EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Lesson Proper for Week 1
Survey Of Philippine Literature In English
INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
The word literature is derived from the latin term “litera” which means letter. It has
been defined differently by various writers. Some loosely interpret literature as any
printed matter written within a book, a magazine or a pamphlet. Others define literature
as a faithful reproduction of man’s manifold experiences blended into one harmonious
expression. Because literature deals with ideas, thoughts and emotions of man,
literature can be said to be
the story of man. Man’s loves, grieves, thoughts, dreams and aspirations coached in
beautiful language is literature
In order to know the history of a nation’s spirit, one must read its literature. Hence it
is ,that to understand the real spirit of a nation, one must “trace the little rills as they
course along down the ages, broadening and deepening into the great ocean of thought
which men of the present source are presently exploring.
” Brother azurin, said that “literature” expresses the feelings of people to society, to the
government, to his surroundings, to his fellowmen and to his divine creator.” The
expression of one’s feelings, according to him, may be through love, sorrow, happiness,
hatred, anger, pity, contempt, or revenge.
For webster, literature is anything that is printed, as long as it is related to the ideas
and feelings of people, whether it is true, or just a product of one’s imagination. In
PANITIKING PILIPINO written by atienza, ramos, salazar and nazal, it says that “true
literature is a piece of written work which is undying. It expresses the feelings and
emotions of people in response to his everyday efforts to live, to be happy n his
environment and, after struggles, to reach his creator.”

WHY WE NEED TO STUDY PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

We can enumerate many reasons for studying
literature. Here are but a few: we study literature so that we can better appreciate our
literary heritage. We cannot appreciate something that we do not understand. Through
a study of our literature, we can trace the rich heritage of ideas handed down to us from
our forefathers. Then we can understand ourselves better and take pride in being a
filipinoLITERATURE AND HISTORY
Like other races of the world, we need to understand that we have a great and noble
tradition which can serve as the means to assimilate other cultures. Through such a
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study, we will realize our literary limitations conditioned by certain historical factors and
we can take steps to overcome them. Above all, as filipinos, who truly love and take
pride in our own culture, we have to manifest our deep concern for our own literature
and this we can do by studying the literature of our country.
Of philippine literature in english and time frames it can be said that philippine
literature in english has achieved a stature that is, in a way, phenomenal since the
inception of english in our culture. Our written literature, which is about four hundred
years old, is one of slow and evolutionary growth. Our writers strove to express their
sentiments while struggling with a foreign medium. The great mass of literature in
english that we have today is, indeed, attribute to what our writers have achieved in the
short span of time. What they have written can compare with some of the best works in
the world.
Much is still to be achieved. Our writers have yet to write their opus magnums.
Meanwhile, history and literature are slowly unfolding before us and we are as
witnesses in the assembly lines to an evolving literary life. Time frames may not be
necessary for a study of literature, but since literature and history are inescapably
related it has become facilitate to map up a system that will aid us in delineating certain
time boundaries.

These time boundaries are not exactly well-defined; very often, time frames blend
into another in a seeming continuum. For a systematic discussion of the traditions,
customs, and feelings of our people that can be traced in our literature, we shall adopt
certain delimitation.

These time frames are:

time frames of philippine literature in english different opinions prevail regarding the
stages that mark the development of philippine literature in english. Let us take the
following time frames for the purpose of discussion:
1. The period of re-orientation: 1898-19102.
2. Period of imitation: 1910-19253.
3. Period of self-discovery: 1925-1941
4. Japanese period: 1941-1945 5. The rebirth of freedom: 1946-
19706.
6. Period of activism: 1970-19727.
7. Period of the new society: 1972-19818.
8. Period of the third republic: 1981-19859.
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9. Contemporary period: 1986

LITERATURE AND HISTORY
Literature and history are closely interrelated. In discovering the history of a race, the
feelings, aspirations, customs and traditions of a people are sure to be included. .. And
these feelings, aspirations, customs and traditions that are written is literature. History
can also be written and this too, is literature. Events that can be written down are part of
true literature. Literature, therefore, is part of history.
Literature and history, however, also have differences. Literature may be figments of
the imagination or events devoid of truth that have been written down, while history is
made up of events that really happened. Literary compositions that have influenced the
world. Among them are:
• 1. The bible or the sacred writings
2. Koran
3. The iliad and the odyssey
4. The mahab-harata
5. Canterbury tales
6. Uncle tom’s cabin
7. The divine comedy
8. El cid compeador
9. The song of roland
10. The book of the dead
11. The book of the days
12. One thousand and one nights or the arabian nights
GENERAL TYPES OF LITERATURE
Literature can generally be divided into two types; prose and poetry.

Prose consists of those written within the common flow of conversation in sentences
and paragraphs, while poetry refers to those expressions in verse, with measure and
rhyme, line and stanza and has a more melodious tone.
I. PROSE
there are many types of prose. These include the following:
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a. Novels. A long narrative divided into chapters and events are taken from true-to-life
stories.
Example: WITHOUT SEEING THE DAWN by stevan javellana.
B. Short story. This is a narrative involving one or more characters, one plot
and one single impression.
Example: THE LAUGHTER OF MY FATHER by carlos bulosan
C. Plays. This is presented on a stage, is divided into acts and each act has
many scenes.
Example: THIRTEEN PLAYS by wilfredo M. Guerrero
d. Legends. These are fictitious narratives, usually about origins.
Example: THE BIKOL LEGEND by pio duran
e. Fables. These are also fictitious and they deal with animals and inanimate things
that speak and act like people and their purpose is to enlighten the minds of children to
events that can mold their ways and attitudes.
Example: THE MONKEY AND THE TURTLE
F. Anecdotes. These are merely products of the writer’s imagination and the main aim is
to bring out lessons to the reader.
Example: THE MOTH AND THE LAMP
g. Essay. This expresses the viewpoint or opinion of the writer about a particular
problem or event. The best example of this is the editorial page of a newspaper.

H. Biography. This deals with the life of a person which may be about himself,
his autobiography or that of others.
Example: CAYETANO ARELLANO by socorro O. Albert

I. News. This is a report of everyday events in society, government, science

and industry, and accidents, happening nationally or not. J. Oration. This is a formal
treatment of a subject and is intended to be spoken in public. It appeals to the intellect,
to the will or to the emotions of the audience.
Ii. POETRY
there are three types of poetry and these are the following:
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A. Narrative poetry. This form describes important events in life either real or
imaginary.
The different varieties are:
1. Epic. This is an extended narrative about heroic exploits often under super natural
control.
Example: THE HARVEST SONG OF ALIGUYON translated in english by amador T.
Daguio
2. Metrical tale. This is a narrative which is written in verse and can be classified
either as a ballad or a metrical romance.
Examples: BAYANI NG BUKID by al perez HERO OF THE FIELDS by al perez
accompanying a dance.

