21st-CENTURY LITERATURE gabi ay dagat.

At night, a sea
(Banig) (sleeping mat)
FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND
The proverbs or salawikain express norms or codes of
THE WORLD CM1 behavior, community beliefs. They instill values by
INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE LITERATURE HISTORY offering a nugget of wisdom enveloped in short, apt,
Literature and history are closely interrelated. In rhyming verse: Ang maralang bayani nagaasawa ng huli.
studying the literature of a particular region or nation, The man who goes about with more fish baskets is the one
who brings home a lot of Fish.
you get to discover their history; particularly their
Translation by B. Lumbera (Lumbera and Lumbera: 1982)
customs and traditions which often is the subject of
their literature. Literature, therefore, is part of history, The extended form of riddle and proverbs, a tanaga,
vice versa. which is also defined as a “more emotionally charged
Literature and history, however, also have differences. than the terse proverb and thus has affinities with the
Literature may be figments of the imagination or events folk lyric” is also a literature under the pre-colonial
devoid of truth that have been written down, while period.
history is made up of events that really happened. The folk song, a form of folk lyric which expresses the
This CM will discuss the literature in the Philippines hopes and aspirations, the people’s lifestyles as well as
which according to Fernandez (2010) evolved with and their loves. These are often repetitive and sonorous,
through the country’s history—from riddles around a didactic and naive as in the children’s songs or Ida-ida
tribal fire and chanting during a village celebration in (Maguindanao), tulang pambata (Tagalog) or cansiones
earlier times, to the singing of the pasyon in barrio para abbing (Ibanag). A few examples of folk songs are
chapels during Holy Week in Spanish colonial days, to the lullabyes or Ili-ili (Ilongo); love songs like the
the novels and poems that fanned the flames of panawagon and balitao (Ilongo); harana or serenade
revolution against Spain in the late 19th century, to the (Cebuano);
voices of the present-day Filipino in grief or in exaltation The folk narratives, like epics and folk tales are varied,
—in the native languages and in English, in verse and in exotic and magical. They explain how the world was
prose, recited or sung. Pre- created, how certain animals possess certain
Colonial Period characteristics, why some places have waterfalls,
key point: The indigenous literature was born in the volcanoes, mountains and, in the case of legends, an
ethnic community, growing out of the people’s needs explanation of the origins of things. Fables on the other
and customs. hand are about animals and these teach moral lessons.
Our forefathers already had their own literature which The epics in the Philippines come in various names:
was reflected in their customs and traditions. Owing to Guman (Subanon); Darangen (Maranao); Hudhud
the works of our own archaeologists, ethnologists and (Ifugao); and Ulahingan (Manobo). These epics revolve
anthropologists, we are able to know more and better around supernatural events or heroic deeds and they
judge information about our literature in the pre- embody the beliefs and customs and ideals of a
colonial period. community.
Pre-colonial inhabitants of our islands showcase a rich Examples of these epics are the Lam-ang (Ilocano);
past through their folk speeches, folk songs, folk Hinilawod (Sulod); Kudaman (Palawan); Darangen
narratives and indigenous rituals and mimetic dances (Maranao); Ulahingan (Livunganen-Arumanen Manobo);
that affirm our ties with our Southeast Asian neighbors. Mangovayt Buhong na Langit (The Maiden of the
The most influential of these folk speeches is the riddle Buhong Sky from Tuwaang–Manobo); Ag Tobig neg
which is tigmo in Cebuano, bugtong in Tagalog, Keboklagan (Subanon); and Tudbulol (T’boli).
paktakon in Ilongo and patototdon in Bicol. Central to
Spanish Colonial Period Spaniards occupied the
the riddle is the talinghaga or metaphor because it
Philippines in early 15th century. This occupation
“reveals subtle resemblances between two unlike
brought to bear upon literature the influences of
objects” and one’s power of observation and wit are put
Spanish/European culture and the Roman Catholic
to the test.
religion. Hence, the literature in this period are mostly
Bumbong kung liwanag Bamboo tube at daytime kung
classified as religious prose and poetry and secular missionaries.
prose and poetry. The most notable of the secular lyrics followed the
conventions of a romantic tradition: the languishing but
loyal lover, the elusive, often heartless beloved, the
Religious lyrics written by ladino poets or those versed rival. The leading poets were Jose Corazon de Jesus
in both Spanish and Tagalog were included in early (Huseng Sisiw) and Francisco Balagtas. Some secular
catechism and were used to teach Filipinos the Spanish poets who wrote in this same tradition were Leona
language. “May Bagyo Ma’t May Rilim” (Though It Is Florentino, Jacinto Kawili, Isabelo de los Reyes and
Stormy and Dark), which literary historian Bienvenido Rafael Gandioco.
