What was the last story that

you have read? What can you

say about it?
 When did you read it?
 Do you like to read? Why or
why not?
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE
FROM THE PHILIPPINES
AND THE WORLD

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

WHAT IS LITERATURE?
Isa body of written works.
Originated from oral traditions.
Are imaginative works.
Deals with stories and poetry.
The content depends on the
author.
Three Points of Literature
Literature portrays human experience.
Authors interpret these human
experiences.
It is an art form and a style of
expression
 THE PHILIPPINE
LITERARY PERIODS
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)
 This existed before the Spanish occupation in the
1500s.
 It is oral in nature and is full of lessons and ideas
about life, its blessings, and its consequences.
 It contains ideas from birth to the grave.

 The oral characteristic of pre-colonial literature

gives the possibility for many alterations.
 In the Philippine context, no matter how it may be
considered as altered, pre-colonial literature is still
revered to by many Filipinos.
 The sources are usually the local native town folk.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)
Forms
1. Oral Literature 3. Folk Tales
a. Riddles a. Myths
b. Proverbs b. Legends
2. Folk Songs c. Fables
a. Lullabies d. Epics
b. Drinking Songs
c. Love Songs
d. Songs of Death
e. Religious Songs
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)
RIDDLES
 These are statements that contain superficial
words, but they function figuratively and as
metaphors, and are in the form of questions.
 These are questions that demand deeper answers.

 Deals with everyday life.

 It usually has mundane things as answers.

 This is used in the past as a form of game in small

or large gatherings
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

PROVERBS
 These are statements that are considered as
wise.
 These are usually given by parents or elders
of the community.
 There is belief that experience is the best
teacher.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FOLK SONGS
 These are folk lyrics that are usually chanted.
 These usually contain ideas on aspirations,
hopes, everyday life and expressions of love for
loved ones.
 It is bounded by the learning of good morals.

 It is easy to understand because it is straight-

forward and not figurative in nature
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK SONGS

 Lullabies

These is locally known as the Hele. These

are sung to put to sleep babies. The content
varies, but usually, parents sing these with
ideas on how hard life is and how they hope
that their child will not experience the
hardships of life
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK SONGS

Drinking Songs
These are locally known as Tagay and are
sung during drinking sessions.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK SONGS

Love Songs
To many Filipinos, these are known as the
Harana. It can also be called Courtship Songs
and are used by young men to capture the
heart of the girl that they love.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK SONGS

 ReligiousSongs
These are songs or chants that are usually
given during exorcisms and thanksgiving
during good harvest.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK SONGS

 Songs of Death
These are lamentations that contain the roll
of good deeds that the dead has usually done
to immortalize his or her good image.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FOLK TALES
 These are stories of native Filipinos.
 These deal with the power of nature
personified, their submission to a deity usually
Bathala- and how this deity is responsible for
the blessings and calamities.
 These also tackle about irresponsibility, lust,
stupidity, deception, and fallibility that
eventually leads to the instilling of good morals.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FOLK TALES
Usual Themes:
• Ceremonies needed to appease the deities.
• Pre and Post apocalypse
• Life and Death
• Gods and Goddesses
• Heroes and Heroines
• Supernatural beings
• Animals
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK TALES

 Myths

These tackle the natural to strange occurences of

the earth and how things were created with an aim
to give an explanation to things.
-There is Bathala for the Tagalogs and the
Gueurang for the Bikolanos.
- Paradise is known as Maca, while Hell is
Kasanaaan
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK TALES

 Legends
Through legends, the natives understood
mysteries around them. These stories
usually come with a moral lesson that give
credit to supernatural powers, supernatural
occurences, and other out-of-this-world
native imagination.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK TALES

 Fables
These are short or brief stories that cater the
children of the native Filipinos and are
usually bounded by good manners and right
conduct. These stories use animals as
characters that represent particular value
or characteristic.
 PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BC – 1534)

