Discussion: What Is Literature?
Discussion: What Is Literature?
This is a three-hour per week course which suyveys short stories, poetry, essay, drama and other literary
works in English by Filipino authors from the pre-historic to the present periods. It shall highlight works by the
Palanca Awards in literature winners and the National Artists for Literature.
Objective:
The course generally aims to expose the college students to the rich repertoire of Philippine Literature written
in English. Specifically, this course aims to develop among the students the critical skills in reading and
analyzing literary texts to bolster their appreciative values and sense of pride towards the Filipino culture and
ideals, and to promote habitual and discriminating taste in reading works of Filipino authors
Week 1 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Understand the definition, importance, (OBA) Quiz, Reflection (TLA) Readings
and theories of literature paper,
DISCUSSION
• As man started to walk the earth, he developed a
system of recording down things around him and interpreting
them according to his own perception.
• This act of documenting may have been the start of
the medium.
• Not all written material may be considered literature.
Only those that closely emulate the human experience,
emotion and thought are regarded as literature.
• Man’s manifold experiences brought to us with the
use of beautiful language
What is literature? The word literature is derived from the Latin term litera which
means letter (an acquaintance with letters).
We understand not only the past life of a nation but also its
present.
PROSE
Prose consists of those written within the common flow of
conversation in sentences and paragraphs.
TYPES OF PROSE
1. NOVELS
A long narrative divided into chapters and events are taken
from true-to-life stories.
Example: WITHOUT SEEING THE DAWN by Stevan
Javellana
2. SHORT STORY
This is a narrative involving one or more characters, one plot
and one single impression.
Example: THE LAUGHTER OF MY FATHER by Carlos
Bulosan
3. PLAYS
This is presented on a stage, is divided into acts and each
act has many scenes.
Example:THIRTEEN PLAYS by Wilfredo M. Guerrero
4. LEGENDS
These are fictitious narratives, usually about origins.
Example: THE BIKOL LEGEND by Pio Duran
5. FABLES
These are also fictitious, and they deal with animals and
inanimate things that speak and act like people and their
purpose is to enlighten the minds of children to events that
can mold their ways and attitudes.
Example: THE MONKEY AND THE TURTLE
6. ANECDOTES
These are merely products of the writer’s imagination and the
main aim is to bring out lessons to the reader.
Example: THE MOTH AND THE LAMP
7. BIOGRAPHY
This deals with the life of a person which may be about
himself, his autobiography or that of others.
Example: CAYETANO ARELLANO by Socorro O. Albert
8. NEWS
This is a report of everyday events in society, government,
science and industry, and accidents, happening nationally or
not.
9. ORATION
This is a formal treatment of a subject and is intended to be
spoken in public. It appeals to the intellect, to the will or to
the emotions of the audience.
POETRY
Poetry refers to those expressions in verse, with measure
and rhyme, line and stanza and has a more melodious tone.
TYPE OF POETRY
A. NARRATIVE POETRY
This form describes important events in life either real or
imaginary.
2. METRICAL TALE
This is a narrative which is written in verse and can be
classified either as a ballad or a metrical romance.
Examples: BAYANI NG BUKID by Al Perez
HERO OF THE FIELDS by Al Perez
3. BALLADS
Of the narrative poems, this is considered the shortest and
simplest. It has a simple structure and tells of a single
incident. There are also variations of these: love ballads, war
ballads, and sea ballads, humorous, moral, and historical or
mythical ballads. In the early time, this referred to a song
accompanying a dance.
B. LYRIC POETRY
Originally, this refers to that kind of poetry meant to be sung
to the accompaniment of a lyre, but now, this applies to any
type of poetry that expresses emotions and feelings of the
poet. They are usually short, simple and easy to understand.
2. SONNETS
This is a lyric poem of 14 lines dealing with an emotion, a
feeling, or an idea. These are two types: the Italian and the
Shakespearean.
Example: SANTANG BUDS by Alfonso P. Santos
3. ELEGY
This is a lyric poem which expresses feelings of grief and
melancholy, and whose theme is death.
Example: THE LOVER’S DEATH by Ricaredo Demetillo
4. ODE
This is a poem of a noble feeling, expressed with dignity, with
no definite number of syllables or definite number of lines in a
stanza.
5. PSALMS (DALIT)
This is a song praising God or the Virgin Mary and containing
a philosophy of life.
6. AWIT (SONG)
These have measures of twelve syllables (dodecasyllabic)
and slowly sung to the accompaniment of a guitar or
banduria.
Example: FLORANTE AT LAURA by Franciso Balagtas
7. CORRIDOS (KURIDOS)
These have measures of eight syllables (octosyllabic) and
recited to a martial beat.
Example: IBONG ADARNA
C. DRAMATIC POETRY
1. COMEDY
The word comedy comes from the Greek term “komos”
meaning festivity or revelry. This form usually is light and
written with the purpose of amusing, and usually has a happy
ending.
2. MELODRAMA
This is usually used in musical plays with the opera. Today,
this is related to tragedy just as the farce is to comedy. It
arouses immediate and intense emotion and is usually sad
but there is a happy ending for the principal character.
4. TRAGEDY
This involves the hero struggling mightily against dynamic
forces; he meets death or ruin without success and
satisfaction obtained by the protagonist in a comedy.
5. FARCE
This is an exaggerated comedy. It seeks to arouse mirth by
laughable lines; situations are too ridiculous to be true; the
characters seem to be caricatures and the motives
undignified and absurd.
6. SOCIAL POEMS
This form is either purely comic or tragic and it pictures the
life of today. It may aim to bring about changes in the social
conditions.
Genre of Literature Poetry
Short Story
Novel
Drama
Essay
Elements of Each Form Poetry
Short Story
Novel
Drama
Essay
Literary Standards 1. UNIVERSALITY Great literature is timeless and timely.
Forever relevant, it appeals to one and all, anytime,
anywhere, because it deals with elemental feelings,
fundamental truths and universal conditions.
2. ARTISTRY This is the quality that appeals to our sense of
beauty.
3. INTELLECTUAL VALUE A literary works stimulates
thought. It enriches our mental life by making us realize
fundamental truths about life and human nature.
4. PERMANENCE A great work of literature endures. It can
be read again and again as each reading gives fresh
delight and new insights and opens a new world of
meaning and experience. Its appeal is lasting
5. STYLE This is the peculiar way in which writers sees life,
forms his ideas and expresses them.
6. SPIRITUAL VALUE Literature elevates the spirit by
bringing out moral values which makes a better person.
The capacity to inspire is part of the spiritual value of
literature
7. SUGGESTIVENESS This is associated with the
emotional power of literature. Great literature moves us
deeply and stirs our feeling and imagination, giving and
evoking visions above and beyond the plane of ordinary
life and experience
Week 2 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Illustrate the ways in which literature (OBA) Quiz, Reading (TLA) Readings,
helps interpret the human condition Analysis Activity
DISCUSSION
Theories of Literature/Literary FORMALISTIC OR LITERARY APPROACH The study of the
Approaches selection is based on the so-called “literary elements”.
Week 3 /3 Hours
(ILO) Differentiate the different categories (OBA) Written task, (TLA) Individual
of Prose and Poetry identified the reading and individual
categories of prose written task
and Poetry by giving
examples
DISCUSSION
Categories of Prose and GENERAL TYPES OF LITERATURE
Poetry Literature can generally be divided into two types; prose and
poetry.
PROSE
Prose consists of those written within the common flow of
conversation in sentences and paragraphs.
TYPES OF PROSE
1. NOVELS
A long narrative divided into chapters and events are taken
from true-to-life stories.
Example: WITHOUT SEEING THE DAWN by Stevan
Javellana
2. SHORT STORY
This is a narrative involving one or more characters, one plot
and one single impression.
Example: THE LAUGHTER OF MY FATHER by Carlos
Bulosan
3. PLAYS
This is presented on a stage, is divided into acts and each
act has many scenes.
Example:THIRTEEN PLAYS by Wilfredo M. Guerrero
4. LEGENDS
These are fictitious narratives, usually about origins.
Example: THE BIKOL LEGEND by Pio Duran
5. FABLES
These are also fictitious, and they deal with animals and
inanimate things that speak and act like people and their
purpose is to enlighten the minds of children to events that
can mold their ways and attitudes.
Example: THE MONKEY AND THE TURTLE
6. ANECDOTES
These are merely products of the writer’s imagination and the
main aim is to bring out lessons to the reader.
Example: THE MOTH AND THE LAMP
7. BIOGRAPHY
This deals with the life of a person which may be about
himself, his autobiography or that of others.
Example: CAYETANO ARELLANO by Socorro O. Albert
8. NEWS
This is a report of everyday events in society, government,
science and industry, and accidents, happening nationally or
not.
9. ORATION
This is a formal treatment of a subject and is intended to be
spoken in public. It appeals to the intellect, to the will or to
the emotions of the audience.
POETRY
Poetry refers to those expressions in verse, with measure
and rhyme, line and stanza and has a more melodious tone.
TYPE OF POETRY
A. NARRATIVE POETRY
This form describes important events in life either real or
imaginary.
Types of Narrative Poetry
1. EPIC
This is an extended narrative about heroic exploits often
under supernatural control.
Example: THE HARVEST SONG OF ALIGUYON
translated in English by Amador T. Daguio
2. METRICAL TALE
This is a narrative which is written in verse and can be
classified either as a ballad or a metrical romance.
Examples: BAYANI NG BUKID by Al Perez
HERO OF THE FIELDS by Al Perez
3. BALLADS
Of the narrative poems, this is considered the shortest and
simplest. It has a simple structure and tells of a single
incident. There are also variations of these: love ballads, war
ballads, and sea ballads, humorous, moral, and historical or
mythical ballads. In the early time, this referred to a song
accompanying a dance.