3. Ballads of the narrative poems, this is considered the shortest and simplest. It has
a simple structure and tells of a single incident. There are also variations of these: love
ballads, war ballads, and sea ballads, humorous, moral, and historical or mythical
ballads. In the early time, this referred to a song
B. Lyric poetry. Originally, this refers to that kind of poetry meant to be sung to the
accompaniment of a lyre, but now, this applies to any type of poetry that expresses
emotions and feelings of the poet. They are usually short, simple and easy to
understand.

1. Folksongs (awiting bayan). These are short poems intended to be sung. The
common theme is love, despair, grief, doubt, joy, hope and sorrow. Example: CHIT-
CHIRIT-CHIT

2. Sonnets. This is a lyric poem of 14 lines dealing with an emotion, a feeling, or an

idea. These are two types: the italian and the shakespearean.
Example: SANTANG BUDS by alfonso P. Santos
3. Elegy. This is a lyric poem which expresses feelings of grief and melancholy, and
whose theme is death.
Example: THE LOVER‟S DEATH by ricaredo demetillo
4. Ode. This is a poem of a noble feeling, expressed with dignity, with no definite
number of syllables or definite number of lines in a stanza.
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5. Psalms (dalit). This is a song praising god or the virgin mary and containing a
philosophy of life.
6. Awit (song). These have measures of twelve syllables (dodeca syllabic) and slowly
sung to the accompaniment of a guitar or banduria.
Example: FLORANTE AT LAURA by francisco balagtas
7. Corridos (kuridos). These have measures of eight syllables (octo syllabic) and
recited to a martial beat.
Example: IBONG ADARNA
C. Dramatic poetry
1. Comedy. The word comedy comes from the greek term “komos” meaning festivity or
revelry. This form usually is light and written with the purpose of amusing, and usually
has a happy ending.
2. Melodrama. This is usually used in musical plays with the opera. Today, this is
related to tragedy just as the farce is to comedy. It arouses immediate and intense
emotion and is usually sad but there is a happy ending for the principal character.
• 3. Tragedy. This involves the hero struggling mightily against dynamic forces; he
meets death or ruin without success and satisfaction obtained by the protagonist in a
comedy.
4. Farce. This is an exaggerated comedy. It seeks to arouse mirth by laughable
lines; situations are too ridiculous to be true; the characters seem to be caricatures and
the motives undignified and absurd.
5. Social poems. This form is either purely comic or tragic and it pictures the life
of today. It may aim to bring about changes in the social conditions.
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MODULE 2 PRE-SPANISH PERIOD

Lesson Proper for Week 2
Pre-Spanish Period
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Long before the spaniard and other foreigners landed on philippine shores, our
forefathers already had their own literature stamped in the history of our race. Our
ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in everyday life as trace in our folk
stories, old plays and short stories. Our ancestors also had their own alphabet which
was different from that brought by the spaniards. The first alphabet used by our
ancestors was similar to that of the malayo-polynesian alphabet.
Whatever record our ancestors left were either 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.
The spaniards who came to the philippines tried to prove that our ancestors were really
fond of poetry, songs, stories, riddles and proverbs which we still enjoy today and which
serve to show to generations the true culture of our people. Pre-spanish literature is
characterized by
A. 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. Its aim is to entertain. An example of
a legend is “the legend of the tagalogs.”

B. 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”.
C. 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.
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We can only determine their origins from the time mentioned in the said epics. Aside
from the aforementioned epics, there are still other epics that can be read and studied
like the following epics.
a. Bidasari-moro epic
b. Biag ni lam-ang-ilokano epic
c. Maragtas-visayan epic
d. Haraya-visayan epic
e. Lagda-visayan epic
f. Hari sa bukid-visayan epic
g. Kumintang-tagalog epic
h. Parang sabir-moro epic
i. “Dagoy” at “sudsod” -tagbanua epic
j. Tatuaang-bagobo epic
k. Indarapatra at sulayman
l. Bantuganm. Daramoke-a-babay – moro epic in “darangan”
D. 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. Here are the examples: a. Kundiman
b. Kumintang o tagumpay
c. Ang dalit o imno
d. Ang oyayi o hele
e. Diana
f. Soliraning
g. Talindaw
OTHER FORMS OF PRE-SPANISH POETRY
E. Epigrams, riddles, chants, maxims, proverbs or sayings
1. Epigrams (salawikain). These have been customarily used and served as laws or
rules on good behavior by our ancestors. To others, these are like allegories or parables
that impart lessons for the young.
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2. Riddles (bugtong) or palaisipan. These are made up of one or more measured

lines with rhyme and may consist of four to 12 syllables.
3. Chant (bulong). Used in witchcraft or enchantment
4. Maxims. Some are rhyming couplets with verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line
having the same number of syllables.
5. Sayings (kasabihan). Often used in teasing or to comment on a person’s
actuations.
6. Sawikain (sayings with no hidden meanings)
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MODULE 3 SPANISH PERIOD

Lesson Proper for Week 3
SPANISH PERIOD
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
It is an accepted belief that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565
during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the
Philippines. Literature started to flourish during his time. This spurt continued unabated
until the Cavite Revolt in 1872. The Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more than
three centuries. During these times, many changes occurred in the lives of Filipinos.
They embraced the Catholic religion, changed their names, and were baptized.

