pasyon 10. Zarzuela
4. Cenakulo 11. Novenas, prayer books,
biographies of the
5.Moro-moro saints, tales, novels
6. Carillo 12. Balitaw, kundiman,
tapat
Some writers and their Contributions
1. Modesto de Castro’s book of manners, Pagsusulatan
ng Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at si Feliza (1864)
2. Fernando Bagongbanta wrote in Spanish
3. Tomas Pinpin wrote in Spanish, too
4. Pedro Paterno’s (1857-1911) collection of poems,
Sampaguitas (1880), ushers a new form of national
consciousness, while his other work, Ninay (1885),
was the first Filipino novel.
Some writers and their Contributions
5. Jose P. Rizal (“Noli Me Tangere,” “El Filibusterismo,”
“Mi Ultimo Adios”)
6. Marcelo H. del Pilar (essays and editorials in
“Diariong Tagalog”)
7. Graciano Lopez-Jaena (“La Solidaridad”) become the
guiding spirit of the Propaganda movement.
8. Emilio Jacinto’s essays collected under the title
Liwanag at Dilim.
9. Andres Bonifacio’s poems such as Katapusang Hibik
ng Filipinas highlighted the theme of freedom from
colonial rule.
Some writers and their Contributions
10. Apolinario Mabini’s “True Decalogue” fueled Filipino
nationalism.
11. Jose Palma’s “Filipinas” became the text of the
Philippine National Anthem (Julian Felipe set its
music).
Literature under the American
Colonization
Highlights:
• Americans arrive in 1898
 Spanish continued to dominate the elite
 English becomes the official language of
communication.
• Thomasites become the Filipinos first teachers
 Founding of Philippine Normal University (PNU) in
1901 and the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1908
Publications that opened and flourished
 English publications like “The Courier” “Insular Press,”
“Manila Freedom,” “Daily Bulletin” (1900), “The
Cablenews” (1902), “Philippines Free Press” (1905),
“Philippine Herald” (1920), “Philippine Education
Magazine” renamed “Philippine Magazine” (1924)
 Early student publications: “The Coconut” (1912), “The
Torch” (1913)
 By 1935, writers became concerned with developing a
“national literature”
Other Highlights of Philippine Literature
under the American Colonization
 Literary organizations: Writers’ Club (1927, UP) which
published “Literary Apprentice,”
 Early teachers: Professors Dan Fansler, Harriot Ely
Fansler, George Pope Shannon, Tom Inglis Moore,
Harold P. Scott, C.V. Wicker
 Classification of writings: (1) Romantic, (2) Realistic
 Jose Garcia Villa: arts for arts’ sake
 Salvador Lopez: proletarian literature
Literary Forms during the American Occupation
1. Poetry
Important Characteristics of Philippine Poetry during
the American Period in the country:
• poetry used as a vehicle for language-learning rather
than an art in itself
• poetry used for personal purposes
• poetry used as a means of promoting national
sentiments
 Influences in Poetry:
• Imagism--emphasis on poetic images
• Metaphysical School—combination of emotion and
intellect in poetry.
• Impressionistic-Symbolistic School—emphasized
impression of the moment rather than the physical
reality of the moment.
• New Criticism School—taught critics to analyze the text
of the poem not according to or through details external
to it.
2. Fiction
The good short story would have vitality and
magnificence of subject and an architectural
execution of this vital magnificent subject” (Villa,
1929).
Characteristics:
• the unified single impression or effect though
atmosphere, tone and style
• plausible characterization
• a well-defined plot structure
• control of language as medium
• interesting situation and a significant theme
 Standards:
• emphasis on a key moment or moment of illumination

