Pre-Spanish Period

Long before the Spaniards and other foreigners landed or set foot on Philippine shores, our forefathers already had
their own literature stamped in the history of our race. Our ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in everyday
life as traced in our folk stories, old plays and short stories.

CHARACTERIZED by
Legends Folk Songs Chants Proverbs Or
Folk Takes Epigrams Maxims Sayings
Epic Riddles Sawikain.

Some of Pre-Spanish Literatures 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.

Famous Works during the Pre-Spanish Period

THE EPIC AGE

Biag ni Lam-ang Iloco epic Lagda-Visayan epic Dagoy at Sudsod-

Bidasari-Moro epiC Hari sa Bukid-Visayan epic Tagbanua epic
Biag ni Lam-ang-Ilokano epic Kumintang-Tagalog epic Tatuaang-Bagobo epic
Maragtas-Visayan epic Parang Sabir-Moro epic Indarapatra at Sulayman
Haraya-Visayan epic

FOLK SONGS

Kumintang Ang Oyayi o Hele Talindaw

Kumintang o Tagumpay Diana
Ang Dalit o Imno Soliraning
Spanish Period

The ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman Alphabet.

The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.

The Spanish language became the literary language and lent many of its words to the Philippine language.

European legends and traditions became assimilated in songs, corridos, and moro-moros of the Filipinos.

Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.

Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan.

Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.

Famous Works during the Spanish Period

BOOKS

Ang Doctrina Cristiana (The Ang Barlaan at Josephat (1st Ang mga Dalit kay Maria
Christian Doctrine) tagalog novel printed in the
Nuestra Seora del Rosario Philippines)
Libro de los Cuatro The Pasion
Postprimeras de Hombre Urbana at Feliza

PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT

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 once religious spirit transformed itself into one of nationalism and the Filipinos demanded changes in the government
and in the church.

THE PERIOD OF ACTIVE REVOLUTION

The Filipinos did not get the reforms demanded by the propagandists. The government turned deaf ears to these
petitions; oppression continued and the church and the government became even more oppressive to the Filipinos. The
good intentions of Spain were reversed by the friars who were lording it over in the Philippines.

The gist of literature contained mostly accusations against the government and was meant to arouse the people to unite
and to prepare for independence.

Writers of the Propaganda Movement are Jose P. Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna,
Mariano Ponce, Pedro Paterno and Jose Ma. Panganiban

Writers in the Active Revolution are Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, Jose Palma.

Important works of the Propaganda Movement are Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Mi Ultimo Adios, La
Solidaridad, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa, Ang Fray Botod, Noche Buena, Mga Alamat ng Bulacan, Ninay and Ang
Lupang Tinubuan

Important works during the Active Revolution are Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog, Kartilya ng Katipunan, The
Philippine National Anthem, La Indipendencia , La Republica Filipina, La Libertad and Heraldo dela Revolucion

AMERICAN REGIME

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 peace movements started as early as 1900. Many Filipinos started writing again
and the nationalism of the people remained undaunted.
Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and novels. Their
writings clearly depicted their love of country and their longings for independence.

KINDS OF TAGALOG POETS

1. Poets of the Heart (Makata ng Puso)

2. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay)

3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan)

The Famous Short Stories in this period are Mga Kwentong Ginto, Kwentong Ginto ng 50 Batikang Kwentista, Parolang
Ginto and Talaang Bughaw

The Famous Novels in this period are Ninay, Anak ng Dagat by Patricio Mariano and Bunganga ng Pating by Julian Cruz
Balmaceda.

THE PERIOD OF RE-ORIENTATION (1898-1910)

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. El Renacimiento and Philippines Free Press were two major periodicals that were established this year

THE PERIOD OF IMITATION (1910 - 1924)

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.
THE PERIOD OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH (1925-1941)

By this time, Filipino writers had acquired the mastery of English writing. They now confidently and competently wrote
on a lot of subjects although the old-time favorites of love and youth persisted. They went into all forms of writing like the
novel and the drama.

Poems became patriotic, religious, descriptive and reflective poems as well. Poets wrote in free verse, in odes and
sonnets and in other types. Short stories were still remnants of Spanish influence in the use of expressions that were
florid, sentimental, exaggerated and bombastic. 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.

JAPANESE PERIOD

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. 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

THE FILIPINO POETRY

The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was nationalism, country, love, and life in the barrios,
faith, religion and the arts.