Lumbera identifies as the first printed literary work in Another popular secular poetry is the metrical romance,
Tagalog, appeared in the book Memorial de la vida the awit and korido in Tagalog. The awit is set in
cristiana en la lengua tagala (Guidelines of Christian dodecasyllabic quatrains while the korido is in
Life in the Tagalog Language), 1605, by the Dominican octosyllabic quatrains. These are colorful tales of
friar Francisco Blancas de San Jose. chivalry from European sources made for singing and
The Memorial de la vida cristiana also contains poems chanting such as Gonzalo de Cordoba (Gonzalo of
by San Jose and by the bilingual (ladino) poet Fernando Cordoba) and Ibong Adarna (Adarna Bird). There are
Bagongbanta. The ladino poems interwove lines in numerous metrical romances in Tagalog, Bicol, Ilongo,
Spanish and the vernacular showing the confluence of Pampango, Ilocano and in Pangasinan. The awit as a
the native and colonizing cultures. popular poetic genre reached new heights in Balagtas’
“Florante at Laura” (ca. 1838-1861), the most famous of
Another form of religious lyrics are the meditative the country’s metrical romances.
verses like the dalit appended to novenas and
catechisms. But among the religious lyrics that emerged Period of Enlightenment (1972- 1898) In 19th Century,
in this period, it is the pasyon that became entrenched Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called
in the Filipino’s commemoration of Christ’s agony and ilustrados began to write about the hitch of
resurrection at Calvary. colonization. The 300 years with Spaniards marked the
The pasyon was traditionally sung and chanted in longest colonial period in the Philippine history. Due to
homes and chapels throughout Lent. It replaced the the need to see new hope in the midst of multitude, the
epic poems of the past and came to be a social epic, “a Filipino spirit reawakened when the 3 priests Gomez,
mirror of the collective consciousness,” as lleto (1979) Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient
explains. Later, modern pasyon texts and adaptations evidence of guilt.
took up themes of protest and liberation. Marcelo H. The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896.) This
del Pilar’s Pasyon Dapat lpag-alab ng Puso (Passion movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual
that Should Inflame the Heart), warns the Filipino to middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano
avoid the convent and banish the friar. Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma.
Aside from religious poetry, there were various kinds of Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
prose narratives written to prescribe proper decorum. MARCELO H. DEL PILAR
Like the pasyon, these prose narratives were also used 1. Pagibig Sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of Coun- try).
for proselitization. Some forms are: dialogo(dialogue), Translated from the Spanish Amor Patria of Rizal,
Manual de Urbanidad (conduct book); ejemplo published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
(exemplum) and tratado (tratado). The most 2. Kaiingat Kayo (Be Careful). A humorous and sarcastic
wellknown is Modesto de Castro’s “Pagsusulatan ng dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the novel Noli of
Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at si Feliza” Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1883.
(Correspondence between the Two Maidens Urbana 3. Dasalan At Tocsohan (Prayers and Jokes). Similar to a
and Feliza) in 1864. catechism but sarcastically done against the parish
Secular works appeared alongside historical and priests, published in Barcelona in 1888.
economic changes, the emergence of an opulent class JOSE P. RIZAL 1. Noli Me Tangere- This was the novel
and the middle class who could avail of a European that gave spirit to the propaganda movement and
education. This Filipino elite could now read printed paved the way to the revolution against Spain.
works that used to be the exclusive domain of the 2. El Filibusterismo- This is a sequel which exposed
those in the government and in the church. The literary genres that flourished during the American
3. Mi Ultimo Adios- This was a poem by Rizal while he Period were poetry, sarswela, short story, and the
was incarcerated at Fort Santiago. novel. Poetry was written in the three languages -
4. Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinos (On the Filipino, Spanish, English, and in the different dialects.
