Module: Philippine Literature

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE According to him, one's feelings may be expressed

STUDY OF LITERATURE through love, sorrow, happiness, hatred, anger, pity,
contempt, or revenge.
Definition of Literature:
For Webster, literature is anything that is printed, as long
The word literature is derived from the Latinterm “litera," as it is related to the ideas and feelings of people, whether it
which means letter. It has beendefined differently by various is true or just a product of one’s imagination.
writers.
In PANITIKING PILIPINO, written by Atienza, Ramos,
Some people loosely interpret literature as any printed Salazar, and Nazal, it says that "True literature is a piece of
matter written within a book, a magazine, or a pamphlet. written work that is undying. It expresses the feelings and
Others define literature as a faithful reproduction of man’s emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live,
manifold experiences blended into one harmonious to be happy in his environment, and, after struggles, to reach
expression. his Creator."

Literature deals with the ideas, thoughts, and emotions of Why We Need to Study Philippine
man, literature can be said to be the story of man. Man’s Literature?
loves, griefs, thoughts, dreams,
and aspirations coached in beautiful language are literature. We study literature so that we can better appreciate our
literary heritage. We cannot appreciate something that we
In order to know the history of a nation’s spirit, one must do not understand. Through a study of our literature, we can
read its literature. Hence it is that to understand the real trace the rich heritage of ideas handed down to us from our
spirit of a nation, one must "trace the little rills as they course forefathers. Then we can understand ourselves better and
along down the ages, broadening and take pride in being Filipinos.
deepening into the great ocean of thought
which men of the present source are presently Like other races of the world, we need to understand that we
exploring. have a great and noble tradition, which can serve as the
means to assimilate other cultures. Through such a study, we
Brother Azurin said that "literature will realize our literary limitations are conditioned by
expresses the feelings of people toward society, certain historical factors, and we can take steps to overcome
the government, his surroundings, his them.
fellowmen, and his divine creator."
Module: Philippine Literature

Our written literature, which is about four hundred years

old, is one of slow and evolutionary growth. Our writers Types of prose
strived to express their sentiments while struggling with a
foreign medium. a. Novels: a long narrative divided into chapters in
which events are taken from true-to-life stories
The great mass of English literature that we have today is Example: "Without Seeing the Dawn" by
indeed a tribute to what our writers have achieved in such a Stevan Javellana
short span of time. What they have written can compare with
some of the best works in the world. Much is still to be b. Short story: This is a narrative involving one or
achieved. Our writers have yet to write their more characters, one plot, and one single impression.
OPUS MAGNUMS. Example: THE LAUGHTER OF MY
FATHER by Carlos Bulosan

CLASSIFICATION OF LITERATURE c. Plays: This is presented on a stage, is divided

into acts, and each act has many scenes.
UTILITARIAN LITERATURE – anything that has Example: Thirteen Plays by Wilfredo M.
letters which are for practical, daily life use. Guerrero

Examples are memoranda, news reports, speeches, d. Legends: These are fictitious narratives,
which were created for the sake of a need, a utility. usually about origins.
Example: The Bikol Legend by Pio Duran
CREATIVE LITERATURE – appeals to aesthetics as shown
in the styles of writing by authors, poets, novelists, and e. Fables: These are also fictitious, and they
playwrights. Style expressed in the form of writing which deal with animals and inanimate things who
might coincide with the known characteristics of genre speak and act like people, and their purpose
is to enlighten the minds of children to events
General Types of Literature that can mold their ways and attitudes.
Example: THE MONKEY AND THE
I. PROSE TURTLE
Prose consists of those written within the common flow of f. Anecdotes: These are merely products of the
conversation in sentences and paragraphs, while poetry writer’s imagination, and their main aim is to
refers to those expressions in verse, with measure and bring lessons to the reader.
rhyme, line and stanza and has a more melodious tone. Example: "THE MOTH AND THE LAMP"
Module: Philippine Literature

story or recounts events. It often features

g. Essay: This expresses the viewpoint or characters, a plot, and a setting, and is similar to a
opinion of the writer about a particular short story or novel in its structure. Narrative
problem or event. The best example of this is poetry can be based on real or imaginary events and
the editorial page of a newspaper. may include elements of fantasy or the
supernatural.
h. Biography: These deal with the life of a
person, which may be about himself, his a. Epic: This is an extended narrative about
autobiography, or that of others. heroic exploits often under supernatural
Example: CAYETANO ARELLANO by control.
Socorro O. Albert Example: THE HARVEST SONG OF
ALIGUYON translated into English by Amador
i. News: This is a report of everyday events in T. Daguio
society, government, science, and industry, as
well as accidents, whether they happen b. Metrical Tale: This is a narrative that is written in
nationally or not. verse and can be classified either as a ballad or a
metrical romance.
j. Oration: This is a formal treatment of a Examples: Bayani ng Bukid by Al Perez
subject and is intended to be spoken in public. Hero of the Fields by Al Perez
It appeals to the intellect, the will, or the
emotions of the audience. c. Ballads: Of the narrative poems, this is considered
the shortest and simplest. It has a
II. POETRY simple structure and tells of a single incident.
Poetry is a form of literature that uses language to
evoke emotion, paint vivid imagery, and convey There are also variations of these: love ballads, war
complex ideas in a condensed and artistic way. It ballads, sea ballads, humorous, moral, and historical
often utilizes figurative language, such as or mythical ballads. In the early days, this referred to
metaphors and similes, and may also utilize rhyme, a song
meter, and other forms of repetition to create a accompanying a dance.
unique rhythm and sound.
B. Lyric Poetry: Originally, this refers to the kind of
poetry meant to be sung to the accompaniment of a
A. Narrative Poetry is a form of poetry that tells a
Module: Philippine Literature

lyre, but now it applies to any type of poetry that that express praise, gratitude, and
expresses the emotions and feelings of the poet. supplication to God or a higher power.
Example: Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa
They are usually short, simple, and easy to (Love for the Native Land) by Andres
understand. Bonifacio
f. Awit (Song): These have measures of twelve
a. Folksongs (Awiting Bayan): These are short poems syllables (dodecasyllabic) and are slowly
intended to be sung. The common theme is love, despair, sung to the accompaniment of a guitar or
grief, doubt, joy, hope, and sorrow. banduria.
Example: CHIT-CHIRIT-CHIT Example: Florante at Laura by Franciso
Balagtas
b. Sonnets: This is a lyric poem of 14 lines g. Corridos (Kuridos): These have measures of eight
dealing with an emotion, a feeling, or an idea. syllables (octosyllabic) and are recited to a martial
beat.
These are two types: the Italian and the Example: IBONG ADARNA
Shakespearean.
Example: Santang Buds by Alfonso P. B. Dramatic Poetry is a form of poetry that emphasizes
Santos dramatic elements, such as dialogue, monologue, and
conflict, to tell a story or express a
c. Elegy: This is a lyric poem that expresses particular emotion. It is often associated with theater and is
feelings of grief and melancholy and whose intended to be performed in front of
theme is death. an audience.
Example: THE LOVER’S DEATH by
Ricaredo Demetillo a. Comedy: The word comedy comes from the Greek
term "komos," meaning festivity or revelry. This form
d. Ode: This is a poem of noble feelings is usually light and written with the purpose of
expressed with dignity, with no definite amusement, and it usually has a happy ending.
number of syllables or definite number of b. Melodrama: This is usually used in musical
lines in a stanza. plays with the opera. Today, this is related to
Example: To the Philippine Youth by Dr. tragedy just as a farce is to comedy. It arouses
Jose Rizal immediate and intense emotion and is usually sad,
but there is a happy ending for the principal
e. Psalms (Dalit): These are hymns or prayers character.
Module: Philippine Literature

c. Tragedy: This involves the hero struggling

mightily against dynamic forces; he meets
death or ruin without the success and
satisfaction obtained by the protagonist in a
comedy.
d. Farce: This is an exaggerated comedy. It
seeks to arouse mirth with laughable lines;
situations are too ridiculous to be true; the
characters seem to be caricatures, and the
motives are undignified and absurd.
e. Social Poems: This form is either purely
comic or tragic, and it pictures the life of today.
It may aim to bring about changes in social
conditions.

THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF PHILIPPINE

LITERATURE
Time frame of Philippine literature
I. Pre-Spanish period
II. The Spanish period
i. The period of enlightenment
ii. The period of active revolution
III. The American Regime
A. Philippine Literature in English
a) The period of re-orientation
b) The period of imitation
c) The period of self-discovery
IV. The Japanese Period
V. The Rebirth of freedom
VI. The period of activism
VII. Period of the new society
Module: Philippine Literature

II. Chapter 2 The Historical Background of

Philippine Literature

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (--BC to 1564)

Long before the Spaniard and other foreigners
landed on Philippine shores, our forefathers already had
their own literature stamped in the history of our race.

Our ancient literature shows our customs and

traditions in everyday life as trace in our folk
stories, old plays and short stories.

Our ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in

everyday life as trace in our folk stories, old plays and short
stories. Our ancestors also had their own alphabet which
was different
from that brought by the Spaniards.

The first alphabet used by our ancestors was similar to that

of the Malayo-Polynesian alphabet.

Baybayin is a pre-Hispanic Philippine writing

system that was widely used throughout the islands before
the arrival of the Spaniards. The term Baybayin comes from
the Tagalog word, baybay, which means “to spell.
Module: Philippine Literature

A. Characteristics abba cddc etc or any combination rhyme can

be used.
1. Based on oral traditions • composed with the liberal use of metaphor.
2. Crude on ideology and phraseology Examples
Palay siyang matino,
Literary Forms Nang humangi’y yumuko;
Nguni’t muling tumayo
1. Oral Literature Nagkabunga ng ginto
a. Riddles (bugtong) – battle of wits among (PALAY)
participants, or Palaisipan. These are made up of one Alipatong lumapag
or more measured lines with rhyme and may consist Sa lupa — nagkabitak,
of four to 12 syllables. Sa kahoy nalugayak,
Tigmo – Cebu Sa puso — naglagablab!
Paktakon – Ilonggo (TAG-INIT)
Patotdon – Bicol The tanaga poems above were written by
Ildefonso
b. Proverbs (salawikain) – wise sayings that contain Santos.
a metaphor used to teach as a food for thought. 2. Folk Songs
It is a form of folk lyric which expresses the hopes and
C. Chant (Bulong). Used in witchcraft or aspirations, the people's lifestyles as well as their loves.
enchantment. These are often repetitive and sonorous, didactic and
naive
c. Tanaga - a mono-riming heptasyllabic quatrain a. Hele or oyayi – lullaby
expressing insights and lessons on life is "more emotionally a. Ambahan (Mangyan) – 7-syllable per line
charged than the terse proverb and thus has affinities with poem that are about human relationships and
the folk lyric." Is a Filipino stanzaic form that was originally social entertainment
written in Tagolog b. Kalusan (Ivatan) - work songs that depict the
livelihood of the people
• The poems are not titled. Each is emotionally c. Tagay (Cebuano and Waray) – drinking song
• charged and asks a question that begs an d. Kanogan (Cebuano) – song of lamentation for
• answer. Syllabic, 7-7-7-7 syllables per line. the dead.
• rhymed, originally aaaa bbbb cccc etc.,
• modern Tanagas also use aabb ccdd etc or
Module: Philippine Literature

e. Kundiman- Kundiman is a genre of traditional 4. Epics

Filipino love songs. The lyrics of the kundiman is These are “narratives of sustained length based on
written in Tagalog. The melody is characterized by a oral tradition revolving around supernatural events
smooth, flowing and gentle rhythm with dramatic or heroic deeds” (Arsenio Manuel)
intervals. Examples:
f. Kumintang o Tagumpay - sinaunang awit at • Bidasari- Moro epic
sayaw pandigma. • Biag ni Lam-ang- Ilokano epic
• Maragtas- Visayan epic
g. Ang Dalit o Imno - awit sa mga diyos dyosan ng • Haraya- Visayan epic
mga bisaya. • Lagda- Visayan epic
h. Diona - awit sa kasal. • Hari sa Bukid- Visayan epic
i. Suliranin - awit ng mga manggagawa. • Kumintang-Tagalog epic
j. Talindaw -awit ng pamamangka. • Parang Sabir- Moro epic
• “Dagoy” at “Sudsod”- Tagbanua epic
3. Folk Tales
• Tatuaang- Bagobo epic
a tale or legend originating and traditional among a
• Indarapatra at Sulayman- Maranao epic
people or folk, especially one forming part of the oral
• Bantugan
tradition of the common people. Any belief or story
passed on traditionally, especially one considered to • Daramoke-A-Babay – Moro epic in “Darangan”
be false or based on superstition. • Hinilawod -Panay
a. Myths – explain how the world was created, how • Kudaman-Palawan
certain animals possess certain characteristics, why • Darangen -Maranao
some places have waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains,
flora or fauna
b. Legends – explain the origin of things
o Why the Pineapple Has Eyes
o The Legend of Maria Makiling
c. Fables – used animal characters and allegory
d. fantastic stories – deal with underworld
characters such as “tiyanak”, “aswang”, “kapre” and
others.
Module: Philippine Literature

II. Chapter 3: The Spanish Period (1565- 1898) A. SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE
LITERATURE
Historical Background Due to the long period of colonization of the Philippines by
It is an accepted belief that the Spanish colonization of the the Spaniards, they have exerted a strong influence on our
Philippines started in 1565 during the time of Miguel Lopez literature.
de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the
Philippines. Literature started to flourish during his time. 1. The first Filipino alphabet called Baybayin was
This spurt continued unabated until the Cavite Revolt in replaced by the Roman alphabet.
1872. 2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the
basis of religious practices.
The Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more 3. The Spanish language which became the literary
than three centuries. language during this time lent many of its words to
our language.
During these times, many changes occurred in the lives of 4. European legends and traditions brought here
Filipinos. They embraced the Catholic religion, changed their became assimilated in our corridos, and moromoros.
names, and were baptized. songs,
5. Ancient literature was collected and translated to
Their lifestyles changed too. They built houses mad of stones Tagalog and other dialects.
and bricks, used beautiful furniture like the piano and used 6. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like
kitchen utensils. Carriages, trains and boats were used as Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan
means of travel. held fiestas to honor the saints, the pope and 7. Our periodicals during these times gained a
the governors. They had cockfights, horse races and the religious tone.
theater as means of recreation.

This gave rise to the formation of the different classes of

society like the rich and the landlords. Some Filipinos
finished courses like medicine, law, agriculture and teaching.
Many Filipinos finished their schooling already had been
established.
Module: Philippine Literature

B. THE FIRST BOOKS communication between Spanish friars

and local converts.
ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN
DOCTRINE) This was another significant early work
This was the first book printed in the printed in Manila. It was written in both
Philippines in 1593 in xylography. Spanish and Tagalog, showcasing the early
It was written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and use of typography in bilingual publications.
Fr. Domingo Nieva, in Tagalog and Spanish.
It contained the Pater Noster (Our Father), Ang Barlaan at Josaphat
Ave Maria (Hail Mary), Regina Coeli (Hail Holy This is a Biblical story printed in the
Queen), the Ten Commandments of God, the Philippines and translated to Tagalog from
Commandments of the Catholic Church, the Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borja.
Seven Mortal Sins, How to Confess, and the The Pasion
Cathecism. Three old original copies of this This is the book about the life and sufferings
book can still be found at the Vatican, at the of Jesus Christ. It is read only during Lent.
Madrid Musem and at the US Congress.
contains only 87 pages. ( It was produced Urbana at Felisa
using a movable type printing press, marking A book by Modesto de Castro, the so-called
the beginning of printed literature in the Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog. These are
country). letters between two sisters Urbana at Felisa.

