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WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY –PHILIPPINES

MARIA AURORA EXTENSION CAMPUS

Welcome to Philippine Literature in English (Lit. 2). Learning must continue

when pandemic was experienced globally and now that there are new trends in education.
Nothing should stop the teaching- learning process as education plays an integral part in the
life of every stakeholder.

The concern of this module is to help students be able to learn the literature of the
Philippines through its historical transition in different genres from various regions of the
Philippines.

Brief Description of the Module

The lessons focus on Philippine Literature particularly the periods namely: Ancient/
Pre- Spanish Times, The Spanish Colonial Period, American Period, Japanese Occupation
Period, the Era of Independence and the contemporary Literature. The different genres during
these periodsand in different regions are also tackled.

OBJECTIVES

This presents a program of study intended for Philippine Literature in English

students. It maintains a connection in the past up to the present literature.

At the end of this module, the students are expected to:

1. Get informed with the periods of Philippine Literature
2. Get acquainted with the different genres in the various regions of the Philippines
3. Express appreciation in reading the literary texts of the Philippines

Reminder:

Remember always to work on this module independently/ on your own, except when
assigned as a group. It is expected that you, students will try your best in reading this module
and be knowledgeable in pursuit to get familiar with our own literature including our culture.
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 Module 1: Introduction to Literature and
Overview to Philippine Literature

INTRODUCTION

Literature mirrors the culture of a country, so it is very important that students get to
know their history through literature and embrace the kind of culture that we have.

Literature is also said to be an identity of a country since it represents the culture and
tradition of a country which could either be the people or language.

Do you think this statement is true? Yes, or No? Why? (Let some students answer
the question and see the differences or similarities in their answer.

Literature Review… Read

then
watch the video.

“Literature is a collection/ body of written works or spoken literary pieces. According

to Kenneth Rexroth, “Literature may be classified according to a variety of systems,
including language, national origin, historical period, genre, and subject matter.”

Another writer, Esther Lombardi (2020) said that “Literature most commonly refers
to works of the creative imagination, including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and in some
instances, journalism, and song.”

From the Webster dictionary, “Literature is the class of writings distinguished for
beauty of style or expression, as poetry, essays, or history, in distinction from scientific
treatises and works which contain positive knowledge.“

Still from Joshua J. Mark (2009), “Literature is written work of a specific culture,
sub-culture, religion, philosophy or the study of such written work which may appear in
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poetry or in prose.”
 Other definitions of literature are the following: “It is the body of written works of a
language, period, or culture. Imaginative or creative writing, especially of recognized artistic

value. The art or occupation of a literary writer. The body of written work produced by
scholars or researchers in a given field (Medical literature). A printed material that collected
all the available literature on the subject.”

As you can see, there are various meanings/ definitions of Literature. But there is no
accurate or exact definition of literature because it keeps changing and evolving constantly.

Now, why do we need to study literature? For many people, there are different
reasons why it is necessary. For me, I want to study literature or know more about it because
through this, I get acquainted about the lives and writings of known and unknown authors. It
enhances my thinking skills and enables me to broaden my imagination and creativity. I get
inspired to write my own literary piece

How about you, do you have any reason why it is important to study literature? Let us
look at a few reasons of a few students:

"I study literature because I believe there is power in stories. Literature is both
intensely personal as well as a communal experience. I love examining how words, sentences,
characters, plot-lines and tropes reveal who we are as humans. Humanity is a complicated
thing, and requires an infinite amount of words to describe and analyze. That's the joy of
studying literature, there is always a new reality to discover." Mikaela Warner

"Not everyone loves reading enough to do it in their spare time, but the people who do
are the ones who get the most benefit out of what they read, because they want to be there in
that world that literature creates. I have met very intelligent people who do not read. But all of
the interesting people I know read, whether or not they are particularly intelligent."

—Sybylla Yeoman Hendrix

"I read literature for a number of different reasons. Literature is an art full of passion
and heart; it transcends the ages. Great literature hits on many different levels. Over the
years, authors have accomplished unfeasible tasks through the use of their words. Literature
has prompted political and social change in societies and continues to do so to this day. It can
be a battle cry for the proletariat to rise up and make a difference, and it can also provide
personal counsel.

Literature sets me free from the responsibilities of this world, and at the same time it
ties me down to those same responsibilities. Some literature I read for an escape; to journey
to a far away land and go on a grand adventure with creatures beyond my imagination. Other
literature has much more serious subject matter, and I read it to remind myself that life isn’t
all cupcakes and ice cream." —Ryan McGinty

*Can you relate to these reasons? It is encouraging to know that there are still students who
value reading literature. So, do you have your own reason too at this point in time?
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Take a look at these 6 Reasons Why Literature Is Important by Breanna Sahr

relearnings.com

Literature serves as a gateway to learning of the past and

expanding new knowledge and understanding of the
world. Here are just a few reasons why literature is
important.

1. Expanding horizons

First and foremost, literature opens our eyes, makes us

see more and realize more than just what is seen around us. With this, we begin to learn, ask
questions, and build our intuitions and instincts. We expand our minds.

2. Building critical thinking skills

When we read, we learn to look between the lines. We are taught to find symbols,
make connections, find themes, learn about characters. Reading expands these skills, and we
begin to look at a sentence with a larger sense of detail and depth and realize the importance
of hidden meanings so that we may come to a conclusion.

3. A leap into the past

History and literature are entwined with each other. History is not just about power
struggles, wars, names, and dates. It is about people who are products of their time, with their
own lives. Today the world is nothing like it was in the 15th century; people have changed
largely. Without literature, we would not know about our past, our families, the people who
came before and walked on the same ground as us.

4. Appreciation for other cultures and beliefs

Reading about history, anthropology, or religious studies provides a method of

learning about cultures and beliefs other than our own. It allows you to understand and
experience these other systems of living and other worlds. We get a view of the inside looking
out, a personal view and insight into the minds and reasoning of someone else. We can learn,
understand, and appreciate it.

5. Better writing skills

When you open a book, when your eyes read the words and you take in its contents, do
you ask yourself: How did this person imagine and write this? Well, many of those authors,
poets, or playwrights used literature to expand their writing.

6. Addressing humanity

All literature, whether it be poems, essays, novels, or short stories, helps us address
human nature and conditions which affect all people. These may be the need for growth,
doubts, and fears of success and failure, the need for friends and family, the goodness of
compassion and empathy, trust, or the realization of imperfection. We learn that imperfection
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is not always bad and that normal can be boring. We learn that life must be lived to the fullest.
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We need literature in order to connect with our own humanity.

Literature is important and necessary. It provides growth, strengthens our minds, and gives us
the ability to think outside the box. (https://www.theodysseyonline.com/7-reasons-why-
literature-is-so-important).

For further review, read and watch about genre and its literary types.

What is a genre?

A genre is a broad term that translates from the French to mean 'kind' or
'type.' Originally, the word came from the Greek word γένος (génos) in which it has the same
meaning. A genre is any stylistic category in literature that follows specific conventions.

Literary genre

is an artistic category or style of expressing oneself in writing which includes the

literary technique, tone, content or even length

 Literary techniques are the definite and purposeful words, phrases or sentences
constructed by the author to convey meaning.
 Tone are the words of emotions by the author. The words used shows or implies the
feeling of the author towards the subject in his literary piece. (Mood is what the author
makes the readers feel when reading).
 Content in literature could be the theme, the characters, the plot, the message or
anything that the author/ writer prefers to include in his literary piece.
 Length is dependent on the kind or type of genre the author is writing and of course,
the length of any literary piece depends on the writer himself.

For more details of the literary genre watch the video in this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oarGRayak5o Make sure to watch it attentively and
make sure to take down important notes.

After watching the video, here are the questions you need to reflect on: -What did you
learn from the video? What are the four literary genres discussed and their kinds? How
were the specific examples useful?

An Overview
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
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Amazon,com
 Philippine Literature is a diverse and rich group of works that has evolved side-by-side
with the country’s history. Literature had started with fables and legends made by the ancient
Filipinos long before the arrival of Spanish influence. The main themes of Philippine
literature focus on the country’s pre-colonial cultural traditions and the socio-political
histories of its colonial and contemporary traditions.

It is not a secret that many Filipinos are unfamiliar with much of the country's literary
heritage, especially those that were written long before the Spaniards arrived in our country.
This is due to the fact that the stories of ancient time were not written, but rather passed on
from generation to generation through word of mouth. Only during 1521 did the early
Filipinos became acquainted with literature due to the influence of the Spaniards on us. But
the literature that the Filipinos became acquainted with are not Philippine-made, rather, they
were works of Spanish authors.

Rappler.com

A new set of colonizers

brought about new changes in
Philippine literature. . English
writing in the Philippines had
its beginnings in the first
decade of the 20th century, but
began to attain stature only
during the 1920s. American
influence was deeply
entrenched with the firm
establishment of English as the medium of instruction in all schools and with literary
modernism that highlighted the writer's individuality and cultivated consciousness of craft,
sometimes at the expense of social consciousness. It was the writers in English who first
experimented with modernism, breaking away from the purposiveness of the works of writers
in Spanish and the native languages. New literary forms were introduced, chiefly, free verse,
the modern short story, and the critical essay.

So successful were the efforts of colonists to blot out the memory of the country's
largely oral past that present-day Filipino writers, artists and journalists are trying to correct
this inequity by recognizing the country's wealth of ethnic traditions and disseminating them
in schools through mass media.
Philstar.com

The rise of nationalistic pride in the 1960s

and 1970s also helped bring about this
change of attitude among a new breed of
Filipinos concerned about the "Filipino
identity."

On the university level, young writers were

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exposed to literary modernism, which

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highlighted the individuality of the writer

and cultivated craft consciousness,
sometimes at the expense of social consciousness. The University of the Philippines served as
the center of new writing, with the College Folio and, especially, The Literary Apprentice
leading the way towards writing that kept up with literary trends outside the country. Writers
in Tagalog and Cebuano, principally poet Alejandro G. Abadilla and fictionist Marcel
Navarra, incorporated new techniques and perspectives into their works.

Jose Garcia Villa’s central figure in the entry of modernism in poetry includes
aesthetic ideas and insisted that the artist’s main concern was with his craft, thus positing an
essential dichotomy between art and ideas. While his followers did not go to the extreme to
which Villa’s poetic practice led, young writers whose education put them in touch with the
latest developments of writing in the United States and the West were seduced by a critical
theory that freed them from political or social pressures.

*Our Literature in the Philippines were written in different languages namely: Spanish,
English, and not only Tagalog but also other native languages in the regions of the
Philippines.

*After knowing the reasons why we need to study literature, let us also see the necessity of
knowing our own literature.

Why do we need to study

Philippine Literature?

Whatever nationality you are, it is

always very important to study the
literature of your country. In doing
so you are not only learning about
the historical aspects of your land,
but you are also keeping alive the
thoughts, beliefs and cultural
variations of your ancestors that differentiate your country from the rest of the world.

A country's literature also tells us about its civilization in a form other than straight
fact. Literature is usually one person's description of a situation told through their own
personal feelings; eyewitness testimony to historical events that we were not present at.
Writers have a talent for bringing the past back to life with emotive language and metaphor,
helping us to imagine scenarios that may have happened decades, or even centuries, ago.

Points to remember:

Philippine Literature is undoubtedly rich in traditions that we have in our

country. It has struggled though, during the times of colonization since it used foreign
languages new to our ancestors. The kinds of literature that we are enjoying these
days are the fruit of the writers’great endeavor in the past.

Reasons why we are required to study Philippine Literature

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- Tracing down and knowing our literary heritage is a huge reason for us to become
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proud as Filipinos.
-We can also appreciate better the rich culture which is showcased in our literature that
is handed down to us by our forefathers.
 Activity:
1. Create your own definition of Literature.
2. Write a 2-3 paragraph about a fiction or non-fiction literary piece
showcasing the Filipino culture.
3. Give your own reason why it is necessary to study Philippine
Literature.

REFERENCES:

https://www.coursehero.com/file/12472943/LESSON-1-INTRODUCTION-TO-PHILIPPINE-
LITERATURE-IN-ENGLISH/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/literary-genres-definition-types-characteristics-examples.html
https://www.storyboardthat.com/articles/e/literary-genres
http://genresofliterature.com/
https://www.britannica.com/art/literature
Lombardi, Esther. January 31, 2020. What Literature can Teach Us. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-
is-literature-740531
Joshua J. Mark (2009), https://www.ancient.eu/literature/
https://www.yourdictionary.com/literature
cleanpng.com
clipartmax.com
https://gustavus.edu/english/whystudyliterature.php
https://phillit.weebly.com/
https://docplayer.net/20830546-Philippine-literature.html

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 MODULE 2: ANCIENT/ PRE- SPANISH
COLONIAL PERIOD

Pre- Spanish period is also known as Pre- Hispanic period. Even before the colonizers
arrived in the Philippines, our ancestors had already their own literature.

Esiel Cabrera-

The ancient literature shows the

customs, traditions and everyday life
as depicted in folk stories, plays and other
short stories. Other literary pieces such as
songs show our truly owned cultures as
evident on records that remained after the
Spanish had burned these. Reason of
burning? The Spaniards believed that the
ancient literature are works of the devil.
But, other records were not preserved due to
the perishable materials used like the barks
of trees, bamboo cylinders and leaves.

The ancient literature was passed on by word

of mouth or the oral tradition from
generation to generation until it reached the
hands of people who had the interest to print
the old manuscripts. Other accounts that
were preserved were written on dried muds
and jars as stationery.

Rinakristelle-wordpress.com

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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At the end of the period, the students would be able to:

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1. Discuss the different types of literature during the Pre- Spanish period.
2. Identify the culture/ values of the early Filipinos as shown on the literary texts read
3. Write a 2- 3 paragraph reflection about a chosen type of a literary piece

Our forefathers had also their own alphabet which is called the “Alibata” or
“Baybayin.”
The word “Baybay,” literary means “spelling.” The early Filipinos wrote this on bamboo, on
specially prepared palm leaves or on dry leaves, with the use of knives/ dagger and styli.

.The Baybayin was the system of writing that consisted of 3 vowels and 14
consonants. The image above shows the characters and the corresponding sound represented.
The three vowels are “a”, “e-i”, and “o-u” while the fourteen consonants are [b, k, d, g, h, l,
m, n, ng, p, s, t, w, y].

The bamboo document and the dagger

used to write it.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of the period, the students would be able to:

10

1. Determine the different types of literature during the Pre- Spanish period.
2. Identify the culture/ values of the early Filipinos as shown on the literary texts read
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3. Write a 2- 3 paragraph reflection about a chosen type of a literary piece

There are distinct kinds/ types of literature during the Pre- Spanish period. We could have
heard or even read about these literary texts and could have come across names of writers,
but we may have not known that they belong to this period.
To find this out, read all about this period…

Pre-Spanish Prose

1. Legends. Pre-Spanish legends are fictitious narratives which

explain the origin of things, places, or names. The early Filipino
customs are also depicted in them as it entertains the people during gatherings and
occasions.
Examples include:
A. “The Legend of the Tagalog” of the Tagalogs and
B. “The Legend of the Philippine Archipelago” of the Visayans. We will study the
Legend of the Tagalog and the legend Why the Sea is Salty, both Ilokano and Tagalog
versions.

2. Folktales. Folktales are stories made up about life, adventures, love, horror and
humor where one can derive lessons about life. These are useful to us because
they help us appreciate our environment, evaluate our personalities and improve
our perspectives in life.
Popular examples include:
A. “The Sun and the Wind”
B. “The Boy who became a Stone” of the Tingguians.

Pre-Spanish Poetry

1. Epics. Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events
usually of a hero involving supernatural forces/phenomena. Listed below are some of the
epics celebrated among the various groups in the country.
A. Biag ni Lam-ang – Ilokanos
B. Hudhod ni Aliguyon – Ifugaos
C. Alim – Ifugaos
D. Ibalon – Bicol
E. Handiong – Bicol
F. Hinilawod – Bicol
G. Maragtas – Visayan
H. Haraya – Visayan
I. Lagda – Visayan
J. Hari sa Bukid – Visayan
K. Kumintang – Tagalog
L. Bernardo Carpio – Tagalog
M. Parang Sabir – Moro
N. Darangan – Moro
O. Indarapatra at Sulayman – Moro
P. Dagoy – Tagbanua
Q. Sudsod – Tagnbanua
R. Tatuaang – Bagobo Tuwaang, Bagobo’s Lightning Rider
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 Do you know any of these epics? Can you name them? To be more familiar with more
epics of different places, read other epics in these links:
http://lifesunfathomabledepths.blogspot.com/2011/07/hudhud-summary-of-tale-of-
aliguyon.html, https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/tuwaang-hero-of-the-tuwaang-
epics-of-the-bagobo/, https://www.oocities.org/marlonfx/hari_sa_bukid.html,
https://astischool.com/society/hinilawod-summary-dissertation/,

While reading, take note of the details/ plot… What can you say about the characters?
Do you think they reflect our values? Are there any similarities or differences among these
epics? Are there any lessons that you can get from what you had read? What could they be?
It is so inspiring to know that places in the Philippines has their own epics that makes
our ancient literature really a rich one.

2. Folksongs. Folksongs are the oldest forms of Philippine Literature that emerged which
are composed mostly of 12 syllables per line of four in a verse. These songs mirrored the
culture of each group singing specific song per occasion/celebration/activities. Listed below
are some of these songs and the corresponding occasion/celebration/activities.

Halohalomixmix.com
A. Kundiman – Songs of Love/Serenading
songs
Serenading songs were used in the past when
a man would court a woman. It is a way of expressing the
love of a young man to a woman. The man would be singing
with a guitar accompaniment outside the house of the
woman he loves. The picture shows a man (with his friends
playing the guitar and the violin) serenading a woman.

B. Kumintang – War/Battle songs

This could be about the prayers of the warriors that
they will win the battle or that they could be able to go
home to their families. On the other hand, it could also be
the songs of the warriors’ families who are left behind, that
the warriors would not get wounded or they will become
victorious and won’t die.

C. Dalit – Worship songs

These songs were used to sing praises to God. The songs they sang were according to
their faith and belief in God.
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D. Oyayi/Hele – Lullaby songs

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The lullaby songs were used to put a baby to sleep. A mother or somebody taking care
of a baby usually sings this when they sense that the baby is sleepy.
 Example:

Sanggol kong anak na giliw Sleep, my beloved child,

Matulog ka nang mahimbing Sleep soundly, for
Marami akong gawain I have much work to do.
Huwag sanang abalahin. Do not disturb me.