Indolence of the Filipinos)- An essay on the so-called Some of the known poets during the American period
Filipino indolence and an evaluation of the reasons for were Maximo Kalaw, Carlos P. Romulo, Maria
such allegations. Agoncillo, Paz Marquez Benitez, Salvador P. Lopez,
5. Filipinas Dentro De Cien Años- An essay predicting Jose Garcia Villa, Carlos Bulosan, and many others.
the increasing influence of the US in the Philippines and There were three collection of poems printed namely
the decreasing interest of Europe Filipino Poetry edited by Rodolfo Dato, The English
GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA 1.Ang Fray Botod (Friar German Anthology of Poets edited by Pablo Laslo, and
Botod). One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, a pre-war collection by Carlos Bulosan.
six years after the Cavite Revolt attacking the friars in
The balagtasan, named after Francisco F. Balagtas, is a
the Philippines. He exposed how some of the friars were
debate in verse, a poetical joust done almost
greedy, ambitious and immoral.
spontaneously between protagonists who debate over
2. La Hija Del Fraile (The Child of the Friar) and
the pros and the cons of a certain issue. The first ever
Everyting Is Hambug (Everything is mere show). Here
balagtasan was held in March 1924 at the Insituto de
Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.
Mujeres, with Corazon de Jesus and Florentino
3. Sa Mga Pilipino...1891) A speech which aimed to
Collantes as rivals.
improve the condition of the Filipinos to become free
Short stories in English of early Filipino fictionists are
and progressive.
marked with American style. This all changed with the
4. Talumpating Pagunita Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to
founding of the U. P. Writers Club in 1926 whose aim
Commemorate Columbus). A speech he delivered in
was to enhance and propagate the "language of
Madrid on the 39th anniversary of the discovery of
Shakespeare." With the publication of Paz Marquez
American.
Benitez' "Dead Stars," it was made the landmark of the
American Colonial Period
maturity of the Filipino writer in English. Many writers
key point: The combination of the foreign language and
followed Benitez like Icasiano Calalang, Arturo Rotor, A.
the culture of Filipinos during this period enabled
E. Litiatco, Paz Latorena, and Manuel Arguilla started
fictionists to produce great literary works. The public
publishing stories manifesting skills in the use of the
can now relate to the story because the public also
foreign language and a keen Filipino sensibility.
experiences what the story has to say and they can now
Novels also flourished during this period. Works like
understand the language being used by the writer.
"His Native Soil" by Juan C. Laya, "How My Brother Leon
With the coming of the American forces in the
Brought Home a Wife" by Manuel Arguilla, and many
Philippines, changes in the Philippine Literature were
others depicted the Filipino life in English. The other
evident. One of these notable changes was the
novelists of this period are Jose Garcia Villa, Francisco
establishment of English as the medium of instruction.
Arellana, Fernando Maria Guerrero, Amador Daguio,
During this era, new literary forms, such as free verse
and Sinai Hamada.
[in poetry], the modern short story, and the critical
Finally, it was during the early American period that the
essay were also introduced
sarswela gained popularity. Most of the sarwelas if not
Writers during the American Period drew ideas from the
all are directed against the American imperialists. The
Propaganda Movement and the Revolutionary
works of Severino Reyes ("Walang Sugat") and Patricio
Movement to encourage the Filipinos to continue to
Mariano ("Anak ng Dagat") are equally remarkable
fight against the U.S. Colonialism. The demand for
sarwelas during the period. Here are the other noted
independence was supported by a campaign to make
sarswelistas: Aurelio Tolentino, Juan Abad, Juan
the Americans aware of the Filipino culture. Some
Matapang Cruz, and Juan Crisostomo Sotto.
writers who use the Spanish language began to shift to
Among the Ilokano writers, noted novelists were Leon
the American language for the fact that a larger
Pichay, Hermogenes Belen, and Mena Pecson Crisologo
population can now comprehend the said language.
whose Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa is considered to
be the Ilokano version of Noli Me Tangere. Magdalena
Jalandoni and Ramon Muzones are the most prominent languages. Oral forms of literature continue their social
writers in the Visayas region. Their works depicted love, function in cultural communities. Poetry and fiction are
farm life, and the social life the region is having. being written in Cebuano, Tagalog, llocano, llonggo,
Pampango, Waray, Bicolano and the other vernaculars
—very actively in some, in a waning mode in others
The latter stages of the American period continued to where there are no publication venues. Writing is most
produce great writers like Liwayway Arceo and lively in Tagalog, Cebuano and the evolving Filipino.
Genoveva Edroza Matute whose works "Uhaw ang Philippine literature, in all its languages, is in constant
Tigang na Lupa" and "Ako'y Isang Tinig" respectively are and cogent contemporary use: in classrooms; in
used as models for fine writing; and Teodoro Agoncillo, handwritten, passed-on drafts and in print; on radio,
who was included the foremost writers of fiction before television and film; in song, dance and theater; in
World War II. written and oral expression; in many forms and
languages; in various settings and for myriad purposes
Jose Corazon de Jesus, known also as Huseng Batute,
—its past, present and future coexisting in the national
became the first ever King of the Balagtasan
context.