Their lifestyles changed too. They built houses mad of stones and bricks, used beautiful
furniture like the piano and used kitchen utensils. Carriages, trains and boats were used
as means of travel. They held fiestas to honor the saints, the pope and the governors.
They had cockfights, horse races and the theater as means of recreation. This gave rise
to the formation of the different classes of society like the rich and the landlords. Some
Filipinos finished courses like medicine, law, agriculture and teaching. Many Filipinos
finished their schooling already had been established.
SPANISH INFLUENCE ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
Due to long period of colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards, they have
exerted a strong influence on our literature.
1. The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
3. The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent
many of its words to our language.
4. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros.
5 .Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.
6. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan
7. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.
THE FIRST BOOKS
1. ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIANDOCTRINE).
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This was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography. It was written
by Fr. Juan de Placencia and [Link] Nieva, in Tagalog and
Spanish. It contained the Pater Noster (Out Father),
Ave Maria (Hail Mary), Regina Coeli (Hail Holy Queen), the Ten Commandments of
God, the Commandments of the Catholic Church, the Seven Mortal Sins, How to
Confess, and the Cathecism. Three old original copies of this book can still be found at
the Vatican, at the Madrid Musem and at the US Congress. It contains only 87 pages
but costs $5,000.0.
2. Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
The second book printed in the Philippines was written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose in
1602, and printed at the UST Printing Press with the help of Juan de Vera, a Chinese
mestizo. It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers on
religion.
3. Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre(in Spanish and Tagalog).
This is the first book printed in typography.
4. Ang Barlaan at Josephat.
This is a Biblical story printed in the Philippines and translated to Tagalog from
Greek by Fr. Antonio de
Borja. It is believed to be the first
Tagalog novel published in the Philippines even if it is only a translation. The printed
translation has only 556 pages. The Ilocano translation in poetry was done by
Fr. Agustin Mejia.
5. The Pasion.
This is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is readonly during
Lent. There were 4 versions of this in Tagalog and each version is according to the
name of the writer. These are the Pilapil version (by
MarianoPilapil of Bulacan, 1814), the de Belenversion (by Gaspar Aquino de Belen of
Bat.
In 1704), the de la Merced (by Aniceto de la Merced of Norzagaray, Bulacan in 1856)
and the de Guia version (by Luis de Guia in1750). Critics are not agreed whether it is
the Pilapil or the de la Merced version which is the mostpopular.
6. Urbana at Felisa.
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A book by Modesto de Castro, the so called Father of Classic Prose in

Tagalog. These are letters between two sisters Urbana at Felisa and have influenced
greatly the behavior of people in society because the letters dealt with good behavior.
7. Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary).
A collection of songs praising the Virgin [Link]. Mariano Sevilla, a Filipino
priest, wrote this in 1865 and it was popular especially during the Maytime “Flores de
Mayo” festival.
[Link] y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala (Art andrules of the Tagalog language).
Written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose and translated to Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in
1610.
[Link] de la Lengua Tagala (Understanding the Tagalog language). Written
by Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin in1703.
[Link] de la Lengua Tagala (Tagalog vocabulary). The first Tagalog
dictionary written by Fr. Pedro de San Buenaventura in1613.
[Link] de la Lengua Pampanga(Pampanga vocabulary). The first book in
Pampanga written by Fr. Diego in 1732.
[Link] de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisayanvocabulary). The best language book
in Visayanby Mateo Sanchez in 1711.
[Link] de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the Ilocano language). The first Ilocano
grammar book by Francisco Lopez.
[Link] de la Lengua Bicolana (The Art of the Bicol language).
The first book in the Bicol language and written by Fr. Marcos Lisbon in1754.
Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national
song from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Folk
songs 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 PungSingsing.
There are many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times.
Almost all of themwere in poetic form. Here are examples:
1. Tibag –
The word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by the Spaniard to
remind the people about the search of [Link] for the Cross on which Jesus died.
2. Lagaylay
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This is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during Maytime to get
together. As early as April, the participating ladies are chosen and sometimes, mothers
volunteer their girls in order to fulfill a vow made during an illness or for a favor received.
In some parts of Bicol, a different presentation is made but the objective is the same –
praise,respect and offering of love to the Blessed Cross by St.
Helen on the mound she had dug in.
3. The Cenaculo
This is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus
Christ. There are two kinds: the Cantada and Hablada. In the Hablada the lines are
spoken in a more deliberate mannershowing the rhythmic measure of each verse and
the rhyming in each stanza and is more dignified in theme; the Cantada is chanted like
the Pasion. The Cenaculo is written in octo syllabic verse, with 8 verses to the stanza.
The full length versions take about 3 nights of [Link] come in costumes
with wigs and performers are carefully chosen for their virtuous life. One performs the
role of Jesus Christ and another the role of the Virgin Mary. Many famous Cenaculo
players come from the Tagalog regions although there are also those from Ilocos,
Pampanga, Bicol and both Sibulanon and Hiligaynon.

4. Panunuluyan
This is presented before12:00 on
Christmas Eve. This is a presentation of the search of the Virgin Mary and St.
Joseph for an inn wherein to deliver the baby Jesus.

5. The Salubong (or Panubong)

The Salubongis an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and
his Mother. It is still presented in many Philippine towns.

6. Carillo (Shadow Play)

This is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moon less night during a
town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. This shadow play is made by projecting
cardboard figures before a lamp against a white sheet. The figures are moved like
marionettes whose dialogues are produced by some experts. The dialogues are drawn
from a Corrido or Awitor some religious play interspersed with songs. These are called
by various names in different places: Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas and Laguan;
TITRES in Ilocos Norte,
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Pangasinan,Bataa, Capiz and Negros; TITIRI in Zambales; GAGALO or KIKIMUT in

Pampanga and Tarlac; and ALIALA in La Union.
7. The Zarzuela
Considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama three acts
which dealt with man’s passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice
or some social or political proble.

8. The Sainete
This was a short musical comedy popular during the 18th century. They were
exaggerated comedies shown between acts of long plays and were mostly performed
by characters from the lower classes.
Themes were taken from everyday life scenarios.
THE MORO MORO
Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is presented also on a special stage. This is
performed during town fiestas to entertain the people and to remind them of their
Christian religion. The plot is usually the same that of a Christian princess or a
nobleman’s daughter who is captured by the Mohammedans. The father organizes a
rescue party where fighting between the Moros and the Christians ensue. The
Mohammedans are defeated by some miracle or Divine Intercession and the
Mohammedans are converted to Christianity. In some instances, the whole kingdom is
baptized and converted. One example of this is Prinsipe Rodante.
KARAGATAN
Some use these two interchangeably because distinction is not clear.
This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a
person. In this contest, more or less formal, a ritual is performed based on a legend
about a princess who dropped her ring into the middle of the sea and who offered here
hand in marriage to anyone who can retrieve it. A leader starts off with an
extemporaneous poem announcing the purpose. He then spinsa “lumbo” o “tabo”
marked with a white line. Whoever comes in the direction of the white line when the
spinning stops gets his turn to “go into the sea to look for the ring.” This means a girl will
ask him a riddle and if he is able to answer, he will offer the ring to the girl.
THE DUPLO
The Duplo replace the Karagatan. This is a poetic joust in speaking and reasoning. The
roles are taken from the Bible and from proverbs and saying. It is usually played during
wakes for the dead.
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THE BALAGTASAN
This is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate on a particular topic or issue. This
is replaced the DUPLO and is held to honor Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.
THE DUNG AW
This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his representative beside the
corpse of the dead. No definite meter or rhyming scheme is used. The person chanting
it freely recites in poetic rhythm according to his feelings, emotions and thoughts. It is
personalized and usually deals with the life, sufferings and sacrifices of the dead and
includes apologies for his misdeeds.
Some use these two interchangeably because distinction is not clear.
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MODULE 4 THE PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT

