Advance Montessori Education Center of Isabela, Inc.

Maligaya, Tumauini, Isabela

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21ST Century Literature of the Philippines & of the World S

Direction:
Third Quarter
Learner’s Module 1
H
January 03-07, 2021
Name: ___________________________________
S
S.Y. 2021-2022
Grade and Section: ___________________________________

I. OVERVIEW
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you understand 2st Century
Literature from the Philippines and of the World. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The
lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can
be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using. 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.

II. LESSONS AND COVERAGE

Learning competencies
At the end of this module, the learner should be able to:
a. identifies geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary

In this module, you will learn more geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history
from pre-colonial to contemporary and representative texts from the regions

III. LEARNING GOALS AND TARGETS

As you go through this module, you will be able to answer the key question:
• What do you know about the different Literary Periods in Philippine Literature?
• What are the essential elements of the literary pieces under different periods of literature?

IV. LESSON PROPER

Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic Dimensions of Philippine
Literary History from Pre-Colonial to the Contemporary
Introduction to Literature
Before we dwell deep with the geographic, linguistic & Ethnic Dimensions of Philippine History from Pre-
Colonial to the Contemporary, let us study first the definition of literature and its different genres for us to
understand the prescribed lessons under this module.

Definition of Literature
Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material. Literature, in its broadest
sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with
letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. Literature most commonly refers to works of the
creative imagination, including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and in some instances, journalism, and song.

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 Simply put, literature represents the culture and tradition of a language or a people. The concept is difficult
to precisely define, though many have tried; it's clear that the accepted definition of literature is constantly changing
and evolving.

Let’s study the concept map below:

PRE-SPANISH PERIOD
LEGENDS. Legends are a form of prose the common theme of which is about the origin of a thing, place,
location or name. The events are imaginary, devoid of truth and unbelievable. Old Filipino customs are reflected
in these legends.
FOLK TALES. Folk tales are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror and humor where one can
derive lessons about life. These are useful to us because they help us appreciate our environment, evaluate our
personalities and improve our perspectives in life. An example of this is THE MOON AND THE SUN.
EPIC Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events, usually of a hero, are
dealt with at length. Nobody can determine which epics are the oldest because in their translations from other
languages, even in English and Spanish.
FOLK SONGS. Folk songs are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish
period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables. Examples of which are
Kundiman, Kumintang o Tagumpay, Ang Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana, Soliraning and Talindaw
Other forms of Pre-Spanish Poetry
Epigrams (Salawikain) is oldest form of Philippine literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish period. These
songs mirrored the early forms of culture.
Riddles (Bugtong) or Palaisipan are made up of one or more measured lines with rhyme and may consist of
four to 12 syllables. It is known as tigmo in Cebuano, paktaton in Ilongo and patototdon in Bicol.
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 Chant (Bulong) is used in witchcraft or enchantment.
Maxims are rhyming couplets with verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line having the same number of syllables.
Sayings (Kasabihan) are often used in teasing or to comment on a person’s actuations.
Sawikain (Sayings) are used to state lines with no hidden meaning

SPANISH PERIOD (1565-1898)

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.
▪ The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
▪ The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent many of its words to our
language.
▪ European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-
moros.
▪ Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.
▪ Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan.
▪ Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.
THE FIRST BOOKS
▪ Ang Doctrina Cristiana (The Christian Doctrine). This was the first book printed in the Philippines in
1593 in xylography.
▪ Nuestra Señora del Rosario. It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and answers
on religion.
▪ Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog). This is the first book printed
in typography. Ang Barlaan at Josephat. This is a Biblical story printed in the Philippines and
translated to Tagalog from Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borja.
▪ The Pasion. This is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is read only during Lent.
Urbana at Felisa.
FOLK SONGS. Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song from the
lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They truly manifest the artistic feelings of the
Filipinos. They show the Filipinos’ innate appreciation for and love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron
Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi and Atin Cu Pung Singsing.

RECEREATIONAL PLAYS. There are many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
times. Almost all of them were in poetic form.
▪ Tibag – The word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by the Spaniard to remind the
people about the search of St. Helena for the Cross on which Jesus died.
▪ The Cenaculo – This is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
▪ Panunuluyan – This is presented before 12:00 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.
▪ The Salubong (or Panubong) - The Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen
Christ and his Mother. It is still presented in many Philippine towns.
▪ Carillo (Shadow Play) – This is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night during
a town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest.
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
▪ 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.
▪ KARAGATAN. This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a
person.
▪ DUPLO. The Duplo replaced 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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 ▪ 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.
▪ AWIT and the CORRIDO. Some use these two interchangeably because distinction is not clear.

PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT (1898-1972)

In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called ilustrados began to write about the hitch of
colonization. The 300 years with Spaniards marked the longest colonial period in the Philippine history. Due to the
need to see new hope in the midst of multitude, the Filipino spirit reawakened when the 3 priests Gomez, Burgos
and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient evidence of guilt.  The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896) This
movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano
Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.

Some of Rizal’s writings:

1. NOLI ME TANGERE- This was the novel that gave spirit to the propaganda movement and paved the way to
the revolution against Spain.
2. EL FILIBUSTERISMO- This is a sequel which exposed those in the government and in the church.
3. MI ULTIMO ADIOS- This was a poem by Rizal while he was incarcerated at Fort Santiago.
4. SOBRE LA INDOLENCIA DE LOS FILIPINOS (On the Indolence of the Filipinos)- An essay on the so-
called Filipino indolence and an evaluation of the reasons for such allegations.
5. FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN AÑOS- An essay predicting the increasing influence of the US in the
Philippines and the decreasing interest of Europe

Some of Del Pilar’s Writings:

1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of Country). Translated from the Spanish AMOR PATRIA of
Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful). A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the novel
NOLI of Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1883.
3. DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and Jokes). Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done against the
parish priests, published in Barcelona in 1888.

Some of Jaena’s writings

1. ANG FRAY BOTOD (Friar Botod). 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 immoral.
2. LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (The Child of the Friar) and EVERYTING IS HAMBUG (Everything is mere
show). Here Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.
3. SA MGA PILIPINO...1891) A speech which aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos to become free
and progressive.
4. TALUMPATING PAGUNITA KAY KOLUMBUS (An Oration to Commemorate Columbus). A speech he
delivered in Madrid on the 39th anniversary of the discovery of American.

AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1944)

Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using English language. Jose Garcia Villa
became famous for his free verse.
Thus, after having been colonized by the Spaniards, a new set of colonizers brought about new changes in Philippine
literature. Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using English language. English as medium of
instruction was introduced in the schools as intellectual language of education.
Jose Garcia Villa became famous for his free verse. Angela Manalang Gloria used free verse in writing her poetry
about illicit love.
Alongside this development, writers in the provinces continued to use vernacular language. Some of them are Lope
K. Santos, Valeriano Hernandez Pena and Patricio Mariano. American’s influence was evident in the fusion of American
pop cultures and romantic tradition such as Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan by F.P Boquecosa who also penned Ang Palad ni
Pepe after Charles Dicken’s David Copperfield.

The active arousal in the field of literature started to be felt in the following newspapers.
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 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.
EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation). Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth). Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.

Plays written during the period

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.
TANIKALANG GINTO of Juan Abad.
MALAYA by Tomas Remigio.
WALANG SUGAT by Severino Reyes.

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.

JAPANESE OCCUPATION (1941-1945)

Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when the Philippines was again
conquered by another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in English came to a halt. Except for the
TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE REVIEW, almost all newspapers in English were stopped by the Japanese.
 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.
Three types of poems emerged during this period. They were:
Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into
three lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, 7 syllables, and the third, five. The Haiku is
allegorical in meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in meaning.

The moon in water;

Broken and broken again,
Still it is there
Chōshū
(Trans. R. H. Blyth)
Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short but it had measure and rhyme. Each line had 17 syllables and it’s
also allegorical in meaning.
SANGGOL
(Emelita Perez Baes)
Pag ang sanggol ay ngumiti
nawawala ang pighati,
pag kalong mo’y sumisidhi
ang pangarap na punyagi.
 Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form)

THE FILIPINO SHORT STORY DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD

 The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many wrote short stories, among
them were:
1. Brigido Batungbakal
2. Macario Pineda
3. Serafin Guinigindo
4. Liwayway Arceo
5. Narciso Ramos
6. NVM Gonzales
7. Alicia Lopez Lim
8. Ligaya Perez
9. Gloria Guzman
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PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)
According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic and worldwide causes. Activism is connected
with the history of our Filipino youth. Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms. Some
continued to believe that the democratic government is stable and that it is only the people running the government
who are at fault. Some believed that socialism or communism should replace democracy. Some armed groups were
formed to bring down the democratic form of government.