Contemporary Period With the end of the American
colonial period, Philippine literature continued to grow
in diverse ways—cradling its influences, and trying to
assert a certain sense of national literature that
incorporated all the foreign contributions that came
before it, as well as the growing voices of native
literatures from the regions.
Filipino writers have become more sensible of their art.
Postwar poetry and fiction was dominated by the
writers in English educated and trained in writers’
workshops in the United States or England. Among
these were Edilberto and Edith Tiempo, Francisco
Arcellana, Ricaredo Demetillo, Amador Daguio, Carlos
Angeles, N.V.M. Gonzales, and Bienvenido N. Santos.
With their credentials and solid reputations, they
influenced the form and direction of the next
generation mainly in accordance with the dominant
tenets of the formalist New Criticism.
The poets trained in American workshops continue to
write in the lyrical-realist mode characteristic of
American writing, spawned by imagism and neo-
Aristotelianism. Among these writers are the poet-
critics Gemino Abad, Ophelia A. Dimalanta, and
Emmanuel Torres. Their influence can be felt in the
short lyric and the medium-length meditative poem
that are still the Filipino poet’s preferred medium. Some
contemporary poets in English such as Marjorie Evasco
and Merlie Alunan, derive their best effects from their
reverence for the ineluctable image. Ricardo de
Ungria’s and Luisa Aguilar Cariño’s poems, on the other
hand, are a rich confluence of imagism, surrealism and
confessionalism.

Philippine literature today continues in English and even

in Spanish, but especially in the country’s own
 recognition given to Filipinos who have made distinct
contributions in the field of arts and letters. It is jointly
administered by the National Commission for Culture
and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP), and is conferred by the President of
the Philippines upon recommendation by both
21st-CENTURY LITERATURE institutions.
FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND The insignia of the Order of the National Artists is
THE WORLD CM2 CANONICAL AUTHORS composed of a Grand Collar featuring circular links
AND WORKS OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ARTISTS IN portraying the arts, and an eightpointed
LITERATURE conventionalized sunburst suspended from a
sampaguita wreath in green and white enamel. The
National Artist Previously, we talked about what is central badge is a medallion divided into three equal
literature and how it has shaped our culture, identity, portions, red, Source:
and history. As Ai-jen Poo, an author, quoted, https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/the-order-of-
―Movements of people create change – not just any national-artists/ white, and blue, recalling the Philippine
person or organization, but when lots of people are in flag, with three stylized letter Ks—the ―KKK‖ stands for
motion around a shared vision.‖ It is a ripple effect of the CCP’s motto: ―katotohanan, kabutihan, at
one influencing the others to create an impact that kagandahan‖ (―the true, the good, and the beautiful‖),
leads to changes. Take for example the change that as coined by then first lady Mrs. Imelda Romualdez
happens to us when we read. We are being opened to Marcos, the CCP’s founder. The composition of the
new experiences with moral that change how we see Grand Collar is silver gilt bronze. In place of a rosette
things. May it be a fiction or based on true story, they there is an enameled pin in the form of the insignia of
all show significant human experiences. Thus, it is the order.
important to meet the people behind who worked out CRITERIA FOR THE ORDER OF NATIONAL ARTISTS
for that change of culture, identity, and history through 1. Living artists who are Filipino citizens at the time of
literature which is our lesson in this course material. nomination, as well as those who died after the
From a pool of authors out there, there are these establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipino
people who truly stood out in that crowd that were citizens at the time of their death;
announced as national artists for literature here in the 2. Artists who, through the content and form of their
Philippines. However, what is the standard to be works, have contributed in building a Filipino sense of
considered a national artist? nationhood;
3. Artists who have pioneered in a mode of creative
According to the Official Gazette, official publication of
expression or style, thus earning distinction and making
the Philippines, a national artist is a Filipino citizen who
an impact on succeeding generations of artists;
has been given the rank and title of National Artist in
4. Artists who have created a substantial and significant
recognition of his or her significant contributions to the
body of work and/or consistently displayed excellence
development of Philippine arts and letters. The rank and
in the practice of their art form thus enriching artistic
title of National Artist is conferred by means of a
expression or style; and
Presidential Proclamation. It recognizes excellence in
5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through:
the fields of Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts,
• prestigious national and/or international recognition,
Literature, Film and Broadcast Arts, and Architecture or
such as the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining, CCP Thirteen
Allied Arts.
