Lit 112: Philippine Literature
I. Pre-Colonial Period ( - 1565)
- literature was oral, funny and entertaining
- Early Filipinos wrote on clay, barks of trees, leaves, and bamboo tubes, using knives and other pointed
instruments for pens, and the sap of certain trees and sooth for ink.
- Alibata (baybayin) - consisted of 17 symbols: 3 for vowels and 14 for consonants
-Literary Genres:
A. Folk Narratives
1. Myth - a traditional story about heroes or supernatural beings, often attempting to explain the origins of
natural phenomena or aspects of human behaviour.
Example: Visayan Creation Myth
2. Legend- traditional narrative the common theme of which is about the origin of a thing, place, location or
name. Events areimaginary, devoid of truth and unbelievable. Filipino customs are reflected in these legends.
Example: The Legend of Mayon Volcano
3. Fables- a short allegorical tale with a moral, especially one in which the characters are animals.
Example: The Monkey and the Crocodile
4. Folktales- made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror and humour where one can derive lessons
about life. They usually help us appreciate our environment, evaluate our personalities and improve our
perspectives in life.
Example: Misadventures of Juan Tamad
B. Early Poetry
1. Riddles (Bugtong o Palaisipan)- made up of one or more measured lines with rhyme and many consist of four
to twelve syllables.
Example:Bungbong kung liwanag
Kung gabi ay dagat. (Mat(banig))
2. Proverbs- terse statements of practical wisdom based on long experience and observations about life.
Example: Nahangad ng kagitna
Isang salop ang nawala.
3. Chants(Bulong)- used in witchcraft or enchantment.
Example: Ikaw ang nagnanakaw ng bigas ko
Lumuwa sana ang mga mata mo
Mamaga sana ang katawan mo
Patayin ka ng mga anito.
4. Sayings (Kasabihan)- often used in teasing or to comment on a person’s actuations.
Example: Putak, putak
Batang duwag
Matapang ka’t
Nasa pugad.
5. Sawikain- sayings with no hidden meanings
Example: Nasa Diyos ang awa
Nasa tao ang gawa.
6. Folk Songs- one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that mirrors the early forms of culture.
Examples:
- Kundiman (Song of Love)
-Kumintang or Tagumpay (War Song)
-Ang Dalit o Imno (Song to the God of the Visayans)
- Oyayi o Hele (Lullaby)
- Diana (Wedding Song)
- Soliraning (Song of the Laborer)
- Talindaw (Boatman’s Song)
7. Epics- long narrative poems in w/c a series of heroic achievements or events, usually a hero, are dealt with at
length.
Examples:
- Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilokano)- written by Pedro Bukaneg, the Father of Ilokano Literature (Bukaneganthe Ilokano version of Balagtasan in Tagalog)
- Ibalon (Bikol)
- Ulalim (Kalinga)
- Hudhud and Alim (Ifugao)
- Hinilawod (Sulod)- perhaps the longest recorded Filipino epic
- Agyu and Baybayan (Bukidnon)
- Tuwaang (Manuvu)
- Maragtas (Visayan Epic)
- Haraya (Visayan Epic)
- Hari sa Bukid (Visayan Epic)
- Lagda (Visayan Epic)
- Kumintang (Tagalog)
- Guman (Subanon)
- Bantugan (Maranaw)
- Parang Sabil (Tausug)
- Indarapatra at Sulayman (Maguindanaon)
II. Spanish Period (1565-1898)
Spanish Influences on Phil. Literature
- Printingwas introduced in the Philippines by the Dominicans in 1593.
- The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
- The Spanish language w/c became the literary language during this time lent many of its words to our
language.
- The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
- European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moromoros.
- Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.
- Periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.
A. Religious Period
The First Books
1. Ang Doctrina Christiana (The Christian Doctrine) – 1st book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in
xylography. It was written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr. Domingo Nieva. It contained the Pater Noster (Our
Father), Ave Maria (Hail Mary), Regina Coeli (Hail Holy Queen), the Ten Commandments of God, the
Commandments of the Catholic Church, the Seven Mortal Sins, How to Confess, and the Catechism.
