21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

Reviewer

TOPIC 1. THE PHILIPPINE LITERARY HISTORY - Senakulo – dramatization of the

FROM PRE-COLONIAL TO CONTEMPORARY pasyon, it shows the passion and death
PERIOD of Christ.

 Pre-Spanish Period (1521-1871) Examples of Secular Literature

- Chant (Bulong). This was used in
- Awit – colorful tales of chivalry made
witchcraft or enchantment especially in
for singing and chanting.
remote places in the Visayas.
- Korido – metrical tale written in
- Legends. These are genres of folklore
octosyllabic quatrains.
that consists of a narrative featuring
human actions perceived or believed Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature
both by teller and listeners to have
taken place within human history. The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA,
- Folk Tales. These are made up of stories was replaced by the Roman alphabet. Also,
about life, adventure, love, horror, and the teaching of the Christians Doctrine
humor where one can derive lessons. became the basis of religious practices.
- Epics. These are long narrative poems in - Folk Songs
which a series of heroic achievements
or events, usually of a hero, are dealt It manifests the artistic feelings of the
with at length. Filipinos and shows their innate
- Folk songs. These are one of the oldest appreciation for and love of beauty. The
form of Philippine Literature that example are Leron-Leron Sinta,
emerged in the pre-Spanish period. Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi,
These songs mirrored the early forms of and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
culture. - Recreational Plays
 Spanish Period (1521-1871)
There were many recreational plays
Literature in this period may be classified as performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
religious prose and poetry and secular times. Almost all of them were in a poetic
prose and poetry. form such Cenaculo, Panunuluyan,
Religious Literature - religious literature Salubong, Embayoka, Lagaylay, and
based on religion Zarzuela.

Secular Literature - literature has no based-  Period of the New Enlightenment

on religion (1872-1898)

Examples of Religious Literature In the 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals

