21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

LESSON 1: Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic Dimensions of Philippine Literary History from Pre-Colonial to the
Contemporary

Think About This!

Our forefathers already had their literature, which reflected in their customs and traditions. They had their alphabet
even before they had colonized. The Spanish friars burned their alphabet in the belief that they were works of the devil
or were written on materials that quickly perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves, and bamboo cylinders, which
could not have remained firm even if efforts were made to preserve them. Our unique geographic location is the reason
why we are rich.

PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE - is characterized by:

• Folk tales. These are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror, and humor where one can derive
lessons.
An example of this is THE MOON AND THE SUN.
• The Epic Age. Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events, usually of a
hero, are dealt with at length.
• Folk Songs. These are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish period.
These songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables.
Examples of which are Kundiman, Kumintang o Tagumpay, Ang Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana, Soliraning
and
Talindaw

Understanding Literary History

Literature in this period may be classified as religious prose and poetry and secular prose and poetry.
• Spanish Influences On Philippine Literature The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA, was replaced by the
Roman
alphabet. Also, the teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices. European legends
and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
• Folk Songs
It manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate appreciation for and love of beauty. The
examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
• Recreational Plays
There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times. Almost all of them were in
a poetic form such Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, Salubong and Zarzuela.

PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT (1972- 1898)

In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Ilustrados began to write about the hitch of colonization.
The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) - This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like
Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro
Paterno.
o Some of Rizal’s writings: Noli Me Tangere, Mi Ultimo Adios, Sobre La Indolencia Delos Filipinos and Filipinas
Dentro De
Cien Aňos.
o Some of Del Pilar’s writings: Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of Country), Kaingat Kayo (Be Careful), and
Dasalan at Tocsohan (Prayers and Jokes).
o Some of Jaena’s writings: Ang Fray Botod, La Hija Del Fraile (The Child of the Friar), and Everything Is Hambug
(Everything is mere show), Sa Mga Pilipino...1891), and Talumpating Pagunita Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to
Commemorate Columbus).

THE AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1944)

Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using English language. Jose Garcia Villa became famous for
his free verse.
Characteristics of Literature during this period:
The languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of the different regions. But 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 and the writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans.

THE JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)

Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when another foreign country, Japan, conquered the
Philippines between1941-1945. Philippine literature in English came to a halt. This led to all newspapers not to be
circulated in the community except for TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE REVIEW.
 o Filipino Poetry during this period The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was
nationalism, country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
o Three types of poems emerged during this period:
a. Haiku , a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into three
lines and
b. Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but it had measure and rhyme.
c. Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form)

PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (1941-1945)

Because of the strict prohibitions imposed by the Japanese in the writing and publishing of works in English,
Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period. For the first twenty years, many books were published
both in Filipino and in English.
In the New Filipino Literature, Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the
writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, the poverty of life under the Japanese government, and the brave
guerilla exploits.

PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)

According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide causes. Because of the ills
of society, the youth moved to seek reforms.
The Literary Revolution
The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded a change in the government. It was
manifested in the bloody demonstrations and the sidewalk expressions and also in literature.

PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972- 1980)

The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards continued to give
annual awards. Poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs, and the beauties of nature and
surroundings. Newspapers donned new forms.

News on economic progress, discipline, culture, tourism, and the like were favored more than the
sensationalized reporting of killings, rape, and robberies. Filipinos before were hooked in reading magazines and
comics.

PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC (1981-1985)

After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino, which started under the New Society,
Martial Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981. The Philippines became a new nation, and this, former
President Marcos called “The New Republic of the Philippines.” Poems during this period of the Third Republic
were romantic and revolutionary. Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were true-to-life like those of
grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and fellowmen.

POST-EDSA 1 REVOLUTION (1986-1995)

History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their independence, which they lost twenty
years ago. In four days from February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. In the
short span of
the existence of the real Republic of the Philippines, several changes already became evident. It was noticed in
the new Filipino songs, newspapers, speeches, and even in the television programs. The now crony newspapers
that enjoyed an
overnight increase in circulation were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S JOURNAL.

21st CENTURY PERIOD

The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the needs and tastes of the new generation. 21st
Century learners are demanded to be ICT inclined to compete with the style and format of writing as well. New
codes or lingos are used to add flavor in the literary pieces produced nowadays.