Nuestra Señora del Rosario Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary)
The second book printed in the Philippines A collection of songs praising the Virgin
was written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1602, Mary. Fr. Mariano Sevilla, a Filipino priest,
and printed at the UST Printing Press with the wrote this in 1865 and it was popular
help of Juan de Vera, a Chinese mestizo. It especially during the Maytime "Flores de
contains the biographies of saints, novenas, Mayo" festival.
and questions and answers on religion.

Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de

Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog).
This bilingual approach was intended to aid
in religious education and facilitate
Module: Philippine Literature

C. LITERARY COMPOSITIONS D. FOLK SONGS

Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each
1. Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala (Art region had its national song from the lowlands to the
and rules of the Tagalog language) mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Folk songs truly
Written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose and translated to manifest the artistic feelings of the Filipinos. They show the
Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in 1610. Filipinos' innate appreciation for and love of beauty.
2. Compendio de la Lengua Tagala (Understanding the
Tagalog language). The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen,
Understanding the Lengua Tagala Written by Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi and Atin Cu Pung Singsing.
Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin in 1703.
3. Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala
(Tagalog vocabulary)
The first Tagalog dictionary written by Fr. Pedro de
San Buenaventura in 1613.
4. Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga
(Pampanga vocabulary)
The first book in Pampanga written by Fr. Diego in
1732.
5. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya
(Bisayan vocabulary)
The best language books in Visayan by Mateo
Sanchez in 1711.
6. Arte de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the
Ilocano language)
The first Ilocano grammar book by Francisco Lopez.

7. Arte de la Lengua Bicolana

(The Art of the Bicol language)
The first book in the Bicol language and written by
Fr. Marcos Lisbon in 1754.
Module: Philippine Literature

E. RECEEATIONAL PLAYS In the Hablada the lines are spoken in a more

There are many recreational plays performed by Filipinos deliberate manner showing the rhythmic
during the Spanish times. Almost all of them were in poetic measure of each verse and the rhyming in
form. Here are examples: each stanza and is more dignified in theme;
the Cantada is chanted like the Pasion.
1. Tibag
the word tibag means to excavate. This ritual The Cenaculo is written in octosyllabic verse,
was brought here by the Spaniard to remind with 8 verses to the stanza. The full-length
the people about the search of St. Helena for versions take about 3 nights of staging.
the Cross on which Jesus died. Performers come in costumes with wigs and
performers are carefully chosen for their
2. Lagaylay virtuous life. One performs the role of Jesus
this is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Christ and another the role of the Virgin Mary.
Sorsogon during Maytime to get together.
As early as April, the participating ladies are Many famous Cenaculo players come from the
chosen and sometimes, mothers volunteer Tagalog regions although here are also those
their girls in order to fulfill a vow made from Ilocos, Pampanga, Bicol and both
during an illness or for a favor received. Sibulanon and Hiligaynon.

In some parts of Bicol, a different presentation 4. Panunuluyan

is made but the objective is the same - this is presented before 12:00 on Christmas
praise, respect and offering of love to the Eve. This is a presentation of the search of the
Blessed Cross by St. Helen on the mound Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein
she had dug in. to deliver the baby Jesus.

3. The Cenaculo 5. The Salubong (or Panubong)

this is a dramatic performance to The Salubong is an Easter play that
commemorate the passion and death of Jesus dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ
Christ. and his mother. It is still presented in many
There are two kinds: the Cantada and Philippine towns.
Hablada.
Module: Philippine Literature

6. Carillo (Shadow Play) o The pioneer of the zarzuela in the Philippines

This is a form of dramatic entertainment is Severino Reyes, often referred to as the
performed on a moonless night during a "Father of the Tagalog Zarzuela." He was a
town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. prominent playwright, novelist, and writer
known for his contributions to Filipino
This shadow play is made by projecting theater.
cardboard figures before a lamp against a
white sheet. o Severino Reyes introduced and
popularized the zarzuela, a Spanish musical
The figures are moved like marionettes play genre that combines spoken and sung
whose dialogues are produced by some scenes, usually in a light, comedic, and
experts. satirical form. His most famous work,
"Walang Sugat" (No Wounds), is a zarzuela
The dialogues are drawn from a Corrido or that highlights the themes of love, patriotism,
Awit or some religious play interspersed and the struggles of Filipinos during the
with songs. These are called by various Spanish colonial period.
names in different places:
• Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas 8. The Sainete
and Laguna o This was a short musical comedy popular
• TITRES in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, during the 18th century.
Bataan, Capiz and Negros
• TITIRI in Zambales o Themes were taken from everyday life
o GAGALO or KIKIMUT in scenarios.
Pampanga and Tarlac
o ALIALA in La Union o Were designed to amuse the audience with
7. The Zarzuela humor and satire, often highlighting the
o Considered the father of the drama; it is a quirks and follies of everyday life. The satire
musical comedy or melodrama three acts was sometimes directed at local officials,
which dealt with man's passions and emotions societal norms, or common behaviors, making
like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or them relatable and enjoyable for the audience.
some social or political problem.
o The stories depicted in Philippine sainetes
were grounded in the experiences of
Module: Philippine Literature

ordinary Filipinos. Characters were often 10. KARAGATAN

portrayed as local figures such as farmers, This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-
fishermen, traders, and common folk, religious nature celebrated during the
allowing the audience to see reflections of death of a person.
themselves and their communities on stage.
In this contest, more or less formal, a
o Were commonly performed during town ritual is performed based on a legend
fiestas, community events, or as part of a about a princess who dropped her ring
larger theatrical program. into the middle of the sea and who offered
here hand in marriage to anyone who can
9. THE MORO-MORO retrieve it.
Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is
presented also on a special stage. This is A leader starts off with an
performed during town fiestas to entertain extemporaneous poem announcing the
the people and to remind them of their purpose.
Christian religion. The plot is usually the
same that of a Christian princess or a He then spins a "lumbo" o "tabo"
nobleman's daughter who is captured by the marked with a white line.
Mohammedans. The father organizes a rescue
party where fighting between the Moros Whoever comes in the direction of the
and the Christians ensues. white line when the spinning stops gets
his turn to "go into the sea to look for the
ring."
The Mohammedans are defeated by some
miracle or Divine Intercession and the
This means a girl will ask him a riddle
Mohammedans are converted to
and if he is able to answer, he will offer
Christianity.
the ring to the girl.
In some instances, the whole kingdom is
This is one of the secular dramas
baptized and converted. generally held during the nine nights of
vigil and prayers after someone's death or
the first death anniversary when the
Module: Philippine Literature

family members put away their mourning

clothes. No definite meter or rhyming scheme is used.
The person chanting it freely recites in poetic
This is one of the secular dramas rhythm according to his feelings, emotions and
generally held during the nine nights of thoughts.
vigil and prayers after someone's death or
the first death anniversary when the It is personalized and usually deals with the
family members put away their mourning life, sufferings and sacrifices of the dead and
clothes. includes apologies for his misdeeds.

H. DUPLO K. THE AWIT and the CORRIDO

The Duplo replace the Karagatan. This is a
poetic joust in speaking and reasoning. The Some use these two interchangeably
roles are taken from the Bible and from because distinction is not clear.
proverbs and saying.
A type of traditional poetic debate or joust in the
Philippines, where participants engage in a KORIDO
structured exchange of verses, often improvising Ang korido ay may walong pantig
and responding to each other's lines in real-time. (syllables) at mabilis ang paraan ng
It is usually played during wakes for the dead. pagbigkas o ang himig ay tinatawag na
allegro.

I. THE BALAGTASAN Halimbawa: Ang Ibong Adarna

This is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in
debate on a particular topic or issue. This is Ang paksa sa korido ay
replaced the DUPLO. • pumapatungkol sa
• pananampalataya.
Held to honor Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar. o alamat,
o kababalaghan. Romansa
J. THE DUNG-AW
This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved • Ang mga tauhan sa korido ay
person or his representative beside the corpse nagtataglay ng kapangyarihan at
of the dead.
Module: Philippine Literature

nakagagawa ng mga hindi

ordinaryong gawain.

AWIT
Ang awit ay may labindalawang
pantig (syllables) mabagal ang paraan
ng pagbigkas o ang himig ay tinatawag
na andante.