B. LYRIC POETRY
Originally, this refers to that kind of poetry meant to be sung
to the accompaniment of a lyre, but now, this applies to any
type of poetry that expresses emotions and feelings of the
poet. They are usually short, simple and easy to understand.
2. SONNETS
This is a lyric poem of 14 lines dealing with an emotion, a
feeling, or an idea. These are two types: the Italian and the
Shakespearean.
Example: SANTANG BUDS by Alfonso P. Santos
3. ELEGY
This is a lyric poem which expresses feelings of grief and
melancholy, and whose theme is death.
Example: THE LOVER’S DEATH by Ricaredo Demetillo
4. ODE
This is a poem of a noble feeling, expressed with dignity, with
no definite number of syllables or definite number of lines in a
stanza.
5. PSALMS (DALIT)
This is a song praising God or the Virgin Mary and containing
a philosophy of life.
6. AWIT (SONG)
These have measures of twelve syllables (dodecasyllabic)
and slowly sung to the accompaniment of a guitar or
banduria.
Example: FLORANTE AT LAURA by Franciso Balagtas
7. CORRIDOS (KURIDOS)
These have measures of eight syllables (octosyllabic) and
recited to a martial beat.
Example: IBONG ADARNA
C. DRAMATIC POETRY
1. COMEDY
The word comedy comes from the Greek term “komos”
meaning festivity or revelry. This form usually is light and
written with the purpose of amusing, and usually has a happy
ending.
2. MELODRAMA
This is usually used in musical plays with the opera. Today,
this is related to tragedy just as the farce is to comedy. It
arouses immediate and intense emotion and is usually sad
but there is a happy ending for the principal character.
4. TRAGEDY
This involves the hero struggling mightily against dynamic
forces; he meets death or ruin without success and
satisfaction obtained by the protagonist in a comedy.
5. FARCE
This is an exaggerated comedy. It seeks to arouse mirth by
laughable lines; situations are too ridiculous to be true; the
characters seem to be caricatures and the motives
undignified and absurd.
6. SOCIAL POEMS
This form is either purely comic or tragic and it pictures the
life of today. It may aim to bring about changes in the social
conditions.
Week 4 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Articulate the ways literature reflects (OBA) Quiz (TLA) Discussions
the historical period and the culture that Reaction Paper Dyad Questioning
produced it
DISCUSSION
The Early Period 1900-1930
Historical Background
Week 5 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Show how literature entertains its (OBA) Reflection on (TLA) Discussions
reader the values of life Film Viewing/ Question
analysis
DISCUSSION
Macario’s Noche Buena
- Tarcila MalabananKatigbak
Dead Star
-Paz Marquez-Benitez
Week 6 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Discuss the ways in which literature (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Discussions,
attempts to instruct and correct human Quiz Group Activity
behavior
DISCUSSION
Footnote to Youth
-Jose Garcia Villa
What is an Educated Filipino
-Francisco Benitez
(ILO) Identify the historical period and (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Reporting
relevance Quiz
DISCUSSION
The Middle Period 1930-
1960
Historical Background
Week 8 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Locate the work within its artistry and (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Discussions,
create framework Quiz Choral Reading
DISCUSSION
How my Brother Leon
Brought Home a Wife,
Manuel Aguilla
Like the Molave
-Rafael Zulueta da costa
Week 9 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Develop a critical awareness of social (OBA) Essay Writing (TLA) Criticism
issues in literature Workshop
DISCUSSION
Literature and Society
-Salvador P. Lopez
Children of the Ash-
Covered Loam – N.V.M.
Gonzalez
Week 10 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Apply academic writing skills to (OBA) Argumentation (TLA) Brainstorming,
literary analyses Discussions
DISCUSSION
The Middle Period 1960-
1972
Historical Background
Week 11 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Recognize the role of culture in (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Group,
defining ourselves as individuals Journal Response Discussions
DISCUSSION
Faith, Love, Time and Dr.
Lazaro -Gregorio Brillantes
The Visitation of Gods -Hilda
Cordero-Fernando
Reference Croghan, Richard V. The Development of Phil Lit in English
Week 12 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Examine the voice of writers and (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Brainstorming,
reasons they use them Quiz, Write the Discussions
summary of the piece
DISCUSSION
Valediction Sa Hillcrest
-Rolando Tinio
A House Full of Daughters
-Kerima Polotan
Week 13 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Analyze character relationships and (OBA) Video Analysis (TLA) Discussions,
motivations in literary works YouTube Presentation
DISCUSSION
Period of the New Society
1972-1980
The Play/Films
Comics, Magazine and Other
Publication
Literature- bilingual
Reference https://www.slideshare.net/josephestroga/philippine-literature-the-contemporary-
period
Week 14 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Explain the contribution of the work (OBA) Sharing (TLA) Group,
insights, Literary Discussions
Analysis through
comparison
DISCUSSION
Period of the Third
Republic
1981-1985
Filipino Poetry
Filipino Songs
Filipino Films
Reference https://www.slideshare.net/josephestroga/philippine-literature-the-contemporary-
period
Week 15 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Discuss the cultural and historical (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Discussions,
context of the piece Quiz, Write insights YouTube Presentation
about the values of
the piece
DISCUSSION
Period 1986-1999
People Power
Newspaper & Publications
Books
Reference https://www.slideshare.net/josephestroga/philippine-literature-the-contemporary-
period
Week 16 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Recognize and discuss the plot (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Presentation,
Quiz, Creation of Discussion
their own Version of
the Ending
DISCUSSION
Philippine literature from
2000 to Present
Abdon M. Balde Jr.
Beberly Siy or Bebang
Allan Popa
Christina Pantoja Hidalgo
Charlson Ong -An
Embarrassment of Riches
Danton Remoto -Ladlad
Reference https://www.slideshare.net/michelleoximer1/philippine-literature-from-2000-to-
present
Week 17 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Recognize and discuss symbolism (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Execution of
Quiz, Create their Group Task
own character for the
story
DISCUSSION
Gemma Nemenzo,
Edward Jones
Isagani R. Cruz
Dean Francis Alfar -Strange
Horizon
Edgar Calabia Samar-Pag-
aabang sa Kundiman:Isang
Talambuhay
Eros Atalia -Wag Lang Di
Makaraos
Reference https://www.slideshare.net/michelleoximer1/philippine-literature-from-2000-to-
present
Week 18 / 3 Hours
(ILO) Explain the contribution of the work (OBA) Recitation, (TLA) Discussions,
Quiz Literary Analysis
DISCUSSION
Santiago B. Villafania
RJ Ledesma
Nemi Sta. Rromana Cruz
J. Neil C. Garcia -Kaluluwa
Jose Dalisay Jr.-Soledad’s
Sister
Reference https://www.slideshare.net/michelleoximer1/philippine-literature-from-2000-to-
present
Final Exam
Course Content:
Week 1 Preliminary Discussions
Nature and Essence of Literature.
Divisions and Forms of Literature.
Elements of Each Form.
Literary Theories and Criticism.
Week 2 Pre-Colonial Literature (-- 1564)
Riddles. Proverbs.
Short Poems.
Songs.
Myths.
Folk Tales.
Legend.
Epic.
Ambahan Lamge Dangdang-Ay An Balud Dumheb Ako a Dumanis The Second
Creation Tungkung Langit and Alunsina The Great Flood The Story of the Orphan Girl
How the Angels Built Lake Lanao Tuwaang Attends a Wedding Tuwaang in Battle
Week 3 Under Spanish Colonialism (1565-1897)
Modesto de Castro – Urbana and Felisa
Leona Florentino - Desire’s Unlikely End
Marcelo H. Fel Pilar – The Passion Story that Ought to Inflame
Jose Rizal – To the Flowers of Heidelberg
Andres Bonifacio – What the Filipinos Should Know
Gregoria De Jesus – My Love, Ever Since You Left Me
Emilio Jacinto – Light and Darkness
Victoria Laktaw – Our Plea
Weeks 4 Under US Colonialism (1898-1945)
-5 Luis Dato - The Spouse
Cecilio Apostol – To the Yankee
Deogracias A. Rosario – Greta Garbo
Manuel Arguilla – A Son is Born
Carlos Bulosan – Two Faces of America
Carlos Bulosan - My Brother Goes to Court
Angela M. Gloria - To a Lost One
Angela M. Gloria – I Have Begrudged the Years
Amador Daguio – Man of Earth
Amador Daguio – Wedding Dance
Rafael Zulueta de Costa – Like the Molave
Paz Marquez Benitez – Dead Stars
Jose Garcia Villa – Footnote to Youth
Week 6 Under the Republic (1946-1971)
Jose Garcia Villa – Poem 10
Emmanuel Torres – Song for a Dry Season
Nick Joaquin – Three Generations
Bienvenido Santos – The Contender
Bienvenido N. Santos – The Day the Dancers Came
Kerima Polotan – Sounds of Sunday
NVM Gonzales – Children of Ash-Covered Loam
NVM Gonzales – Bread of Salt
Week 7 Midterm Exam
Week 8 (Continuation of Literature Under the Republic)
Francisco Arcellana – Divide by Two
Estrella Alfon – Magnificence
Gilda Cordero Fernando – The Level of Each Day’s Need
Manuel Bernabe – The Pilgrimage of Death
Efren Abueg – The Death of Tio Samuel
Amado V. Hernandez – Isolation Cell
Alejandro Abadilla – I Am the Universe
Weeks 9 Under Martial Law (1972-1985)
-10 Rolando S. Tinio – Valediction at Hillcrest
Virgilio S. Almario – The Life of Ka Bestre, Rig-Driver
Jose F. Lacaba – Force of Circumstance
Lamberto Antonio – Night of a Construction Worker
Bonifacio Ilagan – The Sermon
F. Sionil Jose – Dusk
F. Sionil Jose - Mass
Amadis Ma. Guerrero – Children of the City
Carmen Guerrero Nakpil – The Filipino Woman
Padro Cruz Reyes Jr. – King’s Decree
Leoncio P. Deriada – Dog Eaters
Weeks Under the EDSA Democracy (1986-1994)
11-12 Mariano Kilates – Of Children Dying by Hunger Negros Elsewhere
Merlinda Bobis – Peopleness
Ninotchka Rosca – State of War
Edgardo Maranan – Hinterland
Benilda S. Santos – The Intellectual
Eric Gamalinda – Edge and Mourning and Weeping in this Valley of Tears
Charlson Ong – A Tropical Winter’s Tale
Gregorio Brillantes – The Fllod in Tarlac
Edgardo B. Maranan – Cogon
Jessica Zafra – Portents
Katrina Tuvera – The Flight
Weeks Under the Age of Globalization (1995-Present)
13 Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo - Recuerdo
Danton Remoto – from Gaydar and Pulot Gata
Ramil Digal Gulle – Twenty Fifth Fly
Alfred Yuson – Pillage
Edgar Maranan - Tabon
Ian Casocot – Old Movies
Elsa Martinez Coscolluela - Katipunera
Lakambini Sitoy – Shut Up and Live
Socorro Villanueva – We Won’t Cry Over This (and other writers)
Week 14 Final Exam
Methodologies:
This course shall use student-centered methodologies and techniques of study, such as: Lecture- Fora Team
presentations Recitations Quizzes Brainstorming Interpretive Readings Examinations Research Book
Reports
Grading System:
Attendance Policy:
Attendance shall be strictly observed. Absence of nine (9) cumulative hours may be allowed on valid grounds;
provided, that the student shall present proof in case of medical and similar reasons. Tardiness of 90
cumulative minutes shall be equivalent to one (1) absence, unless prior notice was sent and consent obtained
from the professor.
