21st Century Literature in the Philippines and the World Reviewer Philippine literature is as rich and diverse as the 7500 plus islands that make up our archipelago. This is not surprising considering that we have 183 living languages (ethnologue.com) across 17 regions comprised of 82 provinces. The term literature is derived from the Latin word "littera" which means "a letter of the alphabet". According to the website Britannica, literature is traditionally defined as body of written works associated to imaginative and creative works of poetry and prose and can be classified according to variety of systems such as language, national origin, historical period, genre and subject matter. Literature can either be in oral or written form. The oral literature handed down from one generation to another, then later on transformed into written form. The products of written literature are called literary text. Two Major Forms of Literature 1. Poetry. This literary type is usually written in lines and is characterized by having the element of rhythm, sound, imagery, and form. Its main purpose is to express feelings, thoughts, and ideas. 3 types: a. Narrative Poetry. This poetry tells a story and has the elements of a narrative such as characters, setting, conflict, etc. b. Dramatic Poetry. This is an emotionally appealing drama written in verse that tells a story and is intended to be recited or sung in front of the audience by a character speaking in poetry. c. Lyric Poetry. It is the most common type of poetry that focuses on expressing feelings rather than telling a story. 2. Prose. In contrast to poetry, this literary piece applies a natural flow of speech and grammatical structures which are mainly consisting of complete sentences arranged logically and sequentially in a paragraph form. a. Fiction. This serves as a product of the writer's wild imagination and creative thinking where the characters react to the conflict and various issues central to the main idea of a literary work. Its three types are: short story, novel, and novella. The main genres are crime, fantasy, romance, science fiction, western, inspirational, historical fiction and horror. b. Non-fiction. These are stories inspired by real events where the writers aim to present, interpret, or describe experiences based on facts. The judgments, opinions, and commentaries of the writers may be presented in the form of essays, journals, diaries, feature articles, editorials, and the like. An Overview of Philippine Literature Historically speaking, Philippine literature can be divided into three most important periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial. All literary works produced before the Spanish colonization such as chants, proverbs, songs, and folk narratives are considered under pre-colonial period which are mostly of oral traditions Our forefathers also valued words of wisdom for teaching values as evidenced by numerous proverbs or salawikain. Having bugtong or riddles was also a favorite past time and listening to narratives of bravery, magic, and heroism in epics was a box office hit. The focus of literature suddenly changed upon the arrival of Spaniards. An emphasis on morality and religion was common in literary forms such as Corrido, Pasyon, and Cenaculo. The production of printed materials started but it was mostly of religious purposes and themes. Philippines were called back the the Spice Island. Filipinos started to write about oppression, corruption, and other social ills such as in the works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal entitled Noli Me Tangere and its sequel El Filibusterismo. SOCIAL SYSTEM DURING PREOCOLONIAL PERIOD -NO NATIONAL/CENTRAL GOVERNMET -BARANGAY IS THE FORM OF GOV'T. BARANGAY •Balangay (Malay Word "BOAT") •30-100 Families •Datu/ Rajah or Lakan SOCIAL STRATIFICATION BARANGAY -DATU/LAKAN/TUMAO (Leader, Ruling Class