Philippine Literature Notes

Pre-Colonial Period (BC - 1565)

  • Time before Spanish colonization.
  • Barangays led by Datu.
  • Indigenous beliefs, rituals, customs.
  • Oral tradition.
  • Baybayin script.
  • Literature linked to daily life, nature and religion.

Characteristics

  • Oral tradition: Passed down verbally.
  • Communal and performative: Recited or sung during rituals.
  • Functional: Served religious, social and practical purposes.
  • Repetitive and formulaic: Used for easy memorization.
  • Rich in symbolism: Reflected values, beliefs, and connection with nature.

Literary Forms

Oral Literature
  • Riddles (Bugtong): Metaphorical questions requiring creative thinking.
    • Example: "Isang balong malalim, punong-puno ng patalim." - Mouth
  • Proverbs (Salawikain): Wise sayings expressing moral lessons.
    • Example: "Ang taong di marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay di makararating sa paroroonan.”
  • Folk Songs (Kundiman, Oyayi, Diona): Sung during daily activities.
    • Oyayi (lullaby), Kundiman (love song), Soliranin (boating song), Talindaw (fishing song).
    • Example: "Sa Libis ng Nayon" - kundiman about rural love.
  • Chants (Bulong, Alamat, Pag-anito): Rhythmic verses used in healing or rituals.
    • Example: Bulong: "Tabi-tabi po, makikiraan po."
Narrative Literature
  • Epic Poetry (Epiko): Long poems about heroic figures with supernatural powers.
    • Examples: "Biag ni Lam-ang", "Hinilawod", "Hudhud ni Aliguyon", "Darangen"
  • Folktales & Legends (Alamat and Kuwentong Bayan): Stories explaining origins, containing morals and magic.
    • Examples: "Alamat ng Pinya", "Alamat ng Bulkang Mayon", "Si Malakas at si Maganda", "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing"
Prose Narratives
  • Fables (Pabula): Stories using animals to teach moral lessons.
    • Example: "Ang Matsing at ang Pagong"
  • Myths (Mito): Explain natural events or deities.
    • Example: "Bathala", Mayari, Apolaki
  • Maxims (Sawikain / Kasabihan): Idiomatic expressions reflecting values.
    • Example: "Nagbibilang ng poste"

Social Functions

  • Educational: Taught morals, values, and survival knowledge.
  • Religious/Spiritual: Used in rituals to connect with spirits.
  • Entertainment: Provided leisure and bonding.
  • Historical: Preserved ancestral stories.
  • Cultural: Transmitted traditions and identity.

Importance

  • Preserved Filipino identity.
  • Showed creativity and intelligence.
  • Proved existence of a developed culture.
  • Inspired modern literature.

Spanish Period (1565–1898)

  • Spanish colonization began in 1565.
  • Introduced Catholicism, Latin alphabet, and European literary forms.

Characteristics

  • Religious: Focused on Christian teachings.
  • Didactic and allegorical: Aimed to teach moral lessons.
  • Written in multiple languages: Spanish, Tagalog, and native dialects.
  • Controlled by the Church.
  • Shift from oral to written: Use of paper and printing.

Major Literary Forms

Religious Literature
  • Produced by friars to convert natives.
    • "Pasyon": Gaspar Aquino de Belen.
    • "Ang Urbana at Feliza": Modesto de Castro.
    • "Dalit": Short devotional songs.
Secular Literature
  • Focused on entertainment and romance.
    • Awit and Corrido: Narrative poems with romantic themes.
      • Awit: Dodecasyllabic (12 syllables per line) ex. Florante at Laura
      • Corrido: Octosyllabic (8 syllables per line) ex. Ibong Adarna
    • Zarzuela (Sarswela): Musical play on love and social issues. ex.