Artists Award and NCCA Alab ng Haraya;
Those who have been proclaimed National Artists are
• critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works;
given a Grand Collar symbolizing their status. Recipients
• respect and esteem from peers.
of this Grand Collar make up the Order of National
Artists. The Order of National Artists (Orden ng Gawad National Artists for Literature The Order of National
Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is thus a rank, a title, and Artists aims to recognize: Filipino artists who have made
a wearable award that represents the highest national significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the
country. Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest baroque Spanish-flavored English or his reinventions of
level and to promote creative expression as significant English based on Filipinisms. He explored the Philippine
to the development of a national cultural identity. colonial past under Spain and probed into the
psychology of social changes as seen by the youth, as
AMADO V. HERNANDEZ (1973)
exemplified in stories such as Doña Jeronima, Candido's
“Makata ng Manggagawa” A poet, playwright, and
Apocalypse and The Order of Melchizedek.
novelist who practiced “committed art”. In his view, the
function of the writer is to act as the conscience of Among his voluminous works are: The Woman Who Had
society and to affirm the greatness of the human spirit Two Navels, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, Manila,
in the face of inequity and oppression. Hernandez's My Manila: A History for the Young, The Ballad of the
contribution to the development of Tagalog prose is Five Battles, Rizal in Saga, Almanac for Manileños, Cave
considerable -- he stripped Tagalog of its ornate and Shadows
character and wrote in prose closer to the colloquial CARLOS P. ROMULO (1982) His multifaceted career
than the "official" style permitted. His novel Mga Ibong spanned 50 years of public service as educator, soldier,
Mandaragit, first written by Hernandez while in prison, university president, journalist and diplomat. He was
is the first Filipino sociopolitical novel that exposes the the only Asian to win America's coveted Pulitzer Prize in
ills of the society as evident in the agrarian problems of Journalism for a series of articles predicting the
the 50s. Hernandez's other works include: outbreak of World War II. Romulo, in all, wrote and
Bayang Malaya, Isang Dipang Langit, Luha ng Buwaya, published 18 books, a range of literary works which
Amado V. Hernandez: Tudla at Tudling: Katipunan ng included The United(novel), I Walked with Heroes
mga Nalathalang Tula 1921-1970, Langaw sa Isang (autobiography), I Saw the Fall of the Philippines,
Basong Gatas at Iba Pang Kuwento ni Amado V. Mother America, I See the Philippines Rise (war-time
Hernandez, Magkabilang Mukha ng Isang Bagol at Iba memoirs).
Pang Akda ni Amado V. Hernandez. FRANCISCO ARCELLANA (1989) He is a writer, poet,
JOSE GARCIA VILLA (1973) He is considered as one of essayist, critic, journalist and teacher, is one of the most
the finest contemporary poets regardless of race or important progenitors of the modern Filipino short
language. Villa, who lived in Singalong, Manila, story in English. He pioneered the development of the
introduced the reversed consonance rime scheme, short story as a lyrical prose-poetic form. For Arcellana,
including the comma poems that made full use of the the pride of fiction is "that it is able to render truth, that
punctuation mark in an innovative, poetic way. is able to present reality". Arcellana has kept alive the
The first of his poems "Have Come, Am Here" received experimental tradition in fiction, and has been most
critical recognition when it appeared in New York in daring in exploring new literary forms to express the
1942 that, soon enough, honors and fellowships were sensibility of the Filipino people. A brilliant craftsman,
heaped on him: Guggenheim, Bollingen, the American his works are now an indispensable part of a tertiary-
Academy of Arts and Letters Awards. He used Doveglion level-syllabi all over the country
(Dove, Eagle, Lion) as penname, the very characters he Arcellana's published books are: Selected Stories (1962)
attributed to himself, and the same ones explored by Poetry and Politics: The State of Original Writing in
e.e. cummings in the poem he wrote for Villa English in the Philippines Today (1977) The Francisco
(Doveglion, Adventures in Value). Villa is also known for Arcellana Sampler (1990)
the tartness of his tongue. N.V. M. Gonzales (1997) Nestor Vicente Madali
Villa's works have been collected into the following Gonzalez is a fictionist, essayist, poet, and teacher,
books: Footnote to Youth, Many Voices, Poems by articulated the Filipino spirit in rural, urban landscapes.