References:
1. Dimalanta and Mata, Philippine Contemporary Literature in English: Tradition and Change (from the
20’s to the Present). UST Publishing House, 2004.
2. Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature An Anthology of Winning Works, The 1980s
Poetry. Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. 2000.
3. Kahayon and Zulueta, Philippine Literature Through the Years. National Book Store.
4. Dones, Philippine Literature A Student Guide. Mindshapers co., Inc. 2009.
5. Lumbera and Lumbera, Philippine Literature A History and Anthology, English Edition. Anvil. 2005.
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palanca_Awards
7. http://sushidog.com/bpss/authors.htm 8. Other related sources
Our ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in everyday life as trace in our folk stories, old plays
and short stories.
Our ancestors also had their own alphabet which was different from that brought by the Spaniards. The first
alphabet used by our ancestors was similar to that of the Malayo-Polynesian alphabet.
Whatever record our ancestors left were either burned by the Spanish friars in the belief that they were works
of the devil or were written on materials that easily perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves and bamboo
cylinders which could not have remained undestroyed even if efforts were made to preserve them.
Other records that remained showed folk songs that proved existence of a native culture truly our own. Some
of these were passed on by word of mouth till they reached the hands of some publishers or printers who took
interest in printing the manuscripts of the ancient Filipinos.
The Spaniards who came to the Philippines tried to prove that our ancestors were really fond of poetry, songs,
stories, riddles and proverbs which we still enjoy today and which serve to show to generations the true culture
of our people.
D. FOLK SONGS
Folk songs are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish period. These
songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables. Here are the examples:
a. Kundiman
b. Kumintang o Tagumpay
c. Ang Dalit o Imno
d. AngOyayi o Hele
e.Diana
f.Soliraning
g.Talindaw
1.Epigrams (Salawikain)
These have been customarily used and served as laws or rules on good behavior by our ancestors. To others,
these are like allegories or parables that impart lessons for the young.
2. Riddles (Bugtong) or Palaisipan
These are made up of one or more measured lines with rhyme and may consist of four to 12 syllables.
4. Maxims
Some are rhyming couplets with verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line having the same number of syllables.
Historical Background
It is an accepted belief that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565 during the time of Miguel
Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the Philippines. Literature started to flourish during his
time. This spurt continued unabated until the Cavite Revolt in 1872. The Spaniards colonized the Philippines
for more than three centuries.
During these times, many changes occurred in the lives of Filipinos. They embraced the Catholic religion,
changed their names, and were baptized.
Their lifestyles changed too. They built houses mad of stones and bricks, used beautiful furniture like the
piano and used kitchen utensils. Carriages, trains and boats were used as means of travel. They held fiestas
to honor the saints, the pope and the governors. They had cockfights, horse races and the theater as means
of recreation.
This gave rise to the formation of the different classes of society like the rich and the landlords. Some Filipinos
finished courses like medicine, law, agriculture and teaching. Many Filipinos finished their schooling already
had been established.
4. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
5. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.
6. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan
7. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.
5. The Pasion
This is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is read only during Lent. There were 4 versions
of this in Tagalog and each version is according to the name of the writer.
These are the Pilapil version (by Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan, 1814), the de Belen version (by Gaspar Aquino de
Belen of Bat. in 1704), the de la Merced (by Aniceto de la Merced of Norzagaray, Bulacan in 1856) and the de
Guia version (by Luis de Guia in 1750).
Critics are not agreed whether it is the Pilapil or the de la Merced version which is the most popular.
E. RECEREATIONAL PLAYS
There are many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times. Almost all of them were in
poetic form. Here are examples:
1. Tibag – the word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by the Spaniard to remind the
people about the search of St. Helena for the Cross on which Jesus died.
2. Lagaylay – this is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during Maytime to get together.
As early as April, the participating ladies are chosen and sometimes, mothers volunteer their girls in order to
fulfill a vow made during an illness or for a favor received.
In some parts of Bicol, a different presentation is made but the objective is the same – praise, respect and
offering of love to the Blessed Cross by St. Helen on the mound she had dug in.
3. The Cenaculo – this is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
There are two kinds: the Cantadaand Hablada. In the Hablada the lines are spoken in a more deliberate
manner showing the rhythmic measure of each verse and the rhyming in each stanza and is more dignified in
theme; the Cantada is chanted like the Pasion.
The Cenaculo is written in octosyllabic verse, with 8 verses to the stanza. The full length versions take about 3
nights of staging. Performers come in costumes with wigs and performers are carefully chosen for their
virtuous life. One performs the role of Jesus Christ and another the role of the Virgin Mary. Many famous
Cenaculo players come from the Tagalog regions although there are also those from Ilocos, Pampanga, Bicol
and both Sibulanon and Hiligaynon.
4. Panunuluyan – this is presented before 12:00 on Christmas Eve. This is a presentation of the search of the
Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein to deliver the baby Jesus.
5. The Salubong (or Panubong) - The Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen
Christ and his Mother. It is still presented in many Philippine towns.
6. Carillo (Shadow Play) – this is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night during a
town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. This shadow play is made by projecting cardboard figures before
a lamp against a white sheet. The figures are moved like marionettes whose dialogues are produced by some
experts.
The dialogues are drawn from a Corrido or Awit or some religious play interspersed with songs. These are
called by various names in different places:
Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas and Laguan; TITRES in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Bataa, Capiz and
Negros; TITIRI in Zambales; GAGALO or KIKIMUT in Pampanga and Tarlac; and ALIALA in La Union.
7. The Zarzuela – considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama three acts which
dealt with man’s passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or political
proble.
8. The Sainete – this was a short musical comedy popular during the 18th century. They were exaggerated
comedies shown between acts of long plays and were mostly performed by characters from the lower classes.
Themes were taken from everyday life scenarios.
F. THE MORO-MORO
Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is presented also on a special stage. This is performed during town fiestas
to entertain the people and to remind them of their Christian religion. The plot is usually the same that of a
Christian princess or a nobleman’s daughter who is captured by the Mohammedans. The father organizes a
rescue party where fighting between the Moros and the Christians ensue.
The Mohammedans are defeated by some miracle or Divine Intercession and the Mohammedans are
converted to Christianity. In some instances, the whole kingdom is baptized and converted. One example of
this is PrinsipeRodante.
G. KARAGATAN
This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a person. In this contest,
more or less formal, a ritual is performed based on a legend about a princess who dropped her ring into the
middle of the sea and who offered here hand in marriage to anyone who can retrieve it.
A leader starts off with an extemporaneous poem announcing the purpose. He then spins a “lumbo” o “tabo”
marked with a white line. Whoever comes in the direction of the white line when the spinning stops gets his
turn to “go into the sea to look for the ring.” This means a girl will ask him a riddle and if he is able to answer,
he will offer the ring to the girl.
H. DUPLO
The Duplo replace the Karagatan. This is a poetic joust in speaking and reasoning. The roles are taken from
the Bible and from proverbs and saying. It is usually played during wakes for the dead.
PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT
(1872-1898)
Historical Background
After 300 years of passivity under Spanish rule, the Filipino spirit reawakened when the 3 priests Gomez,
Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient evidence of guilt. This occurred on the 17th of
February. This was buttressed with the spirit of liberalism when the Philippines opened its doors to world trade
and with the coming of a liberal leader in the person of Governor Carlos Maria de la Torre.
The Spaniards were unable to suppress the tide of rebellion among the Filipinos.
The once religious spirit transformed itself into one of nationalism and the Filipinos demanded changes in the
government and in the church.
1. To get equal treatment for the Filipinos and the Spaniards under the law.
2. To make the Philippines a colony of Spain.
3. To restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes.
4. To Filipinize the parishes.
5. To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of the press, assembly and for redress of grievances.
In this book, he courageously exposed the evils in the Spanish-run government in the Philippines.
The Spaniards prohibited the reading of this novel but a lot of translations were able to enter stealthily in the
country even if it means death to those caught in possession of them.