Wealthiest) -MAHARLIKA/TIMAWA (Intermediate Class, Had Enough Land, Serves the Ruler, Don't Work on Field, Don't Pay Tribute) SOCIAL STRATIFICATION BARANGAY ALIPIN/ORIPUN Unable to Pay Bebts, Punished Criminals, Illegitimate Children, Slaves) TWO TYPES OF SLAVE (A. NAMAMAHAY- with Home Quarters) (B. SAGIGILID-Lived in Master's House) EARLY WRITING WAS CALLED: BAYBAYIN EARLY FILIPINOS BELIEVE IN: ANIMISM AND FOLK HEALERS DIYOSA CHARACTERISTICS OF EARLY FILIPINO LITERATURE: •Varies to Human Interest •Close to Culture, Religion & Politics •Address to Ears than Eyes •BABAYLAN EARLY FILIPINO ORAL LITERATURE -BUGTONG (Riddle) -SALAWIKAIN (Proverbs) -KASABIHAN (Sayings)/ -MAXIMS (Proverbial Saying) Rhyming Couplet of 5,6 & 8 Syllables EARLY FILIPINO ORAL LITERATURE SAWIKAIN (Idioms) BULONG (Chants) TANAGA (Quatrain 7-7-7-7 AABB) EARLY FILIPINO ORAL LITERATURE: FOLK TALES •MYTHS •LEGENDS •EPIC •FABLES EARLY FILIPINO ORAL LITERATURE: •FOLK SONGS •LULLABIES •DRINKING SONG •LOVE SONG •RELIGIOUS SONG WHY PHILIPPINES? Philippines was viewed as stepping-stone for riches because of its Spices. "Spice Islands" SPANISH INFLUENCES -Introduced Roman Alphabet -Started Printing -Brought Christianity -Established Religion, Traditions and Culture SPANISH INFLUENCES -Introduced Roman Alphabet The classical Roman alphabet contained only 23 letters (no J, U or W.) In the beginning, all these letters were capitals. There were no lower-case letters. SPANISH INFLUENCES -Established Religion, -Traditions and Culture The Christian Doctrine (Doctrina Cristiana) was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593. It was written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr.Domingo Nieva in Tagalog and Spanish. It contained the Our Father (Pater Noster), Hail Mary (Ave Maria), Hail Holy Queen (Regina Coeli), The Ten Commandments of God, the Commandments of the Catholic Church, the Seven Mortal Sins, How to Confess, and the Catechism During the American Period, Filipino literary production was influenced by education and culture advancements, with free public education making knowledge accessible to all. Filipino writers imitated English and American models, exploring various forms of literature, with short stories becoming the most prevalent. Jose Garcia Villa, known as "Poet of the Century," gained international recognition. LITERATURE IN AMERICAN PERIOD OBJECTIVES Identify the literatures that flourished during the American colonization & the American influences. THE AMERICAN LITERATURE Overview At the dawn of the 20th century, American culture began to establish its form grip on the Filipino identity. They brought another groundbreaking cultural milestone: the English language. The Philippine writers appreciated the new styles and genres of writing that they brought. Topic Features - LITERATURES AND PERSONS BEHIND THESE LITERATURES BACKROUND FILIPINO-AMERICAN WAR JUNE 12, 1898 Raised the Philippine Flag as a symbol of independence. GEN. EMILIO AGUINALDO -selected as the first president of the Republic of the Philippines. 1903 FILIPINO-AMERICAN WAR Many Filipino started writing literatures such as news, reports, plays, essays and novels. Literature is characterized by Love of Country (Nationalism), Longing for Independence, Freedom of Speech, Experience and Search for New Medium AMERICAN INFLUENCES Schools, New Education System, Cleanliness & Hygiene, English Language, Politics and Freedom of Speech Introduction From the 1920s onwards, Philippine literature in English began to gain momentum. The genres of poetry, fiction, drama, and essay saw remarkable growth. Don't you know? Philippine literature during the American rule was influenced by EDUCATION. "Education is the key to success." -Someone Famous In 1901, Public Education was institutionalized. With the Americans providing free education, many were given the chance to study and English was used as the language