21st Century Literatures from the

Philippines
and the World
Quarter 1 – Module 1
Understanding the Literary History and Appreciating
the 21st Century Literatures of the Philippines
(WEEK 1)

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

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 Quarter 1 – Module 1
Understanding the Literary History and Appreciating
the 21st Century Literatures of the Philippines
(WEEK 1)

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LESSON ETHNIC DIMENSIONS OF
1 PHILIPPINE LITERARY
HISTORY
Competency 1A: Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine
literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary, EN12Lit-Ia-21 (2 hours)

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

At the end of this lesson, the learners are expected to:

1. define literature from various writers; and
2. understand literature from pre-colonial to contemporary periods.
3. make a graphical timeline focusing on how the literatures for each literary period
proliferated.

WHAT I KNOW

Instructions: Recall what you learned about the literature of the past. Read and
answer the following statements. Write the letter of your answer in your activity notebook.

1. The “putong” is a pre -colonial ornament which may signify that the wearer has
killed someone.
a. True b. False

2. The early Filipinos live in scattered barangay governed by a chieftain which they
call rajah or datu.
a. True b. False

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3. It is a body of work, either written, oral, or visual, containing imaginative
language that realistically portrays thought, emotions, and experiences of the human
condition.
a. Pre-colonial Literature b. Philippine Literature
c. Literature d. World Literature

4. The period of time before colonization of a region or territory.

a. Colonial b. Pre-Colonial
c. Pre-history d. Post-Colonial

5. Identify the two classifications of folk literature:

a. Local and Global b. Dynamic and Static
c. Flat and Round d. Floating and Oral

6. Literatures during pre-colonial period were handed down to us through

a. word of mouth b. paper and pen c. multimedia

7. Which of the following is true about Philippine pre-colonial texts?

a. Most of the pre-colonial dramas were held in the sambahan or places of worship.
b. They revolve around the illiteracy of early Filipinos.
c. Only the concept of death is used as a subject for narratives.
d. All of the above

8. It is a rhythmical type of literary composition that usually serves to excite the readers.
a. Poetry b. Prose

9. Which of the following is a theme of pre-colonial texts?

a. Karma b. Reincarnation
c. Ideals d. War

10. It is the ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure

a. Poetry b. Prose

11. It is a war song which evolved into a love song.

a. Uyayi b. Talindaw c. Hele d. Kumintang

12. It is a song of revelry

a. Epiko b. Uyayi c. Diyuna d. Sabi

13. These are sacred narrative explaining how the world and man came to be in their present
form.
a. Legends b. Myths c. Epics d. Fables

14. Philippine myths show that ancient Filipinos believed in one supreme god and in a
number of lesser gods and goddesses
a. True b. False

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15. These are myths that seek to explain natural phenomenon like rainbows, thunder and
lightning.
a. Early concept of the universe
b. The Sun, Moon and Stars
c. Establishment of Natural Order

V WHAT IS IT

What is literature?
The word literature is derived from the Latin term litera which means letter. It has
been defined differently by various writers. These are the following:
1. Literature expresses the feelings of people to society, to the government, to his
surroundings, to his fellowmen, and to his Divine Creator. (Brother Azurin)

2. Literature is anything that is printed as long as it is related to the ideas and

feelings of the people, whether it is true, or just a product of one’s imagination .
(Webster)

3. “True literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the

feelings and emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be
happy in his environment and, after struggles, to reach his Creator”
(PANITIKANG FILIPINO)

Some loosely interpret literature as any printed matter written within a book, a
magazine or a pamphlet. Others define literature as a faithful reproduction of man’s manifold
experiences blended into one harmonious expression. Because literature deals with ideas,
thoughts and emotions of man, literature can be said to be the story of man. Man’s loves,
griefs, thoughts, dreams and aspirations coached in beautiful language is literature.

In Panitikang Pilipino written by Atienza, Ramos, Salazar and Nazal, it says that
“true literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the feelings and
emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be happy in his environment
and, after struggles, to reach his Creator.”

Philippine Literature is a diverse and rich group of works that has evolved side-by-side
with the country’s history. Literature had started with fables and legends made by the ancient
Filipinos long before the arrival of Spanish influence. The main themes of Philippine literature
focus on the country’s pre-colonial cultural traditions and the socio-political histories of its
colonial and contemporary traditions.
Literary History/Evolution of the Philippines

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1. Pre-Colonial Period
 The evolution of Philippine literature depended on the influences of colonization and
the spirit of the age.
 The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
 Indigenous Philippine literature was based on traditions and customs of a particular
area of the country.
 Philippines is an archipelago country, consisting several islands, (7,107 islands to be
exact), and each of those islands has its specifications of cultures and traditions,
bearing different set of native literature.
 Ancient literatures were written on the perishable materials like dried leaves, bamboo
cylinder, and bark of the trees.
 Literatures were handed down to us through the word of mouth.

