Overview
This lecture covers the historical progression of Philippine literature from pre-colonial times to the 21st century and introduces key texts and authors from various Philippine regions.
Philippine Literary History: Periods and Key Features
- Pre-colonial literature includes legends, folk tales, epics, and folk songs (e.g., "The Moon and the Sun").
- The Filipino alphabet Alibata (Baybayin) existed before Spanish colonization but was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
- Spanish period literature was classified as religious or secular and featured strong European and religious influences.
- The propaganda movement (1872–1896) included works by Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, and others to inspire nationalism.
- The American regime saw Filipino writers adopt English, imitating American themes and styles, while Tagalog and Spanish works persisted.
- During the Japanese occupation, literature in English was suppressed, Tagalog literature revived, and poetry themes centered on nationalism and daily life.
- The period of activism (1970–1972) was marked by youth-led literary revolution and protest literature.
- The New Society period (1972–1980) promoted poetry about patience, nature, and national culture.
- The Third Republic (1981–1985) highlighted romantic and revolutionary literature.
- Post-EDSA Revolution (1986–1995) literature reflected renewed independence, with increased newspaper and song production.
- 21st-century literature uses new media, ICT, and contemporary slang to engage younger generations.
Representative Texts and Regional Authors
- Philippine literature is shaped by diverse cultural heritage, reflecting regional experiences and histories.
- Notable regional works include:
- Ilocos Region: "Gabu" (poem about Ilocos coastline), Leona Florentino (poetess), Pedro Bukaneg (epic "Biag ni Lam-ang").
- Tagalog/Calabarzon: Jose Rizal (legend of Maria Makiling), known heroes from Laguna, Batangas, Cavite.
- Visayas: "Doctrina Christiana" (first printed book), Vicente Sotto ("Maming" in Cebuano).
- Central Luzon: Anicia Pascual ("Juan Mata"), Maharya Garcia (storytelling).
- Bicol Region: Mariano Perfecto (father of Bikol literature), "Ibalon" (epic).
- NCR: Estrella Alfon ("Magnificence"), Jose Garcia Villa ("Footnote to Youth"), Nick Joaquin (poems).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Alibata/Baybayin — Ancient Filipino writing system replaced by the Roman alphabet.
- Epic — Long narrative poem about heroic achievements (e.g., "Biag ni Lam-ang").
- Haiku — Japanese poem of 17 syllables, three lines (5-7-5).
- Tanaga — Filipino poem of four lines, seven syllables each, with end rhyme.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete assigned activities and answer review questions about literary periods and representative authors.
- Prepare a close analysis and critical interpretation of a selected regional literary text.
- Reflect on how Philippine literature addresses social, political, and moral issues.