Iyang duyang hinihigan Your cradle, your mat, and

Lampi't banig mo ay gutay Your diaper are tattered.
Mahirap nga tayong tunay We are indeed poor,
Luha't hapis ang karamay. Tears and sorrow our only wealth.

Akong ina mo ay dukha I, your mother, am poor,

At balo sa nag-aruga Bereft of the loving care
Ulila na 'tang mistula Of your father.
Sa ama mong makalinga.

Kung lumaki't magkaisip When you grow up

Ikaw bunso'y magbabait Be good, my child;
Mag-aaral na masakit Persevere in learning
Ng kabanalang malinis. To be clean and holy

E. Diana/Danaya – Wedding songs

The Diana was sang during a wedding ceremony.
It could be about giving good wishes for the couple or
even prayers for them for a successful marriage.

F. Soliraning – Laborer/Workmen songs

Workers were
inspired, motivated or get encouraged while
working.
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G. Talindaw – Fisher/Fishing songs

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 This specifically were for the fishermen who were in the sea or river for fishing. This
could be songs about catching of fish or could also be how grateful they were for having a
bountiful catch.

H. Tagulaylay – songs of the dead

This could be about the life of the loved ones who had already departed or prayers for
the dead that they will be accepted in heaven.

These folksongs show that ancient Filipinos were fond of singing. It could be that they
become happy and get entertained whenever they gather together singing these songs.

3. Epigrams. Epigrams are more commonly called Salawikain. These have been
customarily used and served as laws or rules on good behavior. These are like allegories or
parables that impart lessons for the youth consisting of couplets (2-lines) which usually have
rhyming end-syllables. These lessons in life that they wish to impart are usually implied.

Popular examples include:

A. “Aaanhin pa ang damo, B. “Sa marunong umunawa,
kung patay na ang kabayo.” sukat ang salita
.”

4. Riddles. They are called “Bugtong” by the Tagalogs and “Burburtia” among the
Ilokanos. They are often used to stir a thought-provoking questions. They are often used for
entertainment purposes during gatherings and celebrations. Each group/region feature unique
riddles. Some of which are:

A. Riddle: “Maliit pa si kumpare, umaakyat na sa torre.” Answer: Langgam (ant)

B. Riddle: “Isda ko sa Mariveles, nasa loob ang kaliskis.” Answer: Sili (bell pepper)

5. Chants. Chants are customarily called “Bulong” or “Pasintabi” by the Tagalogs and
referred to as “Bari-bari” by the Ilokanos. These are sometimes in witchcraft or enchantment
often with an accompanying “Anting-anting” (amulet or talisman).
Examples are:

A. Among the Visayans: “Ikaw na nagnakaw ng mais ko, lumuwa sana ang mga
mata mo, mamaga sana ang kamay mo, parusahan ka ng mga anito.”

B. Among the Tagalogs: “Tabi-tabi po kayo, ako’y magbubuhos ng tubig at

mainit ito, kung masaktan ko kayo, pagpasensiyahan niyo na po.”

6. Sayings. Sayings are more commonly called Sawikain. They are used to emphasize
lessons for the youth and these lessons are explicitly stated.
Examples are:

A. “Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”

B. “Ang maglakad ng matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.”
________________________________________
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Answer the following:

 1. Read the legends and write your reflection.
2. Explain the Epigrams given.

REFERENCES:

https://salirickandres.altervista.org/pre-spanish-period/
http://paulmorrow.ca/bayeng1.htm
https://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines/mga-oyayi-o-panghele-cradle-songs-lullabies-oyayi-
10_525.html

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MODULE 3: SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD

(1565- 1898)
 The simplicity of life among the ancient Filipinos made a huge turn upon the arrival of
the Spaniards in 1565. The colonizer brought with them Spanish culture and language which
were later on adopted by the Filipinos..

The colonization of the

Spaniards in the Philippines
for more than 3 centuries
brought about so many
changes in the lives of the
Filipino people in all aspects.
The Filipinos embraced the
Catholic religion, changed
their names and were
baptized.

Salirickandres.altervista.org

Their lifestyles had changed

too. They built houses made of
stones and bricks, used beautiful
furniture like the piano and used
kitchen utensils. Carriages, trains
and boats were used as means of
travel. They held fiestas to honor
the saints, the pope and the
governors. Their means of
recreation were cockfights, horse
races and the theater.

It was during the time of the first governor-general, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, that
Philippine Literature had started to flourish. Literature during this time is classified as
religious and secular.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After this module, the students should be able to:

1. Determine the literature started during the Spanish period

2. Identify the literary texts created/written by writers during the period
3. Write the learning about this period through a concept map or infographic.
16

The long occupation of the Spaniards in the Philippines made way for a great
influence
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in our literature. This time, literature was classified as religious and secular.
Read and understand the lectures that follow…
 THE INFLUENCES OF SPAIN ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE:

1. Roman alphabet – Abecedario

This is also called the Latin alphabet which replaced the Alibata. Spanish
missionaries, who served as the first teachers in the islands, taught and converted Filipinos
Catholicism, the Latin alphabet, and the Spanish language.
Pinterest .com

2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.

photo source:www.wdl.org

3. The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time–
because of this, many of the words in our language came from the Spanish language.

4. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our

songs, corridos, and moromoros.

5. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.

6. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and
Visayan
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7. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone

There were also the first books written in the Philippines. Some of them could be classified
under religious and secular…

B. THE FIRST BOOKS

1. A DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE).

This was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography. It was written
by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr. Domingo Nieva, in Tagalog and Spanish.

photo source: www.slideshare.net

It contained the Pater Noster
(Out Father), Ave Maria (Hail
Mary), Regina Coeli (Hail Holy
Queen), the Ten Commandments of
God, the Commandments of the
Catholic Church, the Seven Mortal
Sins, How to Confess, and the
Cathecism. Three old original
copies of this book can still be
found at the Vatican, at the Madrid
Musem and at the US Congress. It
contains only 87 pages but costs
$5,000.00
It was written in three
languages: Castilian, Tagalog in the
native Baybayin characters, and Tagalog transliterated into the Romanized phonetic script.
Doctrina Christiana preserves a record of the ancient Baybayin script, which died out of usage
during the Spanish colonial period, and its transliteration to the Romanized script still used to
this day. In fact, the Tagalog language is so well preserved that the writing in Doctrina.

Some of the prayers were used in praying the rosary of the Catholics. This also
served as their prayer book and guide in their faith to God.

2. Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

The second book printed in the Philippines was written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose in
1602, and printed at the UST Printing Press with the help of Juan de Vera, a Chinese mestizo.
It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers on religion.

3. Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog).

Written by Francisco Blancas de San Jose, was a Dominican priest credited with
installing the first printing press in the Philippines in 1602. Known as the father of Tagalog
grammarians, he also produced significant treatises on the Tagalog language.
This is the first book printed in typography.

4. Ang Barlaan at Josaphat.

This is a Biblical story printed
in the Philippines and translated to
Tagalog from Greek by Fr. Antonio
de Borja.
It is believed to be the first
18

Tagalog novel published in the

Philippines even if it is only a
Page
translation. The printed translation has only 556 pages. The Ilocano translation in poetry was
done by Fr. Agustin Mejia.
5. The Passion.

This is a narrative about the life, sufferings and

death of Jesus Christ. It is read only during Lent.
There were 4 versions of this in Tagalog and each
version is according to the name of the writer.
These are the Pilapil version (by Mariano Pilapil
of Bulacan, 1814), the de Belen version (by
Gaspar Aquino de Belen of Bat. in 1704), the de
la Merced (by Aniceto de la Merced of
Norzagaray, Bulacan in 1856) and the de Guia
version (by Luis de Guia in 1750). Critics do not
agree whether it is the Pilapil or the de la Merced
version which is the most popular.
Independent.co.uk

6. Urbana at Felisa.
A novel written in 1938 by Modesto de Castro, the so called Father of
Classic Prose in Tagalog (Ama ng Tuluyang Klasika sa Tagalog). These are
letters between two sisters Urbana at Felisa and have influenced greatly the behavior of
people in society because the letters dealt with good behavior. The story also relates the
importance of purity and ideal virtues that married people should practice and enrich.
Slideshare.net

7. Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary).

A collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary. Fr. Mariano Sevilla, a Filipino
priest, wrote this in 1865 and it was popular especially during the Maytime “Flores
de Mayo” festival.
The Spaniards introduced the festival in Malolos, Bulacan in 1867. Everyday young
Filipina girls would make floral offerings to the Virgin Mary in the parish church. Since then,
it became a Filipino tradition… a forming giant of Filipino culture.
The festival is a Catholic event held in the Philippines for the whole month of May in honor
of the Virgin Mary. It culminates in a religious-historical-cultural procession/parade and
pageant called Santacruzan… where the winning beauty is crowned Reyna Elena.
The Santacruzan is that part of the festival that commemorates the finding of the True
Cross of Christ in Jerusalem in 321 AD by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.

8. Noli Me Tangere
Noli Me Tángere (Latin for Touch Me Not) is a novel written by José Rizal, the
national hero of the Philippines, during the colonization of the country by Spain to expose the
inequities of the Spanish Catholic priests and the ruling government. A passionate love story
set against the ugly political backdrop of repression, torture, and murder,

Everyone is familiar with this book and the author, Dr. Jose Rizal. The Noli and El
Fili were written as ways of expressing revolt against the Spanish colonialism.
19

9. El Filibusterismo
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 El Filibusterismo (lit. Spanish for "The Filibustering"), also known by its English
alternative title The Reign of Greed, is the second novel written by Philippine national hero
José Rizal. It is the sequel to Noli me Tangere and, like the first book, was written in Spanish.
It was first published in 1891 in Ghent. The novel's dark theme departs dramatically from the
previous novel's hopeful and romantic atmosphere, signifying the character Ibarra's resort to
solving his country's issues through violent means, after his previous attempt at reforming the
country's system have made no effect and seemed impossible with the attitudes of the
Spaniards towards the Filipinos.

10. Ninay
Nínay is the first novel authored by a native Filipino. Originally written in the Spanish
language by Pedro Alejandro Paterno when he was twenty-three years old and while living in
Spain in 1885, the novel was later translated into English in 1907 and into Tagalog in 1908.
According to Dominador D. Buhain in his book A History of Publishing in the
Philippines, being the first Filipino novel, Ninay marked the beginning of the awakening of
national consciousness among the Filipino intelligentsia. Being a "largely cultural" novel,the
narrative provides a "folkloristic tour" of the distinctive culture of the Philippines. Composed
of 262 pages, the 1908 Tagalog version of the novel was published by the Limbagan Nang La
Republika Kiotan Bilang 30 during the American period in Philippine history.

LITERARY COMPOSITIONS

1. Artes Y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala

“Art and Rules of the Tagalog Language”. This was first published in 1610, it was
reprinted in a second edition in 1752 and a third edition in 1832. Even today, it is regarded as
the most comprehensive codification of the Tagalog language. The printer of Arte y Reglas de
la LenguaTagala was, again,Tomas Pinpin.
Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala is written in Latin, Spanish, and Tagalog and its
material is its material is rice paper. The book is organized into chapters on number, nouns,
adjectives, voice, verbs, and so on. Verbs are classified into the tenses present, future,
accusative, ablative, imperative, etc. The systematic division of Tagalog into a Latin
grammatical framework and the lack of Tagalog terms to describe the language make clear the
author’s

2. Compendido de la Lengua Tagala

Understanding the Tagalog Language written by Gaspar de San Agustin in 1703.

3. Vocabulario de la LenguaTagala (Tagalog vocabulary)

This is the first dictionary of the main language of the Philippines—Tagalog. The first
dictionary of theTagalog language was written by franciscan friar Pedro de Buenaventura and
published in Pila in 1613. He most probably used the Vocabulario Tagalo left by fray Juan de
Plasencia. – It is considered incunabula, or a book published in the half century since the first
books were printed—1593 to 1643.The “Vocabulario” of San BuenaVentura was printed in
Pila, Laguna,

4. Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga (Pampanga Vocabulary)

The first book in Pampango written by Fr. Diego in 1732.
5. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisayan vocabulary).
The best language book in Visayan by Mateo Sanchez in 1711.
20

6. Arte de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the Ilocano language)

Page

The first Ilocano grammar book by Francisco Lopez.

 7. Arte de la Lengua Bicolana (The Art of the Bicol language)
The first book in the Bicol language and written by Fr. Marcos Lisbon in 1754.

FOLK SONGS

Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song
from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Folk songs truly
manifest the artistic feelings of the Filipinos.
They show the Filipinos’ innate appreciation for and love of beauty.

The examples of these folk songs:

1. Leron-Leron Sinta - Tagalog. This depicts humbleness
2. Pamulinawen - Ilocano
3. Dandansoy - Bisaya
4. Sarong Banggi – Bicol. This means “one night” or “one evening”
5. Atin Cu Pung Singsing - Kapampangan

Listen to the folk songs in theses links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4TNCdPOTBg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=firHRhLsprc https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=gVZgJGC8u2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3G5CKxen5U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaRJCG4MWjY

What can you say about the lyrics of the songs? How do these songs show the culture
of each place?

RECREATIONAL PLAYS

There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times.
Almost all of them were in poetic form. This was used to entertain the Filipinos.

1. Tibag

The word tibag means to excavate. This

ritual was brought here by the Spaniard to
remind the people about the search of St.
Helena for the Cross on which Jesus died
through a dramatic performance.

Slideshare.net

2. Lagaylay
This is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during Maytime to get
21

together. This also shows praise, respect and offering love to the Blessed Cross by St. Helena
and the mound she dug in.
Page

3. The Cenaculo
 Philnews.ph

This is a dramatic performance to commemorate

the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
The two kinds were: the Cantada and Hablada
In the Hablada the lines are spoken in a more
deliberate manner showing the rhythmic measure of
each verse and the rhyming in each stanza and is
more dignified in them.
The Cantada is chanted like the Passion. The
Cenaculo is written in octosyllabic verse, with 8
verses to the stanza. The full length versions take about 3 nights of staging. Performers come
in costumes with wigs and performers are carefully chosen for their virtuous life. One
performs the role of Jesus Christ and another the role of the Virgin Mary. Many famous
Cenaculo players come from the Tagalog regions although there are also those from Ilocos,
Pampanga, Bicol and both Sibulanon and Hiligaynon.

4. Panunuluyan

This is presented before 12:00 on Christmas

Eve. This is a presentation of the search of the Virgin
Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein to deliver the
baby Jesus.

Picuki.com

5. Salubong

An Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ

and his Mother.

This is
watches over the meeting of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary.

6. Carillo (Shadow Play) Slideshare.net

This is a form of dramatic entertainment
performed on a moonless night during a town
fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest.
This shadow play is made by projecting
cardboard figures before a lamp against a white
sheet. The figures are moved like marionettes
whose dialogues are produced by some experts.
The dialogues are drawn from a Corrido or Awit
or some religious play interspersed with songs.

These are called by various names in different places:

Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas and Laguan;
22

TITRES in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Bataan, Capiz and Negros;

TITIRI in Zambales;
Page

GAGALO or KIKIMUT in Pampanga and Tarlac

ALIALA in La Union.
 7. The Zarzuela

This was considered the father of the drama; it is a

musical comedy or melodrama three acts which dealt
with man’s passions and emotions like love, hate,
revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or political
problem.
Spot.ph

8. Sainete
This was a short musical comedy that were exaggerated and shown between long
plays.

9. The Moro Moro

Blog.palabas.org

Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is presented

also on a special stage. This is performed during town
fiestas to entertain the people and to remind them of
their Christian religion. The plot is usually the same that
of a Christian princess or a nobleman’s daughter who is
captured by the Mohammedans. The father organizes a
rescue party where fighting between the Moros and the
Christians ensue. The Mohammedans are defeated by
some miracle or Divine Intercession and the
Mohammedans are converted to Christianity. In some instances, the whole kingdom is
baptized and converted. One example of this is Prinsipe Rodante.

10. The Karagatan

This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-

religious nature celebrated during the death of
a person. In this contest, more or less formal, a
ritual is performed based on a legend about a
princess who dropped her ring into the middle
of the sea and who offered here hand in
marriage to anyone who can retrieve it.
A leader starts off with an
extemporaneous poem announcing
the purpose. He then spins a “lumbo” o
“tabo” marked with a white line. Whoever
comes in the direction of the white line when the spinning stops gets his turn to “go into the
sea to look for the ring.” This means a girl will ask him a riddle and if he is able to answer, he
will offer the ring to the girl.

11. The Duplo

slideshare.net
23
Page
 The Duplo replace the Karagatan. This is a poetic joust in speaking and reasoning. The
roles are taken from the Bible and from proverbs and saying. It is usually played during wakes
(burol) for the dead.

People stay awake and others were entertained while listening.

12. The Balagtasan

This is a poetic joust or a contest of

skills in debate on a particular topic or issue.
This is replaced the DUPLO and is held to
honor Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.
It became such a popular form of
entertainment that practically every poet of
the period, if he was worthy of the title of
“makata,” had to display his skill in
declamation and argumentation as a
balagtasan poet.

The Balagtasan is usually performed these days during the celebration of Buwan ng
Wika. This is an expressive way of debate.

13. Dung- aw

This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved

person or his representative beside the corpse of the
dead. No definite meter or rhyming scheme is used.
The person chanting it freely recites in poetic rhythm
according to his feelings, emotions and thoughts.
It is personalized and usually deals with the
life, sufferings and sacrifices of the dead and includes
apologies for his misdeeds.

The family, relatives and friends express their love or

grief for their loss.
Slideshare.net

14. Awit and Corrido

Awit and Corrido when translated in English is known as Philippine metrical
romances. Metrical romances are one of the secular poetries that aroused on Spanish period.
The awit is set in dodecasyllabic quatrains while the corrido is in
octosyllabic quatrains or eight syllables verse called hakira. .
Compared to other secular poetries on that time, metrical romances are
considered the most popular and entertaining in a way that audience
can easily get the flow of the story being told. There are numerous
24

metrical romances in Tagalog, Bicol, Ilongo, Pampango, Ilocano and

in Pangasinan but the most famous is the Ibong Adarna or Adarna
Page

Bird.
 In accordance to Pardo de Tavera, an eminent Filipino scholar, believes that the word
corrido was derived from the Spanish ‘occurido,’ meaning “events” or “happenings”.