1. El Verdadero Decalogo (The True Decalogue or Ten Commandments). This
was his masterpiece and his aim here was to propagate the spirit of nationalism.
2. El Desarollo Y Caida De Larepublica (T he Riseand Fall of the Philippine
Republ ic)
3. Sa Bayang Pilipino (To the Filipino Natio
n)
Pahayag (News) Other Revolutionists
1. Ninay. The first social novel in Spanish by a Filipino.
2. A Mi Madre (To My Mother). Shows the importance of a mother especially in the
home.
3. Sampaguita Y Poesias
Varias(Sampaguitas and Varied
Poems). A collection of his poems.
Pedro Paterno was a scholar, dramatic, researcher and novelist of the Propaganda
Movement. He also joined the Confraternity of Masons and the Asociacion Hispano-
Pilipino in order to further the aims of the Movement. He was the first Filipino writer who
escaped censorship of the press during the last day of the Spanish colonization.
THE PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT
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 [Link], and Pedro
Paterno. The objectives of this movement were to seek reforms and changes like the
following:
1. To get equal treatment for the Fili pinos and the Spaniards under th e law.
2. To make the Philippines a colony of Spain.
3. To restore Filipino representation i n the Spanish Cortes.
4. To Filipinize the parishes.
5. To give the Filipinos freedom of sp eech,of the press, assembly for re dress of
grievances.
Highlights of Propaganda Movement
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There were three principal leaders of the Propaganda movement. They were Jose P.
Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Here are highlights about them
and what they have done for our country.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Alonzo yRealonda was born on June 19, 1861 at
Calamba, Laguna.
His first teacher was his mother Teodora Alonozo. He studied at the Ateneo de Manila,
started medicine at UST and finished at the Universidad Central of Madrid.
He also studied at the University of Berlin, Leipzig and Heidelberg. He died by musketry
in the hands of the Spaniards on December 30, 1896 on charges of sedition and
rebellion against the Spaniards. His pen-name was Laong Laan and Dimasalang.
His Books and Writings:
Noli Me Tangere
This was the novel that gave spirit to the propaganda movement and paved the way to
the revolution against Spain. In this book, he courageously exposed the evils in the
Spanish-run government
EL FILIBUSTERISMO
This is a sequel to the NOLI. While the NOLI exposed the evils in society, the FILI
exposed those in the government and in the church. However, the NOLI has been
dubbed the novel of society

Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell)

This was a poem by Rizal while he was incarcerated at Fort Santiago and is one that
can compare favorably with the best in
the world. It was only after his death when his name was affixed to the poem.
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.
Filipinas Dentro De Cienanos ( The Philippines within a Century)
An essay predicting the increasing influence of the US in the Philippines and the
decreasing interest of Europe here. Rizal predicted that if there is any other colonizer of
the Philippines in the future, it would be the US.
A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino youth)
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A poem Rizal dedicated to the Filipino youth studying at UST.

El Consejo De Les Dioses (The Council of The Gods)
An allegorical play manifesting admiration for Cervantes.
Junto Ai Pasig (Beside the Pasig River)
Written by Rizal when he was 14 years of age.
Me Piden versos (You Ask Me for Verses)
1882 and A LAS FLORES DE HEIDELBERG (To the Flowers of Heidelberg).Two
poems manifesting Rizal’s unusual depth of emotion.
Notas A La Obra Sucesos De Lasfilipinas for El Dr. Antonio De Morga
(Notes on Philippine Events by Dr. Antoniode Morga): 1889
P. Jacinto: Memorias De Unestidiante De Manila
(P. Jacinto: Memoirsof a Student of Manila) 1882
Diario De Viaje De Norte America
(Diary of a Voyage to North America)
Marcelo H. Del Pilar
Marcelo H. del Pilar is popularly known for hispen name of Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping
Dilat and Dolores
Manapat. He was born at Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan on August 30, 1850.
His parents were Julian H. del Pilar, noted Filipino writer and Biasa Gatmaita. His
brother was the priest Fr. Toribio del Pilar who was banished to Marianas in 1872.
Because there were many children in the family, Marcelo gave up his share of his
inheritance for his other brothers and sisters.
Marcelo started schooling at the school of Mr. Flores and then transferred to that of San
Jose before UST. His last year in law school was interrupted for 8 years after he had
quarrel with the parish priest during a baptism at San Miguel, Manila in 1880.
He established the Diariong Tagalog in 1883where he exposed the evils of the Spanish
government in the Philippines and in order to avoid the false accusations hurried at him
by the priests.
To avoid banishment, he was forced to travel to Spain in [Link] was assisted by Fr.
Serrano Laktaw in publishing a different Cathecism and Passion Book wherein they
made fun of the priests. They also made the
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DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN and KAIINGAT KAYO taken from the word IGAT, a kind of
snake fish caught in politics. Upon his arrival in Spain, he replaced Graciano Lopez
Jaena as editor of LASOLIDARIDAD, a paper which became the vehicle thru which
reforms in the government could be worked out.
This did not last long for he got sick and even to reach Hong Kong from where he could
arouse his countrymen. He died of tuberculosis in Spain but before he died, he asked
his companions to tell his wife and children that he was sorry he wasn’t able to bid them
goodbye; to tell others about the fate of our countrymen and to continue helping the
country.
Plaridel has truly earned a niche in the history of our nation. Even today, countless
streets have been named after him. The former Kingwa has been named Plaridel, the
Malolos High School is now Marcelo H. del Pilar High School and above all, his
patriotism and bravery will remain alive in our memories.
Writings of Marcelo H. Del Pilar
Pagibig sa tinubuang lupa (Love of Country)
Translated from the Spanish AMOR PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in
Diariong Tagalog.
Kaiingat kayo (Be careful)
A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. JoseRodriquez in the novel NOLI of
Rizal, publishedin Barcelona in 1888. He used Dolores Manapatas penname here.
Dasalan at Tocsohan (Prayers and Jokes)
Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done agains the parish priests, published in
Barcelona in 1888. Because of this, del Pilar was called “filibuster” Done in admirable
tone of supplication and excellent use of Tagalog
Ang Cadaquilaan ng Dios (Gods Goodness)
Published in Barcelona, it was also like a cathecism sarcastically aimed against the
parish priests but also contains a philosophy of the power and intelligence of God and
an appreciation for and love for nature.

