The Literature

of the
Philippines

Mary Joy N. Niturada

Teacher III
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students are
expected to:
 Trace the developmental underpinings of
Philippine literature;
 Determine and highlight the various
literary forms prevailed in every period in
the history of the country; and
 Establish genuine interest to explore the
literary wonders of the Philippines.
A. Pre-colonial Literature
Literature in the form of songs,
epics, myths, folk tales, and
legends.
Literature reveals the our
ancestor’s way of life, belief
system, traditions, and norms.
A. Pre-colonial Literature
Literature provides temporary
answers to man’s curiosity of
the existence of things around
them
Literature was passed through
the word of mouth
Features of Pre-colonial
Literature
The beginning of life and of the
earth
Accounts about great people
or supernatural heroes
The inclusion of gods and
goddesses
Features of Pre-colonial
Literature
The inclusion of mythical
creatures like duwende,
aswang, tikbalang, etc.
Themes on morality; good and
bad practices in life
Daily encounters and activities
in life
B. Spanish Colonization (1565-
1872)
 Introduction of Spanish language and
utilization of Roman Alphabet for writing
 Christian Doctrine was embedded in the
texts which was introduced to the
primitive settlers of the land
 Literature is composed of prayers,
novenas, stories about the life of Saints
and biblical stories.
B. Spanish Colonization (1565-
1872)
Literaturewas didactic
Gaspar Aquino De Belen,
Padre Mariano Pilapil, Padre
Aniceto Dela Merced, and Don
Luis Guian
B. Spanish Colonization (1565-
1872)
 Sample Literatures:
1. Doctrina Christiana-contains
religious texts like Pater Noster or “Our
Father” and Ave Maria “Hail Mary”
2. Pasion-life, death and resurrection
of Jesus; popularly read and celebrated
during the Lenten Season
 3. Comedia de Capa y
Espada or
Moro-moro
4. Karagatan
5. Duplo
6. Sarswela
7. Corrido and Awit
C. Period of
Enlightenment(1872-1896) and
Revolutionary Period (1896-
1900)
To establish an equal position
with the Spaniards, Filipinos’
desire to exhibit their intellect
became evident
Rizal produced literatures with
nationalistic views
C. Period of
Enlightenment(1872-1896) and
Revolutionary Period (1896-
1900)
 Famous Authors:
1. Rizal-”Mi Ultimo Adios” or “My Last Farewell”,
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
2. Andres Bonifacio
3. Apolinario Mabini
4. Graciano Lopez-Jaena
5. Antonio Luna
6. Emilio Jacinto
7. Jose Palma
D. American Colonization
(1900-1942)
Formal Education was
introduced to the Filipinos
Introduction of the English
language
D. American Colonization
(1900-1942)
 Philippine literature in English
improved in form and substance
and gained national and
international recognition
 Literary themes include people’s
desire to gain autonomy and
independence, social and
political issues.
D. American Colonization
(1900-1942)
 Features of Philippine Literature
1. Spanish, Tagalog and other local languages
were used in the early part of American
occupation, later on English was introduced.
2. Contemplations as to the condition of the
country remained as a transcending theme
of most works under such period.
3. Imitation of the writing style and methods of
the Americans
E. Period of Initial Autonomy
(1935-1942)
Panitikan, a group of
aristocratic writers was formed.
First Person point of view writing
became popular
E. Period of Initial Autonomy
(1935-1942)
Free verse and modern themes
in poetry
Novels and theatrical shows
slowly became unpopular
because foreign films were
introduced
F. Japanese Conquest (1942-
1945)
Strictmonitoring of
journalistic writing
“Golden Period” for short
stories and Tagalog
dramas.
F. Japanese Conquest (1942-
1945)
The use of English was
prohibited so vernacular
language dominated.
Themes include nationalism,
patriotism, and life struggles.
F. Japanese Conquest (1942-
1945)
 Literatures during the period
include:
1. Haiku- Japanese poetic form
2. Tanaga
3. “Lupang Tinubuan” by Narciso
Reyes
4. “Dugo at Utak” by Cornelio S.
Reyes
G. Post-war Period/ Period of
the Philippine Republic (1946-
1972)
 Commercial and literary short writing
emerged.
 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards was
initialized in 1950
 Neophyte writers’ short stories were
featured in commercial magazines.
 Literary themes include social issues and
domestic conditions.
Additional Work
 Ina 1 whole sheet of paper, list down at
least 5 Literary Materials (titles) for each
era.
END… Thank you!