THE FILIPINO DRAMA

The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing American films were closed.
The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows. Many of the plays were reproductions of English plays to
Tagalog. The translators were Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto Concio, and Narciso Pimentel. They also founded the
organization of Filipino players named Dramatic Philippines.
THE FILIPINO SHORT STORY

The field of the short story widened during the Japanese

DRAMA

Jose Ma. Hernandez Panday Pira Clofualdo del Mundo Bulaga

Francisco Soc Rodrigo Sa Pula, Sa Puti Julian Cruz Balmaceda Sino Ba Kayo, Dahil sa
Anal and Higante ng Patay
TYPES OF POETRY

Haiku Tanaga Karamiwang Anyo

SHORT STORIES

Narciso Reyes Lupang Tinubuan Carlos Bulosan The Laughter of my Father

Liwayway Arceo Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa Manuel E. Arguilla How My Brother Leon
Brought Home a Wife
NVM Gonzales Lunsod, Nayon at Dagat-
dagatan

OTHER LITERARY PIECES

Like the Molave (poetry) Literature and Society His Native Soil (Novel )
Rafael Zulueta (Essay) - Salvador P. Lopez Juan Laya
REBIRTH OF FREEDOM

The Americans returned in 1945. On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained is freedom and the Filipino flag waved
joyously alone. The chains were broken. In this period, there were more readers in English than in any over vernaculars
like Tagalog, Ilocano or Hiligaynon.

The Famous Literary Pieces in this period are The Voice of the Veteran which is 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, Twilight in Tokyo
and Passion and Death Of The Usaffe by Leon Ma. Guerrero, For Freedom and Democracy by S.P. Lopez and
Betrayal in the Philippines by Hernando Abaya.

POETRY IN ENGLISH

Heart of the Islands (Manuel Viray) Horizon Least (Artemio Patacsil and Silverio
Baltazar)
Philippines Cross Section (Maximo Ramos and
Florentino Valeros) Who Spoke of Courage in His Sleep (N.V.M.
Gonzales)
Prose and Poems (Nick Joaquin)
Speak Not, Speak Also (Conrado V. Pedroche)
Philippine Writing (T.D. Agcaoili)
Have Come, Am Here (Jose Garcia Villa)
Philippine Harvest (Amador Daguio)
NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH

Without Seeing the Dawn (Stevan Javallana) The Hand of the Enemy (Kerima Polotan)

Pen Anthology of Short Stories (Francisco The Trial of Professor Riego and The Distant City
Arellana) (Luis V. Teodoro)
BOOKS PUBLISHED IN FILIPINO

Mga Piling Katha (Alejandro Abadilla) Parnasong Tagalog collection of selected poems
by Huseng Sisiw and Balagtas (A.G. Abadilla)
Ang Maikling Kuwentong Tagalog (Teodoro
Agoncillo) Mga Piling Akda ng Kadipan (Kapisanang Aklat ng
Diwa at Panitik)
Akoy Isang Tinig (Genoveva Edroza Matute)
Pitong Dula (Dionisio Salazar)
Mga Piling Sanaysay (Alejandro Abadilla)

Maikling Katha ng Dalawampung Pangunahing

Autor (A.G. Abadilla and Ponciano E.P. Pineda)
THE NEW FILIPINO LITERATURE

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 Palanca Awards are launched in this period headed by Carlos Palanca Sr. in 1950.
PERIOD OF ACTIVISM

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.

THE SEED OF ACTIVISM

The seeds of activism resulted in the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. 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.

PERIOD OF BLOODY PLACARDS

This was the time when the youth once more proved that it is not the constant evasion that shapes our race and
nationalism.

THE LITERARY REVOLUTION

The youth became completely rebellious.

Campus newspapers showed rebellious emotions.

The literature of the activists reached a point where they stated boldly what should be done to effect these
changes.

Famous English Short Stories during this period include The Ritual; The Archipelago by Cirilo F. Bautista, Beast in
the Fields by Resil Mojares, Children of the City by Amadis Ma. Guerrero, Five Poems by Wilfredo Pascua Sanchez
and From Mactan to Mendiola by Frederico Licsi.
JOSE F. LACABAs book triggered writers to become more vocal of their anguish and frustrations in words describing
themselves as gasping for the air, thirsting for the water of freedom.

Philippine Center for the International PEN (Poets, Essayists, and Novelists) held a conference centering on the writers
lack of freedom in a climate of fear. Journalists 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.

PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY

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 Ministry of Public Affairs 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. 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.

FILIPINO POETRY

Themes of most poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the beauties of nature and
surroundings. Many more composers added their bit during this period. Among them were Freddie Aguilar, Jose Marie
Chan and the group Tito, Vic and Joey.
THE PLAY

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.

RADIO AND TELEVISION

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. Popular television plays were GULONG NG PALAD, FLOR DE LUNA, and ANNA LIZA. SUPERMAN AND
TARZAN were also popular with the youth

FILIPINO FILMS

A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulng Pilipino (Yearly Filipino Film Festival) was held during this time. During the festival which
lasted usually for a month, only Filipino films were shown in all theaters in Metro Manila. New kinds of films without sex or
romance started to be made but which were nevertheless well-received by the public

COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS

During this period of the New Society, newspapers donned new forms. News on economic progress, discipline, culture,
tourism and the like were favored more than the sensationalized reporting of killings, rape and robberies. Liwayway was
the leading magazine.

PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC

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. The Philippines became a new nation and this; former President Marcos called
The New Republic of the Philippines , but a historian called this the Third Republic.
During this period, it cannot be denied that many people seethed with rebellion and protest because of the continued
oppression and suppression and this was aggravated with the assassination of Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. on August
21, 1983.