Sagot sa Espanya sa Hibik ng Pilipinas (Answer to Spain on the Plea of Filipinos)

A poem pleading for change from Spain but that Spain is already old and weak to grant
any aid to the Philippines. This poem is in answer to that of Hermenigildo Flores‟ Hibik
sa Pilipinas (APlea from the Philippines).
Dupluhan.. Dalit.. Mga Bugtong (A Poetical contest in Narrative Sequence,
psalms, riddles)
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A compilation of poems on the oppression by the priests in the Philippines.

This shows the injustices of the friars to the Pilipinos

(Passion that should arouse the hearts of the readers)

Graciano Lopez Jaena (1856-1896)
A most notable hero and genius of the Philippines, Graciano Lopez Jaena was born on
December 18, 1856 and died on January 20, 1896. The pride of Jaro, Iloilo, he won the
admiration of the Spaniards and Europeans. He is a known writer and orator in the
Philippines. He wrote 100 speeches which were published by Remigio Garcia, former
bookstore owner in Manila Filatica and which are still read up to no by modern
THE WORKS OF GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA

One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six years after the Cavite Revolt
attacking the friars in the Philippines. He exposed how some of the friars were greedy,
ambitious and
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(The Child of the Friar) and EVERYTING IS HAMBUG(Everything is mere show). Here
Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a S paniard.

A speech which aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos to become free and
progressive.

(An Oration to Commemorate Columbus). A speech he delivered in Madrid on the

39th anniversary of the dis covery of America

Here he praised Gen. Morayta for his equal treatment of the Filipinos.

A sincere expression of praise for the paintings of Hidalgo on the condition of the
Filipinos under the Spaniards.
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The theme is about how girls were taught Spanish in schools and whose teacher swere
the governors-general of the place.

(Banditryin the Philippines). Jaena refuted the existence of banditry in the Philippines
and of how there should be laws on robbery and other reforms

The triumphant exposition of Luna, Resurrecion and Pardo de Tavera of the thesis that
intellect or knowledge gives honor to the Philippines.

(Abolition of Taxes in the Philippines)

11. Institucion Ng Pilipinas (Sufferings of the Philippines). Jaena refers here to the
wrong management of education in the Philippines 1887.
OTHER PROPAGANDIST

Antonio Luna was a pharmacist who was banished by the Spaniards to Spain. He joined
the Propaganda Movement and contributed his writings to LA SOLIDARIDAD. Most of
his works dealt with Filipino customs and others were accusations about how the
Spaniards ran the government. His pen name was Tagailog. He died at the age of 33 in
June 1899. He was put to death by the soldiers of Aguinaldo because of his instant rise
to fame which became a threat to Aguinaldo.
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1. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). It pictured true Filipino life.

2. se devierten (How They DivertedThemselves). A dig at a dance of the
Spaniards where the people were very crowded.
3. La Tertulia Filipina (A Filipino Conference or Feast). Depicts a Filipino custom
which he believed was much better than the Spanish.
4. Por Madrid (For Madrid). A denouncement of Spaniards who claim that the
Philippines is a colony of Spain but who think of Filipinos as foreigners when it comes to
collecting taxes for stamps.
5. La Casa De Huepedes (The Landlady’s House). Depicts a landlady who looks
for boarders not for money but in order to get a husband for her child.

Mariano Ponce became an editor-inchief, biographer and researcher of the Propaganda

Movement. He used
Tikbalang, Kalipulako, and Naning as pennames. The common themes of his works
were the values of education. He also wrote about how the Filipinos were oppressed by
the foreigners and of the problems of his countrymen.
Mga Alamat Ng Bulacan (Legend of Bulacan). Contains legends, and folklores of his
native town

1. Pagpugot Kay Longinos (The Beheadingof Longinos). A play shown at the plaza
of Malolos, Bulacan.
2. Sobre Filipinos (About the Filipinos)
3. Ang Mga Pilipino Sa Indo-Tsina (TheFilipinos in Indo-China)

Pedro Paterno was a scholar, dramatic, researcher and novelist of the Propaganda
Movement. He also joined the Confraternity of Masons and the Asociacion Hispano-
Pilipino in order to further the aims of the Movement. He was the first Filipino writer who
escaped censorship of the press during the last day of the Spanish colonization.
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1. Ninay. The first social novel in Spanish by a Filipino.

2. A Mi Madre (To My Mother). Shows the importance of a mother especially in the
home.
3. Sampaguita Y Poesias
Varias(Sampaguitas and Varied
Poems). A collection of his poems.

Jose Ma. Panganiban hid his identity behind his penname

JORMAPA. He was also known for having photographic mind. He was a member of a
number of movements for the country.
1. Ang Lupang Tinubuan (My Native Land)
2. Ang Aking Buhay (My Life)
3. Su Plano De Estudio (Your Study Pl an)
4. El Pensamiento (The Thinking)
PERIOD OF ACTIVE REVOLUTION (1896-1898)

The Filipinos did not get the reforms demanded by the propagandists. The government
turned deaf ears to these petitions; oppression continued and the church and the
government became even more oppressive to the Filipinos. The good intentions of
Spain were reversed by the friars who were lording it over in the Philippines. Because of
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this, not a few of the Filipinos affiliated with the La Liga Filipina (a civic organization
suspected of being revolutionary and which triggered Rizal’s banishment to Dapitan).
Like Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto,
Apolinario Mabini, Jose Palma, andPio Valenzuela decided that there was no other way
except to revolt.
The gist of literature contained mostlyaccusations against the government and was
meant to arouse the people to unite and to prepare for i ndependence.

The noted leaders of this period were Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Apolinario
Mabini. These are their contributions to our country.

Andres Bonifacio is best known as the Father of Filipino Democracy, but more than
others, as the Father of the Katipunan because he led in establishing the Kataastaasan,
Kagalang-galanga Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan(KKK). Andres Bonifacio came
from a poor family and it is said that what he learned he got from the school of
experience. He was a voracious reader and among those he loved to read which
aroused his revolutionary spirit were the NOLI and the FILI of Rizal. He joined the La
Liga Filipina founded by Rizal in 1892.
He established the Katipunan which triggered the spirit of freedom especially when
Rizal was banished to Dapitan, Mindanao. Bonifacio is better known as the great
Revolutionary rather than a writer but he also wrote things which paved the way for the
revolution and which also became part of our literature.
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1. Ang Dapat Mabatid Ng Mga Tagalog(Wh at the Tagalogs Should Know)

2. Katungkulang Gagawin Ng Mga Ana Ng bayan (Obligations of Our
Countrymen). Thisis an outline of obligations just like the 10commandments of God.
3. Pag-Ibig Sa Tinubuan Lupa (Love of One’s Native Land). A poem with a title
similar to that of Marcelo H. del Pilar.
4. Huling Paalam (Last Farewell). A translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in
Tagalog.
EMILIO JACINTO
Emilio Jacinto was the intelligent assistant of Andres Bonifacio in the establishment of
the Katipunan. He is called the Brains of the Katipunan. He edited Kalayaan (Freedom)
a Katipunan newspaper. Bonifacio withdrew his writing of the Kartilya in deference to
Jacinto’s work as secretary of the Katipunan. His Kartilya was the one followed by the
members of the organization.