The NOLI gave Philippine literature the immortal characters Maria Clara, Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, Elias, Sisa,
PilosofongTasio, Doña Victorina, Kapitana Maria, Basilio and Crispin, Rizal had a powerful pen in the
delineation of these characters.
3. MI ULTIMO ADIOS (My Last Farewell). This was a poem by Rizal while he was incarcerated at Fort
Santiago and is one that can compare favorably with the best in the world. It was only after his death when his
name was affixed to the poem.
4. SOBRE LA INDOLENCIA DE LOS FILIPINOS (On the Indolence of the Filipinos). An essay on the so-
called Filipino indolence and an evaluation of the reasons for such allegations.
5. FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN AÑOS (The Philippines within a Century).An essay predicting the
increasing influence of the US in the Philippines and the decreasing interest of Europe here. Rizal predicted
that if there is any other colonizer of the Philippines in the future, it would be the US.
6. A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA (To the Filipino Youth). A poem Rizal dedicated to the Filipino youth studying
at UST.
7. EL CONSEJO DE LES DIOSES (The Council of the Gods).An allegorical play manifesting admiration for
Cervantes.
8. JUNTO AL PASIG (Beside the Pasig River).Written by Rizal when he was 14 years of age.
9. ME PIDEN VERSOS (You asked Me for Verses); 1882 and A LAS FLORES DE HEIDELBERG (To the
Flowers of Heidelberg). Two poems manifesting Rizal’s unusual depth of emotion.
10. NOTAS A LA OBRA SUCESOS DE LAS FILIPINAS FOR EL DR. ANTONIO DE MORGA (Notes on
Philippine Events by Dr. Antonio de Morga): 1889
Marcelo H. delPilar is popularly known for his pen name of Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat and Dolores
Manapat. He was born at Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan on August 30, 1850.
His parents were Julian H. delPilar, noted Filipino writer and BiasaGatmaita. His brother was the priest Fr.
ToribiodelPilar who was banished to Marianas in 1872. Because there were many children in the family,
Marcelo gave up his share of his inheritance for his other brothers and sisters.
Marcelo started schooling at the school of Mr. Flores and then transferred to that of San Jose before UST. His
last year in law school was interrupted for 8 years after he had quarrel with the parish priest during a baptism
at San Miguel, Manila in 1880.
He established the Diariong Tagalog in 1883 where he exposed the evils of the Spanish government in the
Philippines and in order to avoid the false accusations hurried at him by the priests. To avoid banishment, he
was forced to travel to Spain in 1888.
He was assisted by Fr. Serrano Laktaw in publishing a different Cathecism and Passion Book wherein they
made fun of the priests. They also made the DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN and KAIINGAT KAYO taken from the
word IGAT, a kind of snake fish caught in politics.
Upon his arrival in Spain, he replaced Graciano Lopez Jaena as editor of LA SOLIDARIDAD, a paper which
became the vehicle thru which reforms in the government could be worked out. This did not last long for he
got sick and even to reach Hong Kong from where he could arouse his countrymen. He died of tuberculosis in
Spain but before he died, he asked his companions to tell his wife and children that he was sorry he wasn’t
able to bid them goodbye; to tell others about the fate of our countrymen and to continue helping the country.
Plaridel has truly earned a niche in the history of our nation. Even today, countless streets have been named
after him. The former Kingwa has been named Plaridel, the Malolos High School is now Marcelo H. del Pilar
High School and above all, his patriotism and bravery will remain alive in our memories.
1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of Country). Translated from the Spanish AMOR PATRIA of
Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful). A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the
novel NOLI of Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1888. He used Dolores Manapat as pen-name here.
3. DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and Jokes). Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done agains the
parish priests, published in Barcelona in 1888. Because of this, delPilar was called “filibuster.” Done in
admirable tone of supplication and excellent use of Tagalog.
4. ANG CADAQUILAAN NG DIOS (God’s Goodness). Published in Barcelona, it was also like a cathecism
sarcastically aimed against the parish priests but also contains a philosophy of the power and intelligence of
God and an appreciation for and love for nature.
5. SAGOT SA ESPANYA SA HIBIK NG PILIPINAS(Answer to Spain on the Plea of the Filipinos). A poem
pleading for change from Spain but that Spain is already old and weak to grant any aid to the Philippines. This
poem is in answer to that of Hermenigildo Flores’ HibiksaPilipinas (A Plea from the Philippines).
7. LA SOBERANIA EN PILIPINAS (Sovereignty in the Philippines). This shows the injustices of the friars to
the Pilipinos.
9. PASIONG DAPAT IPAG-ALAB NG PUSO NG TAONG BABASA (Passion that should arouse the hearts
of the readers)
GRACIANO LOPEZ JEANA
(1856-1896)
A most notable hero and genius of the Philippines, Graciano Lopez Jaena was born on December 18, 1856
and died on January 20, 1896.
The pride of Jaro, Iloilo, he won the admiration of the Spaniards and Europeans. He is a known writer and
orator in the Philippines. He wrote 100 speeches which were published by Remigio Garcia, former bookstore
owner in Manila Filatica and which are still read up to no by modern Filipinos.
Lopez Jaena left the Philippines in 1887 with the help of Don Claudio Lopez, a rich uncle, in order to escape
punishment form his enemies and arrived at Valencia, the center of the Republican movement of the
Spaniards. He gained the acquaintance of the high officials like PiyMargall, Morayta, Moret, Castelar, and
Salmeron.
From Valencia, he moved to Barcelona where he established the first magazine LA SOLIDARIDAD. This later
became the official voice of the Association Hispano de Filipinas (a Filipino-Spanish Association) composed of
Filipinos and Spaniards who worked for reforms in the Philippines. Because of this, Jaena successfully
showed the Spaniards and the people of the world how a newspaperman can introduce changes in law and
reforms towards a better life and progress.
Jaena, although he didn’t become a professor, was also a teacher in a sense to his friends and relatives in the
Philippines.
Like Antonio Maria Regidor, Tomas G. del Rosario and Felipe Calderon, he stood for the separation of church
and state for free education, better government and schools, freedom of worship and for an independent and
free university.
He sided with Rizal in the controversy between Rizal and delPilar over who should head the Association
Hispano de Filipinas in Madrid. He returned to the Philippines to ask for donations to continue a new
government called El LatigoNacional or PambansangLatigo. He sold the rights of La Solidaridadot del Pilar
who had become a lawyer and had brought in money from his sojourn in Spain.
Graciano Lopez Jaena died in a charity hospital in Barcelona on January 20, 1896, eleven months before his
best friend Rizal was shot at the Luneta on December 30, 1896.
1. ANG FRAY BOTOD (Friar Botod). One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six years after the
Cavite Revolt attacking the friars in the Philippines. He exposed how some of the friars were greedy,
ambitious and immoral.
2. LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (The Child of the Friar) and EVERYTING IS HAMBUG (Everything is mere show).
Here Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.
3. SA MGA PILIPINO...1891… A speech which aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos to become
free and progressive.
5. EN HONOR DEL PRESIDENTE MORAYTA DE LA ASSOCIACION HISPANO FILIPINO 1884. Here he
praised Gen. Morayta for his equal treatment of the Filipinos.
6. EN HONOR DE LOS ARTISTAS LUNA Y RESURRECCION HIDALGO. A sincere expression of praise for
the paintings of Hidalgo on the condition of the Filipinos under the Spaniards.
7. AMOR A ESPAÑA O A LAS JOVENES DEMALOLOS (Love for Spain or To the Youth of Malolos). The
theme is about how girls were taught Spanish in schools and whose teachers were the governors-general of
the place.
9. HONOR EN PILIPINAS (Honor in the Philippines). The triumphant exposition of Luna, Resurrecion and
Pardo de Tavera of the thesis that intellect or knowledge gives honor to the Philippines.
11. INSTITUCION NG PILIPINAS (Sufferings of the Philippines). Jaena refers here to the wrong management
of education in the Philippines 1887.
ANTONIO LUNA
Antonio Luna was a pharmacist who was banished by the Spaniards to Spain. He joined the Propaganda
Movement and contributed his writings to LA SOLIDARIDAD. Most of his works dealt with Filipino customs
and others were accusations about how the Spaniards ran the government. His pen name was Tagailog. He
died at the age of 33 in June 1899. He was put to death by the soldiers of Aguinaldo because of his instant
rise to fame which became a threat to Aguinaldo.
MARIANO PONCE
Mariano Ponce became an editor-in-chief, biographer and researcher of the Propaganda Movement. He used
Tikbalang, Kalipulako, and Naningas pennames. The common themes of his works were the values of
education. He also wrote about how the Filipinos were oppressed by the foreigners and of the problems of his
countrymen.
PEDRO PATERNO
Pedro Paterno was a scholar, dramatic, researcher and novelist of the Propaganda Movement.
He also joined the Confraternity of Masons and the Asociacion Hispano-Pilipino in order to further the aims of
the Movement. He was the first Filipino writer who escaped censorship of the press during the last day of the
Spanish colonization.
The gist of literature contained mostly accusations against the government and was meant to arouse the
people to unite and to prepare for independence.
ANDRES BONIFACIO
Andres Bonifacio is best known as the Father of Filipino Democracy, but more than others, as the Father of the
Katipunan because he led in establishing the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangaKatipunanngmgaAnakng
Bayan (KKK).
Andres Bonifacio came from a poor family and it is said that what he learned he got from the school of
experience.
He was a voracious reader and among those he loved to read which aroused his revolutionary spirit were the
NOLI and the FILI of Rizal.
He joined the La Liga Filipina founded by Rizal in 1892. He established the Katipunan which triggered the
spirit of freedom especially when Rizal was banished to Dapitan, Mindanao.