Awit and Corrido also have their similarities and

differences. one of it is that awit portrayed a vibrant feeling and
corrido has deep religious feeling. Awit is more realistic because its
meaning is very close to history while corrido the subject is mostly
about legendary themes, long verse narratives on chivalric-heroic.
And the resemblance of the two is that, both are in the form of a
song or you can say it orally. It is showed in the play of Ibong
Adarna how awit and corrido are used to give way to the story. They
made used of the two to make the story more interesting and
understandable since awit are being used to tell life experiences in
the story and corrido for the narration of the play that’s why the corridor is being combined
with the narrative lines in the literary piece “Ibong Adarna”

The recreational plays were used as entertainment for people before the television had
been invented. But some of the plays were seasonal like the Tibag and Lagaylay, these was
on the month of May. The Cenaculo and Salubong were during Lenten Season or Holy Week.
The Panunuluyan is every December while Moro moro was during fiestas. The Dung-aw and
Duplo were done when there were dead people.

Among the literary compositions and recreational plays, can you identify which
belong to the religious and secular literature? Why do you say so?

Points to Remember:

The Spanish occupied the Philippines from 1565- 1863.

Two distinct classifications on this period:

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.

2. Secular Literature – these were the non-religious literature

The following kinds of Literature could either be religious or secular:
Oral Literature– songs, religious drama, a composition for voice and voices
performed by singing.
Drama – enacted in front of live audiences. It is also known as play.
Written Literature – short stories and poetry
Short Stories – a brief work of literature
Poetry – an imaginative awareness of experience expressed through meaning, sound,
and rhythmic language. 1838 – Florante at Laura –about the love and determination.

Notable Filipino Writers:

25

1. Jose dela Cruz (1746-1829) – he was the foremost exponent of the komedya during his
Page

time.
2. Francisco Baltazar (1788-1862) – he was popularly called Balagtas, he is the
acknowledged master of traditional Tagalog poetry.

Create an infographic or a concept map about the learning you got from this
period.

Sources:

Amazon.com (photo)
http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com (photo)
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/lyceum-of-the-philippines-university/literature/
lecture-notes/philipppine-literature-under-spanish-period/8765179/view
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/evolution-filipino-alphabet
http://aprilmaynjune.weebly.com/lit-1/the-historical-background-of-philippine-literature-
during-the-spanish-periond
https://www.slideshare.net/MaicaMalingin/philippine-literary-works-before-and-during-
spanish-colonization
https://www.top-destination-choice-the-philippines.com/flores-de-mayo.html
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/291131/noli-me-tangere-touch-me-not-by-jose-
rizal/
https://international.ucla.edu/institute/event/1119
https://jonnicoledublin.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/ibong-adarna-up-play-worth-watching/

American Period
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-southern-mindanao/survey-of-the-
philippine-literature-in-english/literature-under-the-american-colonization/31331293

MODULE 4: THE PERIOD OF PROPAGANDA

AND REVOLUTION (1872- 1898)
26

After 300 years of passivity under Spanish rule, the Filipino spirit reawakened when
the 3 priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient evidence of guilt.
Page

This occurred on the 17 th of February. This was buttressed with the spirit of liberalism when
the Philippines opened its doors to world trade and with the coming of a liberal leader in the
person of Governor Carlos Maria de la Torre. The Spaniards were unable to suppress the tide
of rebellion among the Filipinos. The once religious spirit transformed itself into one of
nationalism and the Filipinos demanded changes in the government and in the church.

It is said that the literary journey in Philippine literature had its turning point and that
was the Enlightenment period. This period marked the beginning of the awakening of our
sense of nationalism. The seeds of liberty, equality, and fraternity are well starting to
germinate from the many failures experienced by the early waves of armed insurrections
which were largely self-contained, isolated and doomed from the start. The adage, “the pen is
mightier than the sword” will be pitted to good use here, too. So, what are you waiting for,
join me as we take a closer look at the Propaganda period, some of the major members of the
propaganda movement, and their salient contributions to the Philippine literary tradition.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Recognize notable selections during the Enlightenment period;

2. Identify significant writers during the Enlightenment period; and
3. Reflect on the learning during this period

What is actually the Propaganda Movement? Why is it that the Propaganda Period is
considered a different period when it was still the time of colonization of the Spanish era?

PROPAGANDA PERIOD (1872 – 1896)

The Propaganda period (1872-1896) was a period of Philippine history and literature
27

when the “Ilustrados” (intellectual indios) started calling for reforms, equality and
improvement which lasted approximately from 1868 to 1898 although most of their activities
Page

happened between 1880-1895.

 The propaganda movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class
like Rizal, del Pilar, Lopez-Jaena, Ponce and among others.

Slideshare.net

The objectives during this period were reformatory:

1. To get equal treatment for the Filipinos and the Spaniards under the law.
2. To make the Philippines a province of Spain.
3. To restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes.
4. To “Filipinize” the parishes.
5. To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of the press, assembly and for redress of
grievances.

These objectives were obviously to seek changes from the Spanish colonizers. The
members of the Propaganda Movement sought for much needed reforms and improvements
seeing the condition of the Filipinos as disgraceful.

The three principal leaders that highlighted the Propaganda movement were Jose P.
Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Look at the highlights about these
leaders and what they have contributed for our country.

Writers who advocated for reforms through peaceful means during this period:

Peaceful would mean that they used the “pen and paper” for the changes they wanted.

1. JOSE RIZAL (The National Hero)

His full name is Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Alonzo y

Realonda. He was born June 19, 1861 at Calamba, Laguna.
He studied at Ateneo, UST, Universidad Central de Madrid,
Univ. of Berlin, Univ. of Leipzig, and Univ. of Heidelberg.
Executed by musketry on Dec. 30, 1896 with charges of
sedition and rebellion.
Pen names: Dimasalang, Laong-Laan and P. Jacinto.

Major works:

a. Noli Me Tangere – the novel that exposed the evils in society. This is the first
major artistic manifestation of Asian resistance to European colonialism, and Rizal became a
28

guiding conscience – and martyr – for the revolution that would subsequently rise up in the
Spanish province.
Page
 b. El Filibusterismo – the sequel of Noli which exposed the evils in the government
and in the church.

c. Mi Ultimo Adios – a poem written by Rizal in his prison cell in Fort Bonifacio.

d. Sobre La Indolencia de los Filipinos (On the Indolence of the Filipinos) – an

essay defending the Filipinos on the accusation of laziness of the Filipinos and the evaluation
of the reasons behind it.

e. Filipinas Dentro de Cien Años (The Philippines within a Century) – an essay

predicting the future colonizer of the Philippines is America.

f. La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth) – a prize-winning poem dedicated

to the Filipino Youth.

g. El Consejo de los Dioses (The Council of the Gods) – an allegorical play

manifesting his admiration for Cervantes.

h. Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig River) – an idyll he wrote when he was 14 years
old.

i. Sa aking mga Kababata (To my fellow children) – a poem he wrote when he was
8 years old.

j. Me Piden Versos (They asked me for Verses) – written as requested by his

compatriots during a reunion of Filipino expatriates.

k. A Las Flores de Heidelberg (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) – written while he

was studying at the Univ. of Heidelberg. It shows Rizal’s depth of emotion in outpouring his
love of his native land.

l. Notas a la Obra Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas for El Dr. Antonio de Morga
(Notes on Philippine Events by Dr. Antonio de Morga) 1889.

m. P. Jacinto: Memorias de Un Estudiante de Manila (P. Jacinto: Memoirs of a

Manila Student) 1882.

n. Diario de Viaje de Norte America (Diary of a Voyage to North America)

These are some of Rizal’s works among many others.

2. MARCELO HILARIO DEL PILAR y GATMAITAN

(The Consummate Journalist/Propagandist)

Filipinoblogger

He was born at Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan on August 30, 1850. His parents were
Julian H. del Pilar, noted Filipino writer and Biasa Gatmaita. His brother was the priest Fr.
29

Toribio del Pilar who was banished to Marianas in 1872

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He attended Colegio de San Jose and UST and took up Law. He established Diariong
Tagalog where he exposed the evils of Spanish Government. He succeeded Lopez-Jaena as
editor of La Solidaridad, the official newspaper of Propaganda Movement. To escape Spanish
wrath, he self-exiled in Barcelona, Spain, where he died of tuberculosis.
Because there were many children in the family, Marcelo gave up his share of his
inheritance for his other brothers and sisters. Marcelo started schooling at the school of Mr.
Flores and then transferred to that of San Jose before UST. His last year in law school was
interrupted for 8 years after he had quarrel with the parish priest during a baptism at San
Miguel, Manila in 1880.
Pen Names: Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat, and Dolores Manapat, Siling Labuyo, Kupang

Major Writings:

Pag- ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of Country).

Translated from the Spanish AMOR PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in
Diariong Tagalog.

Kaiingat Kayo (Be Careful).

A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the novel NOLI of Rizal,
published in Barcelona in 1888. He used Dolores Manapat as pen-name here.

Dasalan at Tocsohan (Prayers and Jokes).

Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done agains the parish priests, published in Barcelona
in 1888. Because of this, del Pilar was called “filibuster.” Done in admirable tone of
supplication and excellent use of Tagalog.

Ang Cadaquilaan ng Dios (God’s Goodness).

Published in Barcelona, it was also like a cathecism sarcastically aimed against the parish
priests but also contains a philosophy of the power and intelligence of God and an
appreciation for and love for nature.

Sagot sa Espanya sa Hibik ng Pilipinas (Answer to Spain on the Plea of the Filipinos).
A poem pleading for change from Spain but that Spain is already old and weak to grant any
aid to the Philippines. This poem is in answer to that of Hermenigildo Flores’ Hibik sa
Pilipinas (A Plea from the Philippines).

Dupluhan… Dalit… Mga Bugtong (A poetical contest in narrative sequence, psalms,

riddles).
A compilation of poems on the oppression by the priests in the Philippines.

La Soberania en Pilipinas (Sovereignty in the Philippines).

This shows the injustices of the friars to the Pilipinos.

Por Telefono (By Telephone)

Pasiong Dapat Ipag- Alab ng Puso ng Taong Babasa (Passion that should arouse the hearts
of the readers)

3. GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA (The Greatest Orator)

A most notable hero and genius of the Philippines,

30

Graciano Lopez Jaena was born on December 18, 1856 and died
on January 20, 1896. The pride of Jaro, Iloilo, he won the
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admiration of the Spaniards and Europeans. He is a known writer and orator in the
Philippines.
He wrote 100 speeches in Spanish, and published by Remigio Garcia. He escaped to
Valencia, Spain to avoid arrest due to his “Fray Botod.” He moved to Barcelona, Spain and
established La Solidaridad, as its 1st Editor-in-Chief. The La Soli became the official paper
of the Associacion Hispano de Filipinas, and the official newspaper of Propaganda
Movement.
Graciano Lopez Jaena died in a charity hospital in Barcelona on January 20, 1896,
eleven months before his best friend Rizal was shot at the Luneta on December 30, 1896.
Pinterest.com
Major Works:

Ang Fray Botod (Friar Botod).

One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six years after the Cavite Revolt
attacking the friars in the Philippines. He exposed how some of the friars were greedy,
ambitious and immoral.
La Hija del Fraile (The Child of the Friar) and Everything is Hambug (Everything is a
mere Show)
He explains here the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.
Sa mga Pilipino
A speech aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos to become free and
progressive.
Talumpating Paggunita kay Columbus
A speech he delivered in Madrid on the anniversary of the discovery of America.
En honor del Presidente Morayta de la Associacion Hispano Filipino
He praises Gen. Morayta for his equal treatment of the Filipinos.
En honor de los Artistas Luna y Resurrecion-Hidalgo
A sincere expression of praise for the paintings of Hidalgo on the condition of the
Filipinos under Spain.
El Bandolerismo en Filipinas (Banditry in the Philippines)
He refuted the existence of banditry in the Phils. and how laws and reforms were
needed.
Honor en Filipinas (Honor in the Philippines)
The triumphant exposition of Luna, Resurrecion, and Pardo de Tavera of the thesis
that intellect or knowledge gives honor to the Philippines.
Pag-alis sa Buwis sa Pilipinas (Abolition of Taxes in the Philippines).
Institucion ng Pilipinas (Sufferings of the Philippines).
He is refering here to the wrong management of education in the Philippines 1887.

Other Writers:

ANTONIO LUNA (The pharmacist, writer and general)

A pharmacist who was banished by the Spaniards to Spain. He became contributor of La

Solidaridad. He wrote about Filipino customs and how Spain
mismanaged the Philippines.
He became a general of the revolution against Spain. He was
murdered by Aguinaldo’s men at the age of 33 in June 1899.
He was put to death by the soldiers of Aguinaldo because of
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his instant rise to fame which became a threat to Aguinaldo.

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Pen Name: Tagailog

Talambuhay ng mga bayani- blogger

His works:

Noche Buena (Christmas Eve)

This pictures true Filipino life.
Se devierten (How they Diverted Themselves)
A dig at a dance of the Spaniards where the people are very crowded.
La Tertulia Filipina (A Filipino Conference or Feast)
It depicts a Filipino custom which he believed was much better than the Spanish.
Por Madrid (For Madrid)
This is about the denouncement of Spaniards who claim that the Philippines is a
colony of Spain but who think of Filipinos as foreigners when it comes to collecting taxes for
stamps.
La Casa de Huespedes (The Landlady’s House)
The piece depicts a landlady who looks for boarders not for money but in order to get
a husband for her child.

MARIANO PONCE (The secretary)

He became an editor-in-chief, biographer and

researcher of Propaganda movement. He wrote about
the values of education and how the Filipinos were
oppressed by the foreigners as well as problems of his
countrymen.
In June 1, while he was in Yokohama, Japan, he
wrote two letters to President Emilio Aguinaldo telling
him that military officers from Japan offered their
services in the Philippine Revolutionary Army. Ponce
was delegated by Aguinaldo to purchase weapons and
ammunitions in Japan for the revolutionaries but these
did not arrive because of a storm off the Taiwan coast.
Pen Names: Tikbalang, Naning and Kalipulako

alchetron.com
His Writings:

Ang Alamat ng Bulacan (Legend of Bulacan)

contains legends and folklores of his native town.
Pagpugot kay Longinos (The Beheading of Longinus)
a play shown at the plaza of Malolos, Bulacan.
Sobre Filipinos (About the Filipinos).
Ang mga Pilipino sa Indo-Tsina (The Filipinos in Indo-China).

PEDRO PATERNO

A scholar, dramatic, researcher and novelist of the

Propaganda Movement. He also joined the Confraternity of
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Masons and the Asociacion Hispano-Pilipino in order to

further the aims of the Movement. He was the first Filipino
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writer who escaped censorship of the press during the last day
of the Spanish colonization.
Pen Names: Justo Desiderio, Magalang Pinterest.com

His Writings:

1. Ninay
the first social novel in Spanish written by a Filipino.
2. A Mi Madre (To my Mother)
shows the importance of mothers especially in the homes.
3. Sampaguita y Poesias Varias (Sampaguitas and Varied Poems)
a collection of his poems.

JOSE MA. PANGANIBAN

He was known for his photographic mind.
He was a member of various movements in the country.

Pen Name: JOMAPA

Writings:

Ang Lupang Tinubuan (My Native Land)

Ang Aking Buhay (My Life)
Su Plano de Estudio (Your Study Plan)
El Pensamiento (The Thinking)

Do you think it was right to use the peaceful means in seeking reforms and changes?
Why or why not?

If other Filipinos used the peaceful way, there

were also those who used their might. When
the Spanish government turned deaf ears with
the pleas for reforms and changes, a few
Filipinos joined the La Liga Filipina (a civic
organization suspected of being revolutionary
and which triggered Rizal’s banishment to
Dapitan). It was then the time that Andres
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini,
Jose Palma, and Pio Valenzuela among
others had decided that there could be no
other way except to start a revolution.
Wordpress.com

PERIOD OF ACTIVE REVOLUTION (1896-1898)

The gist of literature contained mostly accusations against the

33

government and was meant to arouse the people to unite and to prepare for independence.
The noted leaders of this period were Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Apolinario
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Mabini.
 They did not only use their might, but also pen and paper to express their love of their
country.

The leaders’ contributions to our country which highlighted the Active Revolution:

ANDRES BONIFACIO Philippinehistory.info

Andres Bonifacio is best known as the Father of
Filipino Democracy, but more than others, as the Father of the
Katipunan because he led in establishing the Kataas-taasan,
Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan
(KKK). Andres Bonifacio came from a poor family and it is
said that what he learned he got from the school of experience.
He was a voracious reader and among those he loved to read
which aroused his revolutionary spirit were the NOLI and the
FILI of Rizal.
He joined the La Liga Filipina founded by Rizal in
1892. He established the Katipunan which triggered the spirit
of freedom especially when Rizal was banished to Dapitan,
Mindanao.
Bonifacio is better known as the great Revolutionary rather than a writer but he also
wrote things which paved the way for the revolution and which also became part of our
literature.
ANG DAPAT MABATID NG MGA TAGALOG (What the Tagalogs Should Know)

His Writings:

1. Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Obligations of Our Countrymen).

This is an outline of obligations just like the 10 commandments of God.
2. P ag- ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of One’s Native Land)
A poem with a title similar to that of Marcelo H. del Pilar.
3. Huling Paalam (Last Farewell)
A translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in Tagalog.

Pinoyheroes.wordpress.com

APOLINARIO MABINI
He is known in literature and history as the Sublime Paralytic and
the Brains of the Revolution.
When the Katipunan revolt broke out late that year, the Spanish
authorities arrested him. Unknown to many, Mabini was already
a member of José Rizal's reformist association, the Liga Filipina.
And though as a pacifist reformist, he was at first skeptical of
Andres Bonifacio's armed uprising, Mabini later became
convinced of the people's almost fanatical desire for
emancipation. Subsequently, he turned out subversive manifestos appealing to all Filipinos to
unite against Spain.
He was born of a poor family, so he had to work in order to study. He became known
to his professors and classmates at Letran and the UST because of his sharp memory and the
simple clothes he used to wear throughout his schooling. He became the right-hand of Emilio
Aguinaldo when the latter founded his Republic in Malolos. His contributions to literature
34

were writing on government society, philosophy and politics.

