21st Century Literature from the Philippines FOLK TALES

and the World. - These are made up of stories about life,

adventure, love, horror, and humor where
Lesson 1 : Geographic, Linguistic and one can derive lessons
Ethnic Dimensions of Philippine Literacy about life. An example of this is THE
History from Pre-Colonial to the MOON AND THE SUN.
Contemporary
EPICS
Literature - are long narrative poems in which a series
- comes from the latin word “litteratura” of heroic achievements or events, usually of
which means “writing formed with a hero, are dealt with at length.
letters”. With the passage of time Oral Literature
- is not only enclosed in that meaning becomes
- is anything and everyhing that reproduces Lengthy and this long forms
life experiences. Was the epic such as:
- it collects, organizes and sums up the  Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocanos)
entire of humanity occasionally adding  Alim and Hudhud (Ifugaos)
more color to it.  Kumintang (Tagalog)
 Ibalon (Bicolanos)
Philippine Literature  Maragtas and Hinilawod (Visayas)
- Before the colonization of the Philippines,  Hari sa Bukid (Hiligaynon)
we already had our own alphabet called  Dagoy and Sudsud (Tagbanuas)
“Philippine Baybayin” or “Alibata”. It  Bantugan (Muslims)
was written in perishable materials.  Indarapatra and Sulayman
(Maguindanao)
Periods of Philippine Literature  Tatuaang (Bagobos)

 Pre-Spanish Period FOLK SONGS

 Spanish Period - These are one of the oldest forms of
 Period Of Enlightenment Philippine literature that emerged in the Pre-
 The American Regime Spanish period. These songs mirrored the
 The Japanese Period early forms of culture. Many of these have
 Philippine Literature In English 12 syllables. Examples of which are
 Period Of Activism Kundiman, Kumintang o Tagumpay, Ang
 Period Of The New Society Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana,
 Period Of The Third Republic Soliraning and Talindaw’
 Post-Edsa 1 Revolution  Bugtong (Riddles)
 21st Century Period  Salawikain (Proverbs)
 Kasabihan (Saying)
PRE-SPANISH PERIOD  Oyayi (Lullaby)
- literature was principally oral in as much  Soliranin (Boat Song)
as writing was not yet invented and more of  Kumintang (War Song)
the works were concise poetic.  Diona (Wedding Song)
 Dalit (Religious Song)
CHANT (BULONG)  Kundiman (Love Song)
- This was used in witchcraft or  Dipayanin (Drinking)
enchantment especially in remote  Kantahing bayan (Folk song)
places in the Visayas.  Hibais (Travel Song)
LEGENDS  Bung-aw (Funeral Song)
- These are genres of folklore that consists  Bansal (Courting Song)
of a narrative featuring human actions
perceived or believed both by teller and Prose and Works
listeners to have taken place within human
history.  Alamat (Legends)
 Myth (Mito)
 Kwentong bayan (folk tales) middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del
 Pabula (Fables) Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna,
 Parabola (Parables) Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and
Pedro Paterno.

SPANISH PERIOD (1521-1871) Some of Rizal’s writings:

Noli Me Tangere, Mi Ultimo Adios,
- Ferdinand Magellan is the one who Sobre La Indolencia Delos Filipinos and
Discovered Philippines Filipinas Dentro De
- The mission of Spanish Friars is Cien Aňos.
to spread the CHRISTIANITY
Some of Del Pilar’s writings:
Understanding Literary History Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of
Literature in this period may be classified as Country), Kaingat Kayo (Be Careful), and
religious prose and poetry and secular Dasalan at Tocsohan
prose and poetry. (Prayers and Jokes).