1. Kartilya Ng Katipunan (A primer book on the Katipunan)

2. Liwanag At Dilim (Light and Darkness). A collection of essays on different
subjects like freedom, work, faith, government, love of country.
3. A Mi Madre (To My Mother). A touchi ng ode to his mother.
4. A La Patria (To My Country). His mast erpiece.

He was born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas on July 22, 1864. Because he was born of
a poor family he had to work in order to study. He became known to his professors and
classmates at Letran and the UST because of his sharp memory and the simple clothes
he used to wear throughout his schooling. He became the right-hand of Emilio
Aguinaldo when the latter founded his Republic in Malolos.
His contributions to literature were writing on government society, philosophy and
politics. Apolinario Mabini is known in literature and history as the Sublime Paralytic and
the Brains of the Revolution.
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

1. El Verdadero Decalogo (The True Decalogue or Ten Commandments). This

was his masterpiece and his aim here was to propagate the spirit of nationalism.
2. El Desarollo Y Caida De Larepublica (T he Riseand Fall of the Philippine
Republ ic)
3. Sa Bayang Pilipino (To the Filipino Nation) Pahayag (News) Other
Revolutionists

Jose Palma became popular because of his Himno Nacional Filipino (The
Philippine National Anthem) which was set to music by Julian Felipe. He was born in
Tondo, Manila on June 6, [Link] brother
Rafael Palma became the president of the UP. He joined the revolution against the
Americans together with Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest Filipino general who died
during the revolution. Aside from the
National Anthem,
1. Melancolias (Melancholies). A collection of his poems.
2. De Mi Jardin (In My Garden). A poem expressing one’s long ings for his
sweetheart.
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MODULE 5 THE AMERICAN REGIME

The American Regime

Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories, plays,
essays, and novels. Their writings clearly depicted their love of country and their
longings for independence.
The active arousal in the field of literature started to be felt in the following newspapers.
1. EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day).Established by Sergio Osmeña in 1900. The
American censors twice banned this and threatened Osmeña with banishment because
of his nationalistic writings.
2. EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation). Established by Pascual
Poblete in1900.
3. EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth). Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.
There were also plays written then but after the first and second presentations, the
American sput a stop to this because of the consistent theme of nationalism. Included
here were the following:
1. KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow).
Written by Aurelio Tolentino depicting the suppression done by the Americans and their
plan to colonize the Philippines.
2. TANIKALANG GINTO of Juan Abad.
3. MALAYA by Tomas Remigio.
4. WALANG SUGAT by Severino Reyes.

Three groups of writers contributed to Philippine Literature during this period.

During the first year of the American period, the languages used in writing were Spanish
and Tagalog and the dialects of the different regions, but Spanish and Tagalog
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

predominated. In 1910, a new group started to write in English. Hence, Spanish,

Tagalog, the Vernaculars, and finally, English, were the mediums used in literature
during these times.
While the three groups were one in their ideas and spirit, they differed in their methods
of reporting. The writers in Spanish were wont to write on nationalism like honoring
Rizal and other heroes.
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. The writers in English imitated
the themes and methods of the Americans.
A. Literature in Spanish
The inspiration of our Filipino writers in Spanish was Rizal not only because he is a
national leader but also because of his novels NOLI and FILI. These two novels
contained the best qualities of a novel ever written, in English or in Filipino. Those who
were inspired to write in praise of him were Cecilio Apostol, Fernando Ma. Guerrero,
Jesus Balmori, Manuel Bernabe and Claro [Link].

Cecilio Apostol wrote poems dedicated to Rizal, Jacinto, Mabini and all other heroes but
his poem dedicated to Rizal is considered the best poem in praise of the hero of
Bagumbayan.

It is believed that Fernando Ma. Guerrero shared with Apostol the reign in the
balagtasan in Spanish during their time. He also dedicated a poem to Rizal but he
collected the best of his poems in a book called CRISALIDAS, meaning, a kind of black,
wooly caterpillar. Here are a few stanzas of his call to Rizal which he wrote on June 19,
1901 to commemorate Rizal’s birthday.
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Jesus Balmori is well-known for his pen name of Batikuling. He and Manuel Bernabe
participated in a debate on the topic –
(Remembrance and Forgetfulness). He was elected Poet Laureate in
Spanish besting Manuel Bernabe.

Manuel Bernabe is a lyric poet and the fierceness of his nationalistic spirit was
unchanged in any topic he wrote about. In his debate with Balmori, he was more
attractive to the public because of the modious words he used. He defended OLVIDO
(Forgetfulness).

In nobility of speech and theme, Claro [Link] can compare with the other writers of
Spanish. He collected his poems in a bookentitled BAJO LOS COCOTEROS (Under
The Coconut
Trees).
Other Writers in Spanish
1. Adelina Guerrea was the first woman poet in the Philippines who was good in
Spanish. She obtained the Zobel prize in her song El Nido . (The Nest).
2. Isidro Marpori became famous for his four books entitled Aromas de Ensueño
(Scents of Dreams).
3. Macario Adriatico wrote of a legend of Mindoro entitle La Punta de Salto (The
Place of Origin).
4. Epifanio de los Santos (known as Don PAnyong). He was a good leader and
biographer during the whole period of Spanish literature.
5. Pedro Aunario wrote the Decalogo del Proteccionismo.

