CRUZ, Cromwell T.
BS Biology 4-1
1. Select one literary piece that resonates best with your personality. Using the seven
literary standards of William J. Long (1909), justify its value as literature. (45 points)
A Philippine literary piece that resonates best with my personality is The Islands of
Sina-Una DnD campaign book which pulls from precolonial mythology and the
culture of the Philippines. The project was spearheaded by Lucia Versprille, and
other intrepid Dungeons and Dragons players and enthusiasts.
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D or DnD) is a tabletop role-playing game that allows
players to create and develop characters, and embark on adventures in a fantasy
world. While it is not typically considered a genre of literature, it does share some
similarities with certain genres, such as fantasy and adventure. Albeit a role-playing
game, resources for execution such as story books, creature codex, and narrative
passages for contextual world-building by Dungeon Masters—the narrator of the
game—would fall under literature. Here we discuss how so through the lens of the
Islands of Sina-Una.
One aspect of D&D that can be seen as universal is its
emphasis on creativity and imagination. The game encourages
players to create their own unique characters and storylines,
and to think creatively to solve problems and overcome
obstacles. This emphasis on freedom for creativity and
imagination allows it to not be limited in language and appeals
to a wide range of people, regardless of their background or
interests. This applies to Sina-Una DnD campaigns; while
sourcing from folklorists in the Philippines, the contents of the
book are distributed to the international community of LARPers
(LARP - live-action role-play).
Sina-Una may also be viewed in an artistic sense. Going
beyond the spectacular visuals of the book, Sina-Una features
artistry in its writing. The texts are written with a lot of imagery
to fit its world-building purpose. With imaginary worlds being the
product of DnD, resource literature stresses the need to put in
words what certain characters, enemies, creatures, food,
history, and action appear to be.
There is an incredible amount of research poured into the
making of the book for fantasy literature. Rightfully so: the
Philippines has been colonized by a slew of entities and cultural
mythology are likely to be diluted by such influences. In the
foreword of the book, Lucia has had sleepless nights with
researchers going over the fact that they don’t know the original
name of the Tiburones due to colonization. The book described
the serpent Bakunawa as having an eel-like appearance
rationalized by the idea that she hides in the depths of the
oceans in wait, contrary to modern illustrations depicting the
serpent to have dragon-like features more common to East or
Central Asia. The book included an illustration of the Witch Dog,
a dog breed uniquely from the Philippines believed to be the
familiar of indigenous witchdoctors. The point here is that the
demanding challenge of collating unpopular philippine
mythology required a certain academic pursuit to best represent
our culture to the international audience, making the book have
a lot of intellectual value despite being in the grey area of
fantasy and cultural realism.
DnD resource books are not scriptures that are read as
monotone, unemotional, or matter-of-factly. The freedom to
stray from one planned story into a spontaneous side quest is
part of the fun. Likewise, Sina-Una just provides the setting,
culture, food, means of transport, or gods, deities, spirits, and
people of the world. The story is specifically directed by the
players. In this sense, the book is suggestive, encouraging
certain emotions, notions, or stories that are uniquely from the players. In the eyes of
those who play, they are the characters so the
emotional rollercoaster of, for example, encountering
the spectacular awe of Arimaonga, the horned lion
giant who took the moon from the sky and made it his
chew toy, is their own.
On its spiritual value, Sina-Una contains stories of
powerful deities, spirits, and heroes that embody
important spiritual values, which serve as inspiration
for people to embody these values in their own lives.
Many indigenous narratives in Philippine mythology
involve connecting with the natural world and honoring one's lineage, which can
provide a sense of connection, grounding, and spiritual comfort. These reflect the
beliefs and practices of the Filipino people and offer inspiration, connection, and
meaning for individuals seeking to uplift their spirit and soul.