FORMS OF FOLK TALES

 Epics
These are very lengthy narratives that are
based on oral traditions. These contain
encounters of fighters, stereotypical princes
or heroes that save a damsel in distress.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
 The start of the Philippine's more colorful
history took place in March 6, 1521 when
Ferdinand Magellan docked on the shores of
Homonhon.
 The Filipinos were then called “Ladinos”,
meaning they were latinized.
 Filipinos were called two things. One is the
“Taga-Bayan”, while the other is the “Taga-
bukid” or “Taga-bundok”.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
A person who is a Taga-bayan is
considered urbane and civilized and were
in easy range of the church and state.
A person who is a Taga-bundok or Taga-
bukid is called a Bruto Salvage (Savage
Brute) or Indio and were the ones who
lived far from the center of the Spanish
power.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Forms 3. Propaganda
1. Religious Literature Literature
a. Pasyon
b. Senakulo 4. Revolutionary
c. Komedya Literature
2. Secular or Non-
Religious Literature
a. Awit
b. Korido
c. Prose Narratives
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Religious Literature
It revolves around the life and death of
Jesus Christ
Forms
a. Pasyon – it is about the passion
(journey and suffering) and the death
of Jesus Christ
b. Senakulo – it is the re-enactment of
the Pasyon
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
c. Komedya- it depicts the European
society through love and fame, but can
also be a narrative about a journey, just
like Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. It
is also considered religious, because it
usually depicts the battle between the
Christians and the Saracens or the
Moros
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Secular or Non-religious Literature
Revolves around tales of valiance and
adventure.
Forms
a. Awit – these are tales of chivalry
where a knight saves a princess.
Florante at Laura is a good example.
b. Korido- is a metrical tale or a tale
that follows the structure of a poem.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
c. Prose Narratives - are easy to
understand instructional materials in a
literary light that teaches Filipinos on
proper decorum. Pagsusulatan ng
Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at
Feliza (1864) is a good example.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Propaganda Literature
 These were in the forms of satires,
editorials, and news articles that aimed
to attack the Spanish Rule.
 The propaganda trinity is composed of
Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, and
Graciano Lopez Jaena.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Propaganda Literature
 Examples:
Graciano Lopez Jaena
a. Ang Fray Botod
b. La Hija del Fraile (The Child of the
Friar)
c. Everything is Humbug ( Everything is
Mere Show
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Propaganda Literature
 Examples:
Marcelo H. del Pilar
a. Kaiingat Kayo (Be Careful)
b. Dasalan at Tocsohan (Prayers and
Jokes)
c. Ang Cadaquilaan ng Dios (God’s
Goodness)
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Propaganda Literature
 Examples:
Dr. Jose Rizal
a. Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Revolutionary Literature
 These are exposes that sparked revolution
and resistance in the hearts of Filipinos.
 Examples:
Andres Bonifacio
a. Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak
ng Bayan (Obligations of Our
Countrymen)
b. Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog
(What the Tagalogs Should Know)
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Revolutionary Literature
 Examples:
Emilio Jacinto
a. Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness)

Apolinario Mabini
a. El Desarollo y Caida dela Republica
Filipina (The Rise and Fall of the
Philippine Republic)
SPANISH PERIOD (1521 - 1898)
Revolutionary Literature
 Examples:
Jose Rizal
a. El Filibusterismo

Publications
a. El Heraldo dela Revolucion
b. La Independencia
c. La Republica Filipina
d. La Libertad
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)
The Philippines had a great leap in
Education and Culture.
The use of English alongside Filipino was
practiced.
The Philippines Public School system was
introduced.
Free public instruction was given to the
Filipinos.
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)

 The literature during the American period

was considered as imitative of American
model. Instead of asking the students to
write originals, students ended up
following the form of American poets.
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)
Forms
1. Poetry
Poetry under the American rule still followed the
style of the old, but had contents that ranged from
free writing to societal concerns under the Americans.
2. Drama
It was usually used in the American period to degrade
the Spanish rule and to immortalize the heroism of
the men who fought under the Katipunan.
3. Remake Novels
It took up Dr. Jose Rizal's portrayal of social
conditions by colonial repression.
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)
Poetry
 Jose Corazon de Jesus (1832-1896) popularly
known as “Batute,” created his own generation with
his first book of poems.
 Mga Gintong Dahon (1920)- were poems pre-
occupied with such non-traditional themes as
passion-slaying, grief-induced, insanity, and lover’s
suicide.
 Sa Dakong Silangan (1928)- returned to the awit
form, retelling the history of Philippines under
Spain, the coming of the U.S under the guise of
friendship to overthrow Spain
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)
Drama
 Severino Reyes (1861-1942) – spearheaded a

movement to supplant the komedya with a new type

of drama, the sarsuwela, a Filipino adaptation of the
Spanish zarzuela.
Examples:
Walang Sugat (1902)- is a sarsuwela (drama in the
form singing) drawn from the period of Revolution,
depicting the cruelty and corruption of friars and the
heroism of the soldiers of the Katipunan.
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)
Drama
Other successful sarsuwelas:
 Hindi Aco Patay (1903) by Juan Matapang Cruz

 Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas (1903) by Aurelio

Tolentino- is an allegorical presentation of the

history of the nationalist struggle and how the
U,S. frustrated the Philippine revolution.
 Tanikalang Guinto (1902) by Juan Abad (1872-
1932)- is about Liwanag and K’Ulayaw, lovers who
stand for freedom and the Filipino.
AMERICAN PERIOD (1900 - 1942)
Remake Novels
 Gabriel Beato Francisco (1850-1935)- is best
known for his trilogy of Fulgencia Galbillo (1907),
Capitan Bensio (1907), Alfaro (1909), depicting the
30 years of colonial repression by the Spanish rule.
 Inigo Ed. Regalado (1888-1976)- Madaling Araw
(1909) was his first novel showing the complex
interrelations of issues and people in contemporary
Philippine society.
 Juan Lauro Arsciwals (1889-1928)- Lalaking
Uliran o Tulisan (1914), allusion to the colonial
law that branded Filipino patriots as bandits.
JAPANESE PERIOD (1941 - 1945)
 The Philippine literature came into a halt.
 The use of the English language was forbidden,
and the use of the Filipino language was mandated
under the Japanese rule.
 For some this was a problem, but to most writers,

it was a blessing in disguise.

 Almost all news papers were stopped except for

some.
 Filipino literature was given a break during this

period. Many wrote plays, poems, short stories,

etc. Topics and themes were often about life in the
provinces.
JAPANESE PERIOD (1941 - 1945)
Forms
1. Poetry
2. Fiction
3. Drama
4. Newspapers
5. Essays
JAPANESE PERIOD (1941 - 1945)
Poetry
The common theme of most poems during the
Japanese occupation was nationalism, country,
love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion and the
arts.

Fiction
The field of the short story widened during the
Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short stories.
 JAPANESE PERIOD (1941 - 1945)
Drama
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
reproductions of English plays to Tagalog.
Newspapers
Writings that came out during this period were
journalistic in nature. Writers felt suppressed but
slowly, the spirit of nationalism started to seep into
their consciousness. While some continued to write,
the majority waited for a better climate to publish
their works
JAPANESE PERIOD (1941 - 1945)

Essays
Essays were composed to glorify the Filipinos
and at the same time to figuratively attack the
Japanese.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)

 The Americans returned in 1945.

 On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained its
freedom
 The early post-liberation period was marked by a
kind of “struggle of mind and spirit” and the wild
desire to see print.
 Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived
during this period (Japanese brutality, poverty and
brave guerilla exploits)
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Period of Activism (1970-1972)

 Many young people became activists to ask for

changes in the government and became
completely rebellious.

 Campus newspapers showed rebellious emotions.

The once aristocratic writers developed awareness
for society. (MAKIBAKA)
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Period of the New Society (1972-1980)
 Themes in most writings dealt with the
development or progress of the country : Green
Revolution, family planning, proper
nutrition, environment, drug addiction and
pollution.
 Campaign to stop pornography or those writings
giving bad influences on the morals of the people.
 All school newspapers were temporarily stopped
and so with school organizations.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD

Period of the New Society (1972-1980)

 The government led in reviving old plays and
dramas : Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the
Embayoka of the Muslims which were presented
in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts
Theater and the Cultural Center of the
Philippines.

 Radio continued to be patronized during this

period.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Period of the New Society (1972-1980)
 A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulng Pilipino (Yearly
Filipino Film Festival) was held during this time.

 During this period of the New Society,

newspapers donned new forms. News on
economic progress, discipline, culture, tourism
and the like were favored more than the
sensationalized reporting of killings, rape and
robberies.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Period of the New Society (1972-1980)

 Bilingual education which was initiated by the

Board of National Education as early as 1958 and
continued up to the period of Martial Rule in
September 21, 1972, resulted in the deterioration
of English in the different levels of education. The
focus of education and culture was on problems of
national identity, on re-orientation, renewed
vigor and a firm resolve to carry out plans and
programs.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)

 Afterten years of military rule and some changes

in the life of the Filipino which started under the
New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on
January 2, 1981.

 Poems during this period of the Third Republic

were romantic and revolutionary. Writers wrote
openly of their criticism against the government.
The supplications of the people were coached in
fiery, colorful, violent, profane and insulting
language.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)

 Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were

really true-to-life like those of grief, poverty,
aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country
and of fellowmen.
 The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to
be held during this period.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
1986-1999

 History took another twist. Once more, the

Filipino people regained their independence
which they lost twenty years ago.

 In the span of four days from February 21-25,

1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng
Bayan) prevailed. Together, the people
barricaded the streets petitioning the government
for changes and reforms.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
1986-1999
 Newspapers which were once branded crony
newspapers became instant opposition papers
overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY
which became the opposition paper.
 The Philippine revolution of 1986 and the fire of
its spirit that will carry the Filipinos through
another epoch in Philippine history is still being
documented just as they have been in the
countless millions who participated in body and
spirit in its realization.