Module 1. Literary History of The Philippines
Module 1. Literary History of The Philippines
Module 1. Literary History of The Philippines
21st Century
LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World Module aims to engage students
in appreciation and critical study of 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World,
encompassing their various dimensions, genres, elements, structures, contexts, and traditions.
This module allows the students to embark on a journey from Philippine regions to the
different parts of the world through various literary encounters.
This module has varied parts which consist of the following:
Review
Pre-test
Priming activity
Analysis
Abstraction
Application
Reflection
Post-test
Every module targets a specific learning competency and asks learners to perform multiple
tasks.
REMINDERS:
REVIEW
Studying literature can be very easy with the right amount of knowledge gained from
your journey in the past. Do you know how our literature landscape has evolved? For
your next journey, this module will guide you in gathering more literary tools that will
surely make learning more convenient.
PRE-TEST
DIRECTIONS: Circle the corresponding letter of the best answer for each item.
1. Jose Rizal’s works such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were written to awake
the mind of our countrymen.
2. The Philippines had literature such as legends, folktales, folksongs, and the like.
4. Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories
plays,
essays, and novels which clearly depicted their love of country and their longings for
independence.
5. Filipino literature was given a break during this period for the English literature was
prohibited to use. Many wrote plays, poems short stories, etc. Topics and themes were
often about life in the provinces.
Our forefathers already had their own literature which was reflected in their customs
and traditions. They had their own alphabet even before they were colonized. Their alphabet
was 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. Our unique geographic location is the reason of having rich and varied
form of literature.
LEGENDS-Legends are a form of prose the common theme of which is about the
origin of a thing, place, location or name. The events are imaginary, devoid of truth
and unbelievable. Old Filipino customs are reflected in these legends.
FOLK TALES-Folk tales are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror and
humor where one can derive lessons about life. These are useful to us because they
help us appreciate our environment, evaluate our personalities and improve our
perspectives in life. An example of this is THE MOON AND THE SUN.
THE EPIC AGE-Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic
achievements or events, usually of a hero, are dealt with at length. Nobody can
determine which epics are the oldest because in their translations from other
languages, even in English and Spanish.
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. Examples of which are Kundiman, Kumintang o
Tagumpay, Ang Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana, Soliraning and Talindaw
DIRECTIONS: Given below are sample literary pieces. Explain each by providing real-
life
scenarios or situations.
Once, the Sun and the Moon were married. They shared a home in the sky. When the
Moon left to collect vegetables from the jungle, she asked the Sun to guard their sleeping
children. She also warned him to stay a safe distance away from the babies, since his heat
would burn them. The Sun kept close watch over the children. But he was overcome with
affection for them, and wanted to kiss them goodnight. He forgot the Moon’s warning,
leaned over the babies, and they melted beneath him. Horrified at his foolishness and afraid
of his wife’s rage, the Sun hid. The Moon came back to an empty sky house, and discovered
what happened. After some time, the Sun returned, and he and the Moon had a terrible
fight. The Sun threw the jungle Vegetables at the Moon’s face, and that was the final straw.
The Moon abandoned the Sun for good. This is why, on a full night, you can see the marks
left by the Sun against the Moon’s face. The lost children have become stars. And the Sun
constantly chases the Moon, trying to win back her affections.
A father involved himself into a crime to earn money for his family. The man hid it to his family
in fear that they would loathe him for what he's doing. Then, one day, a group of bad guys invade
their house and attacked his family but he was not home. When he got home, he was very shocked
of what happened to his family and regreted everything that he has done. This is the real scenario
that can explain the folktale ' The moon and the sun'. The folktale was about family and
responsibility.
-The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
-The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
-The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent many
of its words to our language.
- European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros.
- 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.
FOLK SONGS
Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song
from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They truly
manifest the artistic feelings of the Filipinos. They show the Filipinos’ innate
appreciation for and love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen,
Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
TASK 2: REFLECT ON ME
DIRECTIONS: Write a reflective essay highlighting the message of the excerpt of one of
the most famous literary pieces during Spanish time, Pasyon, in the first box and draw
the theme being revealed in the second box.
KASAYSAYAN NG PASYONG MAHAL NI HESUKRISTONG PANGINOON
NATIN
(COPYRIGHT 1949 BY IGNACIO LUNA & SONS)
Panalangin sa Diyos Oh Diyos
sa kalangitan Hari ng sangkalupaan
Diyos na walang kapantay,
mabait lubhang maalam
at puno ng karunungan.
Ikaw ang Amang tibobos
ng nangungulilang lubos
amang di matapus-tapos,
maawi't mapagkupkop sa taong lupa't alabok. Iyong itulot sa amin
Diyos Amang maawain mangyaring aming dalitin,
REFLECTIVE ESSAY
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DRAWING
Period of Enlightenment (1872- 1898)
In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called ilustrados began to
write about the hitch of colonization.