educated in Europe called Ilustrados began
- Pasyon – long narrative poem about the to write about the hatch of colonization.
passion and death of Christ. The
popular was “Ang Mahal na Passion ni
Jesu Cristong Panginoon Natin” by
Gaspar Aquino de Belen.
THE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT (1872- MARCELO DEL PILAR’S WRITINGS
1896)
• PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (LOVE
This movement was spearheaded, mostly OF COUNTRY)
by the intellectual middle-class like Jose
• KAINGAT KAYO (BE CAREFUL)
Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez
Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose • DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (PRAYERS AND
Ma. Panganiban and Pedro Paterno. JOKES)
JOSE RIZAL GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA
• DIMASALANG • DIEGO LAURA
• LAONG LAAN GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA’S WRITINGS
• MAY PAG-ASA • ANG FRAY BOTOD
JOSE RIZAL’S WRITINGS • LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (THE CHILD OF THE
FRIAR)
• NOLI ME TANGERE (TOUCH ME NOT)
• SA MGA FILIPINO
• EL FILIBUSTERISMO (THE REIGN OF THE
GREED) • EVERYTHING IS HAMBUG (EVERYTHING
IS MERE SHOW)
• MI ULTIMO ADIOS (MY LAST FAREWELL)
• TALUMPATING PAGUNITA KAY
• SOBRE LA INDOLENCIA DE LOS
KOLUMBUS (AN ORATION TO
FILIPINOS (THE INDOLENCE OF THE
COMMEMORATE COLUMBUS)
FILIPINO)
 The American Period (1898-1944)
• FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN AÑOS (THE
PHILIPPINES A CENTURY HENCE) The language used in writing were Spanish
and Tagalog and the dialects of the different
MARCELO DEL PILAR
regions. But the writers in Tagalog,
• PLARIDEL continued in their lamentations on the
conditions of the country and their
• DOLORES MANAPAT
attempts to arouse love for one’s native
• PIPING DILAT language and the writers in English imitated
the themes and methods of the Americans.
• SILING LABUYO
FACTORS
• CUPANG
- Freedom of Expression
• MAYTIYAGA
- Freedom of the press
• PATOS
- Establishment of writers’ guild or
• CARMELO organizations
• D.A. MURGAS - Giving incentives in the form of awards to
• L.O. CRAME outstanding writers in different genres.
 The Japanese Period (1941-1945) - FANTASY
- SOCIAL PROBLEM
Philippine Literature was interrupted in its
- NATIONALISM
development when another foreign
- MORALITY
country, Japan, conquered the Philippines
- POLITICS
between 1941-1945. Philippine literature in
English came to a halt. This led to all Writers during this period
newspapers not be circulated in the
- JOSE GARCIA VILLA
community except for TRIBUNE and
- MANUEL VIRAY
PHILIPPINE REVIEW.
- MAXIMO RAMOS
The common theme of the most poems - FLORENTINO VALEROS
during the Japanese occupation was - NICK JOAQUIN
nationalism, country love, and life in the
Written Works during this Period
barrios, faith, religion and the arts.
- May Day Eve by Nick Joaquin is a short
Two types of poems emerged during this
story about love in a patriarchal
period:
society.
a. Haiku. – a poem of free verse that the - By F. Sionil Jose which is a short story
Japanese like. It was made up to 17 about pre-Hispanic society and the
syllables divided into three lines. (first line people’s struggle for moral order.
had 5 syllables, second line has 7 syllables, - By Alejandro Roces. A short story
and third has 5 syllables) focusing on the drinking habits and
culture of Filipinos and Americans.
b. Tanaga. – like the Haiku, it is short but it
- By Edith L. Tiempo. It is a sentimental
has measure and rhyme. (7 7 7 7 syllabic
poem that talks about life in old age.
verse)
Poetry
 Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)
- When I See A Barong-Barong by
The early post-liberation period was marked
Maximo Ramos
by a kind of “struggle of mind and spirit”
pose by the sudden emancipation from the Short Story
enemy, and the wild desire to see print.
- Plighted Word by Narciso G. Reyes
Literary writing in vernacular became
- Scent of Apples by Bienvenido Santos
popular. The writers had a better
- Cadaver by Alberto S. Florentino
knowledge of their craft and enjoyed
- They Called It “Brotherhood” by Maximo
political activism. CHED mandated to teach
V. Soliven
Philippine Literature in all tertiary schools.
- Kwento Ni Mabuti by Genova Edroza
Filipino fiction writers focused on  Period of Activism (1970-1972)
courageous deeds and sacrifices/sufferings
According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism
in the lives of Filipinos.
in 1970-1972 was due to domestic and
Subjects and Themes worldwide causes. Because the ills of
society, the youth moved to seek reforms.
- RELIGIOUS FAITH
- SUPERSTITION
 The youth became vocal with their lifted on January 2, 1981. The Philippines
sentiments. They demanded a change in the became a new nation, and this former President
government. It was manifested in the Marcos Sr. called “The New Republic of the
bloody demonstrations and the sidewalk Philippines.”
expressions and also in literature.
Poems during this period of the Third Republic
 Period of the New Society (1972-1980) were romantic and revolutionary. Many Filipino
- Martial Law began in 1972. songs dealt with themes that were true-to-life
- School newspapers were temporary like those of grief, poverty, aspirations for
closed and so with school organization. freedom, love of God, love of country and
- Curtailment of human rights including fellowmen.
press freedom.
 Post-EDSA 1 Revolution (1986-1999)
- The New Society tried to stop
pornography or those writings giving History took another twist. Once more, the
bad influences on the morals of the Filipino people regained their independence
people. which they lost twenty years ago. In four days
- Carlos Palanca Award continued to give from February 21-25, 1986, the so-called
annual awards. People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. In
- Bilingual education initiated by the the short span of the existence of the real
Board of National Education. Republic of the Philippines, several changes
- Old lays dramas presented in the rebuilt already became evident.
Metropolitan Theater, and the Folk Arts
Theater and the Cultural Center of The The new crony newspapers that enjoyed an
Philippines: Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo, overnight increase in circulation were The
and Embayoka of the Muslims. Inquirer, Malaya, and the People’s Journal.
- Radio and TV patronized  21st Cenury Period
- Play series: Si Matar, Dahlia, Ito Ang
Palad Ko, and Mr. Lonely The new trends have been used and introduced
- Filipino films to meet the needs and tastes of the new
generation. 21st Century learners are demanded
Themes in most writing in this period: to be Information and Communication
- Economic Progress Technology (ICT) inclined to compete with the
- Culture style and format of writing as well. New codes
- Discipline or lingos are used to add flavor in the literary
- Tourism pieces produced nowadays.
- Family Planning TOPIC 2. REPRESENTATIVES TEXTS AND
- Proper Nutrition AUTHORS FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE
- Environment and Pollution COUNTRY
- Drugs Addiction
 Period of the New Republic (1981- LITERARY CANON
1985) A group of literary works that are considered
After ten years of military rule and some the most important of a particular time, period,
changes in the life of the Filipino, which started or place.
under the New Society, Martial Rule was last
REGION I: ILOCOS REGION JUAN CRISOSTOMO SOTO

