Philippine Literature

During
Japanese Period
 Japanese period has been called one
of the darkest days in the history and
literary tradition of the Philippines. The
wartime experiences and events of the
troubled times left indelible imprints to
the lives of the Filipino nation.
Historical Background
• The stride and growth of the
Philippine literature in English
language and the development of
Philippine literature in general was
interrupted during the Japanese
period. During the Japanese period,
Philippine Literature in English
was stopped and writers turned to
writing in Filipino.
Historical Background
• The Japanese authorities,
with extreme hate to the
Americans, did their best to
turn the Filipinos’ sympathy
away from them. They
rewarded handsomely the
Filipinos who are faithful to
them.
Historical Background
• The Japanese language,
Nippongo was introduced but
not well-embraced by the
Filipinos despite it is being
forcefully taught by the Japanese.
With the prohibition of writing
literary pieces in English
language, Filipino literature was
given a break.
 Philippine
Literary Poems
(Japanese Period)
Haiku
Haiku is a poem of
free verse of Japanese
origin. It has 17 syllables
divided into 3 lines. The
first has 5 syllables, second
has 7, and the third has 5
syllables.
Haiku
The favorite topics
of haiku writers include
nature, love, patriotism,
nationalism, friendship
and the human
emotions.
Haiku
An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.

-Matsuo Basho
Haiku
PAGKAWASAK

Ang lungkot-lungkot
Tayo’y nagpapabaya
Nawasak lahat.
Tanka
Tanka poem is very similar
to haiku but Tanka poems
have more syllables and it
uses simile, metaphor and
personification.
Tanka
Tanka poems are written
about nature, seasons, love,
sadness and other strong
emotions. This form of
poetry dates back almost
1200 years ago.
Tanka
The 31 syllables are divided
into 5 lines with: first line
with 5, second line with 7,
third line with 5, fourth line
with 7, and the fifth line
with 7.
Tanka
Crash at two A.M.
I opened my bedroom door
A white cat ran by
Startled by clanging fall
Of the treat jar's metal lid
Tanka
PAGLISAN
Kay bilis ng panahon
Nang tayo’y nagkalayo
Nag-iisa sa dilim
Walang magawa,
Di pinapansin.
Haiku And Tanka Writing
1. Choose a favorite topic which you are comfortable
to write with.
2. Write 6 Haikus and 4 Tankas.
3. Place your 6 Haikus on two short (8.5×11) bond
papers (three Haikus per bond paper).
4. Place your 4 Tankas on two short (8.5×11) bond
papers (two Tankas per bond paper).
5. There must be a separate title per Haiku/Tanka as
each is distinct and separate from each other.