21st Century Literature from
the Philippines and the World
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic
Dimensions of Philippine Literary
History from Pre-Colonial to the
Contemporary
First Week: September 13- 17, 2021
The module is divided into two lessons, namely:
• Lesson 1 – Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic Dimensions of
Philippine Literary History from Pre-Colonial to the
Contemporary.
• Lesson 2 – Identifying Representative Texts from the Regions
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Identify geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary
history from pre-colonial to contemporary and representative texts from the
regions.
2. Write a close analysis and critical interpretation of literary texts.
3. Show a sense of adaptability of the Philippine Literary History
Lesson
Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic
1 Dimensions of Philippine Literary History from
Pre-Colonial to the Contemporary
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.
What is It
Think About This!
Our forefathers already had their literature, which reflected in their customs
and traditions. They had their alphabet even before they had colonized. The
Spanish friars burned their alphabet in the belief that they were works of the
devil or were written on materials that quickly perished, like the barks of
trees, dried leaves, and bamboo cylinders, which could not have remained
firm even if efforts were made to preserve them. Our unique geographic
location is the reason why we are rich.
PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE - is characterized by:
• Folk tales. These are made up of stories about life, adventure,
love, horror, and humor where one can derive lessons.
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.
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• Folk Songs. These 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
Understanding Literary History
Literature in this period may be classified as religious prose and poetry and secular
prose and poetry.
• Spanish Influences On Philippine Literature
The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA, was replaced by the Roman
alphabet. Also, the teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of
religious practices. European legends and traditions brought here became
assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
• Folk Songs
It manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate
appreciation for and love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta,
Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
• Recreational Plays
There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the
Spanish times. Almost all of them were in a poetic form such Cenaculo,
Panunuluyan, Salubong and Zarzuela.
PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT (1972- 1898)
In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Ilustrados began
to write about the hitch of colonization.
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.
o Some of Rizal’s writings: Noli Me Tangere, Mi Ultimo Adios, Sobre La
Indolencia Delos Filipinos and Filipinas Dentro De Cien Aňos.
o Some of Del Pilar’s writings: Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of
Country), Kaingat Kayo (Be Careful), and Dasalan at Tocsohan
(Prayers and Jokes).
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o Some of Jaena’s writings: Ang Fray Botod, La Hija Del Fraile
(The Child of the Friar), and Everything Is Hambug
(Everything is mere show), Sa Mga Pilipino...1891), and
Talumpating Pagunita Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to
Commemorate Columbus).
THE AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1944)
Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using English
language. Jose Garcia Villa became famous for his free verse.
Characteristics of Literature during this period:
The languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of
the different regions. But the writers in Tagalog, continued in their
lamentations on the conditions of the country and their attempts to arouse
love for one’s native tongue and the writers in English imitated the themes
and methods of the Americans.
THE JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)
Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when another foreign
country, Japan, conquered the Philippines between1941-1945. Philippine literature
in English came to a halt. This led to all newspapers not to be circulated in the
community except for TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE REVIEW.
o Filipino Poetry during this period
The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation
was nationalism, country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion,
and the arts.
o Three types of poems emerged during this period:
a. Haiku , a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It
was made up of 17 syllables divided into three lines and
b. Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but it had measure and
rhyme.
c. Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form)
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (1941-1945)
Because of the strict prohibitions imposed by the Japanese in the writing and
publishing of works in English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark
period. For the first twenty years, many books were published both in Filipino and
in English.
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In the New Filipino Literature, Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during
this period. Most themes in the writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, the
poverty of life under the Japanese government, and the brave guerilla exploits.
PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)
According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and
worldwide causes. Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms.
The Literary Revolution
The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded a
change in the government. It was manifested in the bloody
demonstrations and the sidewalk expressions and also in literature.
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972- 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 culture, customs, and the beauties of nature and surroundings. 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. Filipinos
before were hooked in reading magazines and comics.
PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC (1981-1985)
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.” Poems during this period of the Third
Republic were romantic and revolutionary. Many Filipino songs dealt with themes
that were true-to-life like those of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of
God, of country and fellowmen.
POST-EDSA 1 REVOLUTION (1986-1995)
History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their
independence, which they lost twenty years ago. In four days from February 21-25,
1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. In the short span of
the existence of the real Republic of the Philippines, several changes already
became evident. It was noticed in the new Filipino songs, newspapers, speeches,
and even in the television programs. The now crony newspapers that enjoyed an
overnight increase in circulation were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S
JOURNAL.
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21st CENTURY PERIOD
The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the needs and tastes of the
new generation. 21st Century learners are demanded to be ICT inclined to compete
with the style and format of writing as well. New codes or lingos are used to add
flavor in the literary pieces produced nowadays.
Activity 1. Characterize Me!
Directions: Complete the table below by writing the characteristics of the
following literature during the Pre-Spanish Period
Legends Folk Tales The Epic Folk Songs
Age
Activity 2. Closer Look
Directions: Write three words that will highlight the message of the excerpt
from one of the most famous literary pieces during Spanish time,
Pasyon.
1. 2. 3.
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.
Activity 3. Saying a Song
Directions: One of the songs in the Post-EDSA I era is the song Ang Bayan Ko.
Analyze and interpret the emotions of Filipinos and situations of the
country found in each paragraph of the song.
