21ST LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD
Study of literature is known as “study of life”
Literature is the total preserved writings belongings
to a given language or people. (Webster)
Literature consist of those writings which interpret
the meanings of nature and life, in words of charm
and power, touched with the personality of the
author, in artistic forms of permanent interest
(Henry Van Dyke)
Literature is a written record of man’s best thoughts
and feelings.
Literature is the written or printed productions of
human mind collectively.
Literature is the writings having excellent of form
and expressing and ideas of permanent or universal
interest or the body of written works.
Literature gives us a picture of life.
Literature is an expression of meaning articulated
through form.
Literature is a faithful reproduction of life.
Literature is an oral or written reproduction of
human experiences.
Literature gains force from the universality of its
thought and appeal.
2 TYPES OF LITERATURE:
Oral Literature pleasure of being able to tell the
story. (unwritten)
Written Literature form from the use of pen by
literary genius.
REASON WHY PEOPLE WRITE:
 For self-expression
 To spread knowledge and information.
 To pass on ideas and values.
 To impart truth, accuracy, and evaluation.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT LITERATURES:
Permanence stands through the ages.
Universality appeals to anyone.
Artistry appeals to our aesthetic sense.
Intellectual Value stimulates our thought.
Spiritual Value inspires and brings out moral values.
Style marked with the peculiar way
Suggestiveness appeals to our emotions.
Prose is discourse that follows the usual flow of
conversation which uses sentences forming
paragraphs to express ideas, feelings and action.
DIVISION OF PROSE
Fiction is the author’s imagination.
 Short Story narrative involving two or more
characters.
 Novel divided into chapters.
 Play scripted story executed on stage.
 Legend origin of man, place, event and
happenings.
 Fables characters are animals.
Non-fiction
 Essay – viewpoint and opinion of the writer.
Formal Essay
Informal Essay
 Oration intended to be spoken before a
crowd.
 Biography life account of a person written
by another person.
 Autobiography author writes his own life
account.
 News – report of expected and expected
events.
 Letters
 Diaries and Journal
Poetry combines the sound and meaning of language
to create and express ideas and feelings.
The spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings
taking its origin from emotion. (William
Wordsworth)
 It is the rhythmical creation of beauty. (Edgar Allan
Poe)
It is a record of the best and happiest moments of
the best minds, the very image of life expressed in its
eternal truth. (Percy Bysshe Shelly)
The chief work of poetry is not to teach anything,
nor to explain anything-though it may both teach
and explain-it is to intensify life. (Wallace Stevens)
It is a type of literature in which words are selected
for their beauty, sound and power to express feeling.
It uses a kind of language that is more intense and
expressive than everyday speech.
It presents the speaker’s emotions as they are
aroused by beauty, experience, or attachment.
It provides a fresh, unexpected way of looking at
things.
It gives pleasure, whether it appeals to the senses,
emotions or intellectual.
3 TYPES OF POETRY
Narrative Poetry tells stories and has 2 forms:
 Epics long poems that exemplify the
adventures of epic heroes and divine forces.
They are the oldest surviving form of
poetry.
 Ballads narrative poems intended to be
sung.
Dramatic Poetry tells stories but one or more
characters act out the poem.
Lyric Poetry short poem that expresses the poet’s
thoughts and feeling.
 Haiku shortest lyric poems.
 Ode lyric poem full of high praises.
 Elegy poem of meditation on life and death.
 Sonnet has pattern of rhyme and rhythm.
 Song lyric poem intended to be sung.
Imagery refers to the sensation that language
creates in the mind.
Figurative Language makes language more colorful,
suggestive, powerful and therefore exciting.
THE FIGURES OF SPEECH
Simile explicit or direct comparison.
Metaphor bolder than simile and the comparison is
implied or indirect.
Personification gives human qualities or attributes to
non- human or inanimate object.
Synecdoche part of an object to stand for a whole.
Metonymy use of a term connected with an object
to represent that object.
Hyperbole deliberate exaggeration used for effect.
Oxymoron putting side by side of two normally
contradictory words.
Paradox something seems true.
Allusion casual reference either directly or
borrowing familiar phrases from the bible, history or
literature.
Irony a discrepancy between the expected and what
actually happen.
Onomatopoeia use of words having a sound that
imitates what they denote.
Litotes deliberate understatement used to affirm by
negating its opposite.
Apostrophe direct address to someone absent.
Alliteration repetition of the initial constant sound.
Assonance repetition of the middle vowel sound.
Consonance called “slant” rhyme.
ART APPRECIATION IN GENERAL
Purpose of Art is to express man’s feelings about his
surroundings.
CLASSIFICATION
Architecture structural materials for buildings.
Sculpture material for caving, casting, modelling.
Painting pigment on smooth surface.
Music & Dance sounds-vocal or man-made, body
movements.
Literature language.
Theater & Cinema picture frames, story and music or
visual performing arts.
WHY WE STUDY LITERATURE: Its Importance
Literature is a transmitter of values.
Literature is preserver of ideals, customs, and
traditions.
Literature is a mirror of culture.
Literature is an agent of change.
Literature is a source of pleasure.
Literature uses languages.
Literature is experience.
Literature promotes individual as well as social
insights.
Literature is an expression of man’s emotion and
ideas.
Literature, perhaps born out of social need, has
always had a social function.
Literature enlarges the mind.
Literature helps student make real choices.
Literature is a way knowing.
Literature fulfils a double role: it helps us understand