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Some of his Works:

1. El Verdadero Decalogo (The True Decalogue or Ten Commandments)
This was his masterpiece and his aim here was to propagate the spirit of nationalism.
2. El Desarollo y Caida de la (The Rise and Fall of the Philippine Republic)
3. Sa Bayang Filipino (To the Filipino Nation)
4. Pahayag (News)

EMILIO JACINTO
Emilio Jacinto was the intelligent assistant of Andres Bonifacio
in the establishment of the Katipuna. He is known as the Soul
and Brains of the Katipunan. He edited Kalayaan (Freedom) at
Katipunan newspaper. Bonifacio withdrew his writing of the
Kartilya in deference to Jacinto’s work as secretary of the
Katipunan. His Kartilya was the one followed by the members of
the organization.
He was
merchant. Emilio received a good education, and was fluent in
both Tagalog and Spanish. He went to the San Juan de Letran
College briefly. Deciding to study law, he transferred to the University of Santo Tomas, where
a future president of the Philippines, Manuel Quezon, was among his classmates.

His Works:
1 KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN (A primer book on the Katipunan)
2. LIWANAG AT DILIM (Light and Darkness)
A collection of essays on different subjects like freedom, work, faith, government,
love of country.
3. A MI MADRE (To My Mother)
A touching ode to his mother.
4. A LA PATRIA (To My Country)
His masterpiece.

OTHER REVOLUTIONIST:
Facebook/com

JOSE PALMA

Jose Palma became popular because of his Himno

Nacional Filipino (The Philippine National Anthem) which was
set to music by Julian Felipe. He was born in Tondo, Manila on
June 6, 1876. His brother Rafael Palma became the president of
the UP. He joined the revolution against the Americans together
with Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest Filipino general who died
during the revolution. Aside from the National Anthem, he had
also written other literary pieces.

His Other Works:

1. MELANCOLIAS (Melancholies).
35

A collection of his poems.

2. DE MI JARDIN (In My Garden)
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A poem expressing one’s longings for his sweetheart.

NEWSPAPERS DURING THE REVOLUTION
In the effort of the Revolutionists to spread to the world their longings for their
country, many newspapers were put up during the Revolutionary period. They were:

1. HERALDO DE LA REVOLUCION
Printed the decrees of the Revolutiary Government, news and works in Tagalog that
aroused nationalism.
2. LA INDEPENDENCIA (Independence)
Edited by Antonio Luna and whose aim was for Philippine Independence.
3. LA REPUBLICA PILIPINA (The Philippine Republic)
Established by Pedro Paterno in 1898.
4. LA LIBERTAD (Liberty)
Edited by Clemente Zulueta.

Remember These:

It can be said that the period of Enlightenment is the awakening of nationalism.

There were events that made the Filipinos wake up from their long and deep
snooze. The events that awaken the spirit of nationalism were the following:
-Opening of the Philippines to World Trade.
-The coming of liberal leader Gov. Gen. Carlos Ma. dela Torre.
-The Secularization Issue.
-The Cavite Mutiny.
-The Execution of Gom-Bur-Za
-If we are to add a sixth one, that would be the emergence of the Propaganda
Movement.

LA SOLIDARIDAD
The publication used by Filipino propagandists for them to be able to get together,
and which for its more than five years of its existence became the principal organ of the
propaganda movement. It was founded on February 15, 1889 and existed up to November 15,
1895. Its first editor was Graciano Lopez-Jaena but he was soon succeeded by Marcelo H. del
Pilar. La Solidaridad was a political propaganda paper with a liberal, reformist orientation
dedicated to the task of fighting reaction in all its forms.
This was the official newspaper of the Propaganda Movement. Its aims were:
a. Philippines be a province of Spain
b. Representation of the Cortes Secularization of parishes
c. Freedom of speech and assembly
d. Equal rights before the law

The notable writers and the Propagandists paved their way to seek for changes and
improvements from the Spanish government.
36

Answer the following:

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 1. Who do you think was better, the propagandists who used peaceful means or those
who used their might?

2. Write a reflection of 3-4 paragraphs with 8-10 sentences about this period.

SOURCES:

https://salirickandres.altervista.org/propaganda-period/
http://aprilmaynjune.weebly.com/lit-1/the-period-of-enlightenment-1872-1898
http://darthphilatelist.blogspot.com/2014/06/today-in-philippine-history-mariano.html
https://group4lit1webpage.wordpress.com/the-spanish-period-plus-the-period-of-
enlightenment-2/
https://biography.yourdictionary.com/apolinario-mabini
http://msc.edu.ph/centennial/solidaridad.html#:~:text=It%20was%20founded%20on
%20February,reaction%20in%20all%20its%20forms.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/159451051/The-Period-of-Enlightenment

MODULE 5: AMERICAN PERIOD

(1898 – 1945)
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INTRODUCTION
 American period is one of the turning points which made our Philippine literary
tradition colorful and interesting. This period saw the addition of a colorful language, the
English language, as an indispensable tool for literature and communication. Indeed, this
period witnessed a dramatic flowering of the Philippine literature considering the sheer
volume of works produced, the ringing of names etched in the Philippine literary pantheon, as
well as the introduction and development of new literary genres as genuine additions to the
already rich Philippine literary tradition. So, brace yourselves and enjoy our literary journey
together!
Philippine literary production during the American Period was spurred by
developments in education and culture. One is the introduction of free public instruction for
all children of school age and two, the use of English as medium of instruction in all levels of
education in public schools. The use of English as medium of instruction introduced Filipinos
to Anlgo-American modes of thought, culture, and life.
Free public education made
knowledge and information
accessible to a greater number of
Filipinos. Those who availed of this
education through college were able
to improve their social status and
joined a good number of educated
masses who became part
of the country’s middle class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module the students should be able to:

1. Trace the historical events and development of Philippine Literature during the American
Period;
2. Acquaint the three literary strands, the Spanish, Filipino and English literatures, that
prospered during the American period; and
3. Identify the contributions of American period to the Philippine literary tradition.

Did the arrival of the Americans in the archipelago of the Philippines bring any changes in
Philippine literature? If it did, what were their contributions to our literature and to our
culture?

Let’s have a glimpse of the brief historical background of the American period…

The Filipino revolutionaries won against the Spaniards and the Philippine
38

Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. The flag was hoisted by Gen.
Emilio Aguinaldo and the Philippine Republic was inaugurated but was short-lived. The
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Philippines lost in the Philippine – American War with the surrender of Gen. Miguel Malvar
of Batangas and Gen. Simeon Ola of Bicol. The spirit of nationalism of the people remained
undaunted. Peace movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos started writing
again “after the sword was broken.” The Filipino men-of-letters wrote all forms of literary
genres like news, poetry, stories, plays essays, novels which clearly depicted their love of
country and longing for independence.

Newspapers were used as vehicles for expressions of emotions about fighting for freedom,
also plays that pertains to love of country…

Newspapers circulated during the American period

These newspapers were published during the American period and were primarily
established to continue the fight for freedom after the defeat of the Filipino forces against the
Americans.

The active arousal in the field of literature started to be felt in the following newspaper:

EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day) Established by Sergio Osmenia in 1900. American sensors
banned this newspaper and threatened Osmena with banishment.
EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation) Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
EL RENACIEMENTO (The Rebirth) Founded by Rafael Palma in 1900.

Take note of this…

There were also plays written then but after the first and second presentations, the
Americans put a stop to this because of the consistent theme of nationalism.

Plays:
1. KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow).Written
by Aurelio Tolentino depicting the suppression done by the Americans and their plan to
colonize the Philippines.
2. TANIKALANG GINTO of Juan Abad.
3. MALAYA by Tomas Remigio.
4. WALANG SUGAT by Severino Reyes.

Note this characteristics and the writers and their works during this period…

Characteristics of Literature during This Period

There were three groups of writers contributed to Philippine Literature. During the
first year of the American period, the languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog
and the dialects of the different regions, but Spanish and Tagalog predominated. In 1910, a
new group started to write in English. Hence, Spanish, Tagalog, the Vernaculars and finally,
English, were the mediums used in literature during these times. While the three groups were
one in their ideas and spirit, they differed in their methods of reporting. The writers in Spanish
were wont to write on nationalism like honoring Rizal and other heroes.
The writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of the country
and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue. The writers in English imitated the
themes and methods of the Americans.

A. Literature in Spanish
In the earlier years of American occupation, the inspiration of our Filipino writers in
Spanish was Rizal not only because of his being a national leader but also because of his
novels NOLI and FILI. These two novels contained the best qualities of a novel ever written,
39

in English or in Filipino. Those who were inspired to write in praise of him were Cecilio
Apostol, Fernando Ma. Guerrero, Jesus Balmori, Manuel Bernabe and Claro M. Recto.
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Here are some of our outstanding writers in the Spanish language.

1. Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes, but
his poem dedicated to Rizal is considered the best poem in praise of the hero of Bagumbayan.
The poem is entitled, “A Rizal” as his masterpiece “…
que se una bala destrozo tu craneo tambien tu idea destrozo un imperio…”

2. Fernando Ma. Guerrero is a another writer who, together with Apostol, became Kings of
Balagtasan in Spanish. He also wrote a poem to honor Rizal entitled, “Invocacion a
Rizal:” “…hablar contigo que dejaste escrito, el evangelio libre de tu raza…” He collected
the best of his poems in a book called CRISALIDAS, meaning, a kind of black, wooly
caterpillar. He had written stanzas of his call to Rizal which he wrote on June 19, 1901 to
commemorate Rizal’s birthday.

3. Jesus Balmori used the pen name Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe participated in a
debate on the topic – (Remembrance and Forgetfulness) He was elected Poet Laureate in
Spanish besting Manuel Bernabe with his topic Recuerdo: “…Mi tema es el Recuerdo,
mi moto hidalguia, Mi divisa un laurel, mi corazon un penasco!”

4. Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet whose fierceness and nationalistic spirit was unchanged in
any topic he wrote about. In his debate with Balmori, he was more attractive to the public
because of the modious words he used. He defended his topic OLVIDO (Forgetfulness):
“… Recordar! Ay del alma que recuerde, la quiebra que ha sufrido la illusion…”

5. Claro M. Recto in nobility of speech and theme, Claro M. Recto can compare with the
other writers of Spanish. He wrote poems and compiled them under the
title Bajo Los Cocoteros (Under the Coconut Trees).

6. Adelina Guerea was the first woman poet in the Philippines who was good in Spanish.
She obtained the Zobel Prize in her song El Nido (The Nest).

7. Isidro Marpori became famous for his books entitled Aromas de Ensueno (Scents of
Dreams).

8. Macario Adriatico wrote the legend of Mindoro entitled La Punta de Salto (The Place of
Origin).

9. Epifanio delos Santos was known as Don Panyong. He was a good leader and
biographer during the whole period of Spanish literature.

10. Pedro Aunario wrote the Decalogo del Proteccionismo.

Their works were written in the early years of the American occupation…

B. Literature in Filipino (Tagalog) language

Majority among the Filipinos were beginning to read and write. Most of them started
to read and became informed with what is happening around. As a result, more and more
40

Filipinos became writers and poets and dramatists. Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar’s epic
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poem, Florante at Laura and Father Modesto De Castro’s social novel, Urbana at Felisa
became the inspiration of the Filipino (Tagalog) writers.
Some of the more popular writers during this period were:

1. Lope K. Santos was a novelist, poet, author and grammarian had covered three periods of
Tagalog literature – American, Japanese and the contemporary period. He was called “Apo”
of the Tagalog writers. He was also dubbed as “Ama ng Balarilang Filipino” (Father of
National Language Grammar). The novel, “Banaag at Sikat” was his masterpiece.

2. Jose Corazon De Jesus popularly known as “Huseng Batute.” He was deemed as

“Makata ng Pag-ibig” (Poet of Love). He wrote the nationalistic poem, “Bayan Ko” and an
elegy,
“Ang Isang Punong Kahoy” (A Tree), was believed to be his masterpiece.

3. Amado V. Hernandez was crowned “Makata ng mga Manggagawa” (Poet of the

Laboreres) because his poems revolve/ picture his intense love for the poor workers/ laborers.
To him, a poem is a scent, bittersweet memories, and a murmur of flowing water. The pen is
powerful and according to him, even a king can be bent by the pen. He wrote the poems
“Isang Dipang Langit” (A Stretch of Heaven), “Bayang Malaya” (A Free Nation)
“Munting Lupa” (A Small Plot), while being incarcerated in the Muntinlupa Jail because of
his involvement in labor riots. The famous poem, “Ang Panday” (The Blacksmith) was his
masterpiece.

4. Valeriano Hernandez Peña was popularly known as “Tandang Anong.” Together with
Lope K. Santos he reached the summit of his novel-writing. He used “Kuntil Butil”(Small
Grain) as his pen name. The novel “Nena at Neneng” was his masterpiece.

5. Iñigo Ed. Regalado was the son of Odalager, a popular writer during Spanish Period. He
proved that he not only followed the footsteps of his father but also reached the peak of his
success by the “sumpong” (whim) of his pen. He also became a popular story-teller, novelist
and newspaperman.

Filipino (Tagalog) Short Story

Two collections of Tagalog stories were published during the American Period. First
was the MGA KUWENTONG GINTO (Golden Stories) published in 1936 and
BATIKANG KUWENTISTA (50 Golden Stories by 50 Noted Storytellers) in 1939. The
first was written by Alejandro Abadilla and Clodualdo del Mundo
The second was written by Pedrito Reyes. PAROLANG GINTO (Golden Lantern)
and TALAANG BUGHAW (Blue List) of Abadilla became popular during this period.

Filipino (Tagalog) drama

In the American period, a lot of changes began to unravel. Almost all literary genres
were affected with the coming of the Americans and the English language. However, there are
still Filipino men-of-letters who wanted to use the Tagalog medium and sought to improve
various literatures using it.
In Tagalog drama, Severino Reyes and Hermogenes Ilagan criticized the Spanish Moro-
moro and showed that dramas can be powerful vehicles for propagation of Filipino values for
the audiences. Aside from these values, these dramas were extensively used as a way to
promote nationalism as well.
41

The popular dramatists during this period include:

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 1. Severino Reyes was called the “Father of Tagalog Drama.” His immortal play,
“Walang Sugat” was his masterpiece.

2. Aurelio Tolentino was deemed the “Father of Kapampangan Drama.” His

work, “Luhang Tagalog” was his masterpiece and his “Napon, Ngeni at Bukas” was a
translation of “Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas,” had resulted in his incarceration.

3. Hermogenes Ilagan was a dramatist who founded the

group Campaña Ilagan, presenting many dramas in Central Luzon.

4. Patricio Mariano wrote the play entitled “Ninay.” His masterpiece was “Anak ng
Dagat” (Son of the Sea).

5. Julian Cruz Balmaceda was a playwright who wrote “Bunganga ng Pating”

(shark’s Mouth).

Filipino (Tagalog) poetry

Inspired by the Propagandists and Revolutionists writers and poets, more and more
Filipinos started using the pen to share their sentiments and emotions. Almost all Tagalog
writers during the American Period were able to compose beautiful poems which made it
difficult to select the best. Even if poetry writing is as old as history, poetry still surfaces with
its sweetness, beauty, and melody.
A lot of Filipino poets emerged during this period. Hence, Julian Cruz Balmaceda, a
popular writer, dramatist and critic classified three kinds of Tagalog poets:

1. Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso)

These included Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado, Carlos Gatmaitan, Pedro Gatmaitan,
Deogracias del Rosario, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Cirilo Panganiban, Ildefonso Santos, Amado
V. Hernandez, Nemecio Carabana, and Mar Antonio.

2. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay)

Led by Lope K Santos, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Florentino Collantes, Patricio Mariano, Carlos
Garmaitan, and Amado V. Hernandez.

3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan)

Led by Aurelio Tolentino, Patricio Mariano, Severino Reyes, and Tomas Remigio.

These were classifications according to the kind of literature the writers had written… Let us
look at the other forms of literature…

Other Forms of Literature:

Ilokano Poetry

1. Pedro Bukaneg was deemed as the “Father of Ilocano Literature.” The

Ilocano Bukanegan was the Ilokano form of Balagtasan which was periodically held
to honor his name.
2. Claro Caluya was the “Prince of Ilocano Poets.” Known as poet and novelist.
3. Leon Pichay was crowned as the “Best Bukanegero.” He was also a poet, novelist,
42

short story writer, dramatist and essayist.

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Kapampangan Poetry
Two stalwarts in the literature of the Kapampangans that stand out:
 1. Juan Crisostomo Soto was called the “Father of Kapampangan Literature.”
The Crisotan was the Kapampangan form of Balagtasan held in his honor.
2. Aurelio Tolentino was a dramatist and his “Napon, Ngeni at Bukas” was a translation
of his masterpiece “Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas.”

Visayan Poetry

1. Eriberto Gumban was dubbed as the “Father of Visayan Literature.” He wrote a

number of zarzuela, moro-moro and plays in Visayan language.
2. Magdalena Jalandoni was a notable female novelist who wrote “Ang mga Tunuk san
isa ca Bulaclac.”

Vernacular poetry

Aside from the flowering of Spanish, Filipino and English languages as literary media,
several vernaculars writers and poets gained popularity in their respective localities. Let us
take a look at some of them.

C. The Philippine Literature in English language

Although the Filipinos were defeated in the Philippine-American War, or Philippine
Insurrection as termed by the Americans, they kept the flame of nationalism burning as ever.
Seeking to find a better solution other than violent means, they resorted back to the pen. Peace
movements started as early as 1900 and many Filipinos started writing again “after the sword
was broken.”
They wrote all forms of literature like news, poetry, stories, plays essays, novels which
clearly depicted their love of country and longing for independence. Hence, the spirit of
nationalism of the people remained undaunted.
With the arrival of the English language, a new way of writing literature has emerged. The
Filipinos, being lovers of languages and natural linguists, began using this new medium to
record their thoughts, sentiments, ideas and views, dreams and fears as well as everyday life-
matters. In short, a new weapon was added to their arsenal.
As students of Philippine literature, you need to understand how Philippine literature
in English developed and improved from its early years during the American period and
beyond. To begin with, let us take a look at the three periods, namely:

One can say that the major contribution brought to The Philippine Literature under the
American regime (1898-1941) is the production of The Philippine Literature in English,
which is divided into three different time frames: The Period of Re – orientation 1898 – 1910;
Imitation (1910-1925), and; Self – discovery (1925-1945).