Halimbawa: Florante at Laura

• Ang awit ay tungkol sa bayani,

mandirigma. at larawan ng buhay.

• Ang mga tauhan sa awit ay walang

kapangyarihan subalit humaharap
rin sila sa matinding
pakikipagsapalaran. Karaniwang
ito ay sumasalamin sa pangyayari
sa tunay na buhay.
Module: Philippine Literature

ADDITIONAL NOTES: words and sentences. These types are typically made
from metal or wood.
Xylography is the art of engraving on wood or the
process of making prints from wood engravings. Type Casting:
The term comes from the Greek words "xylo" (wood) The process of creating these individual pieces
and "graphy" (writing or engraving). involves casting them from a mold, which can be done
using various materials, including lead, tin, and
• Wood Engraving: Xylography involves carving antimony.
an image or text into the surface of a wooden
block. Composition:
• The raised areas of the wood are inked, and Arranging the Type: Types are arranged in a
the image is then pressed onto paper or fabric, composing stick to form lines of text. The types are
producing a print. placed in a frame or chase, with each letter and
character positioned to form the desired text.
o Xylography is one of the oldest forms of
Spacing:
printmaking and was widely used before the
Spacing material, known as "leading," is used
invention of movable type for printing books, between lines of type to ensure proper alignment and
illustrations, and artworks. readability.

Movable type printing refers to a method of printing that Printing:

uses individual, movable pieces of type to compose text. This Inking the Type: Once the type is arranged, ink is
technique revolutionized printing by making it more applied to the raised surface of the types.
efficient and versatile compared to earlier methods like
woodblock printing. Here’s an overview of movable type Pressing:
printing, particularly during the Spanish colonial period: Paper or another printing medium is pressed against
the inked type to transfer the text. This can be done
How Movable Type Printing Works manually or with a printing press.

Creation of Type:
Individual Letters: Movable type printing involves
creating individual letters, numbers, and symbols
(types) that can be arranged and rearranged to form
Module: Philippine Literature

Typography o Drying: The printed material is allowed to

dry, after which the process can be repeated
Woodblock printing is an ancient method of printing with different blocks or colors as needed.
that involves carving text and images into wooden
blocks to create prints on paper or fabric. This
technique was used extensively in various cultures,
including China, Japan, and eventually the Philippines
during the Spanish colonial period.

How Woodblock Printing Works

Carving the Block:
• Design Transfer: A design or text is
transferred onto a block of wood.
Traditionally, this is done by drawing or
tracing the design onto the wood.

• Carving: The areas of the block that are to

remain white or unprinted are carved away,
leaving the raised areas that will hold the ink.
This is done using various carving tools.
Inking the Block:
Application of Ink: Ink is applied to the raised surface of the
block. This is usually done using a roller or a brush to ensure
even coverage.
• Printing:
Pressing the Paper: A sheet of paper or fabric is
placed onto the inked block. Pressure is applied to
transfer the ink from the block onto the paper. This
can be done manually or with a press.
Module: Philippine Literature

CHAPTER 4: The Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898) 3. To restore Filipino representation in the Spanish
Cortes.
Historical Background 4. To Filipinize the parishes.
After 300 years of passivity under Spanish rule, the Filipino 5. To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of the
spirit reawakened when the 3 priests Gomez, Burgos and press, assembly and for redress of grievances.
Zamora were guillotined without sufficient evidence of guilt.
B. Highlights of the Propaganda Movement
This occurred on the 17th of February. This was buttressed
There were three principal leaders of the Propaganda
with the spirit of liberalism when the Philippines opened its movement. They were Jose P. Rizal, Marcelo H. del
doors to world trade and with the coming of a liberal leader Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena.
in the person of Governor Carlos Maria de la Torre.
The Spaniards were unable to suppress the tide of rebellion
DR. JOSE P. RIZAL
among the Filipinos.
The once religious spirit transformed itself into one of Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Alonzo y Realonda was
nationalism and the Filipinos demanded changes in the born on June 19, 1861 at Calamba, Laguna. His first
government and in the church. teacher was his mother, Teodora Alonozo.

A. The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) He studied at the Ateneo de Manila, started

medicine at UST and finished at the Universidad
This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual Central of Madrid.
middle-class like:
He also studied at the University of Berlin, Leipzig
Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio and Heidelberg.
Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro
Paterno. He died by musketry in the hands of the Spaniards on
December 30, 1896 on charges of sedition and
The objectives of this movement were to seek reforms and rebellion against the Spaniards.
changes like the following:
His pen-name was Laong Laan and Dimasalang.
1. To get equal treatment for the Filipinos and the
Spaniards under the law.
2. To make the Philippines a colony of Spain.
Module: Philippine Literature

His books and writings: 3. MI ULTIMO ADIOS (My Last Farewell).

This was a poem by Rizal while he was
1. NOLI ME TANGERE. This was the novel incarcerated at Fort Santiago and is one
that gave spirit to the propaganda that can compare favorably with the best
movement and paved the way to the in the world.
revolution against Spain.
It was only after his death when his name
In this book, he courageously exposed the was affixed to the poem.
evils in the Spanish-run government in the
Philippines. 4. SOBRE LA INDOLENCIA DE LOS
FILIPINOS (On the Indolence of the
The Spaniards prohibited the reading of Filipinos).
this novel but a lot of translations were
able to enter stealthily in the country An essay on the so-called Filipino
even if it means death to those caught in indolence and an evaluation of the
possession of them. reasons for such allegations.

The NOLI gave Philippine literature the 5. FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN AÑOS (The
immortal characters Maria Clara, Juan Philippines within a Century).
Crisostomo Ibarra, Elias, Sisa, Pilosofong An essay predicting the increasing
Tasio, Doña Victorina, Kapitana Maria, influence of the US in the Philippines and
Basilio and Crispin, Rizal had a powerful the decreasing interest of Europe here.
pen in the delineation of these characters.
Rizal predicted that if there is any other
2. EU FILIBUSTERISMO. This is a sequel to colonizer of the Philippines in the future, it
While the NOLI exposed the evils in would be the US.
society, the FILI exposed those in the
government and in the church. 6. A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA (To the
Filipino Youth). A poem Rizal dedicated to
However, the NOLI has been dubbed the the Filipino youth studying at UST.
novel of society while that of FILI is that
of politics.
Module: Philippine Literature

7. EL CONSEJO DE LES DIOSES (The Council MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

of the Gods). An allegorical play Marcelo H. del Pilar is popularly known for his
manifesting admiration for Cervantes. pen name of Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat
and Dolores Manapat. He was born at
8. JUNTO AL PASIG (Beside the Pasig River). Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan on August 30,
Written by Rizal when he was 14 years of 1850.
age.
His parents were Julian H. del Pilar, noted
9. ME PIDEN VERSOS (You asked Me for Filipino writer and Biasa Gatmaita. His
Verses); 1882 and A LAS FLORES DE brother was the priest Fr. Toribio del Pilar
HEIDELBERG (To the Flowers of who was banished to Marianas in 1872.
Heidelberg). Two poems manifesting Because there were many children in the
Rizal's unusual depth of emotion. family, Marcelo gave up his share of his
inheritance for his other brothers and sisters.
10. NOTAS A LA OBRA SUCESOS DE LAS
FILIPINAS FOR EL DR. ANTONIO DE Marcelo started schooling at the school of Mr.
MORGA (Notes on Philippine Events by Flores and then transferred to that of San Jose
Dr. Antonio de Morga): 1889 before UST. His last year in law school was
interrupted for 8 years after he had quarrel
11. P. JACINTO: MEMORIAS DE UN with the parish priest during a baptism at San
ESTUDIANTE DE MANILA (P. Jacinto: Miguel, Manila in 1880.
Memoirs of a Student of Manila) 1882
He established the Diariong Tagalog in 1883
12. DIARIO DE VIAJE DE NORTE AMERICA where he exposed the evils of the Spanish
(Diary of a Voyage to North America) government in the Philippines and in
order to avoid the false accusations
hurried at him by the priests.

To avoid banishment, he was forced to travel

to Spain in 1888.