FLORANTE AT LAURA of
Francisco Balagtas and URBANA AT FELISA of Modesto de Castro became the
inspiration of the
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Tagalog writers. Julian Cruz

Balmaceda classified three kinds of Tagalog poets: They were:
1. Poet of the Heart (Makata ng Puso). These included Lope K. Santos, Iñigo Ed.
Regalado,Carlos Gatmaitan, Pedro Deogracias del Rosario,Ildefonso Santos, Amado V.
Hernandez, NemecioCarabana, and Mar Antonio.
2. Poets of Life (Makata ng Buhay). Led by LopeK Santos, Jose Corazon de
Jesus, FlorentinoCollantes, Patricio Mariano, Carlos Garmaitan, and Amado V.
Hernandez.
3. Poets of the Stage (Makata ng Tanghalan).Led by Aurelio Tolentino, Patricio
Mariano,Severino Reyes, and Tomas Remigio.
In the realm of short stories that started to appear in the column Pangsandaliang
Libangan (Short-time Leisure) and
Dagli (Fast) we find here the names of Lope K. Santos, Patricio Mariano, and Rosauro
Almario. In the Liwayway Publications, we find Deogracias Rosario, Teodoro Gener,
andCirio H. Panganiban. Noted novelists or biographers were Valeriano Hernandez
Peña, Lope K. Santos,Iñigo Ed. Regalado, Faustino Aguilar, etc. Here are the
autobiographies of some of the writers mentioned:

Lope K. Santos, a novelist, poet and author,and grammarian covered three periods of
Tagalog literature –
American, Japanese and the contemporary period..
If Manuel L. Quezon is called the Father of the National
Language, Lope K. Santos is called the Father of the National
Language Grammar. He was also called the “Apo” of the Tagalog writers. BANAAG AT
SIKAT was his masterpiece
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Jose Corazon de Jesus is very popularly known as Huseng Batute. He was also called
the Poet of Love in his time. ANG ISANGPUNONGKAHOY (A TREE), an elegy, is
believed to be his masterpiece.

Amado V. Hernandez was dubbed Makata ng mga

Manggagawa (Poet of the Laborers) inour literature because he pictures in his poem the
intense love for the poor worker or laborer. To him, a poem is a scent, bittersweet
memories, and a murmur of flowing water.
The pen is powerful and according to him, even a king can be bent by the [Link]
contributed a lot of writings to literature like ISANG DIPANG LANGIT (A Stretch of
Heaven), BAYANG MALAYA (A Free Nation),ANG PANDAY (The Blakc smith), and
MUNTINGLUPA (A Small Plot), but his masterpiece is ANG PANDAY.

Together with Lope K. Santos he reached the summit of his novelwriting. He was known
as Tandang Anong and his pen name was KuntilButil (Small Grain). He considers
NENA ATNENENG his masterpiece.
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Iñigo Ed. Regalado was a son of a popular writer during the Spanish time known as
Odalger. He proved that he not only followed the footsteps of his father but also reached
the peak of his success by the “sumpong” (whim) of his pen. He also became a popular
storyteller, novelist and newspaperman.

During the advent of the American period, Severino Reyes and Hermogenes Ilagan
started the movement against the moro-moro ( a play on the Spanish struggles against
the Muslims) and struggled to show the people the values one can get from the
zarzuela and the simple plays.
The people one should not forget in the field of writing are the following:
1. Severino Reyes. Father of the Tagalog drama and author of the immortal
WALANGSUGAT.
2. Aurelio Tolentino. The dramatist in whom the Kapampangans take pride.
Included in his writings were LUHANG TAGALOG, hismasterpiece, and KAHAPON,
NGAYONG ATBUKAS that resulted in his incarceration.
3. Hermogenes Ilagan. Founded the group Campaña Ilagan that presented many
dramas in Central Luzon.
4. Patricio Mariano. Wrote the novel NINAY and ANAK NG DAGAT (Son of the
Sea), his masterpiece.
5. Julian Cruz Balmaceda. Wrote BUNGANGA NG PATING (Shark’s Mouth).
This gave him much honor and fame.

Two collections of Tagalog stories were published during the American Period. First
was the MGA KUWENTONG GINTO (Golden
Stories) published in 1936 and %)
KUWENTONGGINTO ng 50 BATIKANG KUWENTISTA (50
Golden Stories by 50 Noted Storytellers) in 1939. The first was written by Alejandro
Abadilla and Clodualdo del Mundo that contained the 25 best stories according to them.
The second was written by Pedrito Reyes. PAROLANG GINTO (Golden Lantern) and
TALAANG BUGHAW (Blue List) of Abadilla became popular during this period.
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Almost all Tagalog writers during the American Period were able to compose beautiful
poems which made it difficult to select the best. Even if poetry writing is a sold as
history, poetry still surfaces with its sweetness, beauty, and melody.

The following are those recognized in the field of Ilocano Literature:

1. From his name was derived the word Bukanegan, which means Balagtasan
(apoetic contest) in Ilocano.
2. Claro Caluya. Prince of Ilocano Poets. Known as poet and novelist.
3. Leon Pichay. Known as the best Bukanegero (from Bukaneg). Also a
poet,novelist, short story writer, dramatist and essayist.

Two stalwarts in the literature of theKapampangans stand out: they are:

1. Juan Crisostomo Soto. (Father of Kapampangan Literature). The word
CRISOTAN (meaning Balagtasan) in Tagalogis taken from his name.
2. Aurelio Tolentino. He truly proved his being a Kapampangan in his translation of
KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS into Kapampangan which he called NAPON,NGENI
AT BUKAS.

The following are the top men in Visayan literature:

1. Eriberto Gumban. (Father of Visayan Literature). He wrote a zarzuela, moro-
moro and a play in Visayan.
2. Magdalena Jalandoni. She devoted her talent to the novel. She wrote ANG
MGATUNUK SAN ISA CA BULACLAC.
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In a way, we can say that we can trace the beginnings of Philippine literature in English
with the coming of the Americans. For this purpose, we can divide this period into three
time frames, namely:
1. The Period of Re-orientation: 1898-1910
2. The Period of Imitation: 1910-1925
3. The Period of Self-Discovery: 1925-1941

English as a literary vehicle came with the American occupation in August 13, 1898 and
as they say, a choice bestowed on us by history. By 1900, English came to be used as
a medium of instruction in the public schools. From the American forces were recruited
the first teachers of English. By 1908, the primary and intermediate grades were using
English. It was also about this time when UP, the forerunner in the use of English in
higher education, was founded.
Writers of this period were still adjusting to the newfound freedom after the paralyzing
effect of repression of thought and speech under the Spanish regime. They were
adjusting the idea of democracy, to the new phraseology of the English language and to
the standards of the English literary style Writers had to learn direct expression as
conditioned by direct thinking. They had to learn that sentence constructions; sounds
and speech in English were not the same as in the vernacular. They had to discard
sentimentality and floridity of language for the more direct and precise English
language.
Not much was produced during this period and what literature was produced was not
much of literary worth. The first attempts in Englishwere in two periodicals of this time:
a) El Renacimiento: founded in Manila byRafael Palma in 1901.
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b) Philippines Free Press : established in Manila in 1905 by R. McCullough Dick and

D. Theo Rogers.

In 1907, Justo Juliano’s SURSUM CORDA which appeared in the Renacimiento was
the first work to be published in English.
In 1909, Jan F. Salazar‟s MY MOTHER and his AIR CASTLES were also published in
this paper. It was also in 1909 when Proceso Sebastian followed with his poem TO MY
LADY INLAOAG, also in this same paper.