Period of Re-orientation (1898-1910)

43
Page
 The Period of Re-orientation covered the early years of American period and the landing
of the Americans to Philippine shores including the Philippine-American War. Even during
the war, the Americans established public school system in areas that have been
pacified. English language was used as medium of instruction in public schools as early as
1900 in the Corregidor Island.

 The first English teachers were the American soldiers stationed in various areas.
 Later on, the professional teachers arrived via US Army transport ship “USS Thomas”
hence, these pioneering teachers were called “Thomasites.”
 These Thomasites established numerous public Elementary, Secondary and Tertiary
schools throughout the archipelago.
 They established the University of the Philippines with Murray Bartlett, a Thomasite,
as the First President; which was the first to use English language in the higher
education.
 They also established Philippine School of Arts and Trades (which became
Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Philippine Normal School (which became
Philippine Normal University), Silliman University and Xavier University, in the
Visayas and Mindanao.

Pioneer English Newspapers

The revolutionary newspaper “El Renacimiento” edited by Rafael Palma, who later on
became UP President, was the pioneering newspaper to publish works written in English
Language.

The Philippines Free Press founded by R. McCullough Dick & D. Theo Rogers was the first
privately owned publication to publish English works of Filipino writers. They pay the
Filipino writers when their work was chosen to be published.

Pioneer Filipino English writers:

1. Justo Juliano wrote “Sursum Corda” as the first literary work published in English in
1907.
2. Juan F. Salazar wrote “My Mother” and “Air Castles” which were published
in 1909.
3. Proceso Sebastian wrote “To my Lady in Laoag” which was published in1909.

Since the Americans gave importance to education, there were many schools that were built
during their colonialism. Let us look at these schools…

Opening of Public Schools

Education became a very important issue for the United States colonial government,
since it allowed it to spread their cultural values, particularly the English language, to the
Filipino people. By 1901, public education was institutionalized in the Philippines, with
English serving the medium of instruction.
- Philippine Normal University in 1901
other normal schools throughout the country such as;
a. Silliman University in Dumaguete City was the first American private school to be
founded in the country.
44

b. Central Philippine University is the second private American school and first
Baptist university in Asia.
Page

c. Negros Oriental High School 1902

 d. St. Paul University Dumaguete 1904
e. Cebu Normal School 1915
f. Filamer Christian University 1904
g. Ilo ilo Normal School 1902
h. Zamboanga Normal School 1904
i. National University 1901
j. University of Manila 1914
k. Philippine Women’s University 1919
l. Far Eastern University 1933
m. University of the Philippines 1908

There were many schools that were put up and English was the medium of instruction, but
during this period, there were three languages used in writing literary pieces…

Sources:

http://musicmediaandculture.blogspot.com/2012/11/philippine-culture-literature-and-
music.html#:~:text=The%20literary%20genres%20that%20flourished,were%20Maximo
%20Kalaw%2C%20Carlos%20P.
https://salirickandres.altervista.org/american-period/
https://saturnogroupphilippineliterature.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/american-period/
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/camarines-norte-state-college/college-of-education/
walang-sugat-1-lessons/35745616
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/western-visayas-college-of-science-and-technology/
bs-information-technology/time-line-of-philippine-literature/29504264

45

PERIOD OF IMITATION (1910 – 1924)

Page
 This period was characterized by the Filipino writers imitating the American and
English writers. By 1919, the UP College Folio, the school publication of the University of the
Philippines, published literary compositions in English written by the pioneers in English
poetry, essays and short stories.

They were then groping their way into imitating American and British models which
resulted in a stilted, artificial and unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity. Their
models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, Wordsworth and
Tennyson, Thackeray and Macaulay, Longfellow, Allan Poe, Irving and other American
writers of the Romantic School. Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag (the best
editorial writer of this period) Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro,and
Francisco M. Africa and Victoriano Yamzon. They pioneered in English poetry.. Their essays
were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety, substance and structure. They excelled in the
serious essay, especially the editorial type.

The next group of writers introduced the informal essay, criticism and the journalistic
column. They spiced their work with humor, wit and satire. These group included Ignacio
Manlapaz, Godefredo Rivera, Federico Mangahas, Francisco B. Icasiano, Salvador P. Lopez,
Jose Lansang and Amando G. Dayrit. SHORT STORIES In the field of short stories, DEAD
STARS by Paz Marquez Benitez written in the early 1920’s stand out as a model of perfection
in character delineation, local color, plot and message. Other short stories published during
this time were but poor imitations of their foreign models.

The UP College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian. Newspapers
and periodicals also saw print during this time like the Bulletin, the Philippines Herald (1920),
the Philippine Review, the Independent, Rising Philippines and Citizens, and the Philippine
Education Magazine 1924.

Period of Imitation Poets

1. Fernando Maramag wrote the “Rural Maid.”

Other poets include:

2. Juan F. Salazar
3. Jose M. Hernandez
4. Vicente del Fierro
5. Francisco Tonogbanua
6. Maximo Kalaw
7. Vidal A. Tan
8. Francisco Africa
9. Victoriano Yamzon

Period of Imitation Essay writers

Essay was a Filipino literary genre that was born in the Period of Imitation. The following
essayists wrote Formal essays which were truly scholarly, full of sobriety, substance and
structure. .. Their essays were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety, substance and
structure. They excelled in the serious essay, especially the editorial type.
46

Pioneers in formal essay include:

Page
 1. Carlos P. Romulo
2. Jorge C. Bocobo
3. Mauro Mendez
4. Vicente Hilario

Informal essay writers also emerged and they are composed of:

1. Ignacio Manlapaz
2. Godofredo Rivera
3. Federico Mangahas
4. Francisco B. Icasiano
5. Salvador P. Lopez
6. Jose Lansang
7. Amado G. Dayrit

Period of Imitation Short Stories

Short story as a literary genre was brought along by the Americans. Filipinos readily
adopted short story because as a form of relaxation and entertainment, it proved to be
worthwhile for one can read such in just a short while. There were even Filipino (Tagalog)
and other vernacular versions of them. By and large, short stories began to be published in
various school newspapers and periodicals such as:

1. UP College Folio which became Philippine Collegian

2. Bulletin
3. The Philippine Herald
4. The Philippine Review
5. The Independent
6. Rising Philippines
7. Citizens
8. The Philippine Education Magazine

Many Filipino writers became popular during this period due to their masterful works.
Notable writers include:

1. Paz Marquez Benitez who wrote the “Dead Stars” which stand out as model of
perfection in character delineation, local color, plot and message. She also became the
editor of Women’s Journal, the first literary magazine in English published in the
Philippines
2. Bernardo P. Garcia wrote the poem “George Washington.”
3. Eulogio B. Rodriguez was a research writer of UP College of Liberal Arts who won
Villamor Prize in the Provincial History Competition
4. Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion wrote the award-winning poem “Azucena.”
5. Procopio Solidum wrote “Never mind and Other Poems.”
6. Lorenzo E. Paredes wrote the first poetry anthology “Reminiscenses.”
7. Zoilo Galang published his first volume of essay entitled “Life and Success.”
8. Eliseo Quirino and Vicente Hilario wrote the essay “Thinking for Ourselves.”
9. Zoilo Galang published the first anthology of short stories in “Tales of the
Philippines.”
10. Rodolfo Dato published his anthology “Filipino Poetry.”
47

11. Carlos P. Romulo published a collection of plays entitled “Daughters for Sale and
other Plays.”
Page
 Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941)

In this period Filipino writers acquired mastery of the English Language. Evidently,
they began to write confidently and competently. They wrote in free verse, sonnets, odes,
elegies and others. They even started to write novels and dramas.

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Poetry

 The Philippine Writers Association was organized in 1925.

 Luis Dato wrote “Manila: A Collection of Verses”
 Marcelo De Gracia Concepcion wrote “Bamboo Flute”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Moon shadows on the Water”
 Pablo Laslo edited the “English-German Anthology of Filipino Poets”
 Luis Dato published “My Book of Verses”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa wrote “First Leaves”
 Aurelio S. Alvero wrote “Nuances”
 Abelardo Subido wrote the sonnet “Soft Night”
 Rafael Zulueta da Costa won the Commonwealth Literary Contest with his
compilation “Like the Molave and other Poems”
 Jose Garcia Villa published “Poems by Doveglion” and he also published his books in
the US.

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Short Story

Aside from poetry, short story has likewise flourished during this time. Numerous short
story writers were motivated due to incentives given by these publications:

1. Philippine Free Press

2. The Graphic
3. The Philippine Magazine
4. UP Literary Apprentice
48

Short story became the most popular literary genre during this time. Popular short story
writers during this time include:
Page
 1. Paz Marquez Benitez published her first short story anthology “Filipino Love
Stories.”
2. Jose Garcia Villa published “Philippine Short Stories.” He won first place the
Philippine Free Press short story writing contest with his “Mir-i-nisa.”
3. Manuel Arguilla won the Commonwealth Literary Contest for short story with his
“How my Brother Leon brought home a Wife.”
4. Paz Latorena wrote “Sunset”
5. Jose Lansang wrote “Broken Parasol”
6. Sinai C. Hamada wrote “Talanata’s Wife”
7. Fausto Dugenio wrote “Wanderlust”
8. Amado G. Dayrit wrote “His Gift” and “Yesterday”
9. Amador T. Daguio wrote “The Woman who looked out of the Window”
10. Arturo B. Rotor
11. Osmundo Sta. Romana

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Essay

The essay during this period was greatly improved in quality and quantity. There have been
improvements on the subject, content and style of writing essays. During this period, various
Filipino essayists were classified according to:

1. Political, social, and reflective essays. These essays were opinions and viewpoints by
the essayists using their newspaper columns which appeared regularly hence, they
were very popular during this time. Some political, social and reflective essayists
include:
1. Federico Mangahas
2. Salvador P. Lopez
3. Pura Santillan Castrence
4. Vicente Albano Pacis
5. Ariston Estrada
6. Jose Lansang
2. Critical essays. These essays were serious treatment of various issues during this
period.As these essayists regularly appear in various newspaper columns, they became
very popular during this time. The critical essayists during this time include:
1. Salvador P. Lopez
2. I.V. Mallari
3. Ignacio Manlapaz
4. Jose Garcia Villa
5. Arturo B. Rotor
6. Leopoldo Y. Yabes
7. Maximo Soliven wrote the prize-winning essay entitled, “They Called it
Brotherhood.”
3. Personal or familiar essays. These essays were casual and light in terms of the mood
they were written. They provided sort of entertainment and relaxation for the readers.
Popular essayists of this kind include:
1. Francisco “Mang Kiko” B. Icasiano
2. Alfredo E. Litiatco
3. Solomon V. Arnaldo
4. Amado G. Dayrit
5. Consuelo Gar Catuca
49

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Notable Essays

Page
 1. “Literature and Society” was written by Salvador P. Lopez. This is a collection of
critical reflections and serious essays. It won first place in the Commonwealth Literary
Contest in essay.
2. “The Filipino Way of Life” was written by Camilo Osias. This is a series of essays
on the Filipino way of life as drawn from history, folkways, philosophy, and
psychology of the Philippines.
3. “Mang Kiko” was a reprint of Francisco B. Icasiano’s essays in the “Sunday Times
Magazine” under the column “From my Nipa Hut.” It is an essay of the common tao
and is written with humor and sympathy.
4. “I am a Filipino” was an editorial essay written by Carlos P. Romulo printed in the
“Philippines Herald” magazine. It was published in his book “My Brother Americans”
in New York by Double Day & Company in 1945.

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Drama

The University of the Philippines introduced playwriting as a course. UP established the UP

Little Theater and provided incentives for playwrights who wrote plays.

 Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero became director of UP Theater and popularized drama

performances in the country.
 He founded the UP Mobile Theater which performed in various place throughout the
country.
 The UP Mobile Theater also performed in various universities worldwide.

Some of the notable dramas during this period include:

1. Daughters for Sale and other Plays written by Carlos P. Romulo

2. The Radiant Symbol written by Jorge Bocobo
3. The Husband of Mrs. Cruz & A Daughter of Destiny written by Vidal A. Tan
4. The Waves written by Hilarion Vibal
5. The Oil Lamp & The Earthquake written by Augusto C. Catanjal
6. The Land of our Fathers written by Severino Montano
7. Panday Pira, the Cannon Maker written by Jose M. Hernandez
8. 13 Plays was a collection of plays written by Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero

Period of Self-Discovery and Growth Biography

Writing biography and autobiography became fashionable during this period. Some notable
biographies during this period include:

1. Quezon was a biography written about Manuel L. Quezon by I.P. Caballero and
Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion.
2. The Great Malayan was a biography which won the Commonwealth Literary Contest
for biography about Rizal. It was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous
biographer of this period.
3. Quezon, the Man of destiny was another biography written about Manuel L. Quezon
by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of the period.
50

4. The Birth of Discontent was an autobiography written by I.V. Mallari.

Page
Sources:
https://salirickandres.altervista.org/american-period/

JAPANESE PERIOD (1941 – 1945)

Introduction

The stride and growth of the Philippine literature in English language and the
development of Philippine literature in general was interrupted during the Japanese period.
The Japanese censured all publications except Tribune and Philippine Review. During the
Japanese period, Philippine Literature in English was stopped and writers turned to writing in
Filipino. The Japanese authorities, with extreme hate to the Americans, did their best to turn
the Filipinos’ sympathy away from them. They rewarded handsomely the Filipinos who are
faithful to them.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Trace the historical events and development of Philippine Literature during the Japanese
period
2. Discuss the types of poetry (Haiku and Tanka) during the Japanese period; and
3. Analyze and appreciate the poem as a literary genre by writing own Haiku and Tanka.

Try this:

What are the contributions of the Japanese to Philippine literature?

51
Page
Look at the historical background of this period before discussing the literature that emerged
in the time of the Japanese colonization…

Historical Background

Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the
Philippines was again conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in
English came to a halt. Except for the TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE REVIEW, almost all
newspapers in English were stopped by the Japanese.
This had an advantageous effect on Filipino Literature, which experienced renewed
attention because writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. Juan Laya, who use to write
in English turned to Filipino because of the strict prohibitions of the Japanese regarding any
writing in English.
In prose literature, the weekly Liwayway
Magazine was put into strict surveillance and was
managed by a Japanese named Ishiwara. The
Japanese language, Nippongo was introduced but
not well-embraced by the Filipinos despite it is
being forcefully taught by the Japanese. With the
prohibition of writing literary pieces in English
language, Filipino literature was given a break.
Many Filipino writers wrote plays, poems, short
stories, etc. in the Tagalog and other vernacular
language. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces to escape Japanese control
and censorship.

A. POEMS DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD

Haiku
Haiku is a poem of free verse of Japanese origin. It has 17 syllables divided into 3
lines. The first has 5 syllables, second has 7, and the third has 5 syllables. The famous haikus
that were penned by the early Japanese haiku masters such as Bashō, Issa, Buson and Shik
Haiku normally features allegorical meaning. It is usually short but it covers a wide
scope. The favorite topics of haiku writers include nature, love, patriotism, nationalism,
friendship and the human emotions.

Tanka
Tanka poem is very similar to haiku but Tanka poems have more syllables and it uses
simile, metaphor and personification. Tanka poems are written about nature, seasons, love,
sadness and other strong emotions. This form of poetry dates back almost 1200 years ago.

The 31 syllables are divided into 5 lines with: first line with 5, second line with 7, third
line with 5, fourth line with 7 and the fifth line with 7.

B. FILIPINO DRAMA DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD

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. The translators
52

were Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto Concio, and Narciso Pimentel. They also founded the
organization of Filipino players named Dramatic Philippines.
Page
 Playwriters:

1. Jose Ma. Hernandez – wrote PANDAY PIRA

2. Francisco Soc Rodrigo – wrote Sa PULA, SA PUTI
3. Clodualdo del Mundo – wrote BULAGA (an expression in the game Hide and Seek).
4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda – wrote SINO BA KAYO?, DAHIL SA ANAK, and HIGANTE
NG PATAY.

C. THE FILIPINO SHORT STORY DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD

The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote
short stories.

Writers:
Brigido Batungbakal, Macario Pineda, Serafin Guinigindo, Liwayway Arceo, Narciso Ramos,
NVM Gonzales, Alicia Lopez Lim, Ligaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman.

The best writings in 1945 were selected by a group of judges composed of Francisco
Icasiano, Jose Esperanza Cruz, Antonio Rosales, Clodualdo del Mundo and Teodoro Santos.
As a result of this selection, the following got the first three prizes:

First Prize: Narciso Reyes with his LUPANG TINUBUAN

Second Prize: Liwayway Arceo’s UHAW ANG TIGANG NA LUPA

Third Prize: NVM Gonzales’ LUNSOD NAYON AT DAGAT-DAGATAN

D. PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (1941-1945)

Because of the strict prohibitions imposed b the Japanese in the writing and publishing
of works in English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period. The few who
dared to write did so for their bread and butter or for propaganda. 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.

Noteworthy writer:
Carlos P. Romulo - won the Pulitzer Prize for his bestsellers:
a. I SAW THE FALL OF THE PHILIPPINES, I SEE THE PHILIPPINES RISE
b. OTHER AMERICA AND MY BROTHER AMERICANS.

Journalists:
Salvador P. Lopez, Leon Ma. Geurrero, Raul Manglapuz and Carlos Bulosan.

Other writers:
1. Nick Joaquin produced THE WOMAN WHO LOOKED LIKE LAZARUS.
2. Fred Ruiz Castro wrote a few poems.
3. F.B. Icasino wrote essays in The Philippine Review.
53

Carlos Bulosan’s works included THE LAUGHTER OF MY FATHER (1944), THE

VOICE OF BATAAN, 1943, SIX FILIPINO POETS, 1942, among others. Alfredo
Page

Litiatco published With Harp and Sling and in 1943, Jose P. Laurel published Forces
that Make a Nation Great. The Commonwealth Literary Awards gave prizes to
meritorious writers.