of instruction. THREE GROUPS OF WRITERS SPANISH ENGLISH FILIPINO •Newspapers in our different dialects flourished all over the archipelago •Modernization of poetry took place •Novel was also introduced in this period LITERATURE •Short stories and dramas also emerged during this period •Plays, Essays and literary criticism were widely used during their times PERSONS BEHIND LITERATURE DURING AMERICAN PERIOD JOSE GARCIA VILLA National Artist of the Philippines for Literature 1973 "Footnote To Youth" "Have Come, Am Here" in two volumes Pen Name is "DOVEGLION" Comma Poet He introduced reversed consonance rime scheme and extensive use of punctuation in poetry. CLARO M. RECTO Masterpiece Collection of Poem "Bajo Los Cocoteros" (Under The Coconut Trees) in 1911 Father of Philippine Constitution JOSE CORAZON DE JESUS Known as "Huseng Batute" Called as "The Poet of Love"/ Legendary Lyric Poet "ANG ISANG PUNONG KAHOY": an Elegy, his masterpiece & "BAYAN KO" PAZ MARQUEZ BENITEZ The "Dead Stars" in 1925 was the first successful Philippine short story in English. The "Dead Stars" stood out as a model of perfection in character c delineation, local color, plot and message First Filipino Modern English Language Short Story Writer WILFREDO MARIA GUERRERO •Prince of Filipino Lyric Poets in Spanish •National Artist for Philippine Theatre (1997) •Guerrero helped the Philippine theater scene reached new heights. •His masterpieces included, "Condemned", "Women are Extraordinary", "Forever" & "Crisalidas" •"Invocacion A Rizal" is one of his poems Favorite theme is eternal sadness of things •First Filipino to have a theatre name in UP SEVERINO REYES His works included "WALANG SUGAT" & "MGA KWENTO NI LOLA BASYANG" •Father of Tagalog Plays •Father of Tagalog Zarzuela •Known as "Lola Basyang" ZOILO GALANG •He published "Life and Success," the first Philippine book of essays in English. •Just as he was the pioneer in fiction, Zoilo Galang broke new ground with essays as well. •"A CHILD OF SORROW" the first Philippine Novel written in English •Nadia (1929) •Encyclopedia of the Philippines (1957) MANUEL ESTABILLA ARGUILLA •"The best craftsman among Filipino fictionists in English" •"HOW MY BROTHER LEON BROUGHT HOME A WIFE" •"EPILOGUE TO RECONCILIATION (1936) •Republic Cultural Heritage Award 1972 NICK JOAQUIN •Republic Cultural Heritage Award 1961 •National Artist of Philippine Literature 1976 •The third most important Filipino English Writer •"SUMMER SOLSTICE" 1971 •THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS" 1961 •"MAY DAY EVE" 1947 •"A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO" 1966 •Known as "Quijano de Manila ARMANDO V. HERNANDEZ •Dubbed as The Poet of the Laborers •"ISANG DIPANG LANGIT", "ANG PANDAY" & "LUHA NG BUWAYA": his masterpieces •A Pillar of Tagalog Literature VALERIANO HERNANDEZ PENA •Known as Tandang Anong •"NENA AT NENENG his masterpiece LOPE K. SANTOS •"BANAAG AT SIKAT" •Father of National language Grammar/Filipino Grammar •Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa •Also known as "Apo" AURELIO TOLENTINO •Masterpiece: "KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS" •Father of Tagalog Dram •A theatre in CCP is nam after him. OTHER AUTHORS MANUEL BERNABE Translated Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam in Spanish King of Balagtasan in Spanish CECILIO APOSTOL •"A Rizal" is his masterpiece Known as "Catulo" His poems were used to teach Spanish Language (RA 1881) INIGO ED REGALADO •Novelist, story teller a JESUS BALMORI •Known as "Batikuling" Poet Laureate in Spanish "Mi Casa de Nipa" "Mi Choza de Nipa" Premio Zobel Award MANUEL VIRAY •He was among the most notable critics, aside from being a poet and fictionist himself. The three former UP Presidents had legacies of 8 excellent drama writing. CARLOS P. ROMULO "Sons for Sale" "The Ghost" "The Real Leader" "The Voice of Freedom" "I Am A Filipino" "My