By 1919, the UP College Folio published the literary compositions of the first Filipino
writers in English. They were the pioneers in short story writing.
They were then groping their way into imitating American and British models which
resulted in a stilted, artificial and unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity. Their
models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Emerson and Thoreau, Wordsworth and
Tennyson, Thackeray and Macaulay, Longfellow, Allan
Poe, Irving and other American writers of the
Romantic School. Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag (the best editorial
writer of this period) Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del Fierro, and
Francisco M. Africa and VictorianoYamzon. They pioneered in English poetry.

The noted essayists of this time were: CarlosP. Romulo, Jorge C. Bocobo, Mauro
Mendez, and Vicente
Hilario. Their essays were truly scholarly characterized by sobriety, substance and
structure. They excelled in the serious essay, especially the editorial type.
The next group of writers introduced thein formal essay, criticism and the journalistic
column. They spiced their work with humor, wit and satire. These group included
Ignacio Manlapaz, Godefredo Rivera, Federico Mangahas, Francisco B. Icasiano,
Salvador [Link], Jose Lansang and Amando G. Dayrit.
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

In the field of short stories, DEAD STARS by Paz Marquez Benitez written in the early
1920’s stand out as a model of perfection in character delineation, local color, plot and
message. Other short stories published during this time were but poor imitations of their
foreign models.
The UP College Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian. Newspapers and
periodicals also saw print during this time like the Bulletin, the Philippines Herald (1920),
the Philippine Review, the Independent, Rising Philippines and Citizens, and the
Philippine Education Magazine 1924.

By this time, Filipino writers had acquired the mastery of English writing. They now
confidently and competently wrote on a lot of subjects although the old-time favorites of
love and youth persisted. They went into all forms of writing like the novel and the
drama.

Noteworthy names in this field include Marcelode Gracia Concepcion, Jose

Garcia Villa, Angela Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido and
Rafael Zulueta da Costa. They turned our not only love poems but patriotic, religious,
descriptive and reflective poems as well. They wrote in free verse, in odes and sonnets
and in other types. Poetry was original, spontaneous, competently written and later,
incorporated social consciousness.

Probably because of the incentives provided by publications like the Philippine Free
Press, The Graphic, The Philippine Magazine and college publications like the UP
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Literary Apprentice, poetry and the short story flourished during these times. Other
writers during this time includeOsmundo Sta. Romana, Arturo Rotor, Paz Latorena‟s
Sunset, and Jose Garcia Villa’s Mir-in-isa. From 1930 to 1940, the Golden Era of
Filipino writing in English saw the short story writers “who have arrived,” like Jose
Lansang’s The Broken Parasol, Sinai C. Hamada’s Talanata’s Wife, Fausto Dugenio’s
Wanderlust, Amando G. Dayrit’s His Gift and Yesterday, Amador T. Daugio’s The
Woman Who Looked Out of the Window.

There were still remnants of Spanish influence in the use of expressions that were florid,
sentimental, exaggerated and bombastic. The influence of the Western culture also was
already evident.

Essays during this period improved with the years in quality and quantity, in content,
subject and style. Essayists like Carlos
[Link] became even more eminent editorial writers. The notable writers of essays
during this period were:
a. Political, social reflective essays: Through their newspaper columns the
following became very popular: Federico Mangahas,Salvador P. Lopez, Pura S.
Castrence, VicenteAlbano Pacis, Ariston Estrada and Jose [Link].
b. Critical essays were espoused by SalvadorP. Lopez, I.V. Mallari, Ignacio
Manlapaz, JoseGarcia Villa, Arturo B. Rotor, and Leopoldo Y. Yabes. An example of
this is Maximo V. Soliven’s THEY CALLED IT BROTHERHOOD.
c. Personal or Familiar essays were writtenby F.B. Icasiano (Mang Kiko), Alfredo
[Link], Solomon V. Arnaldo, Amando [Link] and Consuelo Gar (Catuca).
Some of the notable works during this time were: 1940: Salvador P. Lopez
‟ LITERATURE AND SOCIETY which is a collection of critical reflections and serious
essays and which won first prize in the Commonwealth Literary Contest of 1940.1940:
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Camilo Osias published THE FILIPINOWAY OF LIFE, a series of essays on the Filipino
way of life as drawn from history, folkways, philosophy and psychology of the
Philippines.
1941: F.B. Icasiano
(Mang Kiko) was reprints of the best of Icasiano’s essays in the Sunday Times
Magazine under the column From My Nipa Hut. It is an essay of the common “tao” and
is written with humor and [Link] 16, 1941: Carlos P. Romulo had aneditorial
printed in the Philippines Herald Entitled I AM A FILIPINO, it was reprinted in his book
MY BORTHER AMERICANS in 1945in New York by Doubleday & Co. OTHER
ESSAYISTS INCLUDE:Ignacio Manlapaz, Vicente Albano Pacis, [Link], Jose M.
Fernandez, Leopoldo [Link], Isidro L. Ritizos, Pura Santillan. The Philippine Writer’s
League put out a collection of essays called Literature Under the Commonwealth.
Amando G. Dayrit with his column Good Morning Judge led others like Leon Ma.
Guerrero, Salvador P. Lopez, Vicente AlbanoPacis, Jose A. Lansang and Federico
Mangahas.

In 1935, I.P. Caballero and Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion wrote about QUEZON. In
1938, THE GREAT MALAYAN won a prize in the national contest sponsored by the
Commonwealth of
the Philippines. This was written by Carlos Quirino, the most famous biographer of the
period. He also wrote Quezon, the Man of Destiny.
In 1940, I.V. Mallari‟s The Birth of Discontent revealed the sensitive touch of a writer
who in simple language was able to reveal his profound thoughts and feelings.

Not much about history has been written by Filipino writers. In 1937, with regard to
literary history, we can cite Teofilo del Castillo’s The Brief History of the Philippine
Islands.

The Philippine Free Press provided the first incentives to Filipino writers in English by
offering prizes to worthwhile contributions. Other publications followed suit.
 EM13 SURVEY OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

Drama during this period did not reach the heights attained by the novel or the short
story. The UP provided the incentives when they introduced playwriting as a course and
established the UP Little Theater.