THE LITERARY REVOLUTION

The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded change in the government. This was
manifested in the bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions but also in literature. 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!).

PERIOD OF NEW SOCIETY (1972-1980)

The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos Palanca Awards continued to
give annual awards. Almost all themes in most writings dealt with the development or progress of the country –
like the Green Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction and pollution. The New
Society tried to stop pornography or those writings giving bad influences on the morals of the people.
FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY
Poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the beauties of nature and surroundings.
Those who wrote poetry during this period were: Ponciano Pineda, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo,
Bienvenido Ramos, Vicente Dimasalang, Cir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz.
THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY
In this period, old plays and dramas were revived like the Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the Embayoka
of the Muslims which were presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and the Cultural
Center of the Philippines.
COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
During this period of the New Society, 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. Given below are some of the examples.
Liwayway is a leading Tagalog weekly magazine published in the Philippines since 1922. It contains
Tagalog serialized novels, short stories, poetry, serialized comics, essays, news features, entertainment news and
articles, and many others. In fact, it is the oldest Tagalog magazine in the Philippine. Kislap is a well-read ko in the
’50s, was a magazine of general interest: Movie, song, radio, fiction, features. But its come-on was colored movie
ads which served as the magazine’s cover. The two became the outlets for writers to publish their works in the new
society period.

PERIOD OF THIRD REPUBLIC (1980-1985)

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.”
FILIPINO POETRY- Poems during this period of the Third Republic were romantic and revolutionary. Writers
wrote openly of their criticism against the government. The supplications of the people were coached in fiery,
colorful, violent, profane and insulting language.
FILIPINO SONGS- Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were really true-to-life like those of grief, poverty,
aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and of fellowmen.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS- Among the well-loved forms of writing which abounded during this period were those
of children’s stories. The Children’s Communication Center (CCC) directed by poet and writer Virgilio S. Almario
already.

POST EDSA I REVOLUTION (1986-1995)

History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their independence which they lost
twenty years ago. In the span of four days from February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan)
prevailed. Together, the people barricaded the streets petitioning the government for changes and reforms. Freedom
became a reality – won through a peaceful, bloodless and God-blessed revolution.

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THE STATE OF LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD: In the short span of the existence of the true
Republic of the Philippines, several changes already became evident. This in noticed in the new Filipino songs, in
the newspapers, in the speeches, and even in the television programs.
On Newspapers and other publications: Newspapers which were once branded crony newspapers became
instant opposition papers overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY which became the opposition paper.
The now crony newspapers that enjoyed an overnight increase in circulation were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA,
and the PEOPLE’S JOURNAL.

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Complete the table below by writing the characteristics of the following literature during the Pre-
Spanish Period.
LEGENDS FOLK TALES EPIC FOLK SONGS

ACTIVITY 2
Directions: Search for some at least three (3) examples either of legends, folk tales, epic, or folk song coming
from your ethnic group. (Ibanag, Ilokano, Yogad, Gaddang, Itawes, Itneg)

ACTIVITY 3

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 kong PilipinasLupain ng ginto't bulaklak CHORUS
Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag
At sa kanyang yumi at ganda Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka Pilipinas kong minumutya
Nasadlak sa dusa Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

ACTIVITY 3
Directions: Answer the following questions briefly. Cite examples and studies if necessary.
1. How did Philippine Literature evolve through time?
2. Writing to preserve literature was not possible during the pre-Spanish period, how did
the early Filipinos be able to preserve these?
3. Is history and literature interrelated? Why or why not?
4. What is the importance of learning or studying Philippine Literature?
5. Which among the era of evolution of Philippine Literature do you think is the richest and
most beautiful? Why do you think so?

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Reference/s:
Chua, R. G. (2016). 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World. Makati City:
DIWA Learning Systems
Croghan SJ, Richard V. (1975). The Development of Philippine Literature in English: Quezon
City:Alemar-Phoenix Publishing House.
Fosdick, Carolyn, and Tarrosa (1954). Literature for Philippine High Schools. New York:
Macmillan Company.

Prepared by: Checked by: Recommending Approval:

RIC JAY T. TULIAO CHICLETTE D. GANGAN JUDELYN A. PARUNGAO

Subject Teacher Subject Coordinator Head, SHS Department

Approved by: Noted by:

JERIC T. VALDEZ NELIA Z-ANGULUAN, PhD

Principal School Director

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