Philippine
Literature
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students must
Identify the different Philippine Literary Periods
Identify the famous authors and works of each period or
era.
Know the importance of studying the Philippine
Literature.
Pre-Colonial Period
(before 1564)
The Philippines' history dates back to the Pleistocene period,
with evidence of early human presence from unearthed
artifacts in Kalinga (631,000–777,000 years ago). The oldest
known hominin fossil, a 67,000-year-old discovery in Callao
Cave, predates the Tabon Man remains (1962) in Palawan,
believed to be a Negrito.
Several migration theories explain early human settlement:
1. Wave Migration Theory (H. Otley Beyer): Early settlers
arrived via land bridges and later by seagoing vessels.
2. Core Population Theory (Felipe Landa Jocano): Southeast Asia’s early inhabitants
shared a common ethnic and cultural background before differentiating.
3. Out of Sundaland: Early Filipinos originated from the now-submerged Sundaland
region.
4. Out of Taiwan (Peter Bellwood): Austronesians migrated from Taiwan to the
Philippines around 2,200 BCE, spreading throughout the region.
Precolonial Filipinos engaged in trade with neighboring cultures until over 300 years
of Spanish rule, followed by U.S. colonization and brief Japanese occupation during
World War II. The Philippines gained independence in 1946.
Pre-Colonial Literature
Philippine folk tales, epics, poems, and chants existed in most ethnolinguistic groups
and were passed from generation to generation through word of mouth. Biag ni Lam-
ang (Life of Lam-ang) of the Ilocanos narrates the adventures of epic hero, Lam-ang.
Other epics known to most Filipinos are the Ibalon of Bikol, Darangan a Muslim epic,
the Kudaman of Palawan, the Alim of the Ifugao, Bantugan of the Maranao, the
Hinilawod of Panay, and the Tuwaang of Manobos.
Pre-colonial literary pieces transferred in traditional narratives, speeches, and songs
include Tigmo in Cebuano, Bugtong in Tagalog, patototdon in Bicol, and paktakon in
Ilonggo. Baybayin (to spell) was the pre-colonial writing system in the Philippines.
Some modern scripts in the Philippines descended from Baybayin. Those are
Hanunó'o, Buhid, Tagbanwa, the Kapampangan script, and the Bisaya script.
Spanish Occupation
(1565-1898
The Philippines' recorded history began on March 6, 1521, when
Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Homonhon. During Spanish rule,
Filipinos were categorized into two groups: "Taga-bayan" (urbanized and
civilized) and "Taga-bukid" or "Taga-bundok" (rural dwellers, labeled as
"Indios" or "Bruto Salvaje").
Early Spanish colonization emphasized religious education, controlled by
Catholic missionaries, to convert the indigenous population. At the time,
Philippine literature was largely oral, consisting of epics, legends, songs,
riddles, and proverbs. However, Spanish friars destroyed most written
records, erasing native writing systems, except for the Mangyan and
Tagbanua syllabaries, which have survived.
Famous Authors of
Spanish Era
Graciano Lopez Jaena
Jaena was known to publish a number of literary
works that challenged the status quo. One of his
most popular works included the "La
Solidaridad", which was a newspaper that played
a very significant part in the propaganda
movement that helped lead to the Philippine
Revolution.
Marcelo Del Pilar
For his 150 essays and 66 editorials mostly
published in La Solidaridad and various anti-
friar pamphlets, del Pilar is widely regarded as
the "Father of Philippine Journalism."
Jose P. Rizal
Rizal was a prolific poet, essayist, and novelist
whose most famous works were his two novels,
Noli Me Tángere and its sequel, El
filibusterismo. These social commentaries
during the Spanish colonization of the country
formed the nucleus of literature that inspired
peaceful reformists and armed revolutionaries
alike.
Emilio Jacinto
He wrote the Kartilya ng Katipunan which
became not only a primer for members, but an
ideology, embodying moral and nationalistic
principles. He was also a poet.
Andres Bonifacio
Bonifacio's literary works served as a catalyst for
the nationalist awakening through the
Katipunan, spurring on the Filipino's political
development and popularizing Tagalog poetry
during the late 19th century.
Apolinario Mabini
Filipino theoretician and spokesman of the
Philippine Revolution, who wrote the
constitution for the short-lived republic of
1898-99. Two of his works, El Verdadero
Decalogo (The True Decalogue, June 24, 1898),
and Programa Constitucional dela Republica
Filipina (The Constitutional Program of the
Philippine Republic, 1898) became instrumental
in the drafting of what would eventually be
known as the Malolos Constitution.
American Occupation
(1898-1945)
The Filipino revolutionaries defeated the Spanish colonizers
after over 300 years of rule, declaring independence on June
12, 1898 with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as the first president.
However, the Filipino-American War led to the defeat of
Gen. Miguel Malvar in 1903, marking the start of American
colonization.
Despite foreign rule, Filipino nationalism remained strong, and writers expressed their
patriotism through news, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and novels. Literature flourished in
Spanish, Tagalog, vernacular languages, and English:
- Spanish writers focused on nationalism and honoring heroes like Rizal.