• use of consistent point of view

• use of symbols

• evocative use of language for atmosphere and tone

• overall structural unity, blending of form and content

Other significant events in Fiction
• Komedya retains its stature as drama.
• Zarzuela was Filipinized by the 19th century.
• Hollywood films arrive; students begin to write one-
act plays.
• Serialization of novels in newspapers begin.
• Jose Garcia Villa earned the international title “Poet of
the Century”
 Writers and their contributions:
1. Fiction
• Dean S. Fansler published “Filipino Popular Tales” (1921)
• Zolio M Galang’s “A Child of Sorrow” (1921)—first
Filipino novel in English; “Life and Success” (1921)—first
volume of essays in English
• Paz Marquez Benitez’s “Dead Stars” (1925, short story)
• Arturo Rotor “Zita” (1930, short story)
Writers and their contributions:
• Manuel E. Arguilla (1910-1944)- “How my Brother Leon
Brought Home a Wife and Other Stories”
• Justo Juliano’s “Sursum Corda”—first Filipino poem in
English
• Lorenzo Paredes’ “Reminiscences”—first collection of
poems in book form
• Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1917-1995)—”Forsaken House”
and “Frustration”
Writers and their contributions:
Some Writers who continued to write in Spanish:
1. Fernando Ma. Guerrero (1873-1929)- “Crisalidas”
(1914), collection of poems
2. Cecilio Apostol (1877-1936)-“Pentelicas” (1941)
3.Jesus Balmori (1886-1948)- “Mi Casa de Nipa” (1938),
best of Balmori’s four books of verse
Some Tagalog Writers
It was during the early American period that seditious
plays, using the form of the zarsuwela. Some of them
are the ff.:
• Severino Reyes wrote “Walang Sugat” (1898); attacked
the komedya
• Juan Crisostomo Soto penned the ”Tanikalang Ginto”

• Patricio Mariano’s wrote “Anak ng Dagat ”

Writers and their contributions:
Poets:
• Alejandro G. Abadilla- ”Ako ang Daigdig” (1932)
• Other noted poets in Tagalog during this period were
Julian Cruz Balmaceda, Florentino Collantes, Pedro
Gatmaitan, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Benigno Ramos,
Inigo Ed. Regalado, Ildefonso Santos, Lope K. Santos,
Aniceto Silvestre, Emilio Mar. Antonio , Alejandro
Abadilla and Teodoro Agoncillo.
Novelists:
• Valeriano Hernandez Peña —exponent of the
romantic novel; wrote “Nena at Neneng” (1903)
• Iñigo Ed. Regalado - “May Pagsinta’y Walang Puso”
(1921)
• Lope K. Santos- “Banaag at Sikat” (1904)
• Faustino Aguilar - “Pinaglahuan” (1907), “Lihim ng
Isang Pulo” (1926)
Literature during the Japanese
Occupation
Significant Events:
 Japanese pushed for the use of Tagalog and de-emphasized English
 Some writers who used to write in English turned to Filipino because of
strict prohibitions of the Japanese on writing using the English
language
 Some newspapers continue operation but most of them were stopped
by the Japanese
 Anti-Japanese writings were discouraged

• Filipino literature was given a break during this period.

 Volume of short stories, “25 Pinakamabuting Kwento ng Taong 1943”

was published
.
FILIPINO POETRY DURING THIS PERIOD
Three types of poems emerged during this period.
1. Haiku – a lyric poem that was introduced by
the Japanese. It was made up of 17 syllables divided
into three lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the
second, 7 syllables, and the third, five.

2. Tanaga – It is a short poem that is made up of

four lines Each line had 7 syllables
and is also allegorical in meaning.
3. Karaniwang anyo (Usual Form)
FILIPINO DRAMA DURING THE
JAPANESE PERIOD
• The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese
period because movie houses showing American films
were closed.
• The big movie houses were just made to show stage
shows. Many of the plays were reproductions of
English plays to Tagalog.
• Some of the popular translators were Francisco Soc
Rodrigo, Alberto Concio, among others
Plays
1. Jose Ma. Hernandez – “Panday Pira”
2. Francisco Soc Rodrigo – “Sa Pula, Sa Puti”
3. Clodualdo del Mundo – “Bulaga”
4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda – “Sino Ba Kayo?” “Dahil sa
Anak” and “Higante ng Patay”
THE FILIPINO SHORT STORY
DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD
The field of the short story widened during the Japanese
Occupation. Many wrote short stories.
Among them were:
1.Brigido Batungbakal
2.Macario Pineda
3. Serafin Guinigundo
4. Liwayway Arceo
5. Narciso Ramos
6. NVM Gonzales
Phil Lit in English
 Carlos P. Romulo won the Pulitzer Prize for his bestseller
“I Saw the Fall of the Philippines, I See the Philippines
Rise” and “Mother America and My Brother Americans”
 Journalists include Salvador P. Lopez, Leon Ma. Guerrero,
Raul Manglapuz and Carlos Bulosan.
 Nick Joaquin wrote “The Woman Who Looked Like
Lazarus”.
 F.B. Icasiano wrote essays in the The Philippine Review.
 Carlos Bulosan’s works included “The Laughter of My
Father” (1944), “The Voice of Bataan (1943), “Six Filipino
Poets”(1942), among others.
The Best Writings of 1945
These were selected by a group of judges composed of
Francisco Icasiano, Jose Esperanza Cruz, Antonio Rosales,
Clodualdo del Mundo and Teodoro Santos.
As a result of this selection, the following got the first three
prizes:
First Prize: Narciso Reyes –”Lupang Tinubuan”
Second Prize: Liwayway Arceo-”Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa”
Third Prize: NVM Gonzales-”Lunsod, Nayon at Dagat
dagatan”
 The Commonwealth Literary Awards
This is a literary award that recognized commendable The
first winners were the following:
1. “Like the Molave” by Rafael Zulueta da Costa (Poetry)
2. “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife” by
Manuel E. Arguilla (Short Story)
3. “Literature and Society” by Salvador P. Lopez (Essay)
4. “His Native Soil” by Juan Laya (Novel)
Other writers of this period
 Juan Collas
 Tomas Confesor
 Roman A. de la Cruz
 Elisa Tabunar
Literature in the Contemporary Period
Some Highlights:
 Entry of new Criticism