Brother Americans" "I Saw the Fall of the Philippines" VIDAL A.TAN "Modern High School Arithmetic for Philippines 1924" "The Meeting in the Town Hall" and "Souls in Torment." JORGE C. BACOBO "A Vision of Beauty" POETS OF THE HEART •LOPE K. SANTOS •AMADO V. HERNANDEZ POETS OF LIFE •JOSE CORAZON DE JESUS •LOPE & AMADO POETS OF STAGE •SEVERINO REYES •TOMAS REMIGIO •AURELIO TOLENTINO THREE GROUPS OF WRITERS KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS By Aurelio Tolentino MALAYA By Thomas Remigio TANIKALANG GINTO By Juan Abad WALANG SUGAT By Severino Reyes PLAYS WRITTEN IN AMERICAN PERIOD EL NUEVO DIA "THE NEW DAY" Established by Sergio Osmeña in 1900 A Cebuano Newspaper. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO Kapatid Ng Bayan in Tagalog "THE CALL OF THE NATION" by Pascual Pobleto in 1900. A pro labor and radical nationalist newspaper. EL RENACI MIENTO "THE REBIRTH" founded by Rafael Palma in 1900. The most influential newspaper in Manila. (Spanish) NEWS PAPER IN AMERICAN PERIOD MANILA DAILY BULLETIN The Philippine largest broadsheet newspaper by circulation. "Currently known as "The Manila Bulletin" Founded in 1900 as a shipping journal The second oldest Philippine newspaper, second to Manila Times NEWS PAPER IN AMERICAN PERIOD 1922-1931 Between this years, 40 Plays were produced or published in the country. These plays echoed cries for independence from the American colonizers. 10 The next 10 years were dominated by an all-time great in Philippine Literature. PLAYS WRITTEN IN AMERICAN PERIOD MORO-MORO -a play about the Christian Filipino army capturing Muslims -called "comedya" -a battle that began in 16th century when Christians from Luzon & Visayas joined the war against South of the Philippines PANUNULUYAN -a dramatization presenting the search of Mary and Joseph of an inn where Mary could give birth -performed during Christmas eve KARAGATAN -a poetic form of ritual usually played as part of rites held in connection with the death of person -based on the legend about a princess who dropped her ring at the sea AWIT -a narrative poem consists of 12 syllables per line and 4 lines per stanza in a slow rhythm accompanied by guitar -Florante at Laura is an example where they are expressing adoration SENAKULO -it is a play or re-enactment the life, passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ -mostly practiced by the Catholic on lenten session DUPLO -poetic form held when a person dies and consists of puns, jokes and riddles in vernacular to relieve sadness -played during wake, later it replaced karagatan. BALAGTASAN -a poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate about an issue -an early Filipino form of debate derived from Francisco Balagtas -Ama ng Balagtasan: Francisco Baltazar MORIONES -celebration of Saint Longinus, the blind Roman soldier who experienced a miracle of Jesus Christ during crucifixion -celebrated in Marinduque with costumes and mask FOLK SONG -Leron-leron Sinta, Pamulenawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi and Atin Cu Pung Singsing -Filipinos look at life in many ways, we put them in songs -no matter how hard the work we always manage to inject humor and fun in daily activities. OUR QUEER LANGUAGE WHEN THE ENGLISH TONGUE WE SPEAK, WHY IS BREAK NOT RHYMED WITH FREAK? WILL YOU TELL ME WHY ITS TRUE. WE SAY SEW BUT LIKEWISE FEW? AND THE MAKER OF THE VERSE CANNOT CAP HIS HORSE WITH WORSE? BEARD SOUNDS NOT THE SAME WITH HEARD. CORD IS DIFFERENT FROM WORD; COW IS COW BUT LOW IS LOW. SHOE IS NEVER RHYMED WITH FOE. THINK OF HOSE AND WHOSE AND LOSE, AND THINK OF GOOSE AND YET OF LOOSE. THINK OF COMB AND TOMB AND BOMB. DOLL AND ROLL AND HOME AND SOME, AND SINCE PAY IS RHYMED WITH SAY, WHY NOT PAID WITH SAID, I PRAY? WE HAVE BLOOD, AND FOOD AND GOOD, WHEREFORE DONE AND GONE AND LONE? IS THERE ANY REASON KNOWN? AND IN SHORT, IT SEEMS TO ME, SOUNDS AND LETTERS DISAGREE.