Bonifacio is better known as the great Revolutionary rather than a writer but he also wrote things which paved
the way for the revolution and which also became part of our literature. Among his works were:
1. ANG DAPAT MABATID NG MGA TAGALOG (What the Tagalogs Should Know)
2. KATUNGKULANG GAGAWIN NG MGA ANA NG BAYAN (Obligations of Our Countrymen). This is an
outline of obligations just like the 10 commandments of God.
3. PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUAN LUPA (Love of One’s Native Land). A poem with a title similar to that of Marcelo
H. Del Pilar.
4. HULING PAALAM (Last Farewell). A translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in Tagalog.
APOLINARIO MABINI
Apolinario Mabini is known in literature and history as the Sublime Paralytic and the Brains of the Revolution.
EMILIO JACINTO
Emilio Jacinto was the intelligent assistant of Andres Bonifacio in the establishment of the Katipuna. He is
called the Brains of the Katipunan. He edited Kalayaan (Freedom) a Katipunan newspaper. Bonifacio
withdrew his writing of the Kartilya in deference to Jacinto’s work as secretary of the Katipunan. His Kartilya
was the one followed by the members of the organization.
2. LIWANAG AT DILIM (Light and Darkness). A collection of essays on different subjects like freedom, work,
faith, government, love of country.
He was born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas on July 22, 1864. Because he was born of a poor family he had to
work in order to study. He became known to his professors and classmates at Letran and the UST because of
his sharp memory and the simple clothes he used to wear throughout his schooling.
He became the right-hand of Emilio Aguinaldo when the latter founded his Republic in Malolos. His
contributions to literature were writing on government society, philosophy and politics.
OTHER REVOLUTIONISTS
JOSE PALMA
Jose Palma became popular because of his HimnoNacional Filipino (The Philippine National Anthem) which
was set to music by Julian Felipe. He was born in Tondo, Manila on June 6, 1876. His brother Rafael Palma
became the president of the UP. He joined the revolution against the Americans together with Gregorio
delPilar, the youngest Filipino general who died during the revolution.
Aside from the National Anthem, here are his other works:
2. DE MI JARDIN (In My Garden). A poem expressing one’s longings for his sweetheart.
In the effort of the Revolutionists to spread to the world their longings for their country, many newspapers were
put up during the Revolutionary period. They were:
1. HERALDO DE LA REVOLUCION. Printed the decrees of the Revolutiary Government, news and works in
Tagalog that aroused nationalism.
2. LA INDEPENDENCIA (Independence). Edited by Antonio Luna and whose aim was for Philippine
Independence.
3. LA REPUBLICA PILIPINA (The Philippine Republic). Established by Pedro Paterno in 1898.
4. LA LIBERTAD (Liberty). Edited by Clemente Zulueta.
AMERICAN REGIME
(1898-1941)
Historical Background
The Filipino Revolutionists won against the Spaniards who colonized us for more than 300 years. Our flag was
hoisted on June 12, 1898 as a symbol of our independence. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected the first
President of the Philippine Republic but this was short-lived.
The Fil.-American was resulted in the defeat of Gen. Miguel Malvar in 1903.
The peace movements started as early as 1900. Many Filipinos started writing again and the nationalism of
the people remained undaunted.
2. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation). Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
There were also plays written then but after the first and second presentations, the Americans put a stop
to this because of the consistent theme of nationalism. Included here were the following:
Three groups of writers contributed to Philippine Literature during this period.
During the first year of the American period, the languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and the
dialects of the different regions, but Spanish and Tagalog predominated.
In 1910, a new group started to write in English. Hence, Spanish, Tagalog, the Vernaculars and finally,
English, were the mediums used in literature during these times. While the three groups were one in their ideas
and spirit, they differed in their methods of reporting. The writers in Spanish were wont to write on nationalism
like honoring Rizal and other heroes.
The writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of the country and their attempts
to arouse love for one’s native tongue. The writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the
Americans.
The inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish was Rizal not only because of his being a national leader
but also because of his novels NOLI and FILI. These two novels contained the best qualities of a novel ever
written, in English or in Filipino. Those who were inspired to write in praise of him were Cecilio Apostol,
Fernando Ma. Guerrero, Jesus Balmori, Manuel Bernabe and Claro M. Recto.
CECILIO APOSTOL
Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes but his poem
dedicated to Rizal is considered the best poem in praise of the hero of Bagumbayan.
JESUS BALMORI
Jesus Balmori is well-known for his pen name of Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe participated in a
debate on the topic – (Remembrance and Forgetfulness). He was elected Poet Laureate in Spanish besting
Manuel Bernabe.
MANUEL BERNABE
Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet and the fierceness of his nationalistic spirit was unchanged in any topic he
wrote about.
In his debate with Balmori, he was more attractive to the public because of the modious words he used.
He defended OLVIDO (Forgetfulness).
CLARO M. RECTO
In nobility of speech and theme, Claro M. Recto can compare with the other writers of Spanish. He
collected his poems in a book entitled BAJO LOS COCOTEROS (Under The Coconut Trees).
FLORANTE AT LAURA of Francisco Balagtas and URBANA AT FELISA of Modesto de Castro became
the inspiration of the Tagalog writers.
Julian Cruz Balmaceda classified three kinds of Tagalog poets: They were:
1. Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso). These included Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado, Carlos
Gatmaitan, Pedro Deogracias del Rosario, Ildefonso Santos, Amado V. Hernandez, Nemecio Carabana, and
Mar Antonio.
2. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay). Led by Lope K Santos, Jose Corazon de Jesus, Florentino
Collantes, Patricio Mariano, Carlos Garmaitan, and Amado V. Hernandez.
3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan). Led by Aurelio Tolentino, Patricio Mariano, Severino
Reyes, and Tomas Remigio.
In the realm of short stories that started to appear in the column Pangsandaliang Libangan (Short-time
Leisure) andDagli (Fast) we find here the names of Lope K. Santos, Patricio Mariano, and Rosauro Almario.
In the Liwayway Publications, we find Deogracias Rosario, Teodoro Gener, and Cirio H. Panganiban.
Noted novelists or biographers were Valeriano Hernandez Peña, Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed. Regalado,
Faustino Aguilar, etc.
Here are the autobiographies of some of the writers mentioned:
LOPE K. SANTOS
Lope K. Santos, a novelist, poet and author, and grammarian covered three periods of Tagalog
literature – American, Japanese and the contemporary period. If Manuel L. Quezon is called the Father of the
National Language, Lope K. Santos is called the Father of the National Language Grammar. He was also
called the “Apo” of the Tagalog writers. BANAAG AT SIKAT was his masterpiece.
AMADO V. HERNANDEZ
Amado V. Hernandez was dubbed Makata ng mga Manggagawa (Poet of the Laborers) in our literature
because he pictures in his poem the intense love for the poor worker or laborer. To him, a poem is a scent,
bittersweet memories, and a murmur of flowing water. The pen is powerful and according to him, even a king
can be bent by the pen.
He contributed a lot of writings to literature like ISANG DIPANG LANGIT (A Stretch of Heaven), BAYANG
MALAYA (A Free Nation), ANG PANDAY (The Blakcsmith), and MUNTING LUPA (A Small Plot), but his
masterpiece is ANG PANDAY.
The second was written by Pedrito Reyes. PAROLANG GINTO (Golden Lantern) and TALAANG
BUGHAW (Blue List) of Abadilla became popular during this period.
Tagalog Poetry
Almost all Tagalog writers during the American Period were able to compose beautiful poems which made
it difficult to select the best. Even if poetry writing is as old as history, poetry still surfaces with its sweetness,
beauty, and melody.
Other Forms of Literature
The following are those recognized in the field of Ilocano Literature:
1. Pedro Bukaneg. Father of Ilocano Literature. From his name was derived the word Bukanegan,
which means Balagtasan (a poetic contest) in Ilocano.
2. Claro Caluya. Prince of Ilocano Poets. Known as poet and novelist.
3. Leon Pichay. Known as the best Bukanegero (from Bukaneg). Also a poet, novelist, short story
writer, dramatist and essayist.
Two stalwarts in the literature of the Kapampangans stand out: they are:
1. Juan Crisostomo Soto. (Father of Kapampangan Literature). The word CRISOTAN (meaning
Balagtasan) in Tagalog is taken from his name.
2. Aurelio Tolentino. He truly proved his being a Kaampangan in his translation of KAHAPON,
NGAYON AT BUKAS into Kapampangan which he called NAPON, NGENI AT BUKAS.
Visayan Literature
In a way, we can say that we can trace the beginnings of Philippine literature in English with the coming of
the Americans. For this purpose, we can divide this period into three time frames, namely:
English as a literary vehicle came with the American occupation in August 13, 1898 and as they say, a
choice bestowed on us by history. By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of instruction in the public
schools. From the American forces were recruited the first teachers of English.
By 1908, the primary and intermediate grades were using English. It was also about this time when UP,
the forerunner in the use of English in higher education, was founded.
Writers of this period were still adjusting to the newfound freedom after the paralyzing effect of repression
of thought and speech under the Spanish regime. They were adjusting the idea of democracy, to the new
phraseology of the English language and to the standards of the English literary style Writers had to learn
direct expression as conditioned by direct thinking. They had to learn that sentence constructions; sounds and
speech in English were not the same as in the vernacular. They had to discard sentimentality and floridity of
language for the more direct and precise English language.
Not much was produced during this period and what literature was produced was not much of literary
worth. The first attempts in English were in two periodicals of this time:
POETRY
In 1907, Justo Juliano’s SURSUM CORDA which appeared in the Renacimiento was the first work to be
published in English.
In 1909, Jan F. Salazar’s MY MOTHER and his AIR CASTLES were also published in this paper.
It was also in 1909 when Proceso Sebastian followed with his poem TO MY LADY IN LAOAG, also in this
same paper.
By 1919, the UP College Folio published the literary compositions of the first Filipino writers in English.