He was assisted by Fr. Serrano Laktaw in

publishing a different Cathecism and
Module: Philippine Literature

Passion Book wherein they made fun of the now Marcelo H. del Pilar High School and
priests. above all, his patriotism and bravery will
remain alive in our memories.
They also made the DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN
and KAIINGAT KAYO taken from the word Writings of Marcelo H. del Pilar
IGAT, a kind of snake fish caught in politics.
1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of
Upon his arrival in Spain, he replaced Country). Translated from the Spanish
Graciano Lopez Jaena AMOR PATRIA of Rizal, published on
August 20, 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
As editor of LA SOLIDARIDAD
2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful). A
a paper which became the vehicle thru humorous and sarcastic dig in answer
which reforms in the government could be to Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the novel NOLI
worked out. of Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1888.
He used Dolores Manapat as pen-name
This did not last long for he got sick and here.
even to reach Hong Kong from where he
could arouse his countrymen. 3. DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and
Jokes). Similar to a cathecism but
He died of tuberculosis in Spain but before sarcastically done against the parish
he died, he asked his companions to tell his priests, published in Barcelona in 1888.
wife and children that he was sorry he wasn't Because of this, del Pilar was called
able to bid them goodbye; to tell others about "filibuster." Done in admirable tone of
the fate of our countrymen and to continue supplication and excellent use of
helping the country. Tagalog.

Plaridel has truly earned a niche in the history 4. ANG CADAQUILAAN NG DIOS (God's
of our nation. Goodness). Published in Barcelona, it was
also like a cathecism sarcastically
Even today, countless streets have been aimed against the parish priests but
named after him. The former Kingwa has been also contains a philosophy of the power
named Plaridel, the Malolos High School is
Module: Philippine Literature

and intelligence of God and an GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA (1856-1896)

appreciation for and love for nature. A most notable hero and genius of the Philippines,
Graciano Lopez Jaena was born on December 18,
5. SAGOT SA ESPANYA SA HIBIK NG 1856 and died on January 20, 1896.
PILIPINAS (Answer to Spain on the Plea of
the Filipinos). The pride of Jaro, Iloilo, he won the admiration of
the Spaniards and Europeans.
A poem pleading for change from Spain
but that Spain is already old and weak He is a known writer and orator in the
to grant any aid to the Philippines. This Philippines.
poem is in answer to that of Hermenigildo
Flores' Hibik sa Pilipinas (A Plea from the He wrote 100 speeches which were published by
Philippines). Remigio Garcia, former bookstore owner in Manila
Filatica and which are still read up to no by modern
6. DUPLUHAN...DALIT...MGA BUGTONG (A Filipinos.
poetical contest in narrative sequence,
psalms, riddles). Lopez Jaena left the Philippines in 1887 with the help
of Don Claudio Lopez, a rich uncle, in order to escape
A compilation of poems on the punishment, form his enemies and arrived at
oppression by the priests in the Valencia, the center of the Republican movement of
Philippines. the Spaniards. He gained the acquaintance of the high
officials like Piy Margall, Morayta, Moret, Castelar,
7. LA SOBERANIA EN PILIPINAS and Salmeron.
(Sovereignty in the Philippines). This
shows the injustices of the friars to the From Valencia, he moved to Barcelona where he
Pilipinos. established the first magazine LA SOLIDARIDAD.
8. POR TELEFONO (By Telephone)
This later became the official voice of the
9. PASIONG DAPAT IPAG-ALAB NG PUSO Association Hispano de Filipinas (a Filipino-
NG TAONG BABASA (Passion that should Spanish Association) composed of Filipinos and
arouse the hearts of the readers) Spaniards who worked for reforms in the Philippines.
Module: Philippine Literature

Because of this, Jaena successfully showed the friars in the Philippines. He exposed how
Spaniards and the people of the world how a some of the friars were greedy, ambitious
newspaperman can introduce changes in law and and immoral.
reforms towards a better life and progress.
3. LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (The Child of the Friar) and
Jaena, although he didn't become a professor, was EVERYTING IS HAMBUG (Everything is mere
also a teacher in a sense to his friends and relatives in show). Here Jaena explains the tragedy of
the Philippines. marrying a Spaniard.

Like Antonio Maria Regidor, Tomas G. del Rosario 4. SA MGA PILIPINO...1891... A speech which
and Felipe Calderon, he stood for the separation of aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos to
church and state for free education, better become free and progressive.
government and schools, freedom of worship and
for an independent and free university. 5. TALUMPATING PAGUNITΑ KAY KOLUMBUS
(An Oration to Commemorate Columbus). A
He sided with Rizal in the controversy between Rizal speech he delivered in Madrid on the 39th
and del Pilar over who should head the Association anniversary of the discovery of America
Hispano de Filipinas in Madrid. He returned to the
Philippines to ask for donations to continue a new 6. EN HONOR DEL PRESIDENTE MORAYTA DE LA
government called El Latigo Nacional or Pambansang ASSOCIACION HISPANO FILIPIΝΟ 1884. Here
Latigo. He sold the rights of La Solidaridad ot del Pilar he praised Gen. Morayta for his equal treatment
who had become a lawyer and had brought in money of the Filipinos.
from his sojourn in Spain.
7. EN HONOR DE LOS ARTISTAS LUNA Y
Graciano Lopez Jaena died in a charity hospital in RESURRECCION HIDALGO. A sincere expression
Barcelona on January 20, 1896, eleven months of praise for the paintings of Hidalgo on the
before his best friend Rizal was shot at the Luneta condition of the Filipinos under the Spaniards.
on December 30, 1896.
8. AMOR A ESPAÑA O A LAS JOVENES DE
A. The Works of Graciano Lopez Jaena MALOLOS (Love for Spain or To the Youth of
1. ANG FRAY BOTOD (Friar Botod). One of Malolos). The theme is about how girls were
his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six taught Spanish in schools and whose teachers
years after the Cavite Revolt attacking the were the governors-general of the place.
Module: Philippine Literature

His pen name was Tagailog. He died at the age

9. EL BANDOLERISMO EN PILIPINAS (Banditry in of 33 in June 1899. He was put to death by the
the Philippines). Jaena refuted the existence of soldiers of Aguinaldo because of his instant rise to
banditry in the Philippines and of how there fame which became a threat to Aguinaldo.
should be laws on robbery and other reforms.
Some of his works are:
10. HONOR EN PILIPINAS (Honor in the 1. NOCHE BUENA (Christmas Eve). It pictured true
Philippines). The triumphant exposition of Luna, Filipino life.
Resurrecion and Pardo de Tavera of the thesis
that intellect or knowledge gives honor to the 2. SE DEVIERTEN (How They Diverted Themselves).
Philippines. A dig at a dance of the Spaniards where the people
were very crowded.
11. PAG-ALIS SA BUWIS SA PILIPINAS (Abolition of
Taxes in the Philippines) 3. LA TERTULIA FILIPINA (A Filipino Conference or
Feast). Depicts a Filipino custom which he believed
12. INSTITUCION NG PILIPINAS (Sufferings of the was much better than the Spanish.
Philippines). Jaena refers here to the wrong
management of education in the Philippines 4. POR MADRID (For Madrid). A denouncement of
1887. Spaniards who claim that the Philippines is a colony
of Spain but who think of Filipinos as foreigners when
it comes to collecting taxes for stamps.
B. OTHER PROPAGANDISTS
5. LA CASA DE HUEPEDES (The Landlady's House).
ΑΝΤΟΝΙO LUNA Depicts a landlady who looks for boarders not for
Antonio Luna was a pharmacist who was money but in order to get a husband for her child.
banished by the Spaniards to Spain. He joined the
Propaganda Movement and contributed his MARIANO PONCE
writings to LA SOLIDARIDAD. Mariano Ponce became an editor-in-chief,
biographer and researcher of the Propaganda
Most of his works dealt with Filipino customs Movement.
and others were accusations about how the
Spaniards ran the government.
Module: Philippine Literature

He used Tikbalang, Kalipulako, and Naning as PEDRO PATERNO

pennames. The common themes of his works were Pedro Paterno was a scholar, dramatic, researcher
the values of education. and novelist of the Propaganda Movement.

