 It is accepted that Spanish colonization

of the Philippines started in 1565, during

the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
 The conquistadors rendered all systems
writings inoperable.
 The Spanish Colonial strategy was
undermine native oral tradition.
 RELIGION – the use of faith to
substitute the existing tradition.
 Doctrina Christiana – it was the first
printed book in 1593.
- a prayer book
 Ladinos – bilingual natives
- published their own book
with devotional poetry.
1. Religious Literature – religious lyrics
written by Ladino poets or those versed
in both Spanish and Tagalog were
included in early catechism and were
used to teach Filipinos the Spanish
language.
 A. Pasyon – long narrative poem
about the passion and death of Christ.

B. Senakulo – dramatization of the

pasyon, it show the passion and death of
Christ.
2. Secular (non-religious) Literature
A. Awit – colorful tales of chivalry
made for singing and dancing.
Example : Ibong Adarna
B. Korido – metrical tale written in
octosyllabic quatrains.
Example : Florante at Laura by
Francisco Baltazar.
C. Prose Narratives – written to
prescribe proper decorum.
 Alibata
 Christian Doctrine
 Spanish language became the literary
language this time.
 European legend and traditions.
 Ancient literature was collected and
translated to Tagalog.
 Grammar books were printed in Filipino
 Religious tone.
 Until the 19th century, the printing presses
that published literary works were owned
and managed by religious orders. Thus,
religious themes dominated the literature
of the time.
 Doctrina Christiana
 Nuestra Senora del Rosario
 Libro de los Cuatro
 Ang Barlaan at Josephat
 The Passion
 Urbana at Felisa
 Ang mga Dalit kay Maria
 There were many recreational plays
performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
times. Almost all of then were in poetic
form.
1. Tibag – the word tibag
means to “excavate”.
2. Lagaylay – this is a special occasion for
the Pilarenos of Sorsogon during
Maytime to get together.
3. The Cenaculo – this is a dramatic
performance to commemorate the
passion and death of Jesus Christ.
4. Panunuluyan – this is presented before
12:00 on Christmas eve.
5. Salubong – an easter play that
dramatizes the meeting of the Risen
Christ and his mother.
6. Carillo (shadow play) – a form of
dramatic entertainment performed on a
moonless night.
7. The Zarzuela – considered the father of
drama.
8. Sainete – a musical comedy that were
exagerrated and shown between long
plays.
9. The Moro-Moro – a play that depicts a
Christian princess who is captured by the
Mohammedans.
 Folk song became widespread in the
Philippines. Each region had its national
song from the lowlands to the mountain
of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Example:
 Leron-leron Sinta
 Pamulinawen
 Dandansoy
 Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing
 Karagatan – is a poetic vehicle of socio-
religious nature celebrated during the
death of a person.
 Balagtasan – a poetic joust or a contest
of skill in debate on a particular topic or
issue.