ourselves better and it brings us into closer
communion with our fellowmen.
PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE
During this period our ancestors already had their
own literature stamped in the history of our race.
PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE IS CHARACTERIZED BY:
Legend origin of a thing, location or name.
•The Legend of MountMakiling
•AngAlamatngPinya
•Why Woman Wash the Dishes
•The Legend of Olongapo
Folk Tales stories about life, adventure, love, horror
and humor.
•The Moon and the Sun
Epics long narrative poems. Series of heroic
achievements and events.
•Biagni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang
•The Agyu or Olahing of the Manobos
•Sandayo
•Aliguyon
•LabawDonggon
Myths describes and portrays symbolic language.
The origin of the basic element of assumptions of a
culture.
Folk Songs oldest forms of Philippine literature that
emerged in the Pre-Spanish period.
•Kundiman is a song of love.
•Kumintang is a song of war.
•And Dalit o Immois a worship song.
•AngOyayi and Hele is a lullaby song.
•Soliranin is a labour’s song.
•Talindaw is a fishing song.
OTHER FORMS OF PRE SPANISH POETRY
Epigrams (Salawikain) – laws or rules on good
behaviour.
Riddles (Bugtong) – consist of 4 to 12 syllables.
Chant (Bulong) – witchcraft or enchantment.
Maxims – couplets of 5, 6, or 8 syllables.
Sayings (Kasabihan) – used in teasing or giving
remarks or comments on a person’s actuation.
Sawikain (Sayings) ¬– does not have meaning.
SPANISH PERIOD (1565 – 1898)
The Spanish period colonized Philippines for more
than three centuries.
They embrace the catholic religion, changed their
names, and baptized.
They build houses made of stones and bricks, used
kitchen utensils and furniture like the piano.
Carriages, trains and boats were used as means of
travel.
They held fiestas to honor the saints, the pope and
the governors.
SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
 ALIBATA was the first Filipino alphabet w/c
was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
 Lesson on Christian Doctrine became the
basis of religious practices.
 The Spanish language which became the
medium of instruction and literary language
during this time this time lent many of its
words to use language.
 Legends and traditions from Europe were
assimilated in our songs, Corridos, and
Moro-moros.
 Ancient literature was collected and
translated to Tagalog and other dialects.
 Grammar books were printed in Filipino,
like Tagalog, Ilocano, and Visayan.
 Our magazines and periodicals gained
religious tones.
THE FIRST BOOK
 The Christian Doctrine (Doctrina Cristiana)
This was the first book printed in the Philippines in
1593 in xylography. It was written by Fr. Juan De
Plancenia and Fr. Domingo Nieva, in Tagalog and
Spanish.
 Nuestra Senora del Rosario
This was the second book printed in the Philippines
written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1602.
Contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and
questions and answer on religion.
 Libro de losCuatros Post Primeras de
Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog)
This is the first book printed in typography.
 AngBarlaan at Josephat
This is the first biblical story printed in the
Philippines and translated from Greek to Tagalog by
Fr. Antonio de Borja.
 The Passion
This book is about life and sufferings of Jesus Christ
and it is read only during the lent.There were 4
versions in Tagalog, and each version is according to
the name of the writer.
Pilapil version by Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan, 1814.
The de Belen version by Gaspar Aquino de Belen of
Bataan, 1704.
The de la Merced version by Ancieto de la Merced of
Norzagaray, bulacan, 1856.
The de Guia version by Luis de Guia in 1750.
 Urbana at Felisa
This book was written by Modesto de Castro, known
to as the Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog.
 AngMga Dalit Kay Maria (psalms for Mary)
This is a collection of songs praising Virgin Mary.
It was written in 1865 by a Filipino priest, Fr.
Mariano Sevilla.
FOLK SONGS
During the Spanish period, each region had its own
national song from lowlands to the mountains of
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Examples of Folk Songs are:
 Leron-leronSinta
 Dandansoy
 Atin Cu PungSingsing
 Pamulinawen
 Sarong Banggi
RECREATIONAL PLAY
These recreational plays in poetic forms were
performed by Filipinos during the Spanish era:
Tibag means to excavate. This is a ritual to remind
people about the search of Saint Helena for the Holy
Cross where Jesus Christ was nailed and died.
Lagaylay is a special occasion to get together during
the month of May for the Pilaneros of Sorsogon.
Cenaculo is a dramatic performance to re-enact the
passion and death of Jesus Christ. Cantada chanted
like the Passion. Hablada more dignified.
Panunuluyan is a reactment of Virgin Mary and Saint
Joseph in search to an inn to deliver the baby jesus.
Salubong is an easter play that dramatizes the
meeting of risen Jesus Christ and his mother.
Carillo or Shadow play is a dramatic entertainment
performed on dark nights projecting cardboard
figures before a lamp against a white sheet.
Zarzuela is considered the father of Drama.
Moro-Moro is performed during town fiestas to
entertain the people and to remind them of their
Christian religion.
Karagatan is a poetic contest where a ritual is
performed based on a legend about a princess who
dropped her ring into the middle of the sea and who
offered her hand in marriage to anyone who can find
it.
Balagtasan is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in
debate on a topic or issue.
Dung- Aw is a chant in free verse by a bereaved
person beside the corpse of the dead.
AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD 1910-1945
The introduction of free instruction for all children of
school age.
The use of English as medium of instruction in all
levels of education in public schools.
Free publication made knowledge and information
accessible to all Filipinos.
During the period of apprenticeship, (1910-1930) the
Filipino writers imitated English and American
models.
The period of Emergence (1920-1930) was highly
