OVERVIEW OF PHILIPPINE
LITERATURE THROUGH
THE DIFFERENT
HISTORICAL PERIODS
PRE-SPANISH PERIOD - is characterized by:
● Chant (Bulong) -used in witchcraft or
enchantment especially in remote places in
the Visayas.
● Legends. These are genres of folklore that
consists of a narrative featuring human
actions perceived or believed both by teller
and listeners to have
taken place within human history.
● Folk Tales. These are made up of stories about
life, adventure, love, horror, and humor where one
can derive lessons. example :THE MOON AND THE
SUN.
● Epics. These are long narrative poems in which a
series of heroic achievements or events, usually of
a hero, are dealt with at length.
● Folk Songs. These songs mirrored the early forms
of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables.
Examples of which are Kundiman, Kumintang o
Tagumpay, Ang Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele,
Diana, Soliraning and Talindaw.
Proverbs -are brief expressions that serve as a
norm which are commonly uttered by elders
based on their everyday experiences to
encourage positive behaviors among young
people.
Riddles (bugtong) – a puzzling question posed as
a problem to be solved or answered
Explain briefly the meaning of each classic Filipino proverb
and relate it to your personal experiences.
1. Tagalog proverb: Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.
English translation: God helps those who help themselves.
2. Tagalog proverb: Habang maikli ang kumot, matutong
mamaluktot. English translation: When the blanket is short,
learn to curl up under it.
Proverbs are classified into six categories:
(1) proverbs expressing a general attitude
towards life and the laws that govern life;
(2) ethical proverbs recommending certain
virtues and condemning certain vices;
(3) proverbs expressing a system of values;
.
Proverbs are classified into six categories:
(4) proverbs expressing general truths and
observations about life and human
nature;
(5) humorous proverbs and
(6) miscellaneous proverbs.
SPANISH PERIOD (1521-1871)
Literature in this period may be classified as
religious prose and poetry and secular prose
and poetry.
●The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA,
was replaced by the Roman alphabet. Also,
the teaching of the Christian Doctrine
became the basis of religious practices.
European legends and traditions brought
here became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros.
● Folk Songs
It manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and
shows their innate appreciation for and love of
beauty.
Examples: Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen,
Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-
sing.
● Recreational Plays
There were many recreational plays performed by
Filipinos during the Spanish times. Almost all of
them were in a poetic form such Cenaculo,
Panunuluyan, Salubong, Embayoka, Lagaylay, and
Zarzuela.
PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT (1872-1898)
In the 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated
in Europe called Ilustrados began to write about the
hitch of colonization.
The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) - This
movement was spearheaded mostly by the
intellectual middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del
Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano
Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
o Some of Rizal’s writings: Noli Me Tangere, El
Filibusterismo, Mi Último Adios, Sobre La Indolencia
De Los Filipinos and Filipinas Dentro De Cien Aňos.
-Some of Del Pilar’s writings: Pagibig sa
Tinubuang Lupa (Love of Country), Kaingat
Kayo (Be Careful), and Dasalan at Tocsohan
(Prayers and Jokes).
-Some of Jaena’s writings: Ang Fray Botod, La
Hija Del Fraile (The Child of the Friar), Sa
mga Filipino, and Everything Is Hambug
(Everything is mere show), Sa Mga
Pilipino...1891), and Talumpating Pagunita
Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to Commemorate
Columbus).
THE AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1944)
Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers
to write using the English language. Jose Garcia
Villa became famous for his free verse.
Characteristics of Literature during this period:
-languages used: Spanish,Tagalog,dialects
-writers in Tagalog, continued in their lamentations
on the conditions of the country and their attempts
to arouse love for one’s native tongue
-writers in English imitated the themes and
methods of the Americans.
THE JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)
-Philippine literature in English came to
a halt. All newspapers are not circulated
except for TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE
REVIEW.
-The common theme of most poems
during the Japanese occupation was
nationalism, country, love, and life in
the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
3 types of poems during this period:
a. Haiku, a poem of free verse that the
Japanese like. It was made up of 17
syllables divided into three lines and
b. Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but
it has measure and rhyme.
c. Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form)
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
(1941-1945)
-Philippine literature in English
experienced a dark period.
-Philippine literature in Tagalog was
revived
-writings dealt with Japanese
brutalities, the poverty of life under the
Japanese government, and the brave
guerilla exploits.
REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1946-1970)
The early post – liberation period was marked by a
kind of “struggle of mind and spirit” posed by the
sudden emancipation from the enemy, and the wild
desire to see
print. Literary writing in vernacular became
popular. The writers had a better knowledge of their
craft and enjoyed political activism.
1. Poetry: When I See A Barong-Barong by Maximo
Ramos
2. Short Story a. Plighted Word by Narciso G.
Reyes
b. Scent of Apples by Bienvenido Santos
c. Cadaver by Alberto S. Florentino
d. They Called It “Brotherhood” by Maximo
V.Soliven
PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)
According to Pociano Pineda, youth
activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic
and worldwide causes. Because of the
ills of society, the youth moved to seek
reforms.
The youth became vocal with their
sentiments. They demanded a change in
the government. It was manifested in
the bloody demonstrations and the
sidewalk expressions and also in
literature.
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972-
1980)
-started on September 21, 1972.
-the Carlos Palanca Awards continued to
give annual awards.
-Poems dealt with patience, regard for
native culture, customs, and the
beauties of nature and surroundings.
-Newspapers donned new forms. and
comics.
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972-
1980)
-News on economic progress, discipline,
culture, tourism, and the like were
favored
more than the sensationalized reporting
of killings, rape, and robberies.
-Filipinos before were hooked on
reading magazines and comics.
PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC (1981-1985)
After ten 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.
The Philippines became a new nation, and this,
former President Marcos called “The New Republic
of the Philippines.”
Poems during this period were romantic and
revolutionary. Many Filipino songs dealt with
themes that were true-to-life like those of grief,
poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, of
country and fellowmen.
POST-EDSA 1 REVOLUTION (1986-1999)
The Filipino people regained their independence
lost twenty years ago in four days from February
21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng
Bayan) prevailed.
In the short span of the existence of the real
Republic of the Philippines, several changes already
became evident. It was noticed in the new Filipino
songs, newspapers, speeches, and even in the
television programs. The now crony newspapers
that enjoyed an overnight increase in circulation
were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S
JOURNAL.
21st CENTURY PERIOD
The new trends have been used and
introduced to meet the needs and
tastes of the
new generation. 21st Century learners
are demanded to be Information and
Communication Technology (ICT)
inclined to compete with the style and
format of
writing as well. New codes or lingos are
used to add flavor in the literary pieces
produced nowadays.