They were the pioneers in short story writing.
They were then groping their way into imitating American and British models which resulted in a stilted,
artificial and unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity. Their models included Longfellow and
Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, Wordsworth and Tennyson, Thackeray and Macaulay, Longfellow, Allan
Poe, Irving and other American writers of the Romantic School.
Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag (the best editorial writer of this period) Juan F. Salazar,
Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro, and Francisco M. Africa and Victoriano Yamzon. They pioneered in
English poetry.
ESSAYS
The noted essayists of this time were: Carlos P. Romulo, Jorge C. Bocobo, Mauro Mendez, and Vicente
Hilario.
Their essays were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety, substance and structure. They excelled in the
serious essay, especially the editorial type.
The next group of writers introduced the informal essay, criticism and the journalistic column. They
spiced their work with humor, wit and satire. These group included Ignacio Manlapaz, Godefredo Rivera,
Federico Mangahas, Francisco B. Icasiano, Salvador P. Lopez, Jose Lansang and Amando G. Dayrit.
SHORT STORIES
In the field of short stories, DEAD STARS by Paz Marquez Benitez written in the early 1920’s stand out as
a model of perfection in character delineation, local color, plot and message. Other short stories published
during this time were but poor imitations of their foreign models.
The UP College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian. Newspapers and periodicals also
saw print during this time like the Bulletin, the Philippines Herald (1920), the Philippine Review, the
Independent, Rising Philippines and Citizens, and the Philippine Education Magazine 1924.
1. POETRY
Noteworthy names in this field include Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion, Jose Garcia Villa, Angela
Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido and Rafael Zulueta da Costa. They turned our
not only love poems but patriotic, religious, descriptive and reflective poems as well. They wrote in free verse,
in odes and sonnets and in other types. Poetry was original, spontaneous, competently written and later,
incorporated social consciousness.
Other writers during this time include Osmundo Sta. Romana, Arturo Rotor, Paz Latorena’s Sunset, and
Jose Garcia Villa’s Mir-in-isa. From 1930 to 1940, the Golden Era of Filipino writing in English saw the short
story writers “who have arrived,” like Jose Lansang’s The Broken Parasol,Sinai C. Hamada’s Talanata’s
Wife, Fausto Dugenio’sWanderlust, Amando G. Dayrit’s His Gift and Yesterday,Amador T. Daugio’s The
Woman Who Looked Out of the Window.
Essays during this period improved with the years in quality and quantity, in content, subject and style.
Essayists like Carlos P. Romulo became even more eminent editorial writers.
1940: Camilo Osias published THE FILIPINO WAY OF LIFE, a series of essays on the Filipino way of life
as drawn from history, folkways, philosophy and psychology of the Philippines.
1941: F.B. Icasiano (Mang Kiko) was reprints of the best of Icasiano’s essays in the Sunday Times
Magazine under the column From My Nipa Hut. It is an essay of the common “tao” and is written with humor
and sympathy.
August 16, 1941: Carlos P. Romulo had an editorial printed in the Philippines Herald. Entitled I AM A
FILIPINO, it was reprinted in his book MY BORTHER AMERICANS in 1945 in New York by Doubleday & Co.
Ignacio Manlapaz, Vicente Albano Pacis, I.V. Mallari, Jose M. Fernandez, Leopoldo Y. Yabes, Isidro L.
Ritizos, Pura Santillan.
The Philippine Writer’s League put out a collection of essays called Literature Under the Commonwealth.
Amando G. Dayrit with his column Good Morning Judgeled others like Leon Ma. Guerrero, Salvador P.
Lopez, Vicente Albano Pacis, Jose A. Lansang and Federico Mangahas.
In 1938, THE GREAT MALAYAN won a prize in the national contest sponsored by the Commonwealth of
the Philippines. This was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of the period. He also
wrote Quezon, the Man of Destiny.
In 1940, I.V. Mallari’s The Birth of Discontent revealed the sensitive touch of a writer who in simple
language was able to reveal his profound thoughts and feelings.
5. HISTORY
Not much about history has been written by Filipino writers. In 1937, with regard to literary history, we
can cite Teofilo del Castillo’s The Brief History of the Philippine Islands.
6. PUBLICATIONS
The Philippine Free Press provided the first incentives to Filipino writers in English by offering prizes to
worthwhile contributions. Other publications followed suit.
Historical Background
Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the Philippines was
again conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in English came to a halt. Except for
the TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE REVIEW, almost all newspapers in English were stopped by the Japanese.
This had an advantageous effect on Filipino Literature, which experienced renewed attention because
writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. Juan Laya, who use to write in English turned to Filipino because
of the strict prohibitions of the Japanese regarding any writing in English.
The weekly LIWAYWAY was placed under strict surveillance until it was managed by Japanese named
Ishiwara.
In other words, Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Many wrote plays, poems, short
stories, etc. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.
1. Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into
three lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, 7 syllables, and the third, five. The Haiku is allegorical in
meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in meaning.
2. Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short but it had measure and rhyme. Each line had 17 syllables and it’s
also allegorical in meaning.
3. Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form) – like those mentioned earlier in the beginning chapters of this
book.
The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short stories. Among
them were: Brigido Batungbakal, Macario Pineda, Serafin Guinigindo, Liwayway Arceo, Narciso Ramos, NVM
Gonzales, Alicia Lopez Lim, Ligaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman.
The best writings in 1945 were selected by a group of judges composed of Francisco Icasiano, Jose
Esperanza Cruz, Antonio Rosales, Clodualdo del Mundo and Teodoro Santos. As a result of this selection, the
following got the first three prizes:
Because of the strict prohibitions imposed b the Japanese in the writing and publishing of works in
English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark period. The few who dared to write did so for their
bread and butter or for propaganda.
Writings that came out during this period were journalistic in nature. Writers felt suppressed but slowly,
the spirit of nationalism started to seep into their consciousness. While some continued to write, the majority
waited for a better climate to publish their works.
Noteworthy writer of the period was Carlos P. Romulo who won the Pulitzer Prize for his bestsellers I
SAW THE FALL OF THE PHILIPPINES, I SEE THE PHILIPPINES RISE and his MOTHER AMERICA AND
MY BROTHER AMERICANS.
Journalists include Salvador P. Lopez, Leon Ma. Geurrero, Raul Manglapuz and Carlos Bulosan.
Nick Joaquin produced THE WOMAN WHO LOOKED LIKE LAZARUS. Fred Ruiz Castro wrote a few poems.
Carlos Bulosan’s works included THE LAUGHTER OF MY FATHER (1944), THE VOICE OF BATAAN,
1943, SIX FILIPINO POETS, 1942, among others. Alfredo Litiatco published With Harp and Sling and in
1943, Jose P. Laurel published Forces that Make a Nation Great.
The Commonwealth Literary Awards gave prizes to meritorious writers. Those who won were:
Filipinos had, by this time, learned to express themselves more confidently but post-war problems
beyond language and print-like economic stability, the threat of new ideas and mortality – had to be grappled
with side by side.
There was a proliferation of newspapers like the FREE PRESS, MORNING SUN, of Sergio Osmeña
Sr., DAILY MIRROR of Joaquin Roces, EVENING NEWS of Ramon Lopezes and the BULLETIN of Menzi.
This only proved that there were more readers in English than in any ocher vernaculars like Tagalog, Ilocano
or Hiligaynon.
Journalists had their day. They indulged in more militant attitude in their reporting which bordered on
the libelous. Gradually, as normality was restored, the tones and themes of the writings turned to the less
pressing problems of economic survival.
Some Filipino writers who had gone abroad and had written during the interims came back to publish
their works.
Not all the books published during the period reflected the war year; some were compilations or
second editions of what have been written before.
THE VOICE OF THE VETERAN – a compilation of the best works of some Ex-USAFFE men like
Amante Bigornia, Roman de la Cruz, Ramon de Jesus and J.F. Rodriguez.
For the first twenty years, many books were published…both in Filipino and in English. Among the
writers during this time were: Fred Ruiz Castro, Dominador I. Ilio, and C.B. Rigor.
The themes of most poems dealt with the usual love of nature, and of social and political problems.
Toribia Maño’s poems showed deep emotional intensity.
Jose Garcia Villa’s HAVE COME, AM HERE won acclaim both here and abroad.
Longer and longer pieces were being written by writers of the period. Stevan Javellana’s WITHOUT
SEEING THE DAWN tells of the grim experiences of war during the Japanese Occupation.
In 1946, the Barangay Writer’s Project whose aim was to publish works in English by Filipinos was
established.
In 1958, the PEN Center of the Philippines (Poets, essayists, novelists) was inaugurated. In the same
year, Francisco Arcellana published his PEN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES.
In 1961, Kerima Polotan’s novel THE HAND OF THE ENEMY won the Stonehill Award for the Filipino
novel in English.
In 1968, Luis V. Teodoro Jr.’s short story THE ADVERSARY won the Philippines Free Press short story
award; in 1969, his story THE TRAIL OF PROFESSOR RIEGO won second prize in the Palanca Memorial
Awards for Literature and in 1970, his short story THE DISTANT CITY won the GRAPHIC short story award.
Philippines literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes in the writings dealt with
Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the Japanese government and the brave guerilla exploits.
Newspapers and magazine publications were re-opened like the Bulaklak, Liwayway, Ilang
Ilang and Sinag Tala. Tagalog poetry acquired not only rhyme but substance and meaning. Short stories had
better characters and events based on facts and realities and themes were more meaningful. Novels became
common but were still read by the people for recreation.
The people’s love for listening to poetic jousts increased more than before and people started to flock
to places to hear poetic debates.