Spanish Influences On Philippine Some of Jaena’s writings:

Literature Ang Fray Botod, La Hija Del Fraile
- The first Filipino alphabet, called (The Child of the Friar). and Everything Is
ALIBATA, was replaced by the Roman Hambug (Everything is mere show), Sa
alphabet. Also, the teaching of the Christian Mga Pilipino...1891), and Talumpating
Doctrine became the basis of religious Pagunita Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to
practices. European legends and traditions Commemorate Columbus).
brought here became assimilated in our
songs, corridos, and moro-moros. THE AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1944)
Linguistically, Americans influenced
Folk Songs Filipino writers to write using English
- It manifests the artistic feelings of the language. Jose Garcia Villa became famous
Filipinos and shows their innate for his free verse.
appreciation for and love of beauty. The
examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Characteristics of Literature during this
Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, period:
and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing. The languages used in writing were Spanish
and Tagalog and the dialects of the different
Recreational Plays regions, but the writers in Tagalog
- There are many recreational plays continued in their lamentations on the
performed by Filipinos during the conditions of the country and their attempts
Spanish times. Almost all of them were in a to arouse love for one’s native tongue and
poetic form such Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, the writers in English imitated the themes
Salubong and Zarzuela. and methods of the Americans.
The oral works are able to translate in
Written Work through The use of THE JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)
SYLLABARY called ALIBATA
Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature
PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT was interrupted in its development when
(1972- 1898) another foreign country, Japan, conquered
the Philippines. Philippine literature in
In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals English came to a halt. Except for the
educated in Europe called ilustrados began TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE REVIEW,
to write about the hitch of colonization. almost all news-papers in English were
stopped by the Japanese.
The Propaganda Movement
(1872-1896) - This movement was Filipino Poetry During This Period
spearheaded mostly by the intellectual
The common theme of most poems during culture, customs, and the beauties of nature
the Japanese occupation was nationalism, and surroundings.
country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, Newspapers donned new forms.
religion, and the arts.
News on economic progress, discipline,
Three types of poems emerged during culture, tourism, and the like were favored
this period: more than the sensationalized reporting of
 Haiku - a poem of free verse that the killings, rape, and robberies. Filipinos
Japanese like. It was made up of 17 before were hooked in reading magazines
syllables divided into three lines and and comics.
 Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but it
had measure and rhyme. PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC
 Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form) (1981-1985)

After ten years of military rule and some

PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN changes in the life of the Filipino, which
ENGLISH (1941-1945) started under the New Society, Martial Rule
was at last lifted on January 2, 1981.
Because of the strict prohibitions imposed
by the Japanese in the writing and The Philippines became a new nation, and
publishing of works in English, Philippine this; former President Marcos called “The
literature in English experienced a dark New Republic of the Philippines.” Poems
period. For the first twenty years, many during this period of the Third Republic
books were published both in Filipino and were romantic and revolutionary. Many
in English. Filipino songs dealt with themes that were
true-to-life like those of grief, poverty,
In the New Filipino Literature, Philippine aspirations for freedom, love of God, of
literature in Tagalog was revived during this country
period. Most themes in the writings dealt and fellowmen.
with Japanese brutalities, the poverty
of life under the Japanese government, and POST-EDSA 1 REVOLUTION
the brave guerilla exploits. (1986-1995)

PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972) History took another twist. Once more, the
According to Pociano Pineda, youth Filipino people regained their independence,
activism in 1970-1972 was due to domestic which they lost twenty years ago. In four
and worldwide causes. Because of the ills of days from February 21-25, 1986, the so-
society, the youth moved to seek reforms. called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan)
prevailed. In the short span of
The Literary Revolution the existence of the real Republic of the
The youth became vocal with their Philippines, several changes already became
sentiments. They demanded a evident. It was noticed in the new Filipino
change in the government. It was songs, newspapers, speeches, and even in
manifested in the bloody the television programs. The now crony
demonstrations and the sidewalk newspapers that enjoyed an overnight
expressions but also in literature. increase in circulation were THE
INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY JOURNAL.
(1973- 1980)

The period of the New Society started on

September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca
Awards continued to give annual awards.
Poems dealt with patience, regard for native 21st CENTURY PERIOD (2000-Present)
The new trends have been used and Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee in
introduced to meet the need and tastes of the Poetry in 1964, Carlos A. Angeles. His
new generation. 21st Century learners are collection of poems entitled, Stun of Jewels,
demanded to be ICT inclined to compete also bagged him the Republic Cultural
with the style and format of writing as well. Heritage Award in Literature in the same
New codes or lingos are used to add flavor year.
in the literary pieces produced nowadays.
A Moment Of Silence
Lesson 2: Identifying Representative Texts
From The Region Gabu depicts a coastline in Ilocos that is
constantly experiencing the battering
The country’s rich repertoire of literary restlessness of the sea. The water that comes
masterpieces may be rooted in the diverse back to the shore seems furious and ruthless
cultural heritage of the Filipino people. with its daylong bashing which havocs the
They have produced varied texts because of wasteland. Being an archipelagic country,
differences. The mighty roar of the North the Philippines knows the importance of
and to water and the sea.
the fiery temperament of the South blended
well. A Taste of Tagalog Essay

