Pre-Spanish and Spanish Period

Legends/Alamat

Fictional stories about the origins of people, places, or things.

Folk Tales/Kwentong Bayan

Stories that depict human experiences and contain moral lessons

Epics/Epiko

Long narrative poems about heroic deeds and supernatural feats

Myths

Stories explaining natural phenomena, gods, and human customs.

Folk Songs

Traditional songs that reflect Filipino life, emotions, and culture.

Kundiman

Traditional Filipino love song expressing deep emotions.

Kumintang

Folk song from Batangas conveying warrior valor and pride.

Dalit/Imno

Hymns or religious songs of praise.

Oyayi/Hele

Lullabies sung to soothe children.

Soliranin

Work songs sung during communal labor.

Harana

Traditional Filipino serenade for courtship.

Epigram/Salawikain

Proverbs that teach moral lessons

Riddles/Bugtong

Short, cryptic phrases that describe objects or ideas.

Chants/Bulong

Ritualistic verses associated with supernatural practices.

Saying/Kasabihan

Expressions with moral significance

Alibata/Baybayin

Pre-colonial Filipino script replaced by the Roman alphabet.

Christian Doctrine

Foundation of religious teachings introduced by Spaniards.

Spanish Language

Became the medium of instruction and government.

Doctrina Cristiana

First printed book in the Philippines using xylography (wood block printing).

Doctrina Cristiana

a religious text by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr. Domingo Nieva.

Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Second book printed in the Philippines, printed at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Printing Press.

Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Contains biographies of saints and religious teachings.

Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Written by Blancas de San Jose

Libro de los Cuatro Post Primeras de Hombre

First book printed using typography (movable type), combining Spanish and Tagalog texts.

Ang Barlaan at Josaphat

First Tagalog Bible story printed in the Philippines.

Ang Barlaan at Josaphat

Translated by Fr. Antonio de Borja

Ang Barlaan at Josaphat

Tells the life of Barlaan and Josaphat, a Biblical story, and is considered one of the first Filipino novels.

Urbana at Felisa

A book of letters teaching good behavior and virtues.

Ang Mga Dalit Kay Maria/Psalms for Mary

Collection of hymns praising the Virgin Mary.

Leron-Leron Sinta

A playful song about courtship and love.

Atin Cu Pung Singsing

A nostalgic song about losing something precious.

Tibag

A religious play dramatizing Saint Helena’s search for the True Cross.

Cenaculo

A dramatic reenactment of Christ's passion and death.

Panunuluyan

A Christmas play about Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn.

Salubong

An Easter play depicting the meeting of the Risen Christ and Mary.

Carillo

A shadow play using projected figures.

Zarzuela

Musical comedy or melodrama that typically deals with human passions such as love, revenge, and social issues.

Sainete

A short comedic play about lower-class characters and their everyday situations.

Moro-moro

A play depicting battles between Christians and Muslims.

Karagatan

A poetic contest where participants create verses to win a princess's hand, based on a legend of a princess losing her ring in the sea.

Balagtasan

A poetic debate honoring Francisco Balagtas; participants argue on a given topic.

Dung-aw

A chant performed at wakes to express grief.