- Tagalog writers lamented the country’s condition and promoted the Filipino language.
- English writers imitated American literary styles.
Notable literary works include:
- Dead Stars (1925) by Paz Marquez Benitez, praised for its characterization and themes.
- Footnote to Youth (1933) by Jose Garcia Villa.
The UP College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian, fostering Filipino
literary development.
The Development of Philippine Literature in English:
1. Period of Re-Orientation (1898-1910) – With the arrival of the Americans in 1898, English
became the medium of instruction in public schools by 1901. American soldiers initially served
as teachers, and by 1908, the University of the Philippines was established, becoming a leader
in higher education using English.
2. Period of Imitation (1910-1924) – Early Filipino writers in English, such as those published
in the UP College Folio (1919), imitated American and British literary styles. Their works
were often artificial and lacked originality.
3. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941) – Filipino writers gained mastery of
English and wrote on diverse topics, though themes of love and youth remained popular.
Poetry flourished, evolving into more original and socially conscious works. The short story
also thrived, supported by publications like "The Philippine Free Press", which offered prizes
to writers. However, drama did not develop as much as other literary forms during this period.
Famous Authors of
American Era
Julián Cruz Balmaceda
(January 28, 1885 - September 18, 1947)
Was a Filipino poet, essayist, playwright, novelist, journalist
and linguist. He made several works written in Filipino, English
and Spanish languages.
Written works:
•Sa Bunganga ng Pating (On the Shark's Mouth) - condemns usurers and usurpers.
•Budhi ng Manggaga wa (Worker' s Will), Dugo ng Aking Ama (My Father's
Blood), Kaaway na Lihim (Secret Enemy) - discussed his ideals on socialism.
•Ang Tala sa Kabundukan (The Star on the Mountains) - a musical play composed
of three stages.
•Kayamanang Lumilipad (Treasury Flies) - an opera of three stages.
•Ale-aleng Namamayong (Lady under the Umbrella) - a poem about sacrifice of
love. •Ang Hampas ng Lupa (Nature's Guilt) - one stage.
•Ligayang Nawawala (Dissipating Happiness) - short story.
•Heneral Gregorio del Pilar - historical play of three stages that narrates the death
of Filipino war general Gregorio del Pilar on the Battle of Tirad Pass.
Florentino Collantes
(Oct. 16, 1896-July 15, 1951)
Was a Filipino poet who was among the writers who
spearheaded a revival of interest in Tagalog literature in the
Philippines in the 20th century.
Written works:
•Ang Lumang Simbahan
•Ang Tulisan
•Ang Barasoain Alitaptap
•Nagumon sa Bisyo
•Pag-ibig at Awa
José Cecilio Corazón de Jesús
(November 22, 1894– May 26, 1932),
Also known by his pen name Huseng Batute, was a Filipino
poet who used Tagalog poetry to express the Filipinos' desire
for independence during the American occupation of the
Philippines, a period that lasted from 1901 to 1946. He is best
known for being the lyricist of the Filipino song Bayan Ko.
Written works:
•Ang Manok Kong Bulik ("My White Rooster", 1911) - a poem about a
country man's misfortune in cockfighting.
•Barong Tagalog (1921) - poenm written after the Filipino national costume.
•Ang Pagbabalik ("Homecoming", 1924) Ang Pamana ("The Legacy", 1925)
Isang Punongkahoy ("A Tree", 1932)
Some of his poems were set into music: among these are:
•Bayan Ko ("My Country", 1929) - music by Constancio de Guzman
•Pakiusap ("A Request") - music by Francisco Santiago
Iñigo Ed. Regalado
(June 1, 1888 feast day- July 24, 1976)
Was a Filipino poet, journalist, and novelist. He was the son
of lñigo Corcuera Regalado, the renowned Tagalog printer
and journalist. His mother was Saturnina Reyes. As an editor,
Iñigo Ed Regalado was one of the "powerful voices" in the
newspapers and magazines during the first part of the 1900s.
It was during his time when the Golden Age of the Tagalog
Novel (1905-1921) started. The whole period of the Golden
Age of the Tagalog Novel was from 1905 to 1935.
Written works:
•Madaling Araw (Dawn) (1909)
•Kung Magmahal ang Dalaga (How a Maiden Loves) (1911)
•Ang Labing-apat na Awa (The Fourteen Graces) (1912)
•Sampagitang Walang Bango (Jasmine Without Fragrance) (1921)
•May Pagsinta'y Walang Puso (Heartless Love) (1921)
Lope K. Santos (born Lope Santos y
Canseco
September 25, 1879- May 1, 1963)
Was a Filipino Tagalog- language writer and former senator
of the Philippines. He is best known for his 1906 socialist
novel, Banaag at Sikat and to his contributions for the
development of Filipino grammar and Tagalog orthography..
Written works:
•Banaag at Sikat
Japanese Occupation
(1942-1960)
During the Japanese occupation, the development of Philippine
literature in English was disrupted. Almost all English
newspapers were shut down, except for The Tribune and The
Philippine Review. Liwayway was heavily censored and later
managed by a Japanese official, Ishiwara.