The Filipinos speak of the collective More popularly known now as the
experiences from the people who have gone CALABARZON referring to the provinces
through difficulties, of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and
triumphs, struggles, successes, armed Quezon, Region IV-A is home to Tagalog-
conflicts, bloodless revolutions, and others. speaking
It is the reason why these masterpieces people in the Philippines. Recognized all
resonated loud and clear in over the country for their bravery and
the Philippine archipelago. fearlessness in battles, CALABARZON has
participated actively in the country’s fight
Imagery is a poetic element that tries to for freedom and democracy. It is home to
create a picture in the mind of the reader or many a Philippine hero foremost, and
a mental image through the use of figural among them are Rizal of Laguna, Mabini of
language. It represents objects, places, Batangas, and Aguinaldo of Cavite.
ideas, or even actions that appeal to the
senses of the readers. A Taste of Creative Nonfiction

A Taste of Philippine Poetry The island of Visayas is one of the major

geographical divisions in the Philippines,
Located in the northwest of Luzon, the the other two being Luzon and Mindanao. It
Ilocos Region or Region 1 is comprised of is divided into Western, Central, and
four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Eastern Visayas. The Visayas region is
Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. It is comprised of several islands circling the
bordered to the west by the turbulent South Visayan Sea. Its people, therefore, share a
China Sea, to the east by the Cordillera sea-based culture and tradition that may be
Administrative Region, rooted in a strong religious foundation. The
the northeast and southeast by Cagayan dwelling place of many festivals such as the
Valley and the South by Central Luzon. Ati-Atihan, Di-nagyang, Sinulog, Pintados,
Most of the inhabitants of the Ilocano and Maskara, the Visayas may indeed be
homeland are concentrated along a narrow considered as one of the cradles of
coastal plain. Philippine civilization.

The region, then, takes pride in long 1. Imagery is a poetic element that tries to
stretches of white sand and clear waters create a picture in the mind of the
alongside its rich cultural heritage. What reader or a mental image through the use of
you are about to read is a poem written by a figurative language.
2. Gabu depicts a coastline in Ilocos that is
constantly experiencing the battering FICTION- is literature created from the
restlessness of the sea. imagination, not presented as fact, though it
3. Panahon na muling Padaluyin ang Agos may be based on a true story or situation.
is a persuasive essay that focuses on Types of literature in the fiction include the
the potent capacity of a national language to novel, short story and novella.
arouse patriotism and love of
country in its people. NON-FICTION- is based on facts and the
4. The Dreamwaevers is a text written by a author’s opinion about a subject. The
feminist Filipina who strongly purpose of non-fiction writing is to inform
promotes women’s rights. and sometimes to persuade. Its examples are
biographies, articles from textbooks and
Lesson 3: Conventional And 21st Century magazines and newspapers.
Genres 21st Century Literature Genres