Many books were published during this time, among which were:
1. Mga Piling Katha (1947-48) by Alejandro Abadilla
2. Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (1886-1948) by Teodoro Agoncillo
3. Ako’y Isang Tinig (1952) collection of poems and stories by Genoveva Edroza Matute
4. Mga Piling Sanaysay (1952) by Alejandro Abadilla
5. Maikling Katha ng Dalawampung Pangunahing Autor (1962) by A.G. Abadilla and Ponciano E.P.
Pineda
6. Parnasong Tagalog (1964) collection of selected poems by Huseng Sisiw and Balagtas, collected by
A.G. Abadilla
7. Sining at Pamamaraan ng Pag-aaral ng Panitikan (1965) by Rufino Alejandro.
He prepared this book for teaching in reading and appreciation of poems, dramas, short stories and
novels
8. Manlilikha, Mga Piling Tula (1961-1967) by Rogelio G. Mangahas
9. Mga Piling Akda ng Kadipan (Kapisanang Aklat ng Diwa at Panitik) 1965 by Efren Abueg
10. Makata (1967) first cooperative effort to publish the poems of 16 poets in Pilipino
11. Pitong Dula (1968) by Dionisio Salazar
12. Manunulat: Mga Piling Akdang Pilipino (1970) by Efren Abueg. In this book, Abueg proved that it is
possible to have a national integration of ethnic culture in our country.
13. Mga Aklat ni Rizal: Many books about Rizal came out during this period. The law ordering the
additional study of the life of Rizal helped a lot in activating our writers to write books about Rizal.
PALANCA AWARDS
Another inspiration for writers in Filipino was the launching of the Palanca Memorial Awards for
literature headed by Carlos Palanca Sr. in 1950. (Until now, the awards are still being given although the man
who founded it has passed away). The awards were given to writers of short stories, plays and poetry.
The first awardees in its first year, 1950-51 in the field of the short story were the following:
PERIOD OF ACTIVISM
(1970-1972)
Historical Background
According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide causes.
Activism is connected with the history of our Filipino youth.
Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms. Some continued to believe that the
democratic government is stable and that it is only the people running the government who are at fault. Some
believed that socialism or communism should replace democracy. Some armed groups were formed to bring
down the democratic form of government.
Many young people became activists to ask for changes in the government. In the expression of this
desire for change, keen were the writings of some youth who were fired with nationalism in order to emphasize
the importance of their petitions.
Many young activists were imprisoned in military camps together with rebel writers. As early as this period
of history we can say that many of those writers who were imprisoned were true nationalists and heroes of
their time.
Many books aptly record and embody these times but many of these are not known to many and many of
these writers still have to be interviewed. We just leave to scholars and researchers the giving of credit where
credit is due.
The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. We can, however, say that he
seeds were earlier sown from the times of Lapu-lapu, Lakandula, and Rizal. The revolution against the
powerful forces in the Philippines can be said to be the monopoly of the youth in whose veins flow the fire in
their blood. What Rizal said of the youth being the hope of the Fatherland – is still valid even today.
Pineda also said that this was the time when the youth once more proved that it is not the constant
evasion that shapes our race and nationalism.
There is a limit to one’s patience. It may explode like a volcano if overstrained.
Life? What avails like if one is a coward who does not take a stand for himself and for the succeeding
generations?
The youth became completely rebellious during this period. This was proven not only in the bloody
demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions but also in literature. Campus newspapers showed rebellious
emotions. The once aristocratic writers developed awareness for society. They held pens and wrote on
placards in red paint the equivalent of the word MAKIBAKA (To dare!).
They attacked the ills of society and politics. Any establishment became the symbol of the ills that had to
be changed. The frustrations of youth could be felt in churches and school. Even the priests, teachers and
parents, as authorities who should be respected became targets of the radical youth and were though of as
hindrances to the changes they sought.
The literature of the activists reached a point where they stated boldly what should be done to effect these
changes.
Some of those who rallied to this revolutionary form of literature were Rolando Tinio, Rogelio Mangahas,
Efren Abueg, Rio Alma, and Clemente Bautista.
The irreverence for the poor reached its peak during this period of the mass revolution. It was also during
this period that Bomba films that discredit our ways as Filipinos started to come out.
(Established in 1950, the Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature had been giving cash prizes for short
story, poetry and one-act play writing as an incentive to Filipino writers. The prizes come from La Tondena,
Inc., the firm founded by the late Carlos Palanca Sr. For the list of winners from 1950-51 to 1960-70, we
recommended Alberto S. Florentino’s “Twenty Years of Palanca Awards.”)
1970-71
First Prize – “THE RITUAL” – Cirilo F. Bautista
Second Prize – “BEAST IN THE FIELDS” – Resil Mojares
1970-71
Third Prize – “FROM MACTAN TO MENDIOLA” – Frederico Licsi Espino Jr.
1970-71
ENGLISH POETRY
1971-72
1971-72
1971-72
Third Prize – The judges recommend that in as much as the three third prize winners especially deserve,
the prize of P 1,000.00 be divided among these three:
“NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY” – Julian E.
Dacanay
Describing this period, he writes: “That first quarter of the year 1970…It was a glorious time, a time of
terror and of wrath, but also a time for hope. The signs of change were on the horizon. A powerful storm was
sweeping the land, a storm whose inexorable advance no earthly force could stop, and the name of the storm
was history.”
He mentions that those students demonstrating at that time knew and were aware that what they were
doing would be crucial to our country’s history. Student leaders thought up grandiose names for their
organizations and hence, the proliferation of acronyms likes SUCCOR, YDS, KTPD, SAGUPA, SMP, KKK,
KM, MDP, and SDK.
Politicians endorsed bills for those who interfered with student demonstrators. Mayor Antonio Villegas
himself, on Feb. 18, 1970, led demonstrators away from angry policemen. Other politicians like Eva Estrada
Kalaw, and Salvador Laurel, Benigno Aquino Jr. wrote about condemnation of police brutalities.
Lacaba’s book is truly representative of writers who were eyewitnesses to this time “of terror and wrath.”
Other writers strove to pour out their anguish and frustrations in words describing themselves as “gasping for
the air, thirsting for the water of freedom.” Thus, the Philippine Center for the International PEN (Poets,
Essayists, and Novelists) held a conference centering on the “writer’s lack of freedom in a climate of fear.”
For a day they denounced restrictions on artistic freedom and passionately led a plea for freedom. Among
the writers in this group were: Nick Joaquin, S.P. Lopez, Gregorio Brillantes, F. Sionil Jose, Petronilo Daroy,
Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, Mauro Avelina, and Jose W. Diokno.
People in the other media participated in this quest for freedom. Journalists Jose Burgos Jr., Antonio Ma.
Nieva,; movie director Lino Brocka, art critic Anna Leah S. de Leon were battling head – on against censorship.
They came up with resolutions that pleaded for causes other than their own – like the general amnesty for
political prisoners, and other secret decrees restricting free expression.
They requested editors and publishers to publish the real names of writers in their columns. It called on
media to disseminate information on national interest without partisan leanings and resolved to be united with
all causes decrying oppression and repression.
Historical Background
The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards continued to
give annual awards.
Almost all themes in most writings dealt with the development or progress of the country – like the Green
Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction and pollution. The New Society tried
to stop pornography or those writings giving bad influences on the morals of the people. All school
newspapers were temporarily stopped and so with school organizations.
The military government established a new office called the Ministry of Public Affairs that supervised the
newspapers, books and other publications.
The government took part in reviving old plays like the Cenaculo, the Zarzuela and the Embayoka of the
Muslims. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk Arts Theater and even the old Metropolitan Theater
were rebuilt in order to have a place for these plays.
Singing both Filipino and English songs received fresh incentives. Those sent abroad promoted many
Filipino songs.
The weekly publications like KISLAP, and LIWAYWAY helped a lot in the development of literature. These
became outlets for our writers to publish many of their works.
Themes of most poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the beauties of nature
and surroundings. Those who wrote poetry during this period were: Ponciano Pineda, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose
Garcia Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente Dimasalang, Cir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz.
Many more composers added their bit during this period. Among them were Freddie Aguilar, Jose Marie
Chan and the group Tito, Vic and Joey. ANAK of Freddie Aguilar became an instant success because of the
spirit and emotions revealed in the song. There were even translations in Japanese and in other languages.
The government led in reviving old plays and dramas, like the Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the
Embayoka of the Muslims which were presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and
the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The Mindanao State University presented a play Sining Embayoka at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines.
In 1977, the Tales of Manuvu, a new style of rock of the ballet opera was also added to these
presentations. This was performed by Celeste Legaspi, Lea Navarro, Hadji Alejandro, Boy Camara, Anthony
Castello, Rey Dizon and choreographed by Alic Reyes.
Even the President’s daughter at the time participated as a performing artist in the principal role of Santa
Juana of Koral and in The Diary of Anne Frank.
Radio continued to be patronized during this period. The play series like SI MATAR, DAHLIA, ITO AND
PALAD KO, and MR. LONELY were the forms of recreation of those without television. Even the new songs
were first heard over the airwaves.
However, many performing artists in radio moved over to television because of higher pay. Among these
were Augusto Victa, Gene Palomo, Mely Tagasa, Lina Pusing, and Ester Chavez.
Popular television plays were GULONG NG PALAD, FLOR DE LUNA, and ANNA LIZA.
SUPERMAN AND TARZAN were also popular with the youth.
New kinds of films without sex or romance started to be made but which were nevertheless well-received
by the public. Among these were:
1. MAYNILA… SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAGwritten by Edgardo Reyes and filmed under the direction
of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco was the lead role.
2. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO; Nora Aunor was the principal performer here.