influenced by western literary trends like
Romanticism and Realism.
Jose villa Garcia earned the international title “poet
of the century”.
SHORT STORIES
•Dead Stars was the first short story written in
English by Paz Marquez Benitez.
•The Small Key was written by Paz Latorena.
•Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa.
NOVELS
•Child of Sorrow was the first novel in English by
ZoiloGalang.
NEWSPAPERS
 EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day)
Established by Sergio Osmenia in 1900.
The Americans censored, twice banned and
threatened Osmenia with banishment of his
nationalistic writings.
 EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the
Nation)
Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
 EL RENANCIMIENTO (The Rebirth)
Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.
PLAYS
The following plays during the America period have
consistent theme in nationalism.
Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas (Yesterday,Today and
Tomorrow)– written by Aurelio Tolentino.
TanikalangGinto of Juan Abad
Malaya by Tomas Remigio
Walangsugat by Severino Reyes
LITERATURE IN SPANISH
•Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal,
Jacinto, mabini and all other heroes.
•Fernando Ma. Guerrero shared with Apostol the
title Balagtasan during their time.
•Jesus Balmori is famous of his pen name Batikuling.
•Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet exemplified his
nationalistic spirit.
•Claro M. Recto is also famous for his nobility of
speech and theme.
TAGALOG LITERATURE
Tagalog Short Stories
•MgaKwentongGinto was published in 1936.
•KwentongGintoKwentista was published in 1939.
Tagalog Poetry
Tagalog Poets during the American Period were able
to compose beautiful poems.
Poet of the Heart (MakatasaPuso)
•Inigo Ed. Regalado
•Carlos Gatmaitan
•Pedro Deogracias Del Rosario
•Ildelfonso S
Poet of the Laborers (MakatangManggagawa)
•Amandi V. Hernandez he pictures in his poems the
intense love the poor workers or laborers.
Ilocano Literature
•Pedro Bukaneg father of Ilocano literature.
•Claro Caluya prince of Ilocano poets.
•Leon Pichay known as the best bukanegero.
Kapampangan Literature
•Juan Crisostomo Soto Father of Kapampangan
literature.
•Aurelio Tolentino translated kahapon, Ngayon at
Bukas into KapampanganNapon, Ngeni at Bukas.
Visayan Literature
•EribertoGumban Father of Visayan Literature.
•MagdalenJalondoni wrote the novel tunuksan Isa
CaBulaklak.
JAPANESE PERIOD OF THE PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
(1941-1945)
Philippine literature was interrupted in its
development when we were conquered by japan
between1941-1945.
There was no freedom of speech and of the press.
Victoria Abelardo describes Filipino writings during
the Japanese occupation as pessimistic and bitter.
The weekly magazine liwayway was placed under
strict surveillance until it was managed by Japanese
named Ishiwara.
The common theme of most poems during the
Japanese occupation was nationalism, love and life
in the barrios, faith, religion and the arts.
The only contact with the outside world was done
with utmost secrecy through the underground radio
program called “Voice of Freedom”.
During this period, Tagalog was favored by the
Japanese military authority, and eventually
influenced and encouraged the Filipinos to develop
the vernacular literature.
Filipino writers who were able to write freely were
those residing in the United States.
Movie Houses showing American Films were closed.
•Jose Ma Hernandez wrote PandayPira
•Francisco Soc Rodrigo wrote Pula saPuti
•Clodualdo Del Mundo wrote Bulaga(Hide and Seek
Game)
•Julian Cruz Balmaceda wrote Sino ba
kayo?,DahilsaAnak, and HigantengPatay.
The usual and common form of poetry that emerged
during the Japanese period is the haiku.
Tanaga is similar to Haiku.
Many wrote short stories during this period.
Carlos P. Romulo was an outstanding writer of the
period.
Playing and listening to music were among the
leisure activities that made life bearable during the
Japanese rule.
Western music identified with the allied nations of
war was prohibited.
Music remained a popular pastime in Filipino homes.
Opera and classical music flourished during the war.
All these prove that even during turbulent times,
Filipinos’ love of music could never be
underestimated.
Palanca Awardees for Literature:
Jose Garcia Villa
Nick Joaquin
NVM Gonzales
Bienvenidos Santos
Gregorio Brillantes
Gilda Cordero Fernando
National Artist Awards
Jose Garcia Villa
Nick Joaquin
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN POST WAR-
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (1945 – PRESENT)
The rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)
Historical Background
The Americans returned to the Philippines in 1945 to
end the Japanese rule.
The post liberation period was marked by a “struggle
of mind and spirit”.
ILOCANO LITERATURE
It is one of the most vibrant Filipino literatures
throughout the ages.
Purely alive in form of written and oral literature.
Dallot is an improvised, versified and impromptu
long poem delivered in a sing-song manner.
 The Molave and the Orchid (Young Adult
Fiction, 2007) by F. Sionil Jose
Francisco Sionil Jose is one of the most widely
read Filipino writers in the English language.
Ilocano poems written by Melvin Banggollay:
Only You (English) IkawLamang (Tagalog)
SiksikaLaeng (Ilokano)
A Love that Endures
MelvingBanggollay is presently residing at
Tabuk, Kalinga and working at the Department
of Trade and Industry as a senior specialist.
BICOLANO LITERATURE
Has its roots in orally transmitted poems and
mythical narratives that reflect the history of
the people.
Luis GuevarraDato worked as a newspaperman
for the Bicol star, Naga times. He was also
considered as an “authority on the Bicol
language and culture”
Day on the Farm
Manila: A collection of Verses
My Book of Verses
The Land of Mai: A Philippine Epic, Volume l
Marne L. Kilates is an author and published poet,
editor and translator.
A Cloud Named Looking-for-You
Children of the Snarl and Other Poems
Poems en Route
Mostly in Monsoon Weather The least Miracle (Carlos A. Angeles)

