Lesson 1 Pre Colonial Contemporary
Lesson 1 Pre Colonial Contemporary
Lesson 1 Pre Colonial Contemporary
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 SUN AND THE MOON
In the olden days, like the moon, the sun had also star children which were
yellowish in color, very bright and very hot.
The star children of the moon, however, were reddish and cool. That moon was
scared that his stars would wither and die if they play with the star children of
the sun.
PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE
The moon suggested to the sun that they kill their children who were
crowding the heavens with their number.
When the sun had killed her children, the moon merely hid behind the
clouds.
In the evening, when the clouds faded, the moon stars appeared.
This angered the sun so he gave chase to the moon. Thus, when he overtakes
the moon, we have the so-called eclipse.
Every morning, the sun kills the moon stars that he catches.
Until now, this chase continues and because the moon still continues…
PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE
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.
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.
Folk Songs
It manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate
appreciation for love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta,
Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE
Understanding Literary History
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 (1872-
1898)
In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Ilustrados
began to write about the hitch of colonization.
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.
Haiku
a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables
divided into three lines and
Tanaga
like the Haiku, is short, but it had measure and rhyme.
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.
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.
21 CENTURY PERIOD
st
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.
SUMMARY
1. Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by Legends, Folk Tales, The Epic
Age, and Folk Songs.
5. Period of the New Society poems dealt with patience, regard for native
culture, customs, and the beauties of nature and surroundings.