DnD has had an enduring impact on pop culture due to its unique blend of
storytelling, creativity, and social interaction. DnD has been the subject of many
books, both fiction and non-fiction, that have contributed to its permanence in the
contemporary world. One way that DnD books have contributed to its permanence
is through their ability to provide players with detailed and immersive worlds to
explore. DnD campaign books provide game masters and players with a framework
for creating and exploring intricate and fascinating worlds, filled with complex
characters, magical creatures, and fantastic settings.
DnD books also serve as an inspiration for other forms of media, such as literature,
film, and video games. Many famous authors, such as George R.R. Martin and
Stephen King, have credited DnD as an influence on their work. The game has also
inspired numerous video games, such as the Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights
series. While we have yet to see the permanence of Sina-Una, its research-intensive
and rich lore and mythology are promising to be embedded in popular culture.
Sina-Una games allow players to create their own characters and stories, which
often reflect their own experiences and values. It provides a platform for exploring
different aspects of humanity such as identity, culture, and societal roles. And offer a
wide range of settings and themes that reflect different perspectives on life, allowing
players to create intricate plots and subplots, complex characters and relationships,
and rich and detailed worlds. Games allow players to create their own structures and
expressions, reflecting their own experiences and values, offering a peculiar way of
viewing life through the formation of ideas, forms, structures, and expressions. In
such a sense, Sina-Una fulfills the standard of style, completing the seven indicators
of literary standards of William J. Long.
2. Based on the reasons presented by Sahr (2015), explain how studying Philippine Literature
can mold you into a better citizen. Provide concrete examples for each general idea. (45
points)
It expands horizons.
Studying Philippine Literature can help us learn about different perspectives and
experiences, which can broaden my understanding of the world around us. For example,
reading the works of Nick Joaquin can expose us to the complexities of Philippine history
and culture, while reading the poetry of Jose Garcia Villa can give us a glimpse into the
inner workings of the human mind. Reading the novels of F. Sionil Jose can also give
insight into the struggles of the common Filipino, while the works of Lualhati Bautista can
help understand the experiences of women in Philippine society.
It builds critical thinking skills.
Philippine Literature can challenge my beliefs and assumptions, and encourage to think
critically about the world around us. For example, reading the plays of Nick Joaquin can
force us to confront uncomfortable truths about Philippine history and society, while the
essays of E. San Juan Jr. can make question long-held assumptions about the
relationship between the Philippines and the United States. Analyzing the poetry of Jose
Garcia Villa can also help develop my critical thinking skills, as we try to unravel the
layers of meaning and symbolism in his work.
It provides an understanding of the past.
Philippine Literature can give insight into the historical events and cultural practices that
have shaped the Philippines. For example, reading the works of Jose Rizal can help us
understand the political and social context of the Philippine Revolution, while the plays of
Francisco Balagtas can give a sense of the cultural traditions of the Tagalog people. The
novels of Lualhati Bautista can also provide a window into the experiences of Filipinos
during the martial law era, while the poetry of Cirilo F. Bautista can help us understand
the struggles of Filipinos during the Japanese occupation.
It gives us an appreciation for other cultures and beliefs.
Studying Philippine Literature can help understand and appreciate the diversity of
Philippine culture, as well as the cultural traditions of other nations. For example, reading
the works of Amado V. Hernandez can help appreciate the contributions of Filipino
workers to the labor movement, while the poetry of Edith Tiempo can expose to the
beauty and complexity of the Visayan language. The works of Jose Garcia Villa can also
help appreciate the nuances of English as a language, while the plays of Nick Joaquin
can give insight into the cultural traditions of Spain and Latin America.
It helps us attain better writing skills.
Reading and studying Philippine Literature can help develop our own writing skills, as we
learn from the techniques and styles of great writers. For example, reading the works of
Francisco Balagtas can inspire to experiment with different literary forms, while studying
the poetry of Jose Garcia Villa can help improve our use of imagery and metaphor.
Analyzing the novels of F. Sionil Jose can also help develop the ability to create complex
characters and intricate plotlines.
It enables us to address the issues and conditions of humanity.
