Republic of the Philippines
ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Department of Languages and Literature
Asian Literature (ASIANLITT100)
Course Title
Module 3
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
Philippine Literature is a diverse and rich group of works that has evolved
side-by-side with the country’s history. Literature had started with fables and legends made
by the ancient Filipinos long before the arrival of Spanish influence. The main themes of
Philippine literature focus on the country’s pre-colonial cultural traditions and the
socio-political histories of its colonial and contemporary traditions.
The Epic Age
Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events,
usually of a hero, are dealt with at length. Nobody can determine which epics are the oldest
because of their translations from other languages, even in English and Spanish. We can
only determine their origins from the time mentioned in the said epics.
epiko
The Filipino word for ‘epic’ is from the Spanish. Philippine epics are lengthy
narrative poems based on oral tradition. The verses were chanted or sung while being
passed from generation to generation before being written on paper. The plots of their
stories revolve around supernatural events and heroic deeds.
Many of the Philippine epics that have survived and been recorded are from areas
that have seen the least colonization by the Spanish and Americans. These are mostly
pagan groups and the Moros who were not Christianized by missionaries.
There are around twenty known Filipino epic poems. Among the more famous ones
are:
Epics of Luzon
Hudhud of the Ifugao – famous epic of the Ifugao people.
Ullalim - epic songs of the Kalinga
Ibalon - epic from Bicol
Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang) is a pre-Hispanic epic poem of the Ilocano people
of the Philippines. The story was handed down orally for generations before it was
written down around 1640 assumedly by a blind Ilokano bard named Pedro Bucaneg.
Pedro Bucaneg was considered as the “Father of Ilokano Poetry and Literature”.
Western Visayas
Hinilawod – the longest and oldest epic of the Hiligaynon people
Mindanao
Darangan of the Maranao (recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity). The Darangan relates the adventures of a
warrior-prince named Bantugan, who was the brother of the chieftain of a village
called Bumbaran. Bantugan owned a magic shield, was protected by divine spirits
and was capable of rising from the dead.
Different Ages In Philippine Literature
Period/Era Dates Characteristics Notable Forms Authors/Works
Oral tradition, myths, Epics (Biag ni Lam-ang,
legends, epics, rituals, songs, Hinilawod, Darangan), Various anonymous
Pre-Colonial Before 1565
proverbs, riddles, Riddles (Bugtong), authors/storytellers
nature-focused themes Proverbs (Salawikain)
Religious & propagandistic, José Rizal (Noli Me
Spanish influence, written in Pasyon, Awit, Corrido, Tangere, El
Spanish Spanish, Filipino languages, Zarzuela, Doctrina Filibusterismo),
1565-1898
Colonial & Latin, aimed to spread Christiana (first printed Marcelo H. del Pilar,
Christianity and showcase book), Religious dramas Graciano López
Spanish dominance Jaena
English influence, Paz Marquez
American nationalism, freedom themes, Short stories, poetry, Benitez (Dead
1898-1941
Colonial rise of short stories and essays, novels Stars), José Garcia
modern poetry Villa, Nick Joaquin
Censorship, resurgence of
Various writers
Japanese Filipino language, themes of Haiku, Tanaga, Guerrilla
1941-1945 during the
Occupation hardship, survival, patriotism, literature
occupation
simple lyrical forms
Nick Joaquin (The
Woman Who Had
Rebuilding, national identity, Novels, short stories,
Post-War 1946-1960s Two Navels), N.V.M.
exploration of social issues poems, plays
Gonzalez (The
Winds of April)
Amado V.
Hernandez (Isang
Dipang Langit),
Late Social realism, revolutionary Protest poetry, plays, Lualhati Bautista
Period of
1960s-Early themes, protest literature, short stories, (Dekada '70),
Activism
1980s underground publications propaganda literature Bienvenido Lumbera
as well as Bomba
Films in visual
literature
Jessica Hagedorn
(Dogeaters), Miguel
Diversity, globalization,
Creative nonfiction, Syjuco (Ilustrado),
multilingualism, experimental
speculative fiction, digital Merlinda Bobis
styles, postmodernism, digital
Contemporary 1986-Present poetry, web fiction, (Banana Heart
influence, focus on identity,
graphic novels, flash Summer), Dean
diaspora, LGBTQ+ issues,
fiction Francis Alfar, Nick
historical revisionism
Joaquin (continued
influence)
Philippine Literature during the Spanish Colonial Period
Change in the Lives of the Filipinos embraced the Catholic religion, changed their
names and were baptized housing (stone and brick houses) transportation/means of
travel (carriages and boats).