PEDRO BUCANEG - Father of Pampangueno Literature

- First known Ilokano poet - Pseudonym: Crissot

- Father of Ilocano Poetry and Literature - Exquisite in Crisostan (balagtasan) in

Pampanga’s Local Dialect
- Biag ni Lam-ang
REGION II: CAGAYAN VALLEY
- Dictated the texts of his poems, songs, and
translations to an amanuensis Old songs, proverbs, and poems sung in
Cagayan alongside with the instruments
CARLOS S. BULOSAN
kuribaw, tulali and kuritang that produce sad
- A prolific writer and poet, best remembered music.
as the author of America is in the Heart
An Ilongot lullaby showing the tribal pattern of
His famous works are: culture in which the father expressed his fears
and doubts about the growing boy; his hopes
America is in the Heart, The Laughter of my for the boy to take care of him in his old; and
Father, The Cry and the Dedication, My his hopes for the boy to take over his work.
Father’s Tragedy, The Romance of Magno
Rubio, If you Want To Know What We Are. EDITH L. TIEMPO

MANUEL E. ARGUILLA - She was from Bayombog, Nueva Vizcaya.

- Ilokano writer in English - She was a poet, fiction writer, teacher, and
literary critic.
- He is known for his widely anthologized short
story “How My Brother Leon Brought Home a REGION III: CENTRAL LUZON
Wife.”
FRANCISCO BALAGTAS Y DE LA CRUZ
Some of his short stories are:
- a.k.a Francisco Balagtas and Francisco
Midsummer, A son is Born, Morning in Baltazar.
Nagrebcan, and Rice were used in exploring
- Florante at Laura
the indigenization of English.
- Orasman at Zanta
LEONA FLORENTINO
VIRGILIO SENADREN-ALMARIO
- A Filipino poet in the Spanish and Ilocano
languages - Rio Alma

- Mother of Philippine Women’s Literature - National Artist for Literature

FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSE - Narrative poem, Mariang Sinukuan

- He was born in Rosales, Pangasinan and - Collection of criticism: Ang Makata sa

studied at UST. Panahon ng Makina (The Poet in the Age of
Machines)
- Became a Filipino journalist, novelist and
writer.
- His poetry; often exuberant in expression and MARS RAVELO
passionate in its sympathy for the poor and
- A Filipino graphic novelist born in Tanza,
the working class.
Cavite
ANDRES BONIFACIO
- Other works:
- Father of the Philippine Revolution
 Lastikman
- Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog
 Varga
EMILIO JACINTO
 Wanted: Perfect Mother
- A Filipino Revolutionist
 Buhay Pilipino
- Kalayaan editor
BIENVENIDO LUMBERA
SEVERINO REYES
- A Filipino poet, critic and dramatist
- Well known for “Lola Basyang”
- Recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for
- Ama ng Dulang Tagalog Journalism, Literature and Creative
Communications
NICOMEDES JOAQUIN y MARQUEZ
FRANK G. RIVERA
- He was a playwright, novelist and journalist
speaker at cultural events during Marcos Sr. - Born in Paete, Laguna.
regime.
- Mastered the genre of poetry, Textula
- He was an editor of Philippine Graphic
- 3 Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, 4
Magazine, a publisher of Mirror Weekly and
National Book Awards, Aliw, Gawad CCP, and
also a writer of the Philippine Inquirer and
NCCA Award.
Isyu.
The term textula is a blend of the English word
ROLANDO S. TINIO
“text” and the Filipino word “tula!” meaning
- He was from Gagalangin, Tondo Manila. text poem, it is a poem written in the form of a
text message. Usually consisting of one or two
- A Filipino writer, poet, essayist, critic, actor
stanzas, it sent as direct communication to a
and director.