2. Nuestra Senora de Rosario- 2nd book printed in the Phils, written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1602. It
contains the biographies of saints, novena, and questionsand answers on religion.
3. Libro de los Cuatro Postoprimera Hombre- first book printed in typography.
4. Ang Barlaan at Josephat- biblical story printed in the Phils. and translated to Tagalog from Greek by Fr.
Antonio de Borja. It is believed to be the 1st tagalong novel published in the Philippines even if it is only a
translation.
5. The Pasion - a book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is read during the Lent. There are four
versions each according to the name of the writers: the Pilapil version by Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan in 1814, the
de Belen version by Gaspar Aquino de Belen of Batangas in 1704, the de la Merced version by Anacleto de la
Merced of Norzagaray Bulacan in 1856, and the de Guia version by Luis de Guia in 1750. Chanters may take 2-4
nights singing the Pasion (Pasyon) with chanters taking turns in shifts of 3-4 hours each.
6. Urbana at Feliza- book by Modesto de Castro, the Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog. These are letters
between 2 sisters Urbana at Felisa & has influenced greatly the behavior of people in society because the letters
dealt with good behaviour.
7. Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria- collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary written by Fr. Mariano Sevilla, a
Filipino priest. Popular especially during the Maytime “Flores de Mayo” festival.
LITERARY GENRES
Poetry
1. The Pasyon
 Ang Mahal Na Pasion Ni Jesu Christong P. Natin Na Tola – 1st known pasyon in the country
- written by Gaspar Aquino de Belen in 1704.
2. Metrical Romances (Awit and Corrido)
a. Awit- set in dodecasyllabic verse. They are fabricated stories from writers’ imagination although the
setting and characters are Europeans. They refer to chanting.
Example : Florante At Laura by Francisco Baltazar (Prince of Tagalog Poets)
Kung siya mong ibig ako’y magdusa
Langit na mataas aking mababata
b. Corrido- in octosyllabic verse. They were usually based on European legends or tales. They refer to
narration
Examples: Ibong Adarna, Historia Famoso ni Berbardo del Carpio, And Doce Pares ng Francia
Lines from Ibong Adarna
Oh, Birheng kaibig-ibig
Ina naming nasa langit,
Liwanagan yaring isip
Nang sa layo’y di malihis.
3. Ladino Poems- Ladinos were the first Tagalog versifiers who saw print, natives who were highly literate in both
Spanish and the vernacular. Among them were Fernando Bagongbanta and Tomas Pinpin.
4. Folk Songs- Examples: Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, Atin Cu Pung Singsing
Prose- the prose works of the period consisted mostly of didactic pieces and translations of religious writings in
foreign languages, such as novenas and biographies of saints,...and the linguistic works of the friarlexicographers and grammarians.
Examples :
Barlaan at Josaphat/Josephat- tells the story of the conversion to Christianity of a young Indian prince,
Josaphat, by the holy man, Barlaan ; their pious lives, and holy death.
Urbana at Feliza- most important didactic literature of this period
Religious and Recreational Plays
1. Panunuluyan- tagalog version of the Mexican posadas. It is held on the eve of Christmas. It dramatizes
Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.
2. Cenaculo- dramatization of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
2 Kinds
Cantada
Hablada
3. Salubong/Panubong- an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and His Mother.
4. Tibag (excavate)- depicts St. Helena/Elena’s search for the cross on which Christ died.
5. Carillo(Shadow Play)- dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night during a town fiesta or on
dark nights after harvest.
- projecting cardboard figures before a lamp against a white sheet
6. Zarzuela/Sarswela- considered the father of the drama
7. Sainete-short musical comedy popular during 18th century. It is also an exaggerated comedy depicting
scenes from everyday life with rustic or lower-class figures as characters. Example : La India Elegante y
el Negrito Amante (1836) by Francisco Baltazar.