Doveglion, Poems 55, Poems in Praise of Love: The Best Among the many recognitions, he won the First
Love Poems of Jose Garcia Villa as Chosen By Himself, Commonwealth Literary Contest in 1940, received the
Selected Stories, The Portable Villa, The Essential Villa, Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1960 and the
Mir-i-nisa, Storymasters 3: Selected Stories from Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 1990. The awards attest to
Footnote to Youth, 55 Poems: Selected and Translated his triumph in appropriating the English language to
into Tagalog by Hilario S. Francia. express, reflect and shape Philippine culture and
NICK JOAQUIN (1976) He enriched the English language Philippine sensibility.
with critics coining "Joaquinesque" to describe his Major works of N.V.M Gonzalez include the following:
Mindoro and Beyond: Twenty -One Stories The Bread of ng Makina, Balagtasismo versus Modernismo, Walong
Salt and Other Stories Work on the Mountain, The Dekada ng Makabagong Tula Pilipino, Mutyang Dilim
Novel of Justice: Selected Essays 1968-1994 and Barlaan at Josaphat.
Alejandro R. Roces (2003) He is a short story writer and
EDITH L. TIEMPO (1989) She is a poet, fictionist, teacher
essayist, and considered as the country’s best writer of
and literary critic is one of the finest Filipino writers in
comic short stories. He is known for his widely
English whose works are characterized by a remarkable
anthologized "My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken." In his
fusion of style and substance, of craftsmanship and
innumerable newspaper columns, he has always
insight. Her poems are intricate verbal transfigurations
focused on the neglected aspects of the Filipino cultural
of significant experiences as revealed, in two of her
heritage. His works have been published in various
much anthologized pieces, "The Little Marmoset" and
international magazines and has received national and
"Bonsai". As fictionist, Tiempo is as morally profound.
international awards. Ever the champion of Filipino
Her language has been marked as "descriptive but
cultures, Roces brought to public attention the
unburdened by scrupulous detailing." She is an
aesthetics of the country’s fiestas. He was instrumental
influential tradition in Philippine literature in English.
in popularizing several local fiestas, notably, Moriones
Tiempo’s published works include the following: A
and Ati-atihan.
Blade of Fern (1978) The Native Coast (1979) The Alien
Bienvenido Lumbera (2003) He is a poet, librettist, and
Corn (1992) The Tracks of Babylon and Other Poems
scholar. *As a poet, he introduced to Tagalog literature
(1966) The Charmer’s Box and Other Poems (1993)
what is now known as Bagay poetry, a landmark
Abide, Joshua, and Other Stories (1964)
aesthetic tendency that has helped to change the
F. Sionil Jose (2001) He’s writings since the late 60s,
vernacular poetic tradition. He is the author of the
when taken collectively can best be described as epic.
following works: Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (poems in
Its sheer volume puts him on the forefront of Philippine
Filipino and English), 1993; Balaybay, Mga Tulang Lunot
writing in English. But ultimately, it is the consistent
at Manibalang, 2002; Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na Dulang
espousal of the aspirations of the Filipino--for national
May Musika, 2004; "Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita,"
sovereignty and social justice--that guarantees the value
Pakikiramay, 2004. As a librettist for theTales of the
of his oeuvre. In the five-novel masterpiece, the Rosales
Manuvu and Rama Hari, he pioneered the creative
saga, consisting of The Pretenders, Tree, My Brother,
fusion of fine arts and popular imagination. As a scholar,
My Executioner, Mass, and Po-on, he captures the
his major books include the following:Tagalog Poetry,
sweep of Philippine history while simultaneously
1570-1898: Tradition and Influences in its Development;
narrating the lives of generations of the Samsons whose
Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology,
personal lives intertwine with the social struggles of the
Revaluation: Essays on Philippine Literature, Writing the
nation. Because of their international appeal, his works,
Nation/Pag-akda ng Bansa.
including his many short stories, have been published
Lazaro Francisco (2009) ―Master of the Tagalog Novel
and translated into various languages.
He developed the social realist tradition in Philippine
Virgilio S. Almario (2003) Also known as Rio Alma, is a
fiction. His eleven novels, now acknowledged classics of
poet, literary historian and critic, who has revived and
Philippine literature, embody the author’s commitment
reinvented traditional Filipino poetic forms, even as he
to nationalism. His pen dignifies the Filipino and accents
championed modernist poetics. In 34 years, he has
all the positives about the Filipino way of life. His
published 12 books of poetry, which include the seminal
writings have contributed much to the formation of a
Makinasyon and Peregrinasyon, and the landmark
Filipino nationalism. His masterpiece novels are: Ama
trilogy Doktrinang Anakpawis, Mga Retrato at Rekwerdo
Bayang Nagpatiwakal Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig
and Muli, Sa Kandungan ng Lupa.