FILIPINO POETRY

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.

FILIPINO SONGS

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 Aquinos treacherous assassination,
composed songs

PHILIPPINE FILMS

The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to be held during this period. The peoples love for sex films also was
unabated. Many producers took advantage of this at the expense of public morality.

POETRY IN ENGLISH

Poets, surprisingly, by common consent, found themselves writing on a common subject. The themes of most during this
time dealt with courage, shock and grief over the treachery inflicted upon Aquino.

MEDIA

For journalists, it was a year loaded with libel charges, lawsuits and seditious trials which they gallantly bore as
harassment suits. In campuses, newspapers were set afire to protest lack of free expression. Journalists suffered
physically and otherwise.
CHILDRENS BOOKS

Among the well-loved forms of writing which abounded during this period were those of childrens stories. The Childrens
Communication Center (CCC) directed by poet and writer Virgilio S. Almario already has built up an impressive collection
of these kinds of books.

PROSE FABLES

The peoples cry of protest found outlets not only in poetry but also in veiled prose fables which transparently satirized the
occupants of Malacaang. 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 Malacaang; 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.

THE STATE OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH AT THIS TIME (Isagani Cruz)

1. Change in the direction of greater consciousness in content and form.

2. Change in the number of readers and the number of writers and the kind of class of writers. Writers who joined the
ranks came not only from the established or professional groups but from all ranks clerks, secretaries, drivers,
housewives, students; in short, the masses.
3. The resurgence of Balagtasismo and the continued dominance of Modernismo. While Balagtasismo turned its
back on the American challenge to Philippine literature its conservative conventions, Modernismo adapted
Americanization for its own ends.
4. The birth of a new poetic movement still dims in outline.
5. The apparent merging of the erstwhile separate streams of oral and written literature.
PERIOD AFTER EDSA REVOLUTION

In the span of four days form February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. Together,
the people barricaded the streets petitioning the government for changes and reforms. Freedom became a reality won
through a peaceful, bloodless and God-blessed revolution.

Philippine society was in turmoil for a few weeks but the rejoicing after the Pres. Marcos was toppled down from power
was sheer euphoria. Singing, dancing and shoutings were the order of the day. To the Filipino people, this is the true
Philippine Republic, the true Republic of the Philippines.

THE STATE OF LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD

On Newspapers and other publications:

Newspapers which were once branded crony newspapers became instant opposition papers overnight. This was true of
BULLETIN TODAY which became the opposition paper. The now crony newspapers that enjoyed an overnight increase
in circulation were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLES JOURNAL. Columnists became vocal and unrestricted
in their writings and a bumper crop of young journalists emerged.

On Books:

Two books were conceived during the period. PEOPLE POWER was produced under a grant by the PCI Bank Human
Resources Development Foundation, and BAYAN KO that was published by Project 28 Days LTD. in June, 1986 in
Kowloon, Hong Kong and co-published in the Philippines by Veritas Publications and Communications Foundation.

FILIPINO SONGS DURING THIS PERIOD

An album named HANDOG NG PILIPINO SA MUNDO carried a compilation of some of these. The song that continued
to be sung throughout the trying period of the Revolution, almost like a second national anthem and which gave fire to the
Filipino spirit was BAYAN KO. Its lyrics were written by Jose Corazon de Jesus way back in 1928.
21ST CENTURY LITERATURE

New literary works created within the last decade.

Written by contemporary authors.
Deals with current themes/ issues and reflects a technological culture.
Often breaks traditional writing rules.
Emerging genres like IM and blog format books, diigi-fiction and doodle.

21ST CENTURY READER

They grew up using technology as a primary learning tool.

They are capable of navigating and interpreting digital formats and media messages.
They possess literacy skills which include technological abilities such as keyboarding, internet navigation,
interpretation of technological speak, ability to communicate and interpret coded language and decipher graphics.

THE NEW CONTEXT OF THE 21ST CENTURY LITERACY

Society and technology change, so literacy also changes.

Technology has increased the intensity and complexity of literate environments.
This century demands that a literate person possesses a wide range of abilities and competencies, many
literacies.
These literacies from reading online newspapers to participating in virtual classrooms are multiple, dynamic,
and malleable.

THE NEW CONTEXT OF THE 21ST CENTURY LITERACY

The 21st century readers and writers need to develop proficiency with the tools of technology.
Build relationships with others to pose and solve problems collaboratively and cross-culturally.
Design and share information for global communities to meet a variety of purposes.
Manage, analyze and synthesize multiple streams of simultaneous information.
Create, critique, analyze, ad evaluate multi-media texts.
21ST CENTURY LITERARY GENRES

Illustrated Novels Manga Creative non-fiction

Digi-fiction Doodle Fiction Flash Fiction
Digi-fiction Blog, E-mail, and IM Novels Hypoetry
Graphic Novels Chick lit Text tula