He also wrote about how the Filipinos were He also joined the Confraternity of Masons and the
oppressed by the foreigners and of the problems Asociacion Hispano-Pilipino in order to further the aims of
of his countrymen. writings were the Movement.

1. MGA ALAMAT NG BULACAN (Legend of Bulacan). He was the first Filipino writer who escaped censorship of
Contains legends, and folklores of his native town. the press during the last day of the Spanish colonization.

2. PAGPUGOT KAY LONGINOS (The Beheading of The following were a few of his wrtings:
Longinos). A play shown at the plaza of Malolos, 1. NINAY. The first social novel in Spanish by a
Bulacan. Filipino.

3. SOBRE FILIPINOS (About the Filipinos) 2. A MI MADRE (To My Mother). Shows the
importance of a mother especially in the home.
3. ANG MGA PILIPINO SA INDO-TSINA (The Filipinos
in Indo-China) 3. SAMPAGUITA (Sampaguitas Y POESIAS VARIAS
and Varied Poems). collection of his poems.

JOSE MA. PANGANIBAN

Jose Ma. Panganiban hid his identity behind his
penname JORMAPA. He was also known for having
photographic mind. He was a member of a number
of movements for the country. Some of his writings
were:
1. ANG LUPANG TINUBUAN (My Native
Land)
2. ANG AKING BUHAY (My Life)
3. SU PLANO DE ESTUDIO (Your Study Plan)
4. EL PENSAMIENTO (The Thinking)
Module: Philippine Literature

C. Period of Active Revolution (1896-1898) D. Highlights of the Active Revolution

Historical Background The noted leaders of this period were Andres

The Filipinos did not get the reforms Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Apolinario Mabini.
demanded by the propagandists.
These are their contributions to our country.
The government turned deaf ears to these
petitions; oppression continued and the ANDRES BONIFACIO
church and the government became even Andres Bonifacio is best known as the Father of
oppressive to the Filipinos. The good Filipino Democracy, but more than others, as the
intentions of Spain were reversed by the Father of the Katipunan because he led in
friars who were lording it over in the establishing the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang- galanga
Philippines. Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).

Because of this, not a few of the Filipinos Andres Bonifacio came from a poor family and it is
affiliated with the La Liga Filipina (a civic said that what he learned he got from the school of
organization suspected of being experience.
revolutionary and which triggered Rizal's
banishment to Dapitan). He was a voracious reader and among those he loved
to read which aroused his revolutionary spirit were
Like Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, the NOLI and the FILI of Rizal.
Apolinario Mabini, Jose Palma, and Pio
Valenzuela decided that there was no He joined the La Liga Filipina founded by Rizal in
other way except to revolt. 1892. He established the Katipunan which triggered
the spirit of freedom especially when Rizal was
The gist of literature contained mostly banished to Dapitan, Mindanao.
accusations against the government and
was meant to arouse the people to unite Bonifacio is better known as the great
and to prepare for independence. Revolutionary rather than a writer but he also wrote
things which paved the way for the revolution and
which also became part of our literature.
Module: Philippine Literature

Among his works were: 1. KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN (A primer

book on the Katipunan)
1. ANG DAPAT MABATID NG MGA TAGALOG 2. LIWANAG AT DILIM (Light and Darkness).
(What the Tagalogs Should Know) A collection of essays on different subjects
2. KATUNGKULANG GAGAWIN NG MGA like freedom, work, faith, government, love of
ANAK NG BAYAN (Obligations of Our country.
Countrymen). This is an outline of obligations 3. Α ΜΙ MADRE (To My Mother). A touching
just like the 10 commandments of God. ode to his mother.
3. PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUAN LUPA (Love of 4. A LA PATRIA (To My Country). His
One's Native Land). A poem with a title similar masterpiece.
to that of Marcelo H. del Pilar.
4. HULING PAALAM (Last Farewell). A APOLINARIO MABINI
translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in Apolinario Mabini is known in literature and
Tagalog. history as the Sublime Paralytic and the
Brains of the Revolution.

EMILIO JACINTO He was born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas on

Emilio Jacinto was the intelligent assistant of July 22, 1864. Because he was born of a poor
Andres Bonifacio in the establishment of the family, he had to work in order to study. He
Katipuna. became known to his professors and
classmates at Letran and the UST because of
He is called the Brains of the Katipunan. his sharp memory and the simple clothes he
used to wear throughout his schooling.
He edited Kalayaan (Freedom) a Katipunan
newspaper. He became the right-hand of Emilio
Aguinaldo when the latter founded his
Bonifacio withdrew his writing of the Kartilya in Republic in Malolos. His contributions to
deference to Jacinto's work as secretary of the literature were writing on government
Katipunan. His Kartilya was the one followed by the society, philosophy and politics.
members of the organization. Here are few of his
writings: Here are some of his works:
1. EL VERDADERO DECALOGO (The True
Decalogue or Ten Commandments). This
Module: Philippine Literature

was his masterpiece and his aim here NEWSPAPERS DURING THE REVOLUTION
was to propagate the spirit of In the effort of the Revolutionists to spread to the
nationalism. world their longings for their country, many
2. EL DESAROLLO Y CAIDA DE LA newspapers were put up during the Revolutionary
REPUBLICA (The Rise and Fall of the period. They were:
Philippine Republic) 1. HERALDO DE LA REVOLUCION. Printed
3. SA BAYANG PILIPINO (To the Filipino the decrees of the Revolutiary Government,
Nation) news and works in Tagalog that aroused
4. PAHAYAG (News) nationalism.
2. LA INDEPENDENCIA (Independence).
Edited by Antonio Luna and whose aim was
OTHER REVOLUTIONISTS for Philippine Independence.
3. LA REPUBLICA PILIPINA (The Philippine
JOSE PALMA Republic). 1898. Established by Pedro
Jose Palma became popular because of his Himno Paterno in
Nacional Filipino (The Philippine National 4. LA LIBERTAD (Liberty). Edited by
Anthem) which was set to music by Julian Felipe. Clemente Zulueta.

He was born in Tondo, Manila on June 6, 1876. His

brother Rafael Palma became the president of the UP.
He joined the revolution against the Americans
together with Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest
Filipino general who died during the revolution.
Aside from the National Anthem, here are his other
works:

1. MELANCOLIAS (Melancholies). A collection of his

poems.
2. DE MI JARDIN (In My Garden). A poem expressing
one's longings for his sweetheart.
Module: Philippine Literature

CHAPTER 5 The American Regime (1898-1941) 2. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation).
1900. Established by Pascual Poblete in
Historical Background
The Filipino Revolutionists won against the 3. EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth). Founded by
Spaniards who colonized us for more than 300 years. Rafael Palma in 1901.
Our flag was hoisted on June 12, 1898 as a symbol of
our independence. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected There were also plays written then but after the first and
the first President of the Philippine Republic but this second presentations, the Americans put a stop to this
was short-lived. because of the consistent theme of nationalism. Included
here were the following:
The Fil.-American was resulted in the defeat of Gen.
Miguel Malvar in 1903. 1. KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS (Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow). Written by Aurelio
The peace movements started as early as 1900. Many Tolentino depicting the suppression done
Filipinos started writing again and the nationalism of by the Americans and their plan to colonize
the people remained undaunted. the Philippines.

Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like 2. ΤΑΝΙKALANG GINTO of Juan Abad.
news, reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and 3. MALAYA by Tomas Remigio.
novels. Their writings clearly depicted their love of 4. WALANG SUGAT by Severino Reyes.
country and their longings for independence.
A. Characteristics of Literature during This Period
The active arousal in the field of literature started to
be felt in the following newspapers. Three groups of writers contributed to Philippine Literature
during this period.
1. EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day). Established by
Sergio Osmeña in 1900. The American censors During the first year of the American period, the
twice banned this and threatened Osmeña with languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and
banishment because of his nationalistic the dialects of the different regions, but Spanish and
writings. Tagalog predominated.
Module: Philippine Literature

In 1910, a new group started to write in English. Hence, FERNANDO MA. GUERRERO
Spanish, Tagalog, the Vernaculars and finally, English, were It is believed that Fernando Ma. Guerrero shared with
the mediums used in literature during these times. Apostol the reign in the balagtasan in Spanish during
their time.
While the three groups were one in their ideas and spirit,
they differed in their methods of reporting. He also dedicated a poem to Rizal but he collected
the best of his poems in a book called CRISALIDAS,
The writers in Spanish were wont to write on nationalism meaning, a kind of black, wooly caterpillar.
like honoring Rizal and other heroes.
Here are a few stanzas of his call to Rizal which he
The writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on wrote on June 19, 1901 to commemorate Rizal's
the conditions of the country and their attempts to arouse birthday.
love for one's native tongue. The writers in English imitated
the themes and methods of the Americans. JESUS BALMORI
Jesus Balmori is well-known for his pen name
Literature in Spanish of Batikuling. He and He and Manuel Bernabe
participated in a debate on the topic
The inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish was Remembrance and Forgetfulness), He was
Rizal not only because of his being a national leader but elected Poet Laureate Manuel Bernabe.
also because of his novels NOLI and FILI.
MANUEL BERNABE
These two novels contained the best qualities of a novel ever A lyric poet and the fierceness of his nationalist spirit
written, in English or in Filipino. was unchanged in any topic he wrote.

Those who were inspired to write in praise of him were

Cecilio Apostol, Fernando Ma. Guerrero, Jesus Balmori, CLARO M. RECTO
Manuel Bernabe and Claro M. Recto. In nobility of speech and theme, Claro M, Recto can
compare with the other writers of Spanish. He
CECILIO APOSTOL collected his poems in a book entitled BAJO LOS
Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, COCOTEROS (Under the Coconut Trees).
Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes but his poem
dedicated to Rizal is considered the best poem in
praise of the hero of Bagumbayan.
Module: Philippine Literature

Other Writers in Spanish 2. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay). Led by Lope

K Santos, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Florentino
1. Adelina Guerrea was the first woman poet in the Collantes, Patricio Mariano, Carlos Garmaitan,
Philippines who was good in Spanish. She and Amado V. Hernandez.
obtained the Zobel prize in her song El Nido.
(The Nest). 3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan).
2. Isidro Marpori became famous for his four books Led by Aurelio Tolentino, Patricio Mariano,
entitled Aromas de Ensueño (Scents of Dreams). Severino Reyes, and Tomas Remigio.
3. Macario Adriatico wrote of a legend of Mindoro
entitle La Punta de Salto (The Place of Origin).
4. Epifanio de los Santos (known as Don PAnyong). Short stories that started to appear in the column
He was a good leader and biographer during the Pangsandaliang Libangan (Short-time Leisure)
whole period of Spanish literature. and Dagli (Fast) we find here the names of Lope K.
5. Pedro Aunario wrote the Decalogo del Santos, Patricio Mariano, and Rosauro Almario
Proteccionismo.
In the Liwayway Publications, we find Deogracias
B. Filipino Literature Rosario, Teodoro Gener, and Cirio H. Panganiban.

FLORANTE AT LAURA of Francisco Balagtas Noted novelists or biographers were Valeriano

and URBANA AT FELISA of Modesto de Castro Hernandez Peña, Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado,
became the inspiration of the Tagalog writers. Faustino Aguilar, etc.

Julian Cruz Balmaceda classified three kinds Here are the autobiographies of some of the writers
of Tagalog poets: They were: mentioned:

1. Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso). LOPE K. SANTOS

These included Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Lope K. Santos, a novelist, poet and author, and
Regalado, Carlos Gatmaitan, Pedro Deogracias grammarian covered three periods of Tagalog
del Rosario, Ildefonso Santos, Amado V. literature - American, Japanese and the
Hernandez, Nemecio Carabana, and Mar contemporary period. If Manuel L. Quezon is called
Antonio. the Father of the National Language, Lope K. Santos is
called the Father of the National Language
Grammar. He was also called the "Apo" of the
Module: Philippine Literature

Tagalog writers. BANAAG AT SIKAT was his He considers NENA AT NENENG his masterpiece.
masterpiece.

JOSE CORAZON DE JESUS IÑIGO ED. REGALADO

Jose Corazon de Jesus is very popularly Iñigo Ed. Regalado was a son of a popular writer
known as Huseng Batute. He was also called during the Spanish time known as Odalger. He proved
the Poet of Love in his time. ANG ISANG that he not only followed the footsteps of his father
PUNONG KAHOY (A TREE), an elegy, is but also reached the peak of his success by the
believed to be his masterpiece. "sumpong" (whim) of his pen.
He also became a popular story-teller, novelist and
AMADO V. HERNANDEZ newspaperman.
Amado V. Hernandez was dubbed Makata ng mga
Manggagawa (Poet of the Laborers) in our The Tagalog Drama
literature because he pictures in his poem the During the advent of the American period, Severino
intense love for the poor worker or laborer. To Reyes and Hermogenes Ilagan started the movement
him, a poem is a scent, bittersweet memories, and a against the moro- moro (a play on the Spanish
murmur of flowing water. struggles against the Muslims) and struggled to
show the people the values one can get from the
The pen is powerful and according to him, even a zarzuela and the simple plays.
king can be bent by the pen.
The people one should not forget in the field of writing are
He contributed a lot of writings to literature like the following:
ISANG DIPANG LANGIT (A Stretch of Heaven),
BAYANG MALAYA (A Free Nation), ANG PANDAY 1. Severino Reyes. Father of the Tagalog drama and
(The Blakcsmith), and MUNTING LUPA (A Small author of the immortal WALANG SUGAT.
Plot), but his masterpiece is ANG PANDAY.
2. Aurelio Tolentino. The dramatist in whom the
VALERIANO HERNANDEZ PEÑA Kapampangans take pride. Included in his writings
Together with Lope K. Santos he reached the summit were LUHANG TAGALOG, his masterpiece, and
of his novel-writing. He was known as Tandang KAHAPON, NGAYONG AT BUKAS that resulted in his
Anong and his pen name was Kuntil Butil (Small incarceration.
Grain).
Module: Philippine Literature

2. Hermogenes Ilagan. Founded the group Campaña Tagalog Poetry

Ilagan that presented many dramas in Central Luzon. Almost all Tagalog writers during the
3. Patricio Mariano. Wrote the novel NINAY and ANAK American Period were able to compose
NG DAGAT (Son of the Sea), his masterpiece. beautiful poems which made it difficult to
4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda. Wrote BUNGANGA NG select the best. Even if poetry writing is as old
PATING (Shark's Mouth). much honor and fame. This as history, poetry still surfaces with its
gave him sweetness, beauty, and melody.

Other Forms of Literature

The Tagalog Short Story The following are those recognized in the field
of Ilocano Literature:
Two collections of Tagalog stories were published
during the American Period. 1. Pedro Bukaneg. Father of Ilocano
Literature.
• MGA KUWENTONG GINTO (Golden Stories) • From his name was derived the
published in 1936 was written by Alejandro word Bukanegan, which means
Abadilla and Clodualdo del Mundo that Balagtasan (a poetic contest) in
contained the 25 best stories according to Ilocano.
them.
2. Claro Caluya. Prince of Ilocano Poets.
o KUWENTONG GINTO ng 50 BATIKANG Known as poet and novelist.
KUWENTISTA (50 Golden Stories by 50
Noted Storytellers) in 1939 was written by 3. Leon Pichay. Known Bukanegero (from
Pedrito Reyes. Bukaneg). novelist, short story writer,
essayist. as the best Also a poet, dramatist
and
Module: Philippine Literature

Literature of the Kapampangans (Pampango

Literature)

Two stalwarts in the literature of the Kapampangans stand

out: they are:

1. Juan Crisostomo Soto. (Father of Kapampangan

Literature).
The word CRISOTAN (meaning Balagtasan) in Tagalog
is taken from his name.

