Philippine Literature from Pre-Colonial Times to the 21st Century

A set of 25 vocabulary flashcards highlighting essential terms, genres, periods, and figures in Philippine literary history from pre-colonial times to the 21st century.

Literature

Works, oral or written, that artistically express universal and lasting ideas

where and what word literature comes from

from Latin litteratura (writing) and litteratus (learnings

Pre-Colonial Literature

The oral traditions of the Philippine archipelago before Spanish rule, rooted in community life, religion, and politics.

Riddle (Bugtong)

A short, puzzling statement posed as a ‘battle of wits’ among participants in early Filipino culture.

Proverb (Salawikain)

A concise traditional saying that imparts practical wisdom or moral lessons drawn from everyday experience.

Folk Song

A simple, stanzaic song with a refrain and easy melody—such as lullabies (hele), serenades (harana), or Mangyan ambahan.

Chant (Bulong)

A rhythmic utterance or incantation used in witchcraft, healing, or enchantment rituals.

Epic

A lengthy narrative poem from oral tradition that recounts heroic deeds or the origins of a people (e.g., Biag ni Lam-ang).

Legend

A folk narrative about human actions believed to have occurred in real history, like the story of Maria Makiling.

Pasyon

A long metrical narrative about the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, sung during Holy Week.

Senakulo

A dramatic stage presentation that reenacts the Pasyon in Filipino communities.

Awit

A sung metrical romance of chivalric adventures in 12-syllable quatrains; example: Ibong Adarna.

Korido

An 8-syllable metrical romance or ballad often dealing with legend or social themes; example: Florante at Laura.

Propaganda Movement

The late-19th-century reform campaign led by Rizal, del Pilar, and Ponce, using essays and newspapers like La Solidaridad to awaken nationalism.

Noli Me Tangere

José Rizal’s novel exposing Spanish colonial abuses and inspiring Filipino nationalism.

El Filibusterismo

Rizal’s darker sequel to Noli, depicting revenge and revolutionary ferment under colonial oppression.

Thomasites

American teachers who arrived in 1901 to establish a public-school system and introduce English in the Philippines.

Haiku

A 3-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable count, focusing on nature and brevity; popularized during Japanese occupation.

Tanaga

A Filipino poem of four 7-syllable lines (7-7-7-7) with rhyme, conveying insights or proverbs.

New Society Period

The literary era under Martial Law (1972-1980) marked by social-development themes, censorship, and bilingual writing.

21st Century Literature

Contemporary works that integrate digital formats, new lingos, and ICT to suit modern readers.

Lam-ang

The miracle-working hero of the Ilocano epic Biag ni Lam-ang, famed for supernatural exploits.

Hinilawod

The Panay epic poem recounting the adventures of demi-gods like Labaw Donggon and Humadapnon.

American Colonization Period

Literary era (1910-1945) when English was introduced, public schools flourished, and the short story became dominant.

Japanese Occupation Period

1942-1944 era of strict press control, Tagalog literary resurgence, and forms like haiku and tanaga.

Bilingual Education

Contemporary policy promoting instruction and literary production in both Filipino and English.