The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
Ex. Novena, Rosary, Prayer every 6 o' clock
ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE)
- This was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593.
The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent
many of its words to our language.
ex. cebollas, cuarto, etc.
The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario
It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers on
religion.
Ang Barlaan at Josephat
Biblical Story printed in the Philippines
The Pasion
This is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ.
Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary)
Collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary
Arte de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the Ilocano Language)
First Ilocano grammar book by Francisco Lopez
Folk Songs
Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song
from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Examples of Folk Songs
A. Leron-leron Sinta
B. Pamulinawen
C. Dandansoy
D. Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing
Tibag – the word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by the
Spaniard to remind the people about the search of St. Helena for the Cross on which
Jesus died through a dramatic performance.
Lagaylay – this is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during May time to
get together. This also shows praise, respect and offering love to the Blessed Cross by
St. Helena and the mound she dug in.
The Cenaculo – this is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and
death of Jesus Christ.
Panunuluyan – this is presented before 12:00 on Christmas Eve. This is a
presentation of the search of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein to
deliver the baby Jesus.
Salubong – an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and his
Mother.
Carillo (Shadow Play) – this is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a
moonless night during a town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. This shadow
play is made by projecting cardboard figures before a lamp against a white sheet. The
figures are moved like marionettes whose dialogues are produced by some experts.
The Zarzuela – it is a musical comedy or melodrama three acts which dealt with
man’s passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social
or political problem.
Sainete – a short musical comedy that were exaggerated and shown between long
plays.
The Moro-Moro – a play that depicts a Christian princess who is captured by the
Mohammedans. The father organizes a rescue party where fighting between the
Moros and Christians ensues.
● Leona Florentino – National Poetess of the Philippines
● Jesus Balmori - well-known for his pen name of Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe
participated in a debate on the topic - "REMEMBRANCE and FORGETFULNESS". He
was elected Poet Laureate in spanish besting Manuel Bernabe.
● Adelina Guerrea was first woman poet in the Philippines who was good in Spanish.
She obtained the Nobel Prize in her EL NIDO.
● Lope K. Santos - "Father of the National language Grammar", he was also called "apo"
of the tagalog writers. "BANAAG AT SIKAT" was his master piece.
● Jose Corazon de Jesus - known as “Huseng Batute”, he was also called the poet of love
in his time. "AG ISANG PUNONG KAHOY", an elegy, is believed to be his masterpiece.
● Armando V. Hernandez - was dubbed "Poet of the Laborers", his masterpiece is "ANG
PANDAY"
● Valeriano Hernandez Pena - known as Tandang Anong, he considers "NENA AT
NENENG" his masterpiece.
● Inigo Ed Regalado - a popular story teller, novelist and newspaper man. He reach the
peak of his success by the "sumpong" of his pen.
Philippine Literature during American Period
1. The Filipino Revolutionists won against the Spaniards who colonized for more than
300 years. ♣June 12, 1898 raised the Philippine flag as a symbol of our independence.
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was selected the first president of the Philippine Republic but
this was short lived.
2. A new group started to write in English. ♣Hence, Spanish, Tagalog , the vernaculars
and finally, English, were the mediums used in literature during these times. ♣The
writers in Spanish were wont to write on nationalism like honoring Rizal and other
heroes. ♣The writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of
the country and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue. The writers in
English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans.
3. Education became a very important issue for the United States colonial government,
since it allowed it to spread their cultural values, particularly the English language, to
the Filipino people. By 1901, public education was institutionalized in the
Philippines, with English serving the medium of instruction.
4. In a way, we can say that we can trace the beginnings of Philippine literature in
English with the coming of the Americans. For this purpose, we can divide this
period into three time frames, namely:
● The Period of Re-Orientation (1898-1910) ♣English as a literary vehicle came
with the American occupation in August 13, 1898 and as they say, a choice
bestowed on us by history. ♣By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of
instruction in the public schools. From the American forces were recruited the
first teachers of English. ♣By 1908, the primary and intermediate grades were
using English.
● THE PERIOD OF IMITATION (1910-1924) ♣By 1919, the UP College Folio
published the literary compositions of the first Filipino writers in English.
They were the pioneers in short story writing. ♣They were then groping their
way into imitating American and British models which resulted in a stilted,
artificial and unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity.
● PERIOD OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH (1925-1941) ♣ By this time,
Filipino writers had acquired the mastery of English writing. They now
confidently and competently wrote on a lot of subjects although the old-time
favorites of love and youth persisted. They went into all forms of writing like
the novel and the drama.
