Philippine Literary Periods, Canonical Authors, and Key Works

50 vocabulary flashcards covering Philippine literary periods, major authors, regional characteristics, and notable works from the Pre-Spanish era to the 21st century.

Pre-Spanish Literature

Earliest Philippine literary period marked by oral traditions such as folktales, folksongs, and epics before Spanish colonization.

Folktale (Philippine)

Traditional story about life, adventure, humor, or horror that conveys morals; passed down orally.

“Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella”

Example of a Philippine folktale that parallels the global Cinderella motif.

Folksong

Oldest form of Philippine literature; simple lyrical pieces set to music and sung by the people.

Kundiman

Traditional Filipino love song characterized by smooth, flowing, and gentle rhythm.

Kumintang

Ancient Tagalog war song that later evolved into a love song form.

Oyayi

Traditional Filipino lullaby used to soothe children to sleep.

Epic (Philippine)

Long narrative poem recounting the adventures of heroic figures and reflecting cultural ideals.

“Biag ni Lam-ang”

Ilocano epic poem that chronicles the heroic exploits of Lam-ang.

Period of Enlightenment (1872-1896)

Time when Filipino Illustrados wrote about Spanish colonization and advocated reforms through literature.

Propaganda Movement

Reformist literary and journalistic campaign (circa 1872-1896) led by Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and others.

American Regime Literature (1898-1944)

Era when works were produced in Spanish, Tagalog, and regional dialects under U.S. colonial rule.

“Dead Stars”

Short story by Paz Márquez-Benítez exploring love, illusion, and social conventions.

“Footnote to Youth”

Story by José García Villa about early marriage and its consequences.

Japanese Period (1941-1945)

Literary era focused on faith, love, and spirituality; promoted native poetic forms.

Haiku (Philippine context)

Japanese-inspired 3-line poem (5-7-5 syllables) adapted by Filipino writers during Japanese occupation.

Tanaga

Indigenous 4-line Filipino poem with 7 syllables each, often containing metaphor or moral.

Period of Activism (1970-1972)

Literary phase of protest when youth used writings and placards to demand governmental change.

Period of the New Society (1972-1980)

Martial-law era literature featuring censored newspapers and subtle critiques of oppression.

Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)

Time after partial lifting of martial law when works voiced grief, poverty, and devotion to God.

Post-EDSA Revolution Literature (1986-1995)

Era of renewed freedom when press outlets like Bulletin Today and Inquirer flourished.

21st-Century Philippine Literature

Contemporary period characterized by ICT-inclined writers and new genres that suit modern tastes.

Luzon Literary Scene

Region producing most National Artists; modernized with larger population and opportunities.

Visayas Literary Scene

Area famed for poetic tradition; proverbially, 'love for poetry runs in Visayan blood.'

Mindanao Literary Scene

Diverse literature of Christian settlers, Moro peoples, and Lumad ethnolinguistic groups.

Francisco López

Ilocano writer who documented some of the earliest known Iloko poems and translated romances from Spanish.

Leona Florentino

Pioneer female poet dubbed 'Mother of Philippine Women’s Literature'; wrote 'Blasted Hopes.'

Pedro Bukaneg

Blind poet called 'Father of Ilokano Literature' and reputed author of 'Biag ni Lam-ang.'

Fernando Maramag

Cagayan Valley poet-journalist in English best known for 'The Rural Maid.'

Iness Taccad Cammayo

Palanca awardist, Cagayan Valley fictionist noted for 'People of Consequence' and related stories.

Jose Rizal

Leader of the Illustrados; author of 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo.'

Nestor Vicente Madali “N.V.M.” González

MIMAROPA fictionist, essayist, and teacher; wrote 'The Winds of April' and 'Seven Hills Away.'

Mariano Perfecto

Father of Bicol Literature; founded first Bicol newspaper 'Ang Parabareta.'

Amador T. Daguio

Cordillera poet and novelist; authored 'Bataan Harvest' and 'The Flaming Lyre.'

Andres Bonifacio (literary)

Katipunan founder who penned patriotic poems like 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.'

Nick Joaquin

National Capital Region writer of fiction and essays; known for 'La Naval de Manila.'

Marcel M. Navarra

Father of Modern Cebuano Literature; wrote 'Tungod sa Kayagang' and 'Ug Gianod Ako.'

Alica Tan-Gonzales

Central Visayas writer of poetry, drama, and fiction in Hiligaynon; researcher of folk literature.

Illuminado Lucente

Eastern Visayas dramatist celebrated for the play 'An Iroy Nga Tuna.'

Emigdio Alvarez Enriquez

Zamboanga playwright; author of 'The White Horse of Alih' and 'Blood on the Moon.'

Lualhati Torres Bautista

Novelist famous for martial-law narratives 'Dekada ’70' and 'Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?'.

Bob Ong

Pseudonymous contemporary author known for humorous social commentaries like 'ABNKKBSNPLAKo?!'.

Peter Solis Nery

Iloilo writer dubbed 'Hiligaynon Pride'; created modern myths such as 'Umanhon nga Gugma.'

Reginio L. Gonzales Jr.

Northern Mindanao short-story writer; penned 'The Battle at Tagoloan' and 'The Cemetery Keeper.'

Aida Rivera-Ford

Davao writer, Hopwood Awardee; edited early issues of 'Sands and Coral' literary journal.

Bartolome del Valle

SOCCSKSARGEN writer tackling social issues; works include 'Indarapatra at Sulayman' adaptation.

Espiridion Arsenio Manuel

Caraga scholar who documented epics such as 'Tuwaang' and 'Agyu.'

Anthony L. Tan

Mindanaoan writer known for the short story 'The Bajao.'

“Tuwaang at Agyu”

Manobo epics preserved and studied by Espiridion Arsenio Manuel.