3. GANITO KAMI NOO…PAANO KAYO NGAYON: led by Christopher de Leon and Gloria Diaz.
4. INSIANG: by Hilda Koronel
5. AGUILA: led by Fernando Poe Jr., Jay Ilagan and Christopher de Leon
1972-73
First Prize – “SPOTS ON THEIR WINGS AND OTHER STORIES” – Antonio Enriquez
Second Prize – “ON FRIENDS YOU PIN SUCH HOPES” – Ines Taccad Camayo
1973-74
First Prize – “THE CRIES OF CHILDREN ON AN APRIL AFTERNOON IN THE YEAR 1957” – Gregorio
C. Brillantes
Third Prize – “TELL ME WHO CLEFT THE DEVIL’S FOOT” – Luning Bonifacio Ira
1974-75
1. “THE MAN WHO MADE A COVENANT WITH THE WIND” – Cirilo F. Bautista
2. “ONCE UPON A CRUISE: GENERATIONS AND OTHER LANDSCAPES” – Luning Bonifacio Ira
1972-73
Third Prize – “THE RICEBIRD HAS BROWN WINGS” – Federico Licsi Espino, Jr.
1973-74
1974-75
POETRY CATEGORY
1972-73
1973-74
1974-75
Second Prize – “ADARNA: SIX POEMS FROM A LARGER CORPUS” – Wilfredo Pascua Sanchez
Third Prize – “THE CITY AND THE THREAD OF LIGHT” – Ricardo Demetillo
(1960-1971)
NATIONAL ARTISTS
1973
1976
The forms of literature that led during this period wee the essays, debates and poetry. The short stories,
like the novels and plays were no different in style from those written before the onset of activism.
Some of the books that came out during this period were:
I Married a Newspaperman (essay) by Maria Luna Lopez (wife of newsapaperman Salvador B. Lopez), 1976
Medium Rare and Tell the People (feature articles and TV Program) by Julie Yap Daza
After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino which started under the New
Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981.
To those in government, the lifting of military rule heralded a change. To their perceptions, the Philippines
became a new nation and this; former President Marcos called “The New Republic of the Philippines.”
A historian called this the Third Republic. The First Republic he claimed was during the Philippine
Republic of Emilio Aguinaldo when we first got our independence form the Spaniards on June 12, 1898.
The Second was when the Americans granted us our independence on July 4, 1946. This period, January
2, 1981, was the Third Republic when we were freed from Military Rule.
During this period, it cannot be denied that many people seethed with rebellion and protest because of the
continued oppression and suppression.
This was further aggravated when former Senator Benigno S. Aquno Jr., the idol of the Filipino masses,
whom they hoped to be the next president, was president, was brutally murdered on August 21, 1983.
This stage of the nation had its effect on our literature. After the Aquino assassinated, the people’s voices
could no long be contained. Both the public and private sectors in government were chanting, and shouting;
women, men and the youth became bolder and their voices were raised in dissent.
We can say that Philippine literature, in spite of the many restrictions, still surreptitiously retained its luster.
The Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for literature which was launched in 1950 (see Chapter 7, The
Renaissance Period), continued its recognition of the best in the literary fields – poetry, short story, essays,
and the one and three-act plays.
In 1983, the mood was restive, characteristics of the times. The nation was angry after the murder of
opposition leader Benigno Aquino but the awards ceremonies continued after a delay. The winners are:
Third Prize co-winner: “The Little Wars of Filemon Sayre” by Lemuel Torrevillas
First Prize: “A Novel Prize for Jorge” by Eli Ang Barroso
Poems during this period of the Third Republic were romantic and revolutionary. Writers wrote openly of
their criticism against the government. The supplications of the people were coached in fiery, colorful, violent,
profane and insulting language.
Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were really true-to-life like those of grief, poverty, aspirations
for freedom, love of God, of country and of fellowmen.
Many composers, grieved over Ninoy Aquino’s treacherous assassination composed songs. Among them
were Coritha, Eric and Freddie Aguilar. Coritha and Eric composed asong titles LABAN NG BAYAN KO and
this was first sung by Coritha during the National Unification Conference of the Opposition in March, 1985.
This was also sung during the Presidential Campaign Movement for Cory Aquino to inspire the movement
against Marcos in February 1986.
Freddie Aguilar revived the song BAYAN KO which was written by Jose Corazon de Jesus and C. de
Guzman during the American period.
The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to be held during this period. The people’s love for sex films
also was unabated. Many producers took advantage of this at the expense of public morality.
Most especially, during the wake of the tragic Benigno Aquino Jr.’s incident, people reacted with shock,
appalled by the suddenness and the unexpectedness of events.
Alfredo Navarro Salanga, a consistent writer of Philippines Panorama Magazine in his column “Post-
Prandal Reflections” aptly said it: “darkness in the mind and soul is how some forgotten poet puts it. Its
suddenness was so profound that we couldn’t but react to it in any other way.”
Elemental to us (poets or writers) was how to grasp to some meaning – in a symbol, a phrase or word – in
the language of heart and tongue, the poet’s only candles. So we tried to reach out in the next and perhaps
the only way we could: by putting pen to paper and speaking out – as partisans in a human drama.
Poets, surprisingly, by common consent, found themselves writing on a common subject. Reproduction
of some of them is reprinted here. We aptly call them Protest Poetry of the ‘80’s.
The themes of most during this time dealt with courage, shock and grief over the “treachery inflicted upon
Aquino.”
For journalists, it was a year loaded with libel charges, lawsuits and seditious trials which they gallantly
bore as harassment suits.
JAJA (Justice for Aquino, Justice for All) Movement called for a boycott of government – controlled
newspapers in protest of media suppression. People picketed newspapers offices with coffins to symbolize the
death of press freedom.
In campuses, newspapers were set afire to protest lack of free expression. Journalists suffered physically
and otherwise.
Journalists of 3 major dailies demanded a dialogue with their publishers to “restore credibility and
respectability” to newspapers.
Opposition tabloids flourished. They sold our papers with the red news to the starved public; hence, smut
magazines like the TIKTIK, PLAYBOY SCENE, and SAKDAL also played the sidewalks.
Radio led by RADIO VERITAS started reporting coverage of demonstrations. Information Minister
Gregorio Cendaña called the tabloids the “mosquito press” and called their new “political pornography.”
However, there was a perceptible liberalization of editorial policies in the major newspapers.
1982: PLAYS FOR CHILDREN by Jame B. Reuter S.J. (New Day Pub.)
1983: STORY TELLING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
1983: JOSE AND CARDO by Peggy Corr Manuel
1983: Joaquinesquerie: MYTH A LA MOD (Cacho Hermanos)
1983: LAHI: 5 FILIPINO FOLK TALES (of 5 English books and 1 cassette tape)
1984: RIZALIANA FOR CHILDREN: ILLUSTRATIONS and FOLKTALES by: Jose P. Rizal, Intoduced
and annotated by Alfredo Navarro Salanga
1984: GATAN AND TALAW by Jaime Alipit Montero
The people’s cry of protest found outlets not only in poetry but also in veiled prose fables which
transparently satirized the occupants of Malacañang. Among those that saw prints were:
In all the fables, the king, differently referred to as Totus Markus or the king or Haring Matinik was meant
to poke fun at the ruler at Malacañang; similarly, Reyna Maganda or the Queen, was a veiled thrust at his
queen. They were both drunk with power and were punished in the end for their misdeeds.
Poetry
What Are The Main Elements Of A Poem
There are seven basic elements of poetry, which that comprise together to form an interesting poem. The main
feature of all these seven units is to provide easy-to-read flow, synchronized expression and necessary
meaning to a composition.
Theme
A poem is not written randomly. Several thoughts and expressions are synchronized together, to give a proper
theme to the poem. In fact, the theme can be described as the soul of a poem. It is the actually what the poet
wants to express through his words. It may either be a thought, a feeling, an observation, a story or an
experience.
Symbolism
The expression in poetry is often not direct. Rather, it makes use of several symbolic and virtual substances
and themes to express the deep hidden meaning behind the words. The use of symbolism gives a more
reflective empathy to the poem. It is one of those basic elements of a poem that are conceived at the very
beginning of the composition.
Meter
Meter is the basic structure of a poem. It is conceived right after the theme and symbolism of poem have been
finalized. This is point where a poem takes an entirely different structure from that of prose. Every line in a
poem has to adhere to this basic structure. The entire poem is divided into sub-units and it is made sure that a
single unit conveys a single strand of thought successfully.
Rhythm
For a smooth flow of expression, a musical symphony in the poem is compulsory.
A dry and broken piece of literature can never ever be good poetry, despite having a good theme. However, it
is not the rhyming between two words of consecutive lines, rather the resonation of words along with the
sounds and the music produced, when the poem is read aloud. This musical link must not be missing in a
poem.
Other Elements
Rhyme
A rhyme may or may not be present in a poem. Free verse variety of poetry does not follow this system.
However where present, the pattern is present in different forms, like aa, bb, cc (first line rhymes with the
second, the third with fourth, and so on) and ab, ab (first line rhymes with third and the second with fourth).
Rhyme has a very significant role in providing rhythm and flow to poem, which further helps in maintaining the
reader's interest.
Alliteration
This element of poetry is also not compulsorily inculcated. However, most of the poets use it in order to give
their poem a beautiful sound effect. In this, several words in a line may be beginning from the same word as for
example say 'M', say 'musical melody of the mystic minstrels'. Alliteration is basically a way to adore the
poetry.
Simile
Simile is a way to add interesting comparisons in the poem, not only to adorn the beauty of the composition,
but also to make the lines more expressive and understandable. In simile, comparisons are made using ‘like’ or
‘as’. For example ‘her laughter was like a babbling brook’. This is another important, but optional element of
poetry.
Metaphor
Metaphor is one another way used to include interesting comparisons in a piece of poetry. Here, the
comparisons are much more complex than the simple ‘like’ or ‘as’ of simile. For example while expressing
himself as a vibrant and 'happy go lucky' personality, the poet may compare himself with a rainbow. A poet
may or may not use this element in his/her poetry.