Ang Bayan Ko
I. II. II. AtAsa kanyang yumi at ganda
ng bayan kong Pilipinas Dayuhan ay nahalina
Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak Bayan ko, binihag ka
Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad Nasadlak sa dusa
Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag
CHORUS
Ibon mang may layang lumipad kulungin mo
at umiiyak bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag
ang 'di magnasang makaalpas,
Pilipinas kong minumutya pugad ng luha at
dalita aking adhika makita kang sakdal laya
What I Have Learned
1. Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by Legends, Folk Tales, The Epic
Age, and Folk Songs.
2. The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) 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.
3. In the American Regime, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using
the English language. English as a medium of instruction was introduced in
the schools as the intellectual language of education.
4. In the Period of Activism, campus newspapers were written to show their
protest. They held pens and wrote on placards in red paint the equivalent of
the word MAKIBAKA (To dare!).
5. Period of the New Society poems dealt with patience, regard for native
culture, customs, and the beauties of nature and surroundings.
6. The period of the Third Republic was romantic and revolutionary.
7. Post EDSA I noticed in the new Filipino songs, in the newspapers, in the
speeches, and even in the television programs.
What I Can Do
Task 1. As a grade 12 Filipino learner, in what way you can show a sense of
adaptability to the diverse Philippines Literary History? State your
answer in a 3 -5 paragraph essay.
Lesson Identifying Representative Texts
2 from the Regions
The country’s rich repertoire of literary masterpieces may be rooted in the diverse
cultural heritage of the Filipino people. They have produced varied texts because of
differences. The mighty roar of the North and the fiery temperament of the South
blended well. The Filipinos speak of the collective experiences from the people who
have gone through difficulties, triumphs, struggles, successes, armed conflicts,
bloodless revolutions, and others. It is the reason why these masterpieces
resonated loud and clear in the Philippine archipelago.
What’s New
Imagery is a poetic element that tries to create a picture in the mind of the
reader or a mental image through the use of figural language. It represents
objects, places, ideas, or even actions that appeal to the senses of the
readers.
Gabu
by Carlos A. Angeles
The battering restlessness of the sea And neutral where the sea has
Insists a tidal fury upon the beach beached its brine,
At Gabu, and its pure consistency Where the spilt salt of its heart lies
Havos the wasteland hard within its spread
reach. Among the dark habiliments of Time.
Brutal the daylong bashing of its heart The vital splendor misses. For here,
Against the seascape where, for miles here
around, At Gabu where the ageless tide recurs
Farther than sight itself, the rock- All things forfeited are most loved and
stones part dear.
And drop into the elemental wound. It is the sea pursues a habit of shores.
The waste of centuries is grey and dead
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1. What image does the poem, Gabu, try to create?
2. Which word or group of words from the poem help you form this
image? Draw this on a separate sheet of paper.
What is It
A Taste of Philippine Poetry
Located in the northwest of Luzon, the Ilocos Region or Region 1 is comprised of
four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. It is
bordered to the west by the turbulent South China Sea, to the east by the
Cordillera Administrative Region, the northeast and southeast by Cagayan Valley
and the South by Central Luzon. Most of the inhabitants of the Ilocano homeland
are concentrated along a narrow coastal plain. Because of geographical boundaries,
these people often experience heavy rains and violent typhoons, especially during
rainy seasons.
The region, then, takes pride in long stretches of white sand and clear waters
alongside its rich cultural heritage. What you are about to read is a poem written
by a Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee in Poetry in 1964, Carlos A. Angeles. His
collection of poems entitled, Stun of Jewels, also bagged him the Republic Cultural
Heritage Award in Literature in the same year.
A Moment of Silence
Gabu depicts a coastline in Ilocos that is constantly experiencing the battering
restlessness of the sea. The water that comes back to the shore seems furious and
ruthless with its daylong bashing, which havocs the wasteland. Being an
archipelagic country, the Philippines knows the importance of water and the sea.
A Taste of Tagalog Essay
More popularly known now as the CALABARZON referring to the provinces of
Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, Region IV-A is home to Tagalog-
speaking people in the Philippines. Recognized all over the country for their bravery
and fearlessness in battles, CALABARZON has participated actively in the country’s
fight for freedom and democracy. It is home to many Philippine heroes foremost,
and among them are Rizal of Laguna, Mabini of Batangas, and Aguinaldo of Cavite.
A Taste of Creative Nonfiction
The island of Visayas is one of the major geographical divisions in the Philippines,
the other two being Luzon and Mindanao. It is divided into Western, Central, and
Eastern Visayas. The Visayas region is comprised of several islands circling the
Visayan Sea. Its people, therefore, share a sea-based culture and tradition that may
be rooted in a strong religious foundation.
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The dwelling place of many festivals such as the Ati-Atihan, Di-nagyang, Sinulog,
Pintados, and Maskara, the Visayas may indeed be considered as one of the cradles
of Philippine civilization.
What’s More
Activity 4. Graphic Organizer
Directions: Delve deeper into the poem Gabu by Carlos A. Angeles using the
graphic organizer. You may re-read the poem to get the details that
would complete the organizer.
Title of the Text:
Author:
QUESTIONS RESPONSE
TOPIC
What is the text all about?
SITUATION
What is the setting referred to or
described in the text?
CLIENT
Who is the target group of readers
of the text?
How would you describe the group
in terms of skills, values, beliefs
and attitudes?
PURPOSE
Why was the text written?
What does it hope to achieve
especially among its client?
PERSONA
Who is the voice behind the text?
What is known about him or her?
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