- Established the Filipino Language Drama

CIRILO F. BAUTISTA

- He was born in Manila.

- Poet, fictionist, essayist and educator.

- LEGACY: Founded the Philippine Literary Arts person close to the sender.
Council

REGION IV-A: CALABARZON

REGION IV-B: MIMAROPA
NESTOR VICENTE MADALI GONZALES - Co-founded PAWWA or Philippine American
Women Writers and Artists
- N.V.M Gonzales
REGION VIII: EASTERN VISAYAS
- A Filipino fiction novelist, short story writer,
essayist, poet, and teacher who articulated the CARLOS A. ANGELES
Filipino spirit in rural, urban landscape.
- Born on May 25, 1921 in Tacloban City, Leyte
- First Commonwealth Literary Contest in 1940
- Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for
- Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1960 Literature (Poetry)

- Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 1990 REGION IX: ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

REGION V: BICOL REGION EMIGDIO ALVAREZ ENRIQUEZ

POTENCIANO GREGORIO SR. - Origin: Zamboanga City

- A Bicolano composer and musician - As a novelist and a story writer, his short
stories won Palanca awards.
- The composer of Sarung Banggi (One
Evening), the most famous song in the Bikol - The White Horse of Alih
language
REGION X: NORTHERN MINDANAO
REGION VI: WESTERN VISAYAS
DAMIANA L. EUGENIO
ALICE TAN-GONZALES
- A Filipino female author and professor known
- Born of a Filipina and a Chinese and speaking as the Mother of Philippine Folklore in 1986.
Hiligaynon at home, she wrote her first short
- Proponent of the compilation, conservation
story in Hiligaynon and discover her deep
and publication of the country’s numerous
connection with the language in the process.
legends and folk tales.
- Carlos Palanca Hall of Fame for Literature
REGION XI: DAVAO REGION
Awardee in 2014.
AIDA RIVERA-FORD
- Istoryahan Ta Ka Uli, Kasingkasing Press,
2016, a collection of stories for older children. - Born in Sulu
REGION VII: CENTRAL VISAYAS - First editor of Sands and Coral, the Siliman
University’s literary folio
MARCEL M. NAVARRA
- Love in the Cornhusks
- First Cebuano realist writer
CANDY GOURLAY
- “The Father of Modern Cebuano Literature”
- An awarded winning Filipino author in UK
- Also labeled as the “Hemingway of the
Binisaya” - Tall Story, Shine, Animal Tricksters
CECILIA MANGUERRA BRAINARD REGION XII: SOCCSKSARGEN
- An author and editor of nineteen books BARTOLOME DEL VALLE
- Author of the epic, Indarapatra at Sulayman 21ST CENTURY LITERARY GENRES

- Poet and teacher  Illustrated Novel

REGION XIII: CARAGA ADMINISTRATIVE It is a story or narrative told through words

REGION complemented by illustrated images. In most
illustrated fiction, 50% of the narrative is
ESPIRIDON ARSENIO MANUEL
presented without words while some may not
- “Ama ng Makabagong Pag-aaral ng Poklor sa contain any text at all, so the reader must
Filipinas” interpret the images to comprehend the story
completely.
- Tawaang Attends a Wedding

BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao)  Digi-fiction

STEVEN PRINCE PATRICK C. FERNANDEZ Also called Triple Media Literature. It uses the
combination of three media: book,
- Doctorate Degree Graduate in Creative movie/video, and internet website to tell a
Writing from a Philippine University, De La narrative, so readers must engage in
Salle (during his time) navigating, reading, and viewing in all three
- First place, One-act Play Category in the 2006 forms to comprehend the full story.
Carlos Palanca Literary Contest  Graphic Novel
ST
TOPIC 3. 21 CENTURY LITERARY GENRES It is a narrative told in comic-strip formats and
MAJOR LITERARY GENRES published as a book. To differentiate from
illustrated fiction, graphic novels tell a story
Poetry is an imaginative awareness of using a combination of words and pictures in a
experience expressed through meaning, sound sequence across the page. The term is
and rhythmic language choices to evoke an employed in a broad manner, encompassing
emotional response. It has been known to non-fiction works and thematically linked short
employ meter and rhyme. stories as well as fictional stories across several
Drama is a composition in prose or verse genres.
presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story  Manga
involving conflict more contrast of character,
especially on indeed to be acted on a stage: a Manga is the Japanese word for comics. It is
play. used in the English-speaking world as a generic
term for all comic books and graphic novels
Fiction is literature from the imagination, not originally published in Japan. Manga-style
presented as fact, though it may be based on a comics created by American artists are
true story or situation. sometimes called Ameri-manga.
Non-fiction is based on facts and the author’s Some Manga categories include the following:
opinion about a subject. The purpose of non-
fiction writing is to inform and sometimes to - Shonen-Boy’s Manga (Naruto, Bleach,
persuade One Piece)
- Shojo-Girl’s Manga (Sailormoon)
 - Seinen-Men’s Manga (Akira) Varieties of flash fiction identified by word
- Josei-Women’s Manga (Loveless. count:
Paradise Kiss)
- includes six-word stories (6 words),
- Kodomo-Children’s Manga (Doraemon,
- dribble or minisaga (50 words),
Hello Kitty)
- 280-character story or twitterrature
(280 words or as story in one tweet)
- drabble or microfiction (100 words),
- sudden fiction (750 words)
- and flash fiction (1,000 words)
 Creative Nonfiction

Also known as literary nonfiction or narrative

 Doodle Fiction nonfiction. It is a genre of writing that uses
It is a literary presentation where the author literary styles and techniques to create
incorporates doodle writing, drawings, and factually accurate narratives.
handwritten graphics in place of the traditional  Science Fiction
font. Doodles are simple drawings or random
shapes and lines that may or may not have It is a genre of speculative fiction dealing with
concrete representational meanings. These imaginative concepts such as futuristic science
enhance the story, often adding humorous and technology, space travel, time travel,
elements. faster than light travel, a parallel universe and
extraterrestrial life. If often explores the
 Text-Talk Novels potential consequences of scientific and other
Stories told almost entirely in dialogue innovations and has been called a “literature
simulating social network exchanges. of ideas.”
Narratives are usually presented in blog, email,  Blog
and IM (instant messaging) format. Jenny Ruth
Almocera’s Vince and Kath released by ABS- A Blog (shortened form of Weblog) is a website
CBN publishing is a good example of this genre. containing short articles called posts that are
updated regularly. Some blogs are written by
 Chick Literature one person containing his or her own opinions,
An often humorous and lighthearted fiction interests and experiences, while others are
which addresses issue of modern womanhood. written by different people. Laureen Uy’s
Stories may include romantic relationships, Break My Style which includes stories of her
friendships, and issues in the workplace. It travel and style is one of the most followed
generally targets young women readers. blogs in the country.

 Flash Fiction  Hyper Poetry

A story narrated in an extremely brief way, but It is a digital poetry that uses links and
still offers plot and character development and hypertext mark-up. It can either involve set
implies a larger story. It could range from a words, phrases, lines, etc. that are presented
word to a thousand. in variable order but sit on the page much as
traditional poetry does, or it can contain parts
of the poem that move and transform. It is
usually found online, but CD-ROM and diskette Cultural Context
versions exist. The earliest examples date to
Culture refers to the traditions, beliefs,
no later that the mid-1980s.
customs, and way of life specific to a particular
TOPIC 4. CONTEXT AND TEXT’S MEANING group of people. Culture can be associated
with a specific nationality, race, geographic
WRITER’S CONTEXT
area, or religion, just to name a few examples.
- knowing about the writer’s life, values, Having insight into the culture of the
assumptions, gender, race, sexual characters in a novel or other work of writing
orientation, and the political and provides important insights relevant to
economic issues related to the author. interpreting the story or situation.