Sources
https://group4lit1webpage.wordpress.com/the-american-regime-plus-japanese-and-post-wwii-
periods-2/
https://salirickandres.altervista.org/japanese-period/?
doing_wp_cron=1681710557.9012498855590820312500
https://aprilmaynjune.weebly.com/lit-1/the-japanese-period-1941-1945

54
Page

THE REBIRTH OF FREEDOM (1946-1970)

Historical Background

1898 -

The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerillas who fled to the mountain
joined the liberating American Army. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained its freedom
and the Filipino flag waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.

A. THE STATE OF LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD

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.

photo source:www.c3iopscenter.com

Filipinos had, by this time, learned to express themselves more confidently but post-war
problems beyond language and print-like economic stability, the threat of new ideas and
mortality – had to be grappled with side by side.

There was a proliferation of newspapers like:

FREE PRESS, MORNING SUN of Sergio Osmeña Sr.
DAILY MIRROR of Joaquin Roces
EVENING NEWS of Ramon Lopez
MANILA BULLETIN of Hans Menzi

This only proved that there were more readers in English than in any other
vernaculars like Tagalog, Ilocano or Hiligaynon.
Journalists had their day. They indulged in more militant attitude in their reporting
which bordered on the libelous. Gradually, as normality was restored, the tones and themes
of the writings turned to the less pressing problems of economic survival.
Some Filipino writers who had gone abroad and had written during the interims came
back to publish their works.
Not all the books published during the period reflected the war year; some were
compilations or second editions of what have been written before.
55

Some of the writers and their works of the periods are:

Page
 1. GINTO SA MAKILING (1946) by Macario Pineda – the first work of note that appeared
after the Second World War
2. THE VOICE OF THE VETERAN – a compilation of the best works of some Ex-USAFFE
men like Amante Bigornia, Roman de la Cruz, Ramon de Jesus and J.F. Rodriguez.
3. TWILIGHT IN TOKYO (1946) and PASSION and DEATH OF THE USAFFE (1947) by Leon
Ma. Guerrero
4. FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY – by S.P. Lopez
5. BETRAYAL IN THE PHILIPPINES – by Hernando Abaya
6. SEVEN HILLS AWAY – by NVM Gonzales

POETRY IN ENGLISH DURING THIS PERIOD

For the first twenty years, many books were published…both in Filipino and in English.
Among the writers during this time were: Fred Ruiz Castro, Dominador I. Ilio, and C.B. Rigor.

Some notable works of the period include the following:

1. HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) – a collection of poems by Manuel Viray
2. PHILIPPINES CROSS SECTION (1950) – a collection of prose and poetry by Maximo Ramos
and Florentino Valeros
3. PROSE AND POEMS (1952) – by Nick Joaquin
4. PHILIPPINE WRITING (1953) – by T.D. Agcaoili
5. PHILIPPINE HAVEST – by Amador Daguio
6. HORIZONS LEAST (1967) – a collection of works by the professors of UE, mostly in English
(short stories, essays, research papers, poem and drama) by Artemio Patacsil and Silverio
Baltazar.
The themes of most poems dealt with the usual love of nature, and of social and political
problems. Toribia Maño’s poems showed deep emotional intensity.
7. WHO SPOKE OF COURAGE IN HIS SLEEP – by NVM Gonzales
8. SPEAK NOT, SPEAK ALSO – by Conrado V. Pedroche
9. Other poets were Toribia Maño and Edith L. Tiempo Jose Garcia Villa’s HAVE COME, AM
HERE won acclaim both here and abroad.

Amador Daguio

NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH

Longer and longer pieces were being written by writers of the period.
Stevan Javellana’s WITHOUT SEEING THE DAWN tells of the grim experiences of war during
the Japanese Occupation.
In 1946, the Barangay Writer’s Project whose aim was to publish works in English by
Filipinos was established. In 1958, the PEN Center of the Philippines (Poets, essayists,
56

novelists) was inaugurated.

In the same year, Francisco Arcellana published his PEN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES.
Page
In 1961, Kerima Polotan’s novel THE HAND OF THE ENEMY - won the Stonehill Award for
the Filipino novel in English.
In 1968, Luis V. Teodoro Jr.’s short story THE ADVERSARY- won the Philippines Free Press
short story award; in 1969, his story THE TRAIL OF PROFESSOR RIEGO won second prize in
the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature and in 1970, his short story THE DISTANT
CITY won the GRAPHIC short story award

THE NEW FILIPINO LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD

Philippines literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the writings
dealt with:
a. Japanese brutalities
b. poverty of life under the Japanese government
c. brave guerilla exploits.

Newspapers and magazine publications were re-opened like the:

Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang Ilang and Sinag Tala.

-Tagalog poetry acquired not only rhyme but substance and meaning.
-Short stories had better characters and events based on facts and realities and themes were
more meaningful.
-Novels became common but were still read by the people for recreation.
-The people’s love for listening to poetic jousts increased more than before and people
started to flock to places to hear poetic debates.

BOOKS PUBLISHED DURING THIS TIME:

1. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro Abadilla
2. Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (1886-1948) by Teodoro Agoncillo
3. Ako’y Isang Tinig (1952) collection of poems and stories by Genoveva Edroza Matute
4. Mga Piling Sanaysay (1952) by Alejandro Abadilla
5. Maikling Katha ng Dalawampung Pangunahing Autor (1962) by A.G. Abadilla and Ponciano
E.P. Pineda
6. Parnasong Tagalog (1964) collection of selected poems by Huseng Sisiw and Balagtas,
collected by A.G. Abadilla
7. Sining at Pamamaraan ng Pag-aaral ng Panitikan (1965) by Rufino Alejandro. He prepared
this book for teaching in reading and appreciation of poems, dramas, short stories and
novels
8. Manlilikha, Mga Piling Tula (1961-1967) by Rogelio G. Mangahas
9. Mga Piling Akda ng Kadipan (Kapisanang Aklat ng Diwa at Panitik) 1965 by Efren Abueg
10. Makata (1967) first cooperative effort to publish the poems of 16 poets in Pilipino
11. Pitong Dula (1968) by Dionisio Salazar
12. Manunulat: Mga Piling Akdang Pilipino (1970) by Efren Abueg. In this book, Abueg
proved that it is possible to have a national integration of ethnic culture in our country.
13. Mga Aklat ni Rizal: Many books about Rizal came out during this period. The law ordering
the additional study of the life of Rizal helped a lot in activating our writers to write books
about Rizal.

PALANCA AWARDS
57

Another inspiration for writers in Filipino was the launching of the Palanca Memorial
Awards for literature headed by Carlos Palanca Sr. in 1950. (Until now, the awards are still
Page
being given although the man who founded it has passed away). The awards were given to
writers of short stories, plays and poetry.

The first awardees in its first year, 1950-51 in the field of the short story were the
following:
First Prize: KUWENTO NI MABUTI by Genoveva Edroza
Second Prize: MABANGIS NA KAMAY…MAAMONG KAMAY by Pedro S. Dandan
Third Prize: PLANETA, BUWAN AT MGA BITUIN by Elpidio P. Kapulong.

A Summary of Stevan Javellana's Without Seeing the Dawn (The Lost Ones)
Set in a small farming village called Manhayang, Sta. Barbara, somewhere in Negros. Like most rural barangays,
the hardworking and closely-knit village folk there had simple needs, simple wants, and simple dreams. They
were living their own simple lives when the violence of war reached their place and brought death to their
village, their homes and their hearts.

Here revolves the story of Ricardo "Carding" Suerte, son of Juan Suerte. An industrious, strong and sometimes
quick-tempered young man, he aspired to marry Lucia, the daughter of the teniente del barrio. Though his
father thought he was not yet prepared and had wished to send him to school, he gave his blessing to the
decision of his son. He consented to asking Lucia’s hand from her parents in the traditional pamamanhikan,
accompanied by the village’s best orator and the godmother of the lass. After agreeing to the conditions of the
village chief, the marriage was set. Tatay Juan gathered up almost all of his hard-earned savings for the dowry
and expenses for the wedding feast. In the meantime, Carding excitedly built their house despite the advice of
the elderly- that building one’s house in May will bring misfortune to its inhabitants.

And so it came to pass that after the grand wedding and the feast that followed- which was even attended by
their representate- the newlyweds lived happily on the land entrusted to Tatay Juan by Don Diego, but not for
long. Misfortune struck early when their first child was stillborn. A more difficult trial came when Lucing
disgraced herself, her family and her husband by having an affair with Luis, the son of their landlord. Caught
naked, he was beaten up by the strong, angry husband whose honor and pride were hurt. The couple patched
things up, but the land that Carding and Juan Suerte had been tilling for a very long time was given to another
tenant.

With no land to till, the pair tried their luck in the city. There, in Iloilo, Carding met Rosing and Nestong. The
latter was his fellow stevedore and union member, and the former, a prostitute besotted with him, and also the
reason why his wife left him and returned to their barrio. Soon, Carding followed Lucing with news that the
representante entrusted them with land to till in Badlan. Lucing too, had news for her husband: she was again
pregnant.

They moved to Badlan and worked harder than ever. They were blessed not only by a promise of a bountiful
harvest, but also with a healthy son they named Crisostomo. Sadly, their landlord sold the land, and they were
given time to harvest what they sowed. Misfortune was like a shadow though. A great flood destroyed
everything that they had- harvest and carabao as well.

Wanting to own their own piece of land, they were convinced to move to Mindanao, but Carding was drafted
for military service. When he returned, he found his wife heavy with another child. At first, the truth was kept
from him. What he knew was that his father and his son died of some illness. But later it was revealed that the
Japanese soldiers who attacked their village killed his father and son and raped his wife. He was enraged when
he learned the truth. As his neighbors, relatives and friends in barrio Manhayang were tortured, raped and
massacred by the Japanese soldiers, Carding too became an executioner to his enemies, and not even his friend
nor the brother of his mother-in-law were spared. He also almost killed the child that his wife had just
delivered, were it not born dead. For that, Lucing was so enraged that she sent him away.

The Japanese ordered everyone to enter a collective barrio or else be considered guerrilla supporters and be
shot. But the villagers of Manhayang also refused to be considered enemies of their own sons, and so they
58

decided to evacuate in barrios farther away. However, Lucing was hesitant to go. She was waiting to see her
husband despite everything, knowing that he will be leading the suicide attack to the Japanese garrison. When
Page

they did see each other, Carding asked for her forgiveness and left her what cash he had as he bade her
farewell. In the end, Lucing refused to flee for she knew that she was still his wife, duty-bound to receive the
corpse of her beloved husband.
http://ice-wherethegreengrassgrow.blogspot.com/2010/09/summary-of-stevan-javellanas-without.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stevan Javellana (or Esteban Javellana) is from LaPaz, Iloilo City during the American-Japanese era. He
graduated from UP College of Law and migrated to the United States in 1945 and two years after produced the
novel which became his first and only novel written in English. His short stories though were published in the
50's Manila Times Magazine.
Without Seeing the Dawn (The Lost Ones), as mentioned, became a bestseller in US and Manila and has
received praises from the New York Times, New York Sun, Chicago Sun, and fellow Filipino writers.
In 1976 the novel was adapted into a movie by the famous director Lino Brocka with the title Santiago! which
starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Hilda Koronel.
http://iloilocityoflove.blogspot.com/2013/05/without-seeing-dawn-by-stevan-javellana.html

PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)

Historical Background
According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide
causes.
Activism is connected with the history of our Filipino youth. Because of the ills of
society, the youth moved to seek reforms.
Some continued to believe that the democratic government is stable and that it is
only the people running the government who are at fault.
Some believed that socialism or communism should replace democracy. Some armed
groups were formed to bring down the democratic form of government.

photo source:www.gmanetwork.com

Many young people became activists to ask for changes in the government. In the
expression of this desire for change, keen were the writings of some youth who were fired
with nationalism in order to emphasize the importance of their petitions.
Many young activists were imprisoned in military camps together with rebel writers.
As early as this period of history we can say that many of those writers who were imprisoned
were true nationalists and heroes of their time.

Many books aptly record and embody these times but many of these are not known
to many and many of these writers still have to be interviewed. We just leave to scholars and
researchers the giving of credit where credit is due.

A. THE SEED OF ACTIVISM

59
Page
The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. We can, however,
say that he seeds were earlier sown from the times of Lapu-lapu, Lakandula, and Rizal. The
revolution against the powerful forces in the Philippines can be said to be the monopoly of
the youth in whose veins flow the fire in their blood. What Rizal said of the youth being the
hope of the Fatherland – is still valid even today.

B. PERIOD OF THE BLOODY PLACARDS

Pineda also said that this was the time when the youth once more proved that it is
not the constant evasion that shapes our race and nationalism.
The youth became completely rebellious during this period. This was proven not only
in the bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions but also in literature.
Campus newspapers showed rebellious emotions. The once aristocratic writers
developed awareness for society.
They held pens and wrote on placards in red paint the equivalent of the word
MAKIBAKA (To dare!). They attacked the ills of society and politics. Any establishment
became the symbol of the ills that had to be changed.
The frustrations of youth could be felt in churches and school. Even the priests,
teachers and parents, as authorities who should be respected became targets of the radical
youth and were though as hindrances to the changes they sought.

The literature of the activists reached a point where they stated boldly what should be done
to effect these changes.
those who rallied to this revolutionary form of literature were:
Rolando Tinio, Rogelio Mangahas, Efren Abueg, Rio Alma, and Clemente Bautista.

WRITING DURING THE PERIOD OF ACTIVISM

The irreverence for the poor reached its peak during this period of the mass revolution. It
was also during this period that Bomba films that discredit our ways as Filipinos started to
come out.
60

PALANCA AWARDEES FOR LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Established in 1950, the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature had been giving cash
Page

prizes for short story, poetry and one-act play writing as an incentive to Filipino writers.
The prizes come from La Tondena, Inc., the firm founded by the late Carlos Palanca Sr.
For the list of winners from 1950-51 to 1960-70, we recommended Alberto S.
Florentino’s “Twenty Years of Palanca Awards.”)
ENGLISH SHORT STORY
1970-71
First Prize – “THE RITUAL” – Cirilo F. Bautista
Second Prize – “BEAST IN THE FIELDS” – Resil Mojares.
Third Prize – “CHILDREN OF THE CITY” – Amadis Ma. Guerrero

1970-71
First Prize – “THE ARCHIPELAGO” – Cirilo F. Bautista
Second Prize – “FIVE POEMS” – Wilfredo Pascua Sanchez
Third Prize – “FROM MACTAN TO MENDIOLA” – Frederico Licsi Espino Jr.

ENGLISH ONE-ACT PLAY

1970-71 First Prize – “THE GROTESQUE AMONG US” – Maiden Flores

ENGLISH POETRY
1971-72
First Prize – “THE TOMATO GAME” – N.V.M. Gonzales
Second Prize – “THE APOLLO CENTENNIAL” – Gregorio C. Brillantes
Third Prize – “AFTER THIS, OUR EXILE” – Elsa Martinez Coscolluela

1971-72
First Prize – “BATIK MAKER AND OTHER POEMS” – Virginia R. Moreno
Second Prize – “THE EDGE OF THE WIND” – Artemio Tadena
Third Prize – “TINIKLING (A SHEAF OF POEMS)” – Frederico Licsi Espino Jr.

1971-72
First Prize – “GRAVE FOR BLUE FLOWER” – Jesus T. Peralta
Second Prize – “THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY” – Manuel M. Martell
Third Prize – The judges recommend that in as much as the three third prize winners
especially deserve, the prize of P 1,000.00 be divided among these three:
“ THE BOXES” – Rolando S. Tinio
“ NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY” –
Julian E. Dacanay
“ THE RENEGADE” – Elsa Martinez Coscolluela

WRITERS DURING THIS PERIOD

Jose F. Lacaba, in his book DAYS OF DISQUIET, NIGHTS OF RAGE; THE FIRST QUARTERS
STORM AND RELATED EVENTS, wrote of the tragic and tumultuous moments in our
country’s history.
Describing this period, he writes: “That first quarter of the year 1970…It was a
glorious time, a time of terror and of wrath, but also a time for hope. The signs of change
were on the horizon. A powerful storm was sweeping the land, a storm whose inexorable
advance no earthly force could stop, and the name of the storm was history.”
61

He mentions that those students demonstrating at that time knew and were aware
that what they were doing would be crucial to our country’s history.
Page
 Student leaders thought up grandiose names for their organizations and hence, the
proliferation of acronyms likes SUCCOR, YDS, KTPD, SAGUPA, SMP, KKK, KM, MDP, and
SDK.
Politicians endorsed bills for those who interfered with student demonstrators.
Mayor Antonio Villegas himself, on Feb. 18, 1970, led demonstrators away from angry
policemen.
Other politicians like Eva Estrada Kalaw, and Salvador Laurel, Benigno Aquino Jr.
wrote about condemnation of police brutalities.

Lacaba’s book is truly representative of writers who were eyewitnesses to this time
“of terror and wrath.” Other writers strove to pour out their anguish and frustrations in
words describing themselves as “gasping for the air, thirsting for the water of freedom.”
Thus, the Philippine Center for the International PEN (Poets, Essayists, and Novelists)
held a conference centering on the “writer’s lack of freedom in a climate of fear.”

For a day they denounced restrictions on artistic freedom and passionately led a plea
for freedom. Among the writers in this group were: Nick Joaquin, S.P. Lopez, Gregorio
Brillantes, F. Sionil Jose, Petronilo Daroy, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, Mauro Avelina, and
Jose W. Diokno.
People in the other media participated in this quest for freedom. Journalists Jose
Burgos Jr., Antonio Ma. Nieva; movie director Lino Brocka, art critic Anna Leah S. de Leon
were battling head – on against censorship.

They came up with resolutions that pleaded for causes other than their own – like the
general amnesty for political prisoners, and other secret decrees restricting free expression.
They requested editors and publishers to publish the real names of writers in their columns.
It called on media to disseminate information on national interest without partisan leanings
and resolved to be united with all causes decrying oppression and repression.
http://aprilmaynjune.weebly.com/socio-1/the-rebirth-of-freedom-1946-1970-period-of-
activism-1970-1972

Period of the New Society (1972-1980)

The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards
continued to give annual awards.
Almost all themes in most writings dealt with the development or progress of the country –
like the Green Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction
and pollution. The New Society tried 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.
62

The military government established a new office called the Ministry of Public Affairs that
supervised the newspapers, books and other publications.
Page

The government took part in reviving old plays like the Cenaculo, the Zarzuela and the
Embayoka of the Muslims. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk Arts Theater and
even the old Metropolitan Theater were rebuilt in order to have a place for these plays.
Singing both Filipino and English songs received fresh incentives. Those sent abroad
promoted many Filipino songs.
The weekly publications like KISLAP, and LIWAYWAY helped a lot in the development of
literature. These became outlets for our writers to publish many of their works.

A. FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY

Themes of most poems: dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the
beauties of nature and surroundings.

Those who wrote poetry during this period:

Ponciano Pineda, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente
Dimasalang, Cir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz.

Many more composers added their bit during this period. Among them were Freddie
Aguilar, Jose Marie Chan and the group Tito, Vic and Joey.
ANAK of Freddie Aguilar became an instant success because of the spirit and emotions
revealed in the song. There were even translations in Japanese and in other languages.

THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY

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

Many schools and organizations also presented varied plays.

The Mindanao State University presented a play Sining Embayoka at the Cultural Center of
the Philippines.

In 1977, the Tales of Manuvu, a new style of rock of the ballet opera was also added to
these presentations. This was performed by Celeste Legaspi, Lea Navarro, Hadji Alejandro,
Boy Camara, Anthony Castello, Rey Dizon and choreographed by Alic Reyes.

Even the President’s daughter at the time participated as a performing artist in the
principal role of Santa Juana of Koral and in The Diary of Anne Frank.

The following organizations contributed a lot to the development of plays during this
period:
1. PETA of Cecille Guidote and Lino Brocka
2. Repertory Philippines: of Rebecca Godines and Zenaida Amador
3. UP Repertory of Behn Cervantes
4. Teatro Filipino by Rolando Tinio

RADIO AND TELEVISION

Radio continued to be patronized during this period. The play series like SI MATAR, DAHLIA,
ITO AND PALAD KO, and MR. LONELY were the forms of recreation of those without
63

television.
Even the new songs were first heard over the airwaves.
Page

However, many performing artists in radio moved over to television because of higher pay.
Among these were Augusto Victa, Gene Palomo, Mely Tagasa, Lina Pusing, and Ester Chavez.
Popular television plays were GULONG NG PALAD, FLOR DE LUNA, and ANNA LIZA.
SUPERMAN AND TARZAN were also popular with the youth.
FILIPINO FILMS
A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulng Pilipino (Yearly Filipino Film Festival) was held during this
time. During the festival which lasted usually for a month, only Filipino films were shown in
all theaters in Metro Manila. Prizes and trophies were awarded at the end of the festival in
recognition of excellence in film making and in role performances.
COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE LITERATUE DURING THE NEW SOCIETY

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
resolves to carry out plans and programs.
The forms of literature that led during this period wee the essays, debates and poetry. The
short stories, like the novels and plays were no different in style from those written before
the onset of activism.

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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.
To those in government, the lifting of military rule heralded a change. To their perceptions,
the Philippines became a new nation and this; former President Marcos called “The New
Republic of the Philippines.”

A historian called this the Third Republic. The First Republic he claimed was during the
Philippine Republic of Emilio Aguinaldo when we first got our independence form the
Spaniards on June 12, 1898.
The Second was when the Americans granted us our independence on July 4, 1946. This
period, January 2, 1981, was the Third Republic when we were freed from Military Rule.
During this period, it cannot be denied that many people seethed with rebellion and protest
because of the continued oppression and suppression.

This was further aggravated when former Senator Benigno S. Aquno Jr., the idol of the
Filipino masses, whom they hoped to be the next president, was president, was brutally
murdered on August 21, 1983.
64

This stage of the nation had its effect on our literature. After the Aquino assassinated, the
Page

people’s voices could no long be contained. Both the public and private sectors in government
were chanting, and shouting; women, men and the youth became bolder and their voices were
raised in dissent.

We can say that Philippine literature, in spite of the many restrictions, still surreptitiously
retained its luster.

THE PALANCA AWARDS

The Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for literature which was launched in 1950 ,
continued its recognition of the best in the literary fields –poetry, short story, essays, and the
one and three-act plays.

In 1984, the Palanca Awards started choosing the best in novel writing. This contest, held
every three years, gives time for local writers to write more beautiful and quality works. The
next contest on the best novel was held in 1987. La Tondeña continues to be its sponsor.

FILIPINO POETRY
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.

FILIPINO SONGS
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.

Many composers, grieved over Ninoy Aquino’s treacherous assassination composed songs.
Among them were Coritha, Eric and Freddie Aguilar. Corithaand Eric composed asongtitles
LABAN NG BAYAN KO and this was first sung by Corithaduring the National Unification
Conference of the Opposition in March, 1985. This was also sung during the Presidential
Campaign Movement for Cory Aquino to inspire the movement against Marcos in February
1986.
Freddie Aguilar revived the song BAYAN KO which was written by Jose Corazon de Jesus
and C. de Guzman during the American period.

PHILIPPINE FILMS DURING THE PERIOD

The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to be held during this period. The people’s
love for sex films also was unabated.
Many producers took advantage of this at the expense of public morality.

POETRY IN ENGLISH DURING THE THIRD REPUBLIC

Most especially, during the wake of the tragic BenignoAquino Jr.’sincident, people reacted
with shock, appalled by the suddenness and the unexpectedness of events.

Alfredo Navarro Salanga, a consistent writer of Philippines Panorama Magazine in his column
“Post-PrandalReflections”aptly said it: “darkness in the mind and soul is how some forgotten
poet puts it. Its suddenness was so profound that we couldn’t but react to it in any other way.”
Elemental to us (poets or writers) was how to grasp to some meaning –in a symbol, a phrase
or word –in the language of heart and tongue, the poet’s only candles. So we tried to reach out
65

in the next and perhaps the only way we could: by putting pen to paper and speaking out –as
partisans in a human drama.Poets, surprisingly, by common consent, found themselves
Page

writing on a common subject.

Reproduction of some of them is reprinted here. We aptly call them Protest Poetry of the
‘80’s. The themes of most during this time dealt with courage, shock and grief over the
“treachery inflicted upon Aquino.”

MEDIA OF 1983
Sheila S. Coronel, a PANORAMA staff stalwart, reporting on the state of the media during
these times said: it was a year of ferment, and change, of old problems made more oppressive
by the new throbbing beat of the times.” For journalists, it was a year loaded with libel
charges, lawsuits and seditious trials which they gallantly bore as harassment suits.

JAJA (Justice for Aquino, Justice for All) Movement called for a boycott of government –
controlled newspapers in protest of media suppression. People picketed newspapers offices
with coffins to symbolize the death of press freedom.
In campuses, newspapers were set afire to protest lack of free expression. Journalists suffered
physically and otherwise.
Journalists of 3 major dailies demanded a dialogue with their publishers to “restore credibility
and respectability”to newspapers.

Opposition tabloids flourished. They sold our papers with the red news to the starved public;
hence, smut magazines like the TIKTIK, PLAYBOY SCENE, and SAKDAL also played the
sidewalks.
Radio led by RADIO VERITAS started reporting coverage of demonstrations. Information
Minister Gregorio Cendañacalled the tabloids the “mosquito press”and called their new
“political pornography.”
However, there was a perceptible liberalization of editorial policies in the major newspapers.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Among the well-loved forms of writing which abounded during this period were those of
children’s stories. The Children’s Communication Center (CCC) directed by poet and writer
VirgilioS. Almarioalready has built up an impressive collection of these kinds of books. The
following are some of the books of the period.
1982:PLAYS FOR CHILDREN by JameB. Reuter S.J. (New Day Pub.)
1983:STORY TELLING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
1983:JOSE AND CARDO by Peggy CorrManuel

(PROSE) FABLES
The people’s cry of protest found outlets not only in poetry but also in veiled prose fables
which transparently satirized the occupants of Malacañang. Among those that saw prints
were:

1. The Crown Jewels of Heezenhurstby Sylvia Mendez Ventura

2. The Emperor’s New Underwear by MeynardoA. Macaraig
3. The King’s Cold by BabethLolarga
4.The Case of the Missing Charisma (unfinished) by Sylvia L. Mayuga.
In all the fables, the king, differently referred to as TotusMarkus or the king or Haring
Matinikwas meant to poke fun at the ruler at Malacañang; similarly, Reyna Maganda or the
Queen, was a veiled thrust at his queen.
They were both drunk with power and were punished in the end for their misdeeds.

THE STATE OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH AT THIS TIME

66

IsaganiCruz, writing about Philippine literature in the “Age of Ninoy,”makes the following
observations:
Page

“Philippines literature is definitely changing,”and he summarizes these as follows:

1. Change in the direction of greater consciousness in content and form.
2. Change in the number of readers and the number of writers and the kind of class of writers.
Writers who joined the ranks came not only from the established or professional groups but
from all ranks –clerks, secretaries, drivers, housewives, students; in short, the masses.

3. The resurgence of Balagtasismoand the continued dominance of Modernismo. While

Balagtasismoturned its back on the American challenge to Philippine literature its
conservative conventions, Modernismoadapted Americanization for its own ends.
4. The birth of a new poetic movement still dims in outline.
5. The apparent merging of the erstwhile separate streams of oral and written literature.

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%20Third%20Republic,lifted%20on%20January%202%2C%201981.
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contemporary-period-1986-present/

Planeta, Buwan at Mga Bituin ni elpidio p. Kapulong

Ni Elpidio P. Kapulong

Umaapaw sa luningning ang gintonghimlayang iyon-ang gintong himlayan, niya at

niCleopatra. Hindi na batid ni Cesar kung siya’ynakapikit o nakadilat pa. Ngunit malinaw
nanamamalas niya ang larawang iyon. Isang malaking eroplanong napakababa anglipad ang
nagsusumabog na sumibad sa kanilang tapat.

Kasabay ng pagsibad ng sinasakyan nilangkalabaw ay sumambulat naman sa

kanyangguniguni ang binubuo niyang magandang daigdig.Mula sa kanyang pangangarap ay
nahulog siya sakatotohanan; ngunit hindi pa naman lubos na nakababalik ang kamalayan sa
kanyang paligiday nahulog na sa kanyang pagkapigil ang kaangkasniyang babaing may
mahabang buhok at kayumangging kulay. Humalagpos sa kanyang lalamunan ang isang
sigawna biglang naputol sa kalagitnaan nangmaramdaman niya ang pagtama sa kanyang ulo
ngisang napakatigas na bagay. At bago lubos nanaparam ang kutitap ng mga bituing sumabog
sakanyang balintanaw ay naramdaman niyang siya’ypumailanlang sa itaas upang pagkatapos
ng isangiglap ay dahan-dahan lumapag sa isang likmuangnahihiyasan ng mga diyamante.

-1-Pabalikwas na tumindig buhat sa isang trono ang isang maharlikang mandirigma.

Nakarinig siya ngkaluskos sa dakong harapan at napakislot na wari’yhandang tumakbo sa
pag-iwas sa panganib. Biglangnabuksan ang malaking pintong nasa kabilang dulo
ngbulwagang kanyang kinaroroonan, at sa paghahawi ngkurtinang sutla ay kasama ring
nahawi ang dalawanginaantok na tanod na siyang kawal na siyangikinabuwal ng mga iyon.
Humahangos na pumasok angisang kawal na may mahabang sibat at pagsapit saharapan ng
mandirigma ay nangayupapa at humalik sa humalik sa kanyang yapak.Napaigtad siyang
papalayo. Ang kawal ay patingalang lumuhod sa kanyang paanan nanakabukas ang dalawang
bisig.
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“O, Dakilang Cesar!” ang humihingal na wikanito. “O, Dakilang Emperador ng mga
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mandirigmangbininyagan ng apoy ng mga bathala… Narito anghamak na alipin, at hindi

malaman kung paanomapagagalaw ang dilang ito sa pagsasabi ng isangnakasusuklam na
bagay buhat sa Impiyerno niDante! Isinumpa ako ni Hupiter upang siyangmaghatid sa
Dakilang Cesar ng balitangpinangimiang ihatid maging ng makapangyarihang
makapangyarihang mga diyoses sa paanan ngisang may bakal na laman at may leon sa
puso.Nauumid ako, O, Panginoon, ngunit … ang mga… ang mga kaaway…”

Tinutop ni Cesar ang dalawang tainga at nakamulagat na minalas ang kawal sa

kanyangpaanan na may kagila-gilalas at kakatwang ayos at pananalitang anaki’y isang
tauhang nagbangonbuhat sa dahon ng isang aklat ng lumangpanahon. Nais niyang sumigaw at
sumibad ngtakbo, ngunit biglang sumundot sa kanyang gunitaang isang bagay na siyang
nagpauntol sa kanyangpagkilos; at siya’y dahan-dahang napasadlak sa kanyang luklukan na
ang mga mata’y nakapikitnang mariin. Naalaala niyang siya ay napaidlipsamantalang tahimik
na binabalangkas sakanyang isipan ang gagawing pagsalakay sa mgakaaway, at sa bisa ng
isang dumalaw na pangarapay nakalimot na siya nga pala ay si Cesar – siCesar, ang dakilang
Mandirigma ng Roma, angdakilang Panginoon ng mga walang gulat, ang walang kasing…

Dahan-dahang hinaplos ni Cesar angkanyang mukha at minalas ang kanyang sarili –ang
namumutok na kalamnan ng bisig nanabibigkis ng bitling nagintong sagisag ng
pagkamandirigma, at ang kasuutang namumutitik samga hiyas na sagisag naman ng
pagkaemperador.

Muli siyang napatindig at saka pilit nahumalakhak nang ubos-lakas na ikinalundag

ngnakaluhod na kawal.“Ha! ha! ha! ha! Si Cesar nga pala ay nakalimot! Nakalimot ang isang
Cesar dahilan saisang multong panaginip na dapat lamang sanangpanakot sa isang aso!. Ha!
ha! ha! Nakatatawa, angisang dakila ay nakalimot! Ha! ha! ha! …”

Napaudlot sa kalagitnaan ang halakhak naiyon. Naramdaman ni Cesar na ang laman

ngkanyang puso ay tila nawalang lahat na kasamang napawing alingawngaw. Walang
kaluluwa angtawang iyon at siya ang unang nakapuna. Nakangunot na minalas niya ang
buong paligid. Naroon pa rin sa kanyang paanan ang nakaluhodat nakadipang kawal, na sa
pagkakatingala sakanya ay mangani-ngani niyang tadyakan samukha. Sa paligid-ligid ng
malaking bulwagangiyon ay nangakatindig na unat na unat ang ilang nagtatayugang kawal na
ang tangang sibat ay lumagpas pa ng isang dipa sa ulo; may malalapadna espada sa tagiliran;
nangakadamit bagamanlitaw rin ang mga bisig at malulusog na hita at binti; Sa ulo ay
nakasaklob ang tila kung anong uring salakot na sa tuktok ay papaspas-paspas anganaki’y
malaking palong ng isang tandang, nasumusunod sa pagtangu-tango ng ulong hindimawari
kung naibibigatan lamang sa sunong o inaantok na.

Ibinaling ni Cesar ang kanyang tingin samaluluwang na mga bintana at pinto – mgakurtinang
yari sa sutla at sari-saring kayo na may matitingkad na kulay at namimigat sa halimuyakng
pabangong napapasangkap sa amoy insensongnakalutang sa kalawakan ng bulwagan. Ang
mgakuwadro sa oleo ng iba’t-ibang larawan ng mgatanawin sa parang ng digma, ang
mgapalarindingang marmol, ang mga haliging marmoldin na nagsisilbing panapo sa kisaming
marmolpa rin – isang buong larawang anaki’y pahinangpinilas lamang sa isang alamat at
napakaliwagupang magpakatotoo. Ang pagkakaayos sa mgasulok ng naroong mga estatwang
upangmagpakatotoo. Ang pagkakaayos sa mga sulok ng naroong mga estatwang kahoy,
bronse, at marmol, at ng kay Venus na lantay ng ginto,ay nagbibigay ngpagkabaghan sa
makatutunghay dahil sa kanilangwalang tinag na anyo, at ang matigas na katahimikanng
kawalang-buhay na nasa kanilang malalamig nakatawan ay parang tinatanuran pa ng kaluluwa
ngmga taong kinakatawan ng nangabuhay noongunang panahon.
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Naramdaman ni Cesar ang manipis na hanging humahaplos sa kanyang katawan buhat

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sapamaypay ng isang busabos. Bigla siyang napaupongang mga mata’y naititig sa malayo.
Hindi siya nakaramdam ng kasiyahan sa kanyang namalas. Para siyang tumungga sa isang
kopang ginto upangmabatid lamang na ang alak pang naroroon ay linipasan na ng ispirito.
Ibig niyang ipagsabog angmga bungang-kahoy sa mga bandehadong hawakng ilang aliping
itim upang kumalat sa mgaalpombrang mga nakalatag sa sahig. Mayroonsiyang hinahanap sa
kanyang paligid na hindimakita at matagpuan. Wala roon ang isangbabaing may mahabang
buhok at kayumangging kulay…

Pilit na pinaglabanan ni Cesar ang damdamingsumaklot sa kanyang pagkatao, ngunit siya’y

tilanawalan ng lakas. Namuhi siya sa kanyang sarili; hindi niya akalaing magkaroon siya kahit
saguniguni ng malabis na pananabik sa isang babaetulad ng nararamdaman niya ngayon. Si
Cesar ay nababaliw sa paghahangad sa isang babae? Sa babaeng noong una’y naging aliwan
lamang niya?

Ang buong paligid ay muli niyang minalas. Sumalubong ang mga iyon sa kanyang paningin
natila isang anyo ng mahiwagang kulay na noon lamang niya natitigan, kaya sumilaw sa
kanyang mga mata. Para siyang nabaghan. Ang mga iyonay tila nakatunghay rin sa kanya
__nakatitig at para bang nag bawat piraso ng kayamanangnaroon ay mga matang nanunuri –
nangingilala –sa isang linikhang napaligaw lamang doon. Angbulwagang iyon – ang lahat –
ay tila isang daigdigngayong bago na sa kanya – na siya’y napasokdoon bunga lamang ng di –
sinasadyangpagkakamali.