There were two literary forms during the pre-colonial period:

A. Written literatures
Examples:
a. Riddles or bugtong. These are effective ways to inculcate the
ability of logical thinking of a child.
b. Epigrams or salawikain. It reflects the hidden meaning
through the good lines. It provides good values.
c. Poems or tanaga – These are common forms of poetry which has a quatrine with
7 syllables each with the same rhyme at the end of each line. It also expresses
insights and lessons in life.

B. Oral literatures
Examples:
a. Chant. It is used in witchcraft and enchantment. While, ambahan is a traditional
poetry of Hanunoo Mangyans of Oriental Mindoro which teaches lesson about
life. It is recited by parents to educate their children by the youth expressing their
love, by the old to impart experiences, or by the community in tribal ceremony.
(slideshare.net/mobile/jessacerbito…)
b.  Balagtasan  .This  is  a  Filipino  form  of  debate  done  in  verse.
The term is derived from the surname of  Francisco  Balagtas the author 
of Filipino epic Florante at Laura.

2. The Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1897)

Sixteenth Century was the start of the deprivation of the indigenous Philippine
literature. Spanish colonial government finally got in the scene. They were able to manipulate

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literature by monopolizing it under the religious orders. Literature evolves mainly on the
themes of Spanish/ European culture and of course, the Roman Catholic religion.

Literary Influences during Spanish colonization

a. Christian Doctrine or Doctrina Christiana was the first book ever printed in the
Philippines in 1593 by the Dominican press.
b. Libro de la Lengua Tagala by Fernando Bagongbanta .Tagalog translations to the
Spanish lines, still the superiority of the Spanish language.
c. Pasyon influenced by the Spanish contexts of Christianity, at least they embodied
several Filipino sentiments and values (the feeling of Filipino mother towards a
suffering son).

Filipino writers in Spanish became conscious for the search for freedom
a. Pasyon Dapat Ipag-alab ng Puso by Marcelo H. del Pilar expressed his rebellious
writing style was identified.
b. Pascual Poblete’s Patnubay sa Binyagan associated Filipinos’ struggle for
independence with Jesus’ life.
c. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo made very powerful
contributions among the Filipinos the introduction of rejecting Spanish rule. He also
influenced the succeeding writers.
d. The narrative poems Awit and Corrido talked about world of royals, warriors and
lovers (the basic concept in Florante at Laura).
e. Komedya. Francisco Baltazar’s Florante at Laura embodied the concept of
colonization and oppression which gave voice to their revolutionary action towards
freedom.

3. The American Colonial Period (1898-1945)

 Philippine literature in Spanish was starting to lose its track on the first decade.
 The poems of Fernando Ma. Guerrero (Crisalidas), Balmori’s Se deshojo la Flor novel,
and many others discussed revolution and sentiments for patriotism and reform
proved that Philippine literature was used to claim freedom from the colonizers.
 Even if Philippine literature was in English, the preservation of the content for Filipino
experiences was achieved.
 Short story writers in English like Manuel Arguilla in his “A Son is Born,” was one of
the foundations of the Philippine literature, not in Tagalog or in Spanish, but during
this time, in English. Poetry in English was also founded.
 Sarzuela was overpowered by English drama.

4. The Contemporary Period (1946 to present)

This period started during the rebirth of freedom in (1946-to present). The Americans
returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerrillas that fled to the mountain joined the

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liberating American Army. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained its freedom and the
Filipino flag waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.

The State of Literature during this Period

The early post-liberation period was marked by a kind of “struggle of mind and spirit”
posed by the sudden emancipation from the enemy, and the wild desire to see print.
a. Heart of The Islands (1947) – a collection of poems by Manuel Viray
b. Philippines Cross Section (1950) – a collection of prose and poetry by Maximo
Ramos and Florentino Valeros
c. Prose and Poems (1952) – by Nick Joaquin
d. Philippine Writing (1953) – by T.D. Agcaoili
e. Philippine Havest – by Amador Daguio
f. Horizons Least (1967) – a collection of works by the professors of UE, mostly in
English (short stories, essays, research papers, poem and drama) by Artemio
Patacsil and Silverio Baltazar. The themes of most poems dealt with the usual
love of nature, and of social and political problems. Toribia Maño’s poems
showed deep emotional intensity.
g. Who Spoke of Courage in His Sleep – by NVM Gonzales
h. Speak Not, Speak Also – by Conrado V. Pedroche
i. Other poets were Toribia Maño and Edith L. Tiempo, Jose Garcia Villa’s Have
Come, Am Here has won acclaim both here and abroad
The New Filipino Literature during this Period
Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the
writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the Japanese government
and the brave guerilla exploits.

a. Period of Activism (1970-1972)

Many young people became activists to ask for changes in the government. In the
expression of this desire for change, keen were the writings of some youth who were fired
with nationalism in order to emphasize the importance of their petitions.

The Literary Revolution

The youth became completely rebellious during this period. This was proven not only
in the bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions but also in literature. Campus
newspapers showed rebellious emotions. The once aristocratic writers developed awareness
for society. They held pens and wrote on placards in red paint the equivalent of the word
MAKIBAKA (To dare!).

Writing During the Period of Activism

The irreverence for the poor reached its peak during this period of the mass
revolution. It was also during this period that Bomba films that discredit our ways as Filipinos
started to come out.