21st Century Literature ILLUSTRATED NOVEL

- refers to new literary work created within  Story through text and illustrated
the last decade. It is written by images
contemporary authors which may deal with  50% 0f the narrative is presented
current themes/ issues and reflects a without words
technological culture. It often breaks  The reader must interpret the images to
traditional writing rules. comprehend the story completely.
 Textual portions are presented in
21st Century Reader traditional form.
- A 21st Century Reader grew up using  Some illustrated novels may contain no
technology as a primary learning tool. He is text at all.
capable of navigating and interpreting  Span all genres.
digital formats and media messages. He also  Examples include The Invention of
possesses literacy skills, which include Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and
technological abilities such as keyboarding, The Arrival by Shaun Tan.
internet navigation, interpretation of
technological speak, ability to communicate DIGI-FICTION
and interpret coded language and decipher  Triple Media Literature
graphics.  Combines three media: book,
movie/video and internet website.
CONVENTIONAL LITERARY  To get the full story, students must
GENRES engage in navigation, reading, viewing
in all three forms.
POETRY- is an imaginative awareness of  Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek and
experience expressed through meaning, Anthony Zuiker’s Level 26 are
sound and rhythmic language choices to examples.
evoke an emotional response. It has been
known to employ meter and rhyme. The GRAPHIC NOVEL
very nature of poetry as an authentic and  Narrative in comic book formats
individual mode of  Narrative work in which the story is
expression makes it nearly impossible to conveyed to the reader using a comic
define. form.
 The term is employed broadly manner,
DRAMA- is a composition in prose or verse encompassing non-fiction works and
presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story thematically linked short stories as well
involving conflict more contrast of as fictional stories across a number of
character, especially on intended to be acted genres.
on a stage: a play. It may be any situation or  Archie Comics by John Goldwater and
series of events having vivid, emotional, illustrator, Bob Montana, is a good
conflicting or striking interest. example.
  Is a style of fictional literature of
extreme brevity
 There is no widely accepted definition
of the length and category. It could
range from word to a thousand.
MANGA
 Japanese word for comics SIX-WORD FLASH FICTION
 It is used in the English-speaking  Ernest Hemingway: For sale: baby
world as a generic term for all comic socks, never worn.
books and graphic novels originally  Margaret Atwood: Longed for him. Got
published in Japan. him, Shit.
 Considered as an artistic and
storytelling style. CREATIVE NON-FICTION
 Ameri-manga- sometimes used to refer  Also known as literary non-fiction or
to comics created by American artists narrative non-fiction
in manga style.  A genre of writing that uses literary
 Shonen- Boy’s Manga (Naruto, styles and techniques to create factually
Bleach, One Piece) accurate narratives.
 Shojo- Girl’s Manga (Sailormoon)  Contrasts with other non-fiction, such
 Seinen- Men’s Manga (Akira) as technical writing or journalism,
 Josei- Women’s Manga (Loveless, which is also rooted in accurate fact,
Paradise Kiss) but is not primarily written in service to
 Kodomo- Children’s Manga its craft.
(Doraemon, Hello Kitty)  As a genre, creative non-fiction is still
relatively young and is only beginning
to be scrutinized with the same critical
DOODLE FICTION analysis given to fiction and poetry.
 Literary presentation where the author  1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp and
incorporates doodle writing and Wind, Sand, and Stars by Antoine de
drawings and handwritten graphics in Saint-Exupery are examples.
place of the traditional font.
 Drawing enhances the story, often SCIENCE FICTION
adding humorous elements  Is a genre of speculative fiction dealing
 Examples include The Diary of a with imaginative concepts such as
Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and futuristic science and technology, space
Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis. travel, time travel, faster than light
travel, a parallel universe and extra-
TEXT-TALK NOVELS terrestrial life.
 Blogs, email and IM format narratives  Often explores the potential
 Stories told almost entirely in dialogue consequences of scientific and other
simulating social network exchanges. innovations and has been called a
“literature of ideas”.
CHICK LIT or CHICK LITERATURE  Examples include Suzanne Collins’
 Is genre fiction which addresses issues Mockingjay and Sarah Maas’
of modern womanhood, often Kingdom of Ash.
humorously and lightheartedly.
 Chick Lit typically features a female BLOG
protagonist whose femininity is heavily  A weblog, a website containing short
thermalizing in the plot. articles called posts that are changed
 Scarlet Bailey’s The night before regularly.
Christmas and Miranda Dickinson’s It  Some blogs are written by one person
started with a Kiss are examples of this. containing their own opinions, interests
and experiences, while others are
FLASH FICTION written by different people.
HYPER POETRY
 Digital poetry that uses links using
hypertext mark-up
 It can either involved set words,
phrases, lines, etc. that are presented in
variable order but sit on the page much
as traditional poetry does, or it can
contain parts of the poem that move
and mutate.
 It is usually found online, through CD-
ROM and diskette versions exist. The
earliest examples date to no later than
the mid-1980’s.