* The Moriones- story of Longinus, a Roman soldier who was beheaded for proclaiming his belief in Christ
and spreading in the community the miracle of the resurrection of Christ.
* The Moro-moro - comedia showing how the Mohammedans were defeated by some Divine Intercession
and converted to Christianity.
* Karagatan- a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a person. It comes
from an old legendary practice of testing the mettle of young men vying for a maiden’s hand. The
maiden’s ring, or any precious piece of jewelry, would be dropped into the sea, & the suitors would dive
for it. Whoever retrieved it would have the girl’s hand in marriage.
* Duplo- replaced the Karagatan and considered as the forerunner of balagtasan. It is a poetic joust in
speaking and reasoning. The performers consists of two teams, one composed of young women called
dupleras or belyakes, & the other, of young men called Dupleros or belyakos. An elderly man- the hariipresides over the proceedings.
*Balagtasan- poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate on a particular topic or issue.
*Dung-aw- chant in free verse by a bereaved person beside the corpse of the dead.
B. Rebellious Period
The Propaganda Movement and the Literature of Protest- The objectives of this movement were to seek
reforms and changes like the following:
1. To get equal treatment for the Filipinos and the Spaniards under the law.
2. To make the Philippines a colony of Spain.
3. To restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes.
4. To Filipinize the parishes.
5. To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of the press, assembly, and for redress of grievances.
* The Propagandists
1. Dr. Jose P. Rizal (Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Alonzo y Realonda)- pen names were Laong Laan and
Dimasalang.
His Books and Writings
 Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)- title from book of St. John. It is considered a novel of society
 El Filibusterismo- sequel of Noli. Konown as a novel of politics
 Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell)- considered by critics as his poetic masterpiece. It is a poem he wrote
while he was incarcerated at Fort Santiago
 Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinos (On the Indolence of the Filipino)- an essay on the so-called Filipino
indolence and an evaluation of the reasons for such allegations.
 A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) - a poem Rizal dedicated to the Filipino youth studying at
UST.
 Junto Al Pasig (Beside the Pasig River)- written by Rizal when he was 14 years of age.
2. Marcelo H. Del Pilar- pen names were Plaridel, Pudpoh, Piping Dilat, and Dolores Manapat.
Diariong Tagalog –established in 1882 where he exposed the evils of the Spanish government in the
Philippines & in order to avoid the false accusations hurled at him by the priests.
His Writings
 Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa- translated from the Spanish Amor Patria of Rizal
 Kaiingat Kayo- a humorous & sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriguez in the novel Noli of Rizal. He
used Dolores Manapat as pen name here.
 Dasalan at Tocsohan- similar to cathecism but sarcastically done against the parish priests. Because of
this, del Pilar was called a ‘filibuster’.
 Sagot sa Espanya sa Hibik ng Pilipinas- this poem is answer to that of Hermenigildo Flores’ Hibik sa
Pilipina
3. Graciano Lopez Jaena
- founded La Solidaridad in Barcelona.
His Works


Fray Botod- a novellete in Hiligaynon. It is a satire about a pot bellied, abusive, and immoral friar.
La Hija Del Fraile and Everything is Hambug- Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.
4. Mariano Ponce- pen names were Kalipulako, Tikbalang, and Naning.
His Works
 Ang Alamat ng Bulacan
 Sobre Filipinos (About the Filipinos)
5. Pedro Paterno
 Ninay- 1st social novel in Spanish by a Filipino
 Sampaguitas y Poesias Varias (Sampaguita and Varied Poems)- a collection of his poems.
Period of Active Revolution and its Writers
1. Andres Bonifacio- the Father of Filipino Democracy and the Father of the Katipunan
His Writings
 Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog
 Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak ng Bayan- an outline of obligations just like the 10
commandments of God.
 Huling Paalam- translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in Tagalog
2. Emilio Jacinto- Brains of the Katipunan
- Editor of Kalayaan ( Katipunan’s newspaper).