The 300 years with Spaniards marked the longest colonial period in the Philippine
history. Due to the need to see new hope in the midst of multitude, the Filipino spirit
reawakened when the 3 priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without
sufficient evidence of guilt.
The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896)
This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like Jose Rizal,
Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma.
Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
Some of Rizal’s writings:
1. NOLI ME TANGERE- This was the novel that gave spirit to the propaganda
movement and paved the way to the revolution against Spain.
2. EL FILIBUSTERISMO- This is a sequel which exposed those in the government
and in the church.
3. MI ULTIMO ADIOS- This was a poem by Rizal while he was incarcerated at Fort
Santiago.
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- An essay predicting the increasing influence
of the US in the Philippines and the decreasing interest of Europe.
Some of Del Pilar’s writings
1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of Country). Translated from the Spanish
AMOR PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
Dear Ilustrados,2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful). A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose
Rodriquez
I would like to take in the novel
this opportunity NOLI of Rizal,
to express publishedand
my gratitude in Barcelona in 1883.
appreciation for all of
3. DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and Jokes). Similar to a cathecism but
your contribution in our freedom. Thank you for fighting for our freedom. Thank you for
sarcastically done against the parish priests, published in Barcelona in 1888.
all of your contribution in the Philippine Literature. All of your writings are significant in
Some
the Philippine of Jaena’s
Literature. writings
Your writings awakened the filipino spirit and enlighten their
minds of the situation
1. ANG of the BOTOD
FRAY country.(Friar
It also has aOne
Botod). great contribution
of his in the
works written in present
Jaro, Iloilo in 1876,
because by reading sixyour
years afterwill
works thegive
Cavite. Revolt
us a view or attacking the friars
make us aware in the
of what Philippines.
happened in He
the history. Thankexposed
you andhowyousome of the friars
will always were
stay in ourgreedy, ambitious
mind and heart. 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.
Truly Yours,
3. SA MGA PILIPINO...1891) A speech which aimed to improve the condition of the
Filipinos to become free and progressive. Christina
4. TALUMPATING PAGUNITA KAY KOLUMBUS (An Oration to Commemorate
Columbus). A speech he delivered in Madrid on the 39th anniversary of the
discovery of American.
2. Tanaga- is a type of short filipino poem, consisting of four lines with seven
syllables each with the same rhyme at the end of each line.
“Tahak ng tingin, tulak
Ng sulyap, yakap, lapat
Ng titig sa balikat,
Hatak pa, kindat, hakat”
DIRECTIONS: One of the famous movies during this time is Maynila sa mga Kuko ng
Liwanag. Interview your parents/ grandparents about the movie, and write a
summary of it.
CHORUS
Ibon mang may layang lumipad ______________________________
Kulungin mo at umiiyak ______________________________
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag ______________________________
Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas ______________________________
Task 10
DIRECTIONS: From Period of Activism to 21st Century Period, young writers have
contributed significance writings. Write the significant literary historical events during
those times on the box below.
You have been at it for quite some time now. After the comprehensive discussion we
had, you are about to apply what you have learned from this module.
APPLICATION
DIRECTIONS: Complete the table below with the information you’ve obtained from our
previous discussion.
3 learnings
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2 realizations
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1 question
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After having comprehensive discussion and intensive tasks, you are about to test your
learning. This tells if you are ready to the new lesson or not.
POST-TEST
Directions: Identify the literary historical period as described by ge-ographic, linguistic,
and ethnic dimensions. encircle the letter of the correct answer.
After walking with me in this journey, don’t forget the ultimate goal of learning the
significant events or transitions happened in our Philippine literature. This is just
beginning of more exciting journey in this subject. Remember, we are living in a tropical
country located near the western edge of the Pacific Ocean along the great Ring of fire.
We were born in a place where great poets dwelt to. The diverse ethnic groups we
have add spice on the richness of our heritage. Linguistically, the literature we are
having now is a product of colonization and changes in administration. From the first
language we had, it transforms into a new face of literature. New vocabulary and codes
are used. which transpire the rich heritage of this nation.
REFERENCES
Chua, R. (2016). 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the
World. Makati: Diwa Learning Systems Inc.
Croghan SJ, Richard V.(1975).The Development of Philippine Litera-
ture in English: Quezon City:Alemar-Phoenix Publishing
House.
Fosdick, Carolyn, and Tarrosa (1954). Literature for Philippine High
Schools. New York: Macmillan Company.
Zaide, Gregorio F. (1970). Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings. Ma-
nila: Villanueva Book Store. Retrieved from https://
www.scribd.com/doc/26364271/Philippine-Literature-Pre-
Spanish-Period.