This led to a resurgence of Filipino literature, as writers who
previously wrote in English, such as Juan Laya, shifted to
writing in Filipino due to strict Japanese restrictions. Many
literary works, including plays, poems, and short stories,
emerged, often focusing on provincial life.
The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was nationalism,
country, love, life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
Three Types of Poems:
1. Haiku - A poem of free verse that the Japanese liked. It was made up of 17 syllables
divided into three lines. The first life had 5 syllables, the In Japanese second had 7
syllables, and the third had 5. It is allegorical in meaning. It is short and covers a wide
scope in meaning.
2. Tanaga – It is like the Haiku since it is short but it had measure and rhyme. Each line
had 17 syllables and is also allegorical in meaning.
3. Karaniwang Anyo- The normal way of writing poem.
Filipino Drama in the Japanese Period
- The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing
American films were closed. The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows. Many of
the plays were Drama reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto
Concio, and Narciso Pimentel founded the organization of Filipino players named Dramatic
Philippines.
Short Story in Japanese Period
- The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short stories.
Among them were: Brigido Batungbakal, Macario Pineda, Serafin Guinigundo, Liwayway Arceo,
Narciso Ramos, NVM Gonzales, Alicia Lopez Lim, Ligaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman.
The arrival of the Japanese caused tremendous fear, hardships and suffering among the Filipinos.
The Filipino way of life was greatly affected during the Japanese period. The Filipinos lost their
freedom of speech and expression. The development of art was also stopped. Filipinos greatly
feared the "zoning". There were Filipino spies hired by the Japanese to point those who were
suspected of being part of the guerilla movement. The Japanese made some changes in the system
of education
Famous Authors of
Japanese Era
Francisco "Soc" Aldana Rodrigo
Was a Filipino playwright, lawyer, broadcaster, and a
Senator of the Third Congress (1955-1957), Fourth
Congress (1958-1961), Fifth Congress (1962-1965), and
Sixth Congress (1966-1969) of the Republic of the
Philippines. He Wrote “Sa Pula, Sa Puti’and Kuro”.
Kuro sa lilkod ng mga Balita”.
Jose Ma. Hernandez - Wrote Panday Pira
Liwayway Arceo Wrote - Wrote Uhaw ang
Tigang na Lupa
Cloduado del Mundo - Wrote Bulaga
NVM Gonzales - Wrote Lunsod at Dagat-
dagatan
Narciso Reyes - Wrote Lupang Tinubuan
Contemporary Period
(1960-Present)
This began the flowering of Philippine literature in various
languages, especially with the appearance of new publications
after the Martial Law years and the resurgence of committed
literature. During this period, Filipino writers continue to write
poetry, short stories, novellas, novels and essays whether these
are socially committed, gender/ethnic related or are personal
intentions.
Famous Authors of
Contemporary Era
Lazaro Francisco
The eminent Tagalog novelist of the pre-war years that
produced significant work. He produced countless literary
works that dealt with several different issues during the
period
Written works:
•Bayaning Nagpatiwakal (1932)
•Ilaw Sa Hilaga (1948)
•Sugat Sa Alaala (1956)
•Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig (1956)
•Daluyong (1962)
Macario Pineda
Just like Lazaro, he's also a writer. He produces literary
works that spread symbolical narratives of social, moral,
and political import through fantasy based works.
Written works:
•Ang Ginto sa Makiling (1947)
•Halina sa Ating Bukas (1966)
•Isang Milyon Piso (1950)
Sa Himaymay ng Puso (1943)
•Love in the Rice Fields (1940s)
•Mga Batikang Kuwentista (1973)
1. Folktales (Kuwentong-Bayan)
Traditional stories passed down orally, often explaining natural events, moral lessons, or
cultural beliefs.
Example: The Monkey and the Turtle (a tale attributed to José Rizal).
2. Poems (Tula)
Express emotions, traditions, or historical events through structured verses.
Example: Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas.
3. Chants (Awit or Bulong)
Repetitive, rhythmic oral traditions used in rituals, healing, or storytelling.
Example: Hudhud (Ifugao chant about heroism and wisdom).
4. Epics (Epiko)
Long, narrative poems about heroic figures and supernatural adventures.
Example: Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocano epic about an extraordinary warrior).
5. Legends (Alamat)
Stories explaining the origin of things, places, or events in a mythical way.
Example: Alamat ng Pinya (Legend of the Pineapple).
6. Songs (Awitin/Kanta)
Traditional songs reflecting culture, daily life, and emotions.
Example: Bahay Kubo (folk song about a traditional Filipino house and vegetables).
7. Riddles (Bugtong)
Short, clever puzzles in verse form, often used for fun or teaching wisdom.
Example: Isang butil ng palay, sakop ang buong bahay. (Answer: Ilaw / Light)
8. Proverbs (Salawikain/Kasabihan)
Wise sayings that express Filipino values and traditional beliefs.
Example: Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga. (If you persevere, you will succeed.)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Group Members
Francheska Seth Andrea G. Donguines
Sarah Jane F. Bito
Danica Mundoc
Jhon Mark Sunio
Thank
You