DamianaLigon Eugenio is known as the mother of SOUTHERN MINDANAO LITERATURE

Philippine Folklore, was also a Filipino female author
Southern Mindanao is composed of Compostela
and has several publications in the field of Philippine
Valley, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, and Davao
literature.
Oriental. Compostela Valley is mainly agricultural
ANG DUWENDE while the eastern part is mostly mountainous.

CEBUANO LITERATURE A Story of the Orphan Girl (Subanon)

Refers to the literary works written in Cebuano, a
language widely spoken in the southern Philippines.
Visayan Folklore: The Santo Nino of Cebu
Visayan Poetry: Usahay: A Visayan Love Song
ILONGGO LITERATURE
The lingua franca of the West Visayas in Central
Philippines is called Hiligaynon
Kinaray-a or Hiraya is the mother language of West
Visayas, the language spoken by the central and
southern towns of Iloilo, all of the province of
Antique and most of Capiz.
Ilonggo Folktale: The Story of the First Durian (The
Hermit’s Three Wishes)
THE LITERATURE OF NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Tagalog region is the birthplace of a rich tradition of
Philippine culture in language, politics, economy and
literature.
University of Sto. Manila is located in Manila where
in this is the oldest university in the Philippines. The
first printing press was established in Manila.
Doctrina Christiana in xylography (1593)
Bible’s first translated in Tagalog in Barlaan and
Josephat (1708 & 1712)
Elegy: To my Sweetie Polly (Dr. Kristine Molina-
Doria)
Balete: Home of Spirits (Vicente Paolo Langit)

Western Visayas-Ilonggo Folklore: Hinilawod Only God can make an Egg (Dr. Abe V. Rotor)

EASTERN VISAYAS LITERATURE Analogously, according to Joyce Kilmer, “ Only God

can make a tree”
Refers to the written in Waray and Cebuano by
writers from the region.

Fr. Ignatio Francisco (Spanish Jesuit) documented

the poetic forms such as the candu, haya, ambahan,
canogon, bical, balac, siday and awit. He also
described the susumaton and posong, early forms of
narratives.

Balac is a poetic love joust between a man and a

woma.

Balac was called amoral during the Spanish period

and was renamed ismayling during the American
occupation which is a term derived from the English
word “smile”.

Flowers of May

Like a Joke that Seems True