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b. Period of the New Society (1972-1980)
The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca
Awards continued to give annual awards. Almost all themes in most writings dealt with the
development or progress of the country –like the Green Revolution, family planning, proper
nutrition, environment, drug addiction and pollution. The New Society tried to stop
pornography or those writings giving bad influences on the morals of the people. All school
newspapers were temporarily stopped and so with school organizations.

Filipino Poetry during the Period of the New Society

Themes of most poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the
beauties of nature and surroundings.

The Play under the New Society

The government led in reviving old plays and dramas, like the Tagalog Zarzuela,
Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the Muslims which were presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan
Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Radio and Television

Radio continued to be patronized during this period. The play series like Si Matar,
Dahlia, Ito Ang Palad Ko, and Mr. Lonely were the forms of recreation of those without
television

Filipino Films
A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulang Pilipino (Yearly Filipino Film Festival) was held
during this time. During the festival which lasted usually for a month, only Filipino films were
shown in all theaters in Metro Manila.

1. Maynila…Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag written by Edgardo Reyes and filmed under
the direction of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco was the lead role.
2. Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo, Nora Aunor was the principal performer here.
3. Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon led by Christopher de Leon and Gloria
Diaz.
4. Insiang: by Hilda Koronel
5. Aguila: led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan and Christopher de Leon

Comics, Magazines and other Publications

In this period of the New Society, newspapers donned new forms. News on economic
progress, discipline, culture, tourism and the like were favored more than the sensationalized
reporting of killings, rape and robberies.

c. Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)

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 After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino which
started under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981.

1. Filipino Poetry • Poems during this period of the Third Republic were romantic
and revolutionary. Writers wrote openly of their criticism against the government.
The supplications of the people were coached in fiery, colorful, violent, profane
and insulting language.

2. Filipino Songs • Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were really true-to-life
like those of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and of
fellowmen.

Philippine Films during the Period

The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to be held during this period. The
people’s love for sex films also was unabated. Below is the table of the list of Philippine Films
during the Third Republic.

Film Director Cast Genre

Kontrobersyal Lino Philip Salvador, Gina Alajar, Charo Drama
(1981) Brocka Santos
Relasyon Ishmael Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon Drama
(1982) Bernal
Dugong Buhay CarloJ. Ramon Revilla, Bong Revilla, Imelda Action
(1983) Caparas Ilanan
Ang Panday Ronwaldo Fernando Poe, Jr, Marianne dela Action/
(1984) Reyes Riva, Max Alvarado Fantasy

Tinik sa Dibdib Leroy Nora Aunor, Dina Bonnevie, Phillip Drama

(1985) Salvador Salvador

d. Rebirth of Freedom (1986-present)

History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their
independence which they lost twenty years ago. In the span of four days from February 21-
25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. Together, the people
barricaded the streets petitioning the government for changes and reforms.

Newspapers and other Publications

Newspapers which were once branded crony newspapers became instant opposition
papers overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY which became the opposition paper.

Books
The Philippine revolution of 1986 and the fire of its spirit that will carry the Filipinos
through another epoch in Philippine history is still being documented just as they have been
in the countless millions who participated in body and spirit in its realization.

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 WHAT’S IN

In your notebook, answer the following questions.

1.) Explain in three (3) sentences why literature is considered as the story of a man?
2.) How did Philippine Literatures develop from ancient time to present?

Note to the teacher:
Have your own assessment on the above What’s In activity. You Also decide the
scoring of this activity.
Thank you.

WHAT’S MORE

ACTIVITY 1
Make a graphical timeline in your notebook focusing on how the literatures for
each literary period (from Pre-colonial to Contemporary) proliferated. (Note: Limit 5
timelines only and you can have your own graphical design)

Note to the teacher:
You can vary the instructions such as:
1. Vary the number of timelines – events, genres, and their structures.
2. You can have your own graphical design.
3. Opt to have another activity as long as it has something to do with the tracing of the
literary evolution of the Philippines.
Thank you.

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 Pre-
Colonial
Period

Spanish
Period

American
Period

Contemporary
Period

ASSESSMENT

Instructions: Match each statement in Column A with what it describes in Column B.

Write the letter of the answer in your notebook.
Column A Column B
1. It is the first alphabet which was replaced by a. Letter
Roman Alphabet. b. Alibata
2. It defines as anything that is printed as long c. Doctrina Christiana
related to ideas etc. d. Webster
3. It is the first book written by Fr. Juan de e. Balagtasan
Placencia. f. Riddles
4. A Filipino form of debate done in verse. g. New Society
5. It is a word derived from a Latin term litera h. word of mouth
6. Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the i. Awit and Corrido
Embayoka of the Muslims were presented in j. Palanca Memorial Award
what period? k. Pasyon
7. Narrative poems talked about world of royals, l. Spanish Colonial Period
warriors and lovers. m. Literature
8. A literature influenced by the Spanish
contexts of Christianity, at least they embodied
several Filipino sentiments and values.
9. Literatures were handed down to us through
the ---.
10. An awarding organization continued to
recognize the efforts of the Filipino writers.

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