Daluyong
In these works, his poetic voice soared from the lyrical
Cirilo F. Bautista (2014) He is a poet, fictionist, and
to the satirical to the epic, from the dramatic to the
essayist with exceptional achievements and significant
incantatory, in his often-severe examination of the self,
contributions to the development of the country’s
and the society. He has also redefined how the Filipino
literary arts. He is acknowledged by peers and critics,
poetry is viewed and paved the way for the discussion
and the nation at large as the foremost writer of his
of the same in his 10 books of criticisms and
generation. He has established a reputation for fine and
anthologies, among which are Ang Makata sa Panahon
profound artistry; his books, lectures, poetry readings, Vocabulary: Commandeered
and creative writing workshops continue to influence  officially take possession or control of;
his peers and generation young writers. His major works  take possession of (something) without authority
are: Summer Suns (1963) Words and Battlefields (1998) (something), especially for military purposes;
The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus (2001) Galaw ng Asoge  enlist (someone) to help in a task, typically against the
(2003) person's will
Tyrant  a cruel and oppressive ruler, e.g. dictator
21st-CENTURY LITERATURE  an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution
Parched  to make extremely, excessively, or completely
FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND dry, as heat, sun, and wind do. to make dry, hot, or thirsty
THE WORLD CM3 REPRESENTATION
Bautista’s poem is rich with figures of imagery, speech,
AND THE PHILIPPINE CANON
and allegory, all aimed at creating a solid impression on
“Third World Geography” by Cirilo F. Bautista Previously, the reader.
we discussed our national artists who played a great role This poem is an example of a descriptive poem. A
of contributing to our national identity through their art. In descriptive poem is a poem that contains a large amount
this course material, we will have one representative text of descriptive detail. They might take as their subject
from one of our national artists, Cirilo F. Bautista. This something visual, for instance, and describe its
poem was written to emphasize the oppression characteristics in depth. Oppression has been evident in
experienced by the Filipinos with our own history of our history that literature reflects these situations in
colonization. After the independence with our foreign letters. This subject creates dramatic situations that lead
colonizers, the idea of oppression remained, but in the us to better understand the issues and how these affect
form of President Ferdinand Marcos with his declaration of the humanity. Poems deliver dramatic situation through
Martial Law. During his regime, he commanded the arrest using a persona, the speaker of the poem. This poem
and imprisonment of many writers in the country. This showed us with a situation that is allegorical, or not literal
resulted to the limitation of how our writers shape but rather representative of other ideas or personalities.
people’s thinking through their literary pieces.
Persona is the speaker, or teller of the poem; rarely the
National Artist for Literature Cirilo F. Bautista is one of poet himself of herself.
the Philippines’ most awarded and most respected writers Personification is a figure of speech where a nonhuman
and critics. Born in 1941, he achieved honors in every level object is given human qualities.
of his education, finishing an AB Literature degree from Dramatic Situation is the combination of setting,
the University of Sto. Tomas (magna cum laude) in 1963. characters, and action in a poem which is supposed to
He would then proceed to get an MA Literature degree engage the reader.
(magna cum laude) from St. Louis University in Baguio in Allegorical/Allegory refers to symbolic representations of
1968 and a Doctor of Arts in Language and Literature from truths or generalizations about human existence.
De La Salle University in 1990. He received a fellowship to
Introduction to a Marxist Reading of Texts
attend the International Writing Program at the University
key point: In using the Marxist theory, it is important to
of Iowa. Bautista has won numerous awards, including the
identify the author’s weltanshauung, or world view, which
Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for the essay, poetry, and
helps in understanding the government established at the
fiction in both English and Filipino. Other than these, he
time the writer lived and wrote—and whether or not
won the Philippines Free Press Awards for fiction, the
people (or just the author) really supported it.
Manila Critics’ Circle National Book Award, the Gawad
Nalagtas from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas, Marxism is a cultural theory that embodies a set of social,
and the Pablo Roman Prize for the Novel. He was hailed as economic, and political ideas that its followers believe will
the Makata ng Taon in 1993 by the Komisyon sa Wikang enable them to interpret and change their world.