Philippine Literature can help understand and engage with important social, political, and
environmental issues facing the country and the world. For example, reading the essays
of E. San Juan Jr. can inspire to advocate for human rights and social justice, while
studying the works of Bienvenido Lumbera can help engage with issues of national
identity and cultural heritage. The poetry of Cirilo F. Bautista can also encourage to
reflect on the relationship between humans and the natural world, while the plays of Nick
Joaquin can help grapple with the complexities of power and politics.
3. How is Philippine literature linked with our country’s history, and how can you use
Philippine literature to help the country secure a better future? (25 pts)
Philippine literature is deeply intertwined with the history of our nation. Through literature, we
can trace the evolution of Philippine society, culture, and values from the pre-colonial period
up to the present day. The stories, poems, and other literary works that we read are a
reflection of our people's beliefs, experiences, and aspirations.
In the pre-colonial period, Philippine literature was primarily oral, with epic poems and folk
tales passed down from one generation to the next. These stories, which featured gods,
goddesses, and heroes, revealed the values and beliefs of the indigenous peoples of the
Philippines. The arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century brought about
significant changes in Philippine literature, as writing became the preferred medium of
artistic expression. During this period, the literary works produced were mainly religious in
nature, reflecting the influence of Catholicism on Philippine society.
The American colonial period in the early 20th century saw the emergence of a new breed of
Filipino writers who sought to express their national identity and desire for independence.
Writers such as Jose Garcia Villa, N.V.M. Gonzalez, and Nick Joaquin produced works that
were reflective of the social, economic, and political conditions of their time. The period also
saw the emergence of Philippine literature in English, which helped to bridge the gap
between the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Today, Philippine literature continues to evolve and reflect the country's contemporary issues
and concerns. Literature is a powerful tool that can be used to raise awareness and
understanding of social and political issues, such as poverty, corruption, and inequality. It
can also promote cultural awareness and appreciation, encouraging Filipinos to take pride in
their heritage and identity.
Moreover, Philippine literature can contribute to a brighter future for our country by inspiring
change and progress. Literature can challenge the status quo and provide alternative
perspectives and solutions to the problems that we face as a nation. It can also serve as a
means of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting cultural tourism, which can boost
the country's economy.
Philippine literature is an important part of our nation's history and culture. It reflects the
struggles, triumphs, and values of our people throughout different periods of time. By
studying and appreciating our literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of our identity
as Filipinos and our place in the world. Moreover, we can use Philippine literature to inspire
positive change in our society, whether by promoting social justice, cultural preservation, or
national unity. Ultimately, our literary heritage can help us shape a better future for ourselves
and the generations to come.
4. Using the diagram below, arrange and classify the following sample literary pieces according to their genre. (15 points)
Dead Stars (Benitez)
Smaller and
Smaller Circles (Batacan)
Paradise Lost (Milton)
Ode To My Pearl
of The Orient Seas (Franco)
Ibalong
Florante at Laura (Balagtas)
A Love at the
End of the World (Benipayo)
Desaparesidos (Luarca)
The Merchant
of Venice (Shakespeare)
Biuag anni Malana
Sining sa
Halip na Dasal (San Juan)
Luzviminda (Atienza)
Lysistrata (Aristophanes)
Awit ng Pagpupuri
Pygmalion (Rousseau)
Biuag anni Malana
Smaller and Smaller Circles by
Felisa Batacan
Luzviminda by Liam Atienza
Lysistrata by Aristophanes
Paradise Lost by John Milton
A Love at the End of the World
by Rey Benipayo
Awit ng Pagpupuri
The Merchant of Venice by
William Shakespeare
Ode To My Pearl Of The Orient
Seas by Jeff Franco
Sining sa Halip na Dasal by
Sonny San Juan
Dead Stars by Paz Marquez
Benitez
Desaparesidos by Guelan
Luarca
Florante at Laura by Francisco
Balagtas
Ibalong
Pygmalion by Jean Jacques
Rousseau
Prepared by:
Samantha Dominique R. Itliong
Department of Languages and Literature