Overview
This lecture traces the development of Philippine literature from the pre-colonial era through the 21st century, highlighting major periods, key forms, and influential writers.
Philippine Literary Timeline
- Pre-colonial period features folk tales, epics, and songs reflecting Filipino customs and traditions.
- Spanish period (1566-1871) introduced religious and secular prose and poetry, and replaced the native alphabet with the Roman alphabet.
- Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898): Filipino intellectuals used literature to promote nationalism and inspire reform.
- American regime (1898-1941): English became a primary literary language; Filipino and regional languages remained vital.
- Japanese occupation (1941-1945): Literary activities in English halted, poetry forms like haiku and tanaga flourished.
- Period of Activism (1970-1972): Youth activism and social issues influenced literature.
- New Society Period (1972-1980): Literature expressed calls for change; the Palanca Awards highlighted literary excellence.
- Martial Law lifted in 1981, ushering in the New Republic era with romantic and revolutionary themes in literature.
- Post-EDSA Revolution (1986-1995): Media and literature underwent major changes reflecting renewed freedom.
- 21st Century: Literature is shaped by technological innovations, new styles, and ICT-savvy writers.
Main Literary Forms and Examples
- Folk Tales: Stories about life, adventure, and lessons, e.g., "The Tale of the Sun and the Moon."
- Epics: Long poems about heroism, e.g., Biag ni Lam-ang, Maragtas, Parang Sabil, Ibalon, and Hinilawod.
- Folk Songs: Ancient Filipino songs like "Kundiman" with 12 syllables.
- Poems during Japanese period: Haiku (3 lines, 5-7-5 syllables) and Tanaga (Filipino poetic form).
- Literary Awards: Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards honor Filipino writers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Folk Tale — Traditional story passed down orally, teaching lessons and values.
- Epic — Lengthy narrative poem recounting heroic deeds and adventures.
- Alibata — The first Filipino alphabet, later replaced by the Roman alphabet.
- Haiku — Japanese poetic form with three lines and a 5-7-5 syllable structure.
- Tanaga — Indigenous Filipino poem, typically four lines with seven syllables each.
- Palanca Awards — Prestigious Filipino literary awards for published or manuscript works.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review module content on the literary timeline and eras.
- Write a haiku on a topic from any literary period discussed.
- Prepare for the next lesson on representative texts from various Philippine regions.