At naalala niya ang kanyang napangarap. Doon ay nakita niya ang kanyang sarili sa
isangmalawak na kaparangan na nakasakay sa isanghayop na maitim. Kaangkas niya sa likod
ng hayop ang hinahanap niyang babaing may mahabangbuhok at kayumangging kulay.
Sapupo niya sabaywang ang babaing iyon habang siya’yhumuhuni-huni ng isang malambing
na awitin.

Iba ang ayos niya at pananamit sa pangarapna iyon. Kayumanggi rin ang balat niya, may
katingkaran nga lamang kaysa babaing kaangkasniya sa maitim na hayop. Ngunit doon ay
kung bakit palagay ang kanyang loob. Hindi siyanagkaroon ng alinlangan sa kinatagpuang
bagongdaigdig, hindi nag-usisa sa isip kung bakit siyanaroon at naiiba ang kanyang anyo.
Tinanggapniya ang daigdig na iyon nang walang pagbaban tulot na tulad ng pagtanggap sa
talagang kanya, at ang tunay na Cesar – ang makapangyarihangMandirigma ng Roma – ay
hindi ang dakilangCesar na nagbubulay – bulay ngayon, kundi anghamak na Cesar sa piling
ng babaing may mahabang buhok at kayumangging kulay.

Kumurap-kurap si Cesar at umanyongtitindig. Sa kanyang pagninilay-nilay ay sumapitsiya sa

bahagi ng kanyang pangarap na lalongkagila-gilalas. Nakita niya ang kanyang sarili roonna
tila isang gumaganap sa isang palabas, na ang kilos at salita at pati iniisip ay nakita
lamangniyang tila binabasa sa isang aklat. Nakita niyaang kanyang sariling iyon na nahibang
at ilangsandali ring nangarap, at ang Cesar na tunayniyang sarili, hanggang sa pumailanlang
angkanyang guniguni at mabuong mga larawan sakanyang diwa.

Magkayakap sila ni Cleopatra sa guniguni ngkanyang sariling-pangarap at sila’y nagpalitan

ngmga pangungusap na tila salita ng mga bathala at bathaluman sa Olimpo, at kaya lamang
nabaliksiya sa piling ng babaing may kayumangging kulayay nang gulantangin siya ng isang
malakas na ugong na nagdaan sa kanilang tapat. Napasibadang hayop na kanilang sinasakyan
at nag babaeay tumitiling nahulog sa lupa.

Saka niya naramdamang tila sumabog ang kanyang ulo nang mahampas ito ng
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isangnakalundong sanga ng isang punungkahoy…

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Di malaman kung sa anong dahilan ay ibig niyang mabatid kung ano ang nangyari sanahulog
na babae, na bagama’ pangarap lamangay kung bakit pinanabikan din niyang malaman ang
naging wakas.

Tulad ng isang palabasang nakatunghay saisang magandang kasaysayan na nang

nasakasarapan na ay saka nabatid na ang mga hulingdahon pala ay wala at inubos na ng anay,
si Cesar ay hindi matahimik at hindi mapalagay na tilaginagatungan.“Panginoon..”

Nagulantang si Cesar. Nakita niyangnakaluhod pa rin ang kawal na tila hindinangangalay at

ang kanyang loob ay nagsiklab. Hinawakan niya ang puluhan ng kanyang patalim. “Sulong!”
ang kanyang bulyaw. “Saannakatanglaw ang liwanag ng iyong mata at hindinakitang ang
iyong Cesar ay nasa sandali ng pagkabagabag?”

“Ngunit patawarin ang hamak na alipin ngkanyang panginoon…”Hinugot na bigla ni Cesar

ang kanyang tabakat ibabagsak na sana sa ulo ng kawal ngunitnapatigil nang makarinig ng
bigla ingay na likhang mga sigawan sa labas. May bumagsak na kung anong malaking bagay
sa nakapinid sa pito at iyon ay biglang nagiba. Ang mga tanod sabulwagan ay nagpulasansa
iba’ ibang sulok at angdalawa sa kanila ay sa likuran pa ni Cesar napasiksik. Hugos na
pumasok sa nawasak napinto ang maraming sandatahang kawal at saisang iglap ay nakilala
niyang iyon ay mgakalaban.

Sa loob ng ilang saglit pa, ang kalansing ngmga nagpipingkiang tabak ay nilunod na ng
mgadaingan ng mga naghihingalo at sigawan ng mganakatama. Sa kabiglaan ay natabig ni
Cesar angdalawang malalaki rin namang kawal na nagkublisa kanyang likod at ang dalawa ay
gumulong sa daanan ng mga kaaway. Hinarap ni Cesar angunang tatlong sumugod at ang mga
ito’y pawangnagsibagsak sa isang unday ng kanyang sandata. Sa kanyang harapan ay
humadlang naman angisang lalong may matipunong mga bisig nanakilala niyang pinakapuno
ng mga lumusob.

Nilagdaan ni Cesar ang tulos ng kalabankasunod ng pagbagsak ng kanyang sarilingpatalim sa

katawan nito. Ngunit iyon ay hindiman lamang natinag at sa pakiramdam niya’y sahangin
lamang siya tumaga kaya siya ay napatigagal. Sinamantala ito ng mga kaaway at siya’y
inundayan. Bago nakaiwas ay tumama na sa kanyang ulo ang tabak niyon at ang
kanyangkinatatayuan ay biglang natunaw at siya’ybumagsak na tila may nauulinigan pang
isangmahiwagang tinig na nakiangkas sa sumisibatniyang diwa:“Ako si Cesar!... Ang hamak
na magbubukid.. Angdakila hamak … dakila… Cesarrrrr…!

-2-Nang imulat ni Cesar ang kanyang mga mata ay nakalatag na siya sa isang matigas
nahimlayan. Hindi niya kilala ang pook na ito, at laong hindi niya kilala ang mukha ng
isangnakaputing taong nakatunghay sa kanya at nababalot sa kanyang noo ng isang basahang
putina basa ng kung anong bagay na nakahihilo angamoy. Sa isang iglap ay sumurot sa
kanyang isipanang paniniwalang siya ay nasa kamay na ng mgakaaway! Napabalikwas si
Cesar at nag nagkaputing taong inabot ng kanyang sipa ay
gumulong sa sahig. Nahagip din niya at naisaksaksa sulok ang isa pang matandang babaing
umiiyaksa tabi ng higaan, na sinugod naman ng yapos ngisang magandang babaing may
mahabang buhok. Tumilapon ang mga botelyang nakapatong sanabuwal na mesita at
nagkabasag, at ang amoyna masansang ng laman ng mga iyon ay pumunosa pook na iyon.
Hindi man nakahuma ang ilangtaong naroroon na parang napatiran na ng mgaugat sa tuhod at
bisig.
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Sumandal si Cesar sa dinding at hinarap angmga ito. Nangungunot ang kanyang noong
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tinitigan ang kanilang mga bihis. Ang mga iyon ay nakamaang na lahat sa kanya, at siya’y na
tigilan ang biglang sumagi sa kanyang hinagap na angmga iyon at ang lahat ng ito ay nakita
na niya at nangakilalang minsan.

Minalas niya ang kanyang sarili ngunit biglasiya nangilabot. Sa kanyang diwa ay nagtibay
angisang hinalang siya ay nasa pugad ng kanyangmga kaaway na higit na makapangyarihan.
Nagbalik sa kanyang gunita ang isang matandangpaniwalang iniwi ng kanyang panahon at
nagingsangkap nang kanyang pagkatao buhat pa sa mgaunang araw ng kanyang kanyang
kabataangpinanday ng paaralan ng mga taon. Ang mga taong ito’y mga engkantadong lahat…
at siya’ykinulam ng mga ito upang mag-iba ng anyo, at nang sa gayo’y matulad sa kanila.
Ang pangarap niya sa kanyang luklukan sa trono ay isang uri ngengkanto na naipasok sa
kanyang diwa sasandaling maidlip upang malimot niya angkanyang kamaharlikaan. Ibig ng
mga iyon ay malimot niya ang kanyang sarili upangmaipailalim na lubos sa kanilang
kapangyarihan.

Napahalakhak si Cesar.“Ha! ha! ha! Ako’y si Cesar! Nalalaman kongako ay si Cesar! Ang
Dakilang Mandirigma! Hindi malilinlang ng mga uwak ang isang Roamnongmay putong na
lawrel ng kadakilaan! Isasaulininyo siya sa kanyang kamaharlikahan at kung hindi …”

Nadampot ni Cesar ang isang tungkod ng bintana at saka iwinasiwas sa hangin. Ang mga
kaharap ay natilihan, nagtinginang tila nagtatanong sa isa’t isa. “Nababaliw na!” Ang bulung-
bulungan ay nagpalipat-lipat. “Nababaliw na si Cesar! Nababaliw na sa lakas ng pagkahampas
ng ulo!”

Namula si Cesar nang maulinigan ito at humanda sa pagsugod. Nababaliw? At

sasabihingnababaliw si Cesar ng mga taong ito na sa ayos at pananamit ay siyang karapat-
dapat kapitan ngsalitang baliw?

Ang matandang babaing tumatangis ay dahan-dahang umipod na papalapit.“Anak!” May

pagsusumamo ang tinig ng babae. “Hindi mo ba ako nakikilala? Ako ang iyong ina, a!”

Ngunit si Cesar ay nandilat lamang. Pinaglabanan niya ang biglang pagsagi ngpagnanasang
sugurin niya at yakapin angmatanda, at ang magandang babaing naiwangnababaghan sa sulok.
Naniniwala siyang inaakitlamang siya ng masamang espiritu upang gawinang gayon.

“Ina?” pilit ang kanyang tugon. “Walangnakikilalang ina ang isang dakila kundi si Minerva.
Puputulin ni Cesar ang dilang naglubid ngkasini=ungalingang narinig ko!”
Ang matanda ay biglang dinahulong at iniamba ang kanyang hawak. Napatili angmagandang
babaing naroroon, kasabay ngpaghadlang ng isang lalaki at ang kamay ni Cesar ay sinalag.
Nagpambuno ang dalawa hanggang samadaganan ang matanda. Parang nahipan nghangin ang
mga taong naroon at nagkakagulong sumugod upang umawat. “Huwag! Huwag!” tili ng
magandang babae. Ngunit bago napawi ang alingawngaw niyon ay naipalo na ng isang lalaki
ang tukod ng bintana sa ulo ni Cesar.

-3-Natauhan si Cesar na nakagapos na ang kanyang buong katawan sa ibabaw ng higaan at

ang ulo ay balot na balot ng mahabang benda. Hindi niya gustong kumilos pagkat
nangingirotang kanyang ulo at mga buto. Ipinikit na lamangniya ang kanyang mga mata.
Ayaw niyang mag-isip ng anuman. Malabung-malabo ang kanyangdiwa at ang bahagyang
pagpupunyagi sa pag-iisipay ikinahahapo nito.
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Nagmulat siya ng mga mata nang makarinigng nag-aanasang mga tinig. Nakita niya ang
isangmatandang babaing nakaupo na malapit sa durungawan sa harap ng isang
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matandanglalaking may mahabang balbas na halos umabotna sa dibdib. Ang matandang babae
ay nakatungong nagpapahid ng mga mata, samantalang hinahagud-hagod naman ng lalakiang
mahabang balbas at tila nag-iisip. May pinag-uusapan ang dalawa na siya ang tila
pinakapaksangunit hindi lamang niya lubos na matiyakpagka’t pati ang makinig ng usapan ay
tilapumapagod sa kanya.

Umiiyak na ang babae. Humarap na biglarito ang balbasing matanda na sa sulok ng labi ay
nakakunyapit ang isang ngiting mahiwaga. “Ngunit, Rosa,” ang marahang wika nito,
marahang-marahang tila sinadya, “si Cesar ay di nababaliw!”

Naramdaman ni Cesar na namigat ang kanyang ulo at siya’y napapikit nang mariin. Angmga
tinig na naririnig niya ay pumupuno sakanyang ulo, na anhin man niyang iwaksi ay pilitna
nasusumiksik sa kanyang isipan.

Nahiwatigan niyang tila may pagtatalongilang saglit ang dalawa na sinundan ng

isangmahabang pangungusap ng lalaki, na paminsan-minsan ay tila may nasusundot sa
kanyang gunitaat nakapagpapaalaala sa kanya ng ilang malalabong bagay na nagdaan. Pilit
niyang inunawaang kahulugan ng kanyang mga naririnig ngunutnag-agtingan lamang ang
mga ugat sa kanyang ulo.

Narinig niyang nabanggit ang isang pangalan –Meding… Meding… kababata ng aking
anak… anak… anak… ng aming kapitbahay… muntik na ring mapahamak … dumadalaw
ritong madalas buhatnang si Cesar ay… marahil ay dadalaw na muli …

Nag-alumpihit si Cesar sa kanyang higaan. Angpangalang iyon… ang pangalang iyon! Ang…
at nang hindi na matiis ay nagtangkang bumangon sapagkakahiga,ngunit pinigilan siya ng
lubid na nakapulupot sakanyang katawan. “Cesar,” narinig niyang tawagng balbasing lalaki na
noo’y nakalapit na sakanyang higaan. “Cesar…”

Napagulantang si Cesar at napadilat na muli. Ngunit hindi siya tumugon. Hinipo siya ng
lalaki. Tumutol ang mga laman niya, ngunit ang salat ngmga palad ng lalaking iyon ay hindi
niya iwinaksipagkat nakapagpaginhawa sa kanyang pakiramdam.
Yumuko iyon at siya’y tinitigang mabuti ng mgamatang malalamlam ngunit nanunuot
hanggangsa kaliit-liitang hibla ng kanyang laman. Sinalatang kanyang mga mata. Ipinakadilat
ang mgatalukap. Tinitigan at tinatapatan ng isang kung anong mabilog na salamin. Nang
malao’ynapapikit na lamng siya at nakiramdam. Pinulsuhan siya ng matanda, sinalat ang
iba’tibang bahagi ng kanyang katawan, upang ibaliklamang muli ang pansin sa kanyang mga
mata. “Cesar,” pagkaraan ng mahabang sandali ay mulign tinawag ng matanda. Dumilat siya
at sinalubong ang nanunuot na titig niyon, ngunithindi pa rin siya sumagot. “Cesar… Cesar
…”

Nag-unat ng katawan ang matanda at pagkunwa’y hinudyatan ang babae upanglumabas, saka
ipininid ang kurtina ng pinto. Nagbalik sa kinaroroonan ni Cesar at siya’yisinandal sa
pinagpatung-patong na mga unan.

Saglit iyong nagpalakad – lakad sa loob ng silid at tinungo ang nakabukas na bintana. Saglit
ding huminga ng malalim, at pagkatapos ay mulinglumapit sa kanya. Dumukot ng isang bagay
namakislap at itinapat sa mata ni Cesar.

“Titigan mo ito,” ang wikang marahan, at ang tingi ay nag-iba ng himig. Hinagod ng
mgadaliri niyon nag pagitan ng kanyang kilay, at sasalat ng daliri ay parang may hinigut sa
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salimuotsa kanyang utak. “Huwag kakang mag-iisip kahitano. Pumanatag ka. Huwag mong
papansinin ang mga sinabi ko. Ayan… parang pinapaypayan na ang iyong mga mata … at
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ikaw ay mag – aantok … mag – aantok …”

Naramdaman ni Cesar na tila matutulis na sibat ang mga salitang iyon na naglagos sakanyang
utak, hanggang sa ang kanyang ulo ay unti-unting lumaki at ang kanyang paningin ay unti-
unting nanlabo at ang kanyang katawan ay unti-unting gumaan. Humina nang humina angtinig
na naririnig niya hanggang tuluyang mawalana sa kanyang pandinig.

At sa sandaling hindi pinakaaasahan ay bigla nalamang siyang pumailanlang sa itaas. Sumibat

angkanyang diwa sa kalawakang namumutiktik samga bituin at buwan, sa mga kumeta at
planeta, na bawa’t isa’y nagtataglay ng mga larawan ngisang taong mandi-rigma, ng isang
taongmagbubukid, ng isang taong mandirigma, ng isang…

Nagsala-salabat sa kanyang isip ang mgalarawang iyon hanggang sa biglang magsiinog

sakanyang paningin lahat, hanggang sa siya’y matangay at mapasama samga iyon. Uminog
siya nang uminog na kasabayng mga bituin at planeta, na kasama ng mgakumeta at buwan.
Uminog siya ng uminog … inog… inog … inog nang inog …

At sa kanyang pag-inog ay tila may isangmatinis na tinig na nagbubuhat sa pinakaliblib

nasulok ng kanyang utak , nanunuot sa kanyangdiwa. Limutin mo si Cesar na Mandirigma …
isipinmo si Cesar na magbubukid … limutin mo si Cesar na Mandirigma … isipin mo si Cesar
namagbubukid … ikaw si Cesar na magbubukid … magbubukid … magbubukid …

At patuloy ang kanyang pag-inog na kasama ng mga bituin at planeta, ng mga kumeta at
buwan. Uminog siya nang uminog … inog ng inog… inog … inog … i.. n.. o.. g.. i.. n.. o.. g..
i.. n.. o.. o.. o.. o.. g.. g.. g.. g……

-4-Nagising si Cesar na wala nang gapos at nakatunghay na sa kanya ang kanyang ina sa
tabing matandang balbasin. Walang kurap angpagkatitig sakanya ng mga mata niyong may
luha.. Titig na nananabik at nahihintay. Kumurap-kurap si Cesar nang ilang saglit, at nang
biglangnaunawa ang lahat ay saka pabalikwas nanagbangon. Ngunit hindi ang matanda
niyang inaang kanyang nasugod ng yakap.

Hindi, kundi ang isang babaing nasa may likuran ngmatanda … ang isang babaing duamating
doon habangsiya’y natutulog … ang isang babaing may mabahangbuhok at kayumangging
kulay.

“Meding!” ang kanyang tawag. At sa ilang saglit pa’y nasa bisig niya ito, pinupugpog ng halik
– sa pisngi, sa leeg, sa buhok, sadibdib, sa labi, samantala’y walang tigl naman angpagtulo ng
kanyang luha, ng luha ng babaing nakayaposdin sa kanya, at sa kanyang inang … umiiyak at
dumalangin at naspapasalamat sa Maykapal.
https://vdocuments.net/planeta-buwan-at-mga-bituin-ni-elpidio-p-kapulong.html?page=1
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