 Resurgence of nationalist movement with students as core during the Martial

Law years.

 Philippine literature flourished and continues to grow in the various languages

continue especially with the appearance of new publications after the Martial
Law years

 Filipino writers continue to write poetry and fiction short with the varied
themes (social commitment, gender/ethnic related, personal or impersonal,
among others)

 The emergence of creative nonfiction have widened the span of prose thereby
is a positive sign to encourage more writers to publish.
Literature in the Contemporary Period
The teaching of Philippine Literature in all schools in the country
giving importance on the
the teaching of the vernacular literature or literatures of the
regions is a significant move towards the continued growth of our
local literature

Filipino writers have become more determined to improve their

craft by participating in writers workshops and conferences in
national and international levels .

The various literary awards such as the Don Carlos Palanca

Memorial Awards for Literature, the Philippines ,Free Press,
Philippine Graphic, Panorama literary contests among others
encourage them to polish their art and compete with others.
Notable Fictionists
F. Sionil Jose, Erwin Castillo, Ninotchka Rosca, Antonio
Enriquez, Resil Mojares, Renato Madrid, Wilfredo
Nolledo, Alfred A. Yuson, Amadis Ma. Guerrero, Jose
Dalisay Jr., Susan Lara, Jaime An Lim, Eric Gamalinda,
Charlson Ong, Rosario Cruz Lucero, Lakambini Sitoy,
Timothy Montes, Jessica Zafra, Katrina Tuvera, Angelo
Rodriguez Lacuesta, Luis Joaquin Katigbak, Dean
Francis Alfar, Ian Casocot, Menchu Aquino Sarmiento,
Vicente Garcia Groyon, Francezca Kwe and others
Notable Writers of Creative Non fiction (CNF)
Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo,Maria Paz Mendez ,Bienvenido
Santos ,Dolores Stephens-Feria, Pacita Lourdes Reyes
Montinola, Clinton Palanca, Gilda Cordero-Fernando
among others
Notable poets
Emmanuel Torres, Cirilo Bautista, Gemino Abad,
Federico Licsi Espino Jr, Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta,
Emmanuel Lacaba, Marjorie Evasco, Simeon Dumdum
Jr., Ma. Luisa Igloria, Merlie Alunan, Anthony Tan, Elsa
Coscoluella, Ramon Sunico, Ricardo de Ungria, Marne
Kilates, J. Neil C. Garcia, Danton Remoto, Paolo Manalo,
Joel Toledo, Mookie Katigbak, Naya Valdellon and
Angelo Suarez, among others
References:
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Publishing House Inc.

Dimalanta, O. & Mata, V. (1993). Philippine contemporary literature in English tradition and change ( from the 20’s to the
present). Manila: UST Publishing House.

Dundes, A & Georges, R. “Toward a structural definition of the riddle”. Journal of American folklore .76:113.

Eugenio, D. (1975). Philippine proverb lore. Quezon City: Philippine Folklore Society.

Fernandez, D. (1996). Essays on Philippine palabas theater history. Quezon City: AdMU Press.

Krappe, A. (1964). The science of folklore. New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc.

Lopez, M. (2006). A handbook of Philippine folklore. Quezon City: UP Press.

Lumbera, B. (2000). “Towards a revised history of Philippine literature.” The DLSU reader writings from different regions of
the Philippines. Manila: DLSU Press.

Lumbera, B. & Lumbera C. Eds. (1997). Philippine literature: a history and anthology (revised edition). Pasig City: Anvil
Publishing, Inc.

Manuel, E. (1963). “A survey of Philippine folk epics”. Asian folklore studies. 22:3.

Maramba, A. (2006). Early Philippine literature from ancient times to 1940. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing, Inc.