Philippine Literature Periods and Forms (VOCABULARY)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms, forms, periods, and figures from the provided notes on Philippine literature.

Pre-Colonial Period

A period where literature was transmitted orally (sung, recited, or chanted) and reflected customs, traditions, natural phenomena, and social, political, economic, historical, and spiritual conditions.

Enculturation

The process of passing one's culture from one generation to another.

Bugtong (Riddles)

A form of Oral Literature consisting of short, clever questions whose answers are common, everyday things.

Salawikain (Proverbs)

Concise traditional sayings that express common truths or wisdom.

Tanaga

A traditional Filipino short poem; a form of pre-colonial poetry.

Awiting Bayan

Folk songs; traditional songs of a community.

Hele/Oyayi

Types of folk songs, often lullabies or soothing songs in pre-colonial times.

Ambahan

Poems of the Mangyan; a pre-colonial poetic form used in daily life and rituals.

Kalusan

A literary form from the Ivatan of the Philippines.

Kuwentong Bayan

Folk tales; traditional stories passed down orally.

Myth

A traditional story explaining natural phenomena or cultural beliefs, often involving gods.

Legend

A traditional story sometimes linking historical events with mythical elements.

Fable

A short didactic story, often with animals as characters (e.g., Ang Langgam at ang Tipaklong).

Fantastic Story

A narrative featuring mythical creatures or supernatural elements.

Ibalon

An epic from the Bicol region.

Maragtas Chronicles

Visayan epic narratives from Panay-Visayan regions.

Darangan

Mindanao epic tradition.

Hudhud ni Aliguyon

Igorot epic tradition from Cordillera region.

Biag ni Lam-ang

Ilokano epic; one of the oldest Filipino literary works.

Pasyon

Religious narrative of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, popular during Lent; Gaspar Aquino de Belén contributed a version.

Tibag

Dramatic presentation of Saint Helena’s search for the Holy Cross; a May festival.

Senakulo (Cenakulo)

Stage plays depicting the passion and death of Christ.

Comedia/Moro-moro

Love stories featuring Christians and Moros; depicts conflicts and eventual Christianization.

Lagaylay

Two-hour religious chant of praise to the Holy Cross through song and dance.

Panunuluyan

Christmas Eve play depicting Mary and Joseph seeking an inn for the birth of Jesus.

Salubong

Dawn procession reuniting Jesus and Mary after the Resurrection; a rich religious-cultural practice.

Awit and Korido

Philippine metrical romances with long narratives about chivalry, religion, and myth.

Duplo

Verbal and intellectual poetry contest, traditionally held during wakes.

Balagtasan

A poetic debate that replaced Duplo, held to honor Balagtas; discusses social or literary topics.

Dung-Aw

Chant in free verse by a grieving person beside the corpse; a northern Ilocano lament.

Kalayaan

Political essays from the Spanish period (e.g., Kalayaan by Emilio Jacinto).

Diariong Tagalog

A political newspaper/publication during Spanish rule that advocated reform.

Noli Me Tangere

Rizal’s novel criticizing Spanish colonial society and awakening nationalist consciousness.

El Filibusterismo

Rizal’s sequel; a more radical critique of colonial society and governance.

True Decalogue

A poem by Apolinario Mabini reflecting moral/ethical codes of the era.

Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas

A poem by Andres Bonifacio expressing national struggle and awakening.

American Period

Literature period characterized by imitation of American/English models, English as medium of instruction, and new literatures.

Sumsum Corda

Poem from the Period of Re-orientation (Justo Juliano).

My Mother and Air Castles

Poem from the Period of Re-orientation (Juan F. Salazar).

Dead Stars

A short story by Paz Marquez-Benitez from the American period (Period of Imitation).

Footnote to Youth

A short story by Jose Garcia Villa illustrating youth and maturity (Period of Self-Discovery).

How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife

A short story by Manuel Arguilla illustrating Filipino family and culture (Period of Self-Discovery).

Graphic Novels

A 21st-century literary form; sequential art narrative.

Blog

Literary work published digitally as posts; a hallmark of 21st-century literature.

Spoken Poetry

Performance-based poetry popular in contemporary literature.

Flip Top

A modern Filipino form combining rap and wordplay in a performance battle.

Hugot Lines/Pickup Lines

Contemporary, emotionally expressive lines about love and life in modern Filipino culture.

Martial Law Literature

Contemporary works produced during Martial Law that use protest, proletarian, and prison themes.

Prominent Martial Law Writers

Lualhati Bautista, F. Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera, Jose F. Lacaba, Edgardo Reyes—authors noted for advocacy, critique, and realism during/after Martial Law.

21st-Century Literature Characteristics

Literature from 2001–present; reflects gender sensitivity, tech influence, cultural plurality, and challenge to norms.

Rizal Quote on Values Formation

“He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination” — used to emphasize learning from the past.