2. Aurelio Tolentino. He truly proved his being

Kaampangan in his translation of KAHAPON, NGAYON AT
BUKAS into Kapampangan which he called NAPON, NGENI
AT BUKAS.

Visayan Literature
The following are the top men in Visayan literature:

1. Eriberto Gumban. (Father of Visayan He wrote a

zarzuela, moro-moro Literature) and a play in
Visayan.

2. Magdalena Jalandoni. She devoted her talent to the

novel. She wrote ANG MGA TUNUK SAN ISA CA
BULACLAC.
Module: Philippine Literature

C. Philippine Literature in English

They were adjusting the idea of democracy, to the
In a way, we can say that we can trace the beginnings of new phraseology of the English language and to the
Philippine literature in English with the coming of the standards of the English literary style Writers had to
Americans. For this purpose, we can divide this period into learn direct expression as conditioned by direct
three-time frames, namely: thinking.

1. The Period of Re-orientation: 1898-1910 They had to learn that sentence constructions;
2. The Period of Imitation: 1910-1925 sounds and speech in English were not the same as in
3. The Period of Self-Discovery: 1925-1941 the vernacular.

They had to discard sentimentality and floridity of

The Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910) language for the more direct and precise English
language.
English as a literary vehicle came with the American
occupation in August 13, 1898 and as they say, a Not much was produced during this period and what
choice bestowed on us by history. literature was produced was not much of literary
By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of worth. The first attempts in English were in two
instruction in the public schools. periodicals of this time:

From the American forces were recruited the first (a) El Renacimiento: founded in Manila by Rafael
teachers of English. Palma in 1901.

By 1908, the primary and intermediate grades were (b) Philippines Free Press: established in Manila in
using English. It was also about this time when UP, 1905 by R. McCullough Dick and D. Theo Rogers.
the forerunner in the use of English in higher POETRY
education, was founded.
In 1907, Justo Juliano's SURSUM CORDA which
Writers of this period were still adjusting to the appeared in the Renacimiento was the first work to
newfound freedom after the paralyzing effect of be published in English.
repression of thought and speech under the Spanish
regime.
Module: Philippine Literature

In 1909, Jan F. Salazar's MY MOTHER and his AIR CASTLES ESSAYS

were also published in this paper.
It was also in 1909 when Proceso Sebastian followed with The noted essayists of this time were:
his poem TO MY LADY IN LAOAG, also in this same paper. • Carlos P. Romulo
• Jorge C. Bocobo
• Mauro Mendez
(2) The Period of Imitation (1910-1924) • Vicente Hilario.

By 1919, the UP-College Folio published the literary Their essays were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety,
compositions of the first Filipino writers in English. They substance and structure. They excelled in the serious essay,
were the pioneers in short story writing. especially the editorial type.

They were then groping their way into imitating American The next group of writers introduced the informal essay,
and British models which resulted in a stilted, artificial criticism and the journalistic column.
and unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity.
They spiced their work with humor, wit and satire. These
Their models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Emerson group included:
and Thoreau, Wordsworth and Tennyson, Thackeray and • Ignacio Manlapaz
Macaulay, Longfellow, Allan Poe, Irving and other American • Godefredo Rivera
writers of the Romantic School. • Federico Mangahas
• Francisco B. Icasiano
Writers of this folio (They pioneered in English poetry). • Salvador P. Lopez
• Jose Lansang
• Fernando Maramag (the best
• Amando G. Dayrit.
editorial writer of this period)
• Juan F. Salazar
• Jose M. Hernandez
• Vicente del Fierro
• Francisco M. Africa
• Victoriano Yamzon
Module: Philippine Literature

SHORT STORIES D. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

By this time, Filipino writers had acquired the
In the field of short stories, DEAD STARS by Paz Marquez mastery of English writing. They now confidently and
Benitez written in the early 1920's stand out as a model of competently wrote on a lot of subjects although the
perfection in character delineation, local color, plot and old-time favorites of love and youth persisted. They
message. went into all forms of writing like the novel and the
drama.
Other short stories published during this time were but poor
imitations of their foreign models. 1. POETRY
Noteworthy names in this field include:
The UP-College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine • Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion
Collegian. • Jose Garcia Villa
• Angela Manalang Gloria
Newspapers and periodicals also saw print during this • Abelardo Subido
time like the Bulletin, the Philippines Herald (1920), the • Trinidad Tarrosa Subido
Philippine Review, the Independent, Rising Philippines • Rafael Zulueta da Costa.
and Citizens, and the Philippine Education Magazine
1924. They turned out not only love poems but patriotic,
religious, descriptive and reflective poems as
well. They wrote in free verse, in odes and sonnets
and in other types. Poetry was original, spontaneous,
competently written and later, incorporated social
consciousness.
Module: Philippine Literature

2. THE SHORT STORY (1925-1941) 3. ESSAYS AND OTHER PROSE STYLES (1925-1941)
• Probably because of the
incentives provided by Essays during this period improved with the years in quality
publications like: and quantity, in content, subject and style.
• the Philippine Free Press,
• The Graphic, Essayists like Carlos P. Romulo became even more eminent
• The Philippine Magazine editorial writers.
• college publications like the UP
Literary Apprentice, poetry and The notable writers of essays during this period were:
the short story flourished during a. Political, social reflective essays
these times.
Through their newspaper columns the following
became very popular:
Other writers during this time include: Osmundo Sta. • Federico Mangahas
Romana, Arturo Rotor, Paz Latorena's Sunset, and Jose • Salvador P. Lopez
Garcia Villa's Mir- 30 in-isa. • Pura S. Castrence
• Vicente Albano Pacis
• Ariston Estrada
From 1930 to 1940, the Golden Era of Filipino writing in • Jose A. Lansang.
English saw the short story writers "who have arrived, like: b. Critical essays were espoused by:
• Jose Lansang's The Broken o Salvador P. Lopez, I.V.
Parasol, o Mallari, Ignacio Manlapaz
• Sinai C. Hamada's Talanata's Wife, o Jose Garcia Villa
• Fausto Dugenio's Wanderlust o Arturo B. Rotor
• Amando G. Dayrit's His Gift and o Leopoldo Y. Yabes.
Yesterday
• Amador T. Daugio's The Woman • An example of this is Maximo V. Soliven's THEY
Who Looked Out of the Window. CALLED IT BROTHERHOOD.
Module: Philippine Literature

C. Personal or Familiar essays were written by: OTHER ESSAYISTS INCLUDE:

• F.B. Icasiano (Mang Kiko) • Ignacio Manlapaz
• Alfredo E. Litiatco • Vicente Albano Pacis I.V.
• Solomon V. Arnaldo • Mallari, Jose M. Fernandez
• Amando G. Dayrit • Leopoldo Y. Yabes
• Consuelo Gar (Catuca) • Isidro L. Ritizos
• Pura Santillan.
Some of the notable works during this time were:
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
1940: Salvador P. Lopez' LITERATURE AND SOCIETY Literature Under the Commonwealth- The Philippine
which is a collection of critical reflections and serious essays Writer's League put out a collection of essays.
and which won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary
Contest of 1940. PUBLICATIONS
The Philippine Free Press provided the first
1940: Camilo Osias published THE FILIPINO WAY OF incentives to Filipino writers in English by offering
LIFE, a series of essays on the Filipino way of life as drawn prizes to worthwhile contributions. Other publications
from history, folkways, philosophy and psychology of the followed suit.
Philippines.
THE DRAMA (1925-1941)
1941: F.B. Icasiano (Mang Kiko) was reprints of the best of Drama during this period did not reach the heights
Icasiano's essays in the Sunday Times Magazine under the attained by the novel or the short story.
column From My Nipa Hut. It is an essay of the common "tao"
and is written with humor and sympathy. The UP provided the incentives when they introduced
playwriting as a course and established the UP Little
August 16, 1941: Carlos P. Romulo had an editorial Theater.
printed in the Philippines Herald. Entitled I AM A FILIPINO,
it was reprinted in his book MY BORTHER AMERICANS in
1945 in New York by Doubleday & Co.