His Works
 Kartilya ng Katipunan(A primer book on the Katipunan)
 Liwanag at Dilim- a collection of essays on different subjects like freedom, work, faith,
government, love of country
 A La Patria (To My Country)- his masterpiece
3. Apolinario Mabini- known as the Sublime Paralytic and the Brains of the Revolution
His Works
 El Verdadero Decalogo- his masterpiece and his aim here was to propagate the spirit of nationalism
 Sa Bayang Pilipino (To the Filipino Youth)
4. Jose Palma- best known as the author of the lyrics of the national anthem
III. American Colonial Period (1898-1941)
- The Treaty of Paris (1898) ended the Spanish occupation
- As early as 1900 President Mckinley’s instructions made English an official language of the country.
- In 1901, American teachers (Thomasites) arrived on the army transport Thomas.
- In 1905, The Philippines Free Press was founded.
- Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays and
novels.
- Novel and short story became very popular, although poetry was inevitable.
- Zarzuela was used as protest material during the early portion of American regime.
Characteristics of Literature during This Period
3 groups of writers contributed to Philippine Literature during this period.
A. Literature in Spanish
1. Fernando Ma. Guerrero- pseudonyms were ‘Fulvis Gil’ and ‘Gil Rosas’
- he wrote Crisalidas (Chrysalis)- collection of his verses which was published in 1914.
2. Cecilio Apostol- wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes but his poem dedicated to
Rizal is considered the best poem in praise of the hero of Bagumbayan.
3. Jesus Balmori- pen name was Batikuling. He was elected Poet Laureate in Spanish besting Manuel Bernabe.
His stories are on fallen women, decadent living, the corruption of man, and hypocrisy in society.
4. Claro M. Recto- president of the First Constitutional Convention in 1935. He wrote verses which were later
compiled in Bajo los Cocoteros
B. Filipino Literature: 3 Kinds of Tagalog Poets
a. Poets of the Heart (Makata ng Puso)
1. Lope K. Santos- Father of the National Language Grammar. He was also called the ‘Apo’ of the Tagalog
writers.
 Banaag at Sikat- his masterpiece
2. Inigo Ed. Regalado
3. Jose Corazon de Jesus- known as Huseng Batute and was called the Poet of Love in his time
 Ang Isang Punong kahoy- an elegy, believed to be his masterpiece
4. Amado V. Hernandez
5. Mar Antonio
b. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay)
1. Lope K. Santos
2. Florante Collantes
3. Jose Corazon de Jesus
4. Amado V. Hernandez- known as Makata ng mga Manggagawa
 Ang Panday- his masterpiece
 Isang Dipang Langit
 Bayang Malaya
 Munting Lupa
c. Poets of the Stage
1. Aurelio Tolentino
2. Patricio Mariano
3. Severino Reyes- Lola Basyang
Drama- The theater in the Philippines was very much alive at the end of the 19th century. Comedias and
zarzuelas were performed almost every week.
Tagalog Drama
1. Severino Reyes- Father of the Tagalog drama & author of the immortal Walang Sugat
 Walang Sugat- is a story of 2 lovers who are cousins, Tenyong and Julia.
2. Aurelio Tolentino - dramatist in whom the Kapampangans take pride.
 Luhang Tagalog- masterpiece
 Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas- resulted in his incarceration.
3. Hermogenes Ilagan
 Dalagang Bukid
4.Patricio Mariano
 Ninay
 Anak ng Dagat- his masterpiece
5. Julian Cruz Balmaceda
 Bunganga ng Pating
6. Juan Abad
 Tanikalang Ginto
Other Forms of Literature
1. Pedro Bukaneg- Father of Ilocano literature.
2. Claro Caluya- Prince of Ilokano Poets
3. Leon Pichay- known as the best Bukanegero
Pampango Literature
1. Juan Crisostomo Soto- Father of Kapampangan Literature. The word Crisotan (meaning Balagtasan)
in Tagalog is taken from his name.