READER’S CONTEXT Historical Context

- the reader’s previous reading Historical context refers to what was going on
experience, values, assumptions, in the world during the timeframe in which a
political and economic issues. work is set or was written. It involves factors
like economic conditions, societal norms of the
TEXT’S CONTEXT day, major events, technological
- is about publishing history. it is part of advancements, etc.
the larger text such as newspaper, Physical Context
history, events, translated in it.
Physical context refers to the setting in which a
“Mi Ultimo Adios” by Dr. Jose P. Rizal work of writing takes place. It is the physical
"MI ÚLTIMO ADIÓS" (ENGLISH: "MY LAST environment in which the story, or an event
FAREWELL") Is a poem written by Filipino within the story, occurs.
propagandist and writer Dr. José Rizal before Rhetorical Context
his execution by firing squad on December 30,
1896. The piece was one of the last notes he The rhetorical context refers to the
wrote before his death. Another that he had circumstances under which a particular piece
written was found in his shoe, but because the of writing is created. It includes factors such as
text was illegible, its contents remain a who the author is, the purpose of or occasion
mystery. for the writing, and its intended audience.

RIZAL DID NOT ASCRIBE A TITLE TO HIS POEM. Significance: Why Context Matters
Mariano Ponce, his friend and fellow reformist,
Context adds richness to a work of literature
titled it "Mi último pensamiento" ("My Last
and helps to truly engage readers in the text.
Thought") in the copies he distributed, but this
Context is important to writers and readers
did not catch on. Also, the "coconut oil lamp"
alike. It is essential to accurately conveying
containing the poem was not delivered to the
(writers) and understanding (readers) the
Rizal's family until after the execution as it was
meaning of a work of writing.
required to light the cell.
When writers include contextual information,
Four Types of Context in Writing
they are providing details that make it easier
for readers to process and accurately interpret DIFFERENT LITERARY APPROACHES
the text.
FORMALIST APPROACH or NEW CRITICISM
When readers consider factors relevant to the
 A text is a separate and individual
context of the work, whether or not such
entity.
factors are specifically stated, they are able to
look at the text through the lens of a relevant  Engaging in extremely close textual
perspective. analysis.
Without context, a book, essay, or other text BIOGRAPHICAL APPROACH
doesn’t provide the reader with a framework
for interpreting the concepts or ideas  Reads the text looking for the authors
presented in the work. influence.

TOPIC 5. LITERARY APPROACHES  Author’s background

Literary Criticism  Difficulties in creating the text

“Critic” or “critique” comes from the Greek  The way the author applies and
verb kritikos, which means to judge, or to modifies own life experiences in one’s
decide. work.

The lens through which we like to examine MORAL / ETHICAL / HUMANISTIC CRITICISM
literature.  Literature is viewed to discuss man and
The study, discussion, evaluation, and his nature.
interpretation of literature.  Close to the “morality” of literature, to
GUIDE QUESTIONS questions of ethical goodness or
badness.
 What are the limits/benefits of each
form of criticism? HISTORICAL / CULTURAL APPROACH

 Is there a “right” or “wrong” form?  Literature is seen both as a reflection

and product of the times and
 Are some forms more “correct” than circumstances in which it was written,
others? or the nation or race’s culture and
tradition.
 Can a mode of criticism alter the entire
meaning of text? READER’S RESPONSE CRITICISM
FUNCTIONS  Not interested in a “correct”
interpretation of a text or what the
- Expand your worldview.
author intended
- Helps you better understand literature.
- Provides opportunities to assess  Interested in the reader’s individual
authors’ works experience with a text
- Creates opportunities for new styles of
writing