Filipino. He has been widely anthologized and published Tenets  One’s value is based on labor exerted (or
not only in the country, but internationally as well. potential labor)  Economics determines all social actions
*He is also a great literary advocate, being a member of and institutions  Class struggle is the basic pattern in
literary organizations such as the Philippine Literary Arts history  Power will inevitably be seized through the
Council, the Manila Critics Circle, the Philippine Center of revolution of the proletariat  Ultimately there will be an
International PEN, and the Philippine Writers Academy. establishment of a classless society
Marxism hopes to create some sort of balance that makes
the world a better, more secure place for those who have
been oppressed and controlled.
The beginning of Marxist thought came about through Karl
Marx and Friedrich Engels’ The Communist Manifesto
during the late 19th century. Third World Geography
Cirilo F. Bautista, Manila
In the 20th century, the “Russian Revolution Architects” A country without miracles sits heavy on the map, thinking
headed by Leon Trotsky applied Marx’s ideas to literary of banana trees rotting in the sunlight. The man who
texts. Trotsky was exiled by Stalin, however, and Theodor watches over it has commandeered all hopes, placed them
Adorno helped form the core of early Marxist critics. in a sack, and tied its loose end. He goes around carrying it
The Frankfurt School then attempted to reconstruct the on his back. When asked what is inside, he says, “Just a
theory to enable it to withstand totalitarian corruption. handful of feathers, just a handful feathers.” That’s how
The criticism reached its peak during times of economic light the burden of government is in peace time – any
tragedy and, consequently, following the Great tyrant can turn it into a metaphor. You kneel on the
Depression, faded away. Marxism then resurfaced again parched earth and pray for rice. Only the wind hears your
years later in the 1960s during the time of politically useless words. The country without miracles tries to get up
tumultuous events such as the Vietnam War and the from the page, but the bold ink and sharp colors hold it
Cuban Missile Crisis. Today the criticism is extremely down.
varied; there is no set definition of a Marxist critic.

Strengths
-It has the ability to adapt to a changing intellectual
climate.
- It approaches the reality of life (not idealistic), and values
circumstances (how events influence society).
- It has a varied and versatile approach, thus an
allencompassing critical method.
-It seeks to identify disguised political and social means of
oppression by means of pulling out textual clues and
symbols (uncover hidden textual elements).
Weaknesses
 Its intensity of views are often confused with moral
issues.
 It also deals excessively with economic systems, which
leads to the possibility of missing other important
elements.
 It can at times be contradictory with values that only
exist in the material world.
 Like other theories, it can be formulaic at times,
sometimes going to extremes to make things fit.
The reference point for all texts was Marx’s Historical
Theory, encompassing four distinct historical epochs: (1)
Feudalism, (2) Capitalism, (3) Socialism, and (4)
Communism.
21st-CENTURY LITERATURE Flashback

FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND Foreshadowing

THE WORLD CM5 Study and Summary: Voice Tape by Ariel S. Tabag, responds to the
appreciation of literary texts from Luzon written in context of the OFW stories we have heard around, relating
different genre an experience of them. Through this short story, with the
use of literary techniques in writing, we were able to be
“Voice Tape” by Ariel S. Tabag, Cagayan – short story part of a reality of most of the Filipinos.
National Literature - Fiction is a form of written stories
about people and events that are not real or literature that
tells stories which are imagined by the writer. This does
not prevent a writer, however, from using a real context,
or what is currently happening in the surroundings of the
writer.
National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera considered national
literature as those that confront or provoke the Filipino
reader “with ideas, subject matter, and social and political
issues that serve to provoke an emotional or intellectual
response, if not necessarily positive action.”

Author - Ariel S. Tabag

-He is a bilingual Ilocano fictionist, poet, editor, translator,
and musician. He has received the Palanca Awards for his
Ilokano short stories.
-He is the poetry editor for the Ilokano literary magazine
Bannawag.
-He sees Ilokano not as a dialect but a separate language,
representing a unique culture.

Vocabulary Words
ápo, kalupí, kuríbot, dúng-aw, nánang, tátang

Literary Text
Characters: Dante, Angkel Ato, Magdalena, Nanang,
Tatang, Angkel Mulong, Angkel Ceferino

Setting: - Year 1990’s Sta. Teresita, Cagayan

Plot

Conflict: Voice Tape

“Patawarin mo ako, Mahal. Di ko ginusto. Papatayin ako
kapag lumaban ako. Isipin mo na lang na makakamtan na rin
natin ang hinahangad mong magandang kinabukasan para sa
mga anak natin... Matatapos din ang kontrata ko…”