2. Aurelio Tolentino
Visayan Literature
1. Eriberto Gumban- Father of Visayan Literature
2. Magdalena Jalandoni- novelist

Ang Maga Tunuk San Isa Ca Bulaclac
C. Philippine Literature in English
a. Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)
b. Period of Imitation (1910-1925)
c. Period of Self-Discovery (1925-1941)
a. Period of Re-orientation- American occupation in the Philippines started on August 13, 1898. English came to
be used as medium of instruction in the public schools.
 Sursum Corda- written by Justo Juliano was the first work to be published in English
 My Mother and Air Castles by Jan F. Salazar- published in 1909.
b. Period of Imitation- the UP College Folio published the literary compositions of the first Filipino writers in
English by 1919.
 Dead Stars-a short story by Paz Marquez Benitez
- first successful short story in English written by a Filipino
 A Child of Sorrow- novel by Zoilo Galang
c. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth - by these time, Filipino writers had acquired the mastery of English
writing. 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.
Jose Garcia Villa- undisputed Filipino supremo of the ‘artsakists’.
D. The Bodabil and the Movies
Bodabil (corruption of Vaudeville) - a variety show composed by of songs, dances, and skits. It was introduced
by Luis Borromeo when he came home from Las Vegas in 1921.
*the zarzuela and the drama disappeared from the stage when the first Filipino movies were made, although the
latter were actually film versions of the stage plays.
Famous Works
1. Walang Sugat (1902) – Severino Reyes
2. Tanikalang Guinto (1902) – Juan Abad
3. Nena at Neneng (1903) – Valeriano Hernandez Pena, “Father of the Tagalog Novel”
4. Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas (1903) – Aurelio Tolentino
5. Banaag at Sikat (1904)– Lope K. Santos (Ama ng Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa)
6. Philippine Free Press (1905)
7. Pinaglahuan (1907) – Faustino Aguilar
8. Dalagang Bukid (1919) – Hermogenes Ilagan’s most famous sarswela
9. Anak ng Dagat (1922) – Patricio Mariano
10. Azucena (1925) – Marcelo de Garcia Concepcion
11. Dead Stars – Paz Marquez Benitez
12. Kenkoy (1928) – came out from Liwayway (1922)
13. Bayan Ko (1928)- Jose Corazon de Jesus
14. Bodabil (vaudeville)- stage show
15. Without Seeing the Dawn (1947) – Stevan Javellana
IV. The Japanese Period (1941-1945)
-considered as the Golden Age of Filipino Literature
- a great period for the Tagalog theater which enjoyed a renaissance then for the following reasons : the
American movies were banned, writing in English was discouraged, & there was difficulty in securing materials for
movie making.
Filipino Poetry during this Period
1. Haiku
2. Tanaga
3. Karaniwang Anyo
V. The Martial Law Period/ Period of the New Society (1972-1980)
- September 21, 1972 – Marcos declared Martial Law.
- Slogans
1. Sa Ikauunlad ng bayan
Disiplina ang kailangan
2. Tayo’y kumain ng gulay
Upang humaba ang buhay
3. Magplano ng pamilya
Nang ang buhay ay lumigaya
4. Ang pagsunod sa magulang
Tanda ng anak na magalang
5. Tayo’y magatim
Upang mabuhay.
Tayo’y magbigayan
At huwag magsiksikan
Freddie Aguilar – Anak
Radio and Television
Radio – Si Matar, Dahlia, Ito ang Palad Ko, Mr. Lonely
Television- Gulong ng Palad, Flor de Luna, Anna Liza, Superman, and Tarzan
Filipino Films
1. Maynila...Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag- written by Edgardo Reyes, direced by Lino Brocka. Bembol Rocomain character
2. Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo-Nora Aunor was the main character
3. Insiang- Hilda Koronel
4. Aguila- Fernando Poe jr., Jay Ilagan and Christopher de Leon
VI. Post-Martial Law Period
- Edsa Revolution –Feb 21-25, 1986
Literature during this Period
 Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo
 Bayan Ko- a song written by Jose Corazon de Jesus in 1928