LITERATURE

in SOUTHERN TAGALOG
 Geographical
Area
Tagalog literature has been born, cradled,
nourished and peaked into fruition in the
provinces of Southern Luzon, Central Luzon
and the present Metropolitan Manila or the
National Capital Region.
 Geographical Area
Among the Southern Tagalog provinces are Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Aurora,
Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan and some towns of Rizal
province. In Central Luzon, there are three provinces where Tagalog is predominantly
used and these are the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Bataan and Bulacan. Metro Manila is
comprised of cities composing the national capital region namely Manila, Quezon City,
Pasay City, Caloocan City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Marikina City, Muntinlupa
City and suburban towns of Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Pateros and Taguig.
 Geographical
Area
Some parts of the provinces that are not
originally Tagalog cannot escape the
onslaught of Tagalog language and culture,
like some parts of the Bicol region and
Pampanga.
 The Cradle of
Culture
Tagalog region is the birthplace of a rich
tradition of Philippine culture in
language, politics, economy and
literature.
The Cradle of Culture
The oldest university in the Philippines,
University of Sto. Tomas is located in
Manila. The first printing press was
established in Manila. This gave way to the
publication of the first book, Doctrina
Cristiana in xylography in 1593, written in
Spanish and Tagalog versions.
 The Cradle of
Culture
The bible was first translated into Tagalog in
Barlaan and Josaphat in 1708 and 1712. The
life of Christ in epic tradition known
popularly today as Pasyon was written in
Tagalog by various writers like Gaspar Aquino
de Belen and Fr.
Mariano Pilapil.
 The Cradle of
Culture
The literary tradition in the Tagalog regions
specially outstanding in the field of oral
literature like bugtong (riddle), proverbs,
native songs. These oral literatures are always
in poetic forms, usually seven-syllabic rhymes,
so Asian in form and perspective.
The Cradle of Culture
Considering this rich and invigorating cultural matrix, it is
not surprising that it is the Tagalog region that was
destined to be the birthplace of historic men in Philippine
politics, culture and literature that includes Francisco
Balagtas Baltazar, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio,
Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, Marcelo H. del Pilar,
Jose P. Laurel, Claro M. Recto, Amado V. Hernandez,
Lope K. Santos, Lazaro Francisco, Faustino Aguilar, Jose
Corazon de Jesus, Alejandro Abadilla, Modesto de Castro.
The Cradle of
Culture
It is not noticeable that such men are not
only man of history that played a great role
in Philippine independence movement but
men of letters as well.
 The Literary Tradition
It is the pens of these men that shaped the political consciousness of the
Filipinos.

Balagtas could be said to have voiced out the first concept of nationhood
in Philippine politics and literature in his epic poem, Florante at Laura.
Says Balagtas:

Sa loob at labas ng bayan kong sawi

Kaliluha'y siyang nangyayaring hari
Kagalinga't bait ay nilulugami
Ininis sa hukay ng dusa't pighati.
 The Literary Tradition
In and out of my miserable country
Repression is the dominant king
Goodness and well-meant intention are suppressed
Doomed in the grave of suffering and grief.
Although Balagtas used Albania as an allegory, the situation clearly spoke
of the Philippines. The epic poems of Balagtas had inspired a generation
of young writers of the period, like Marcelo H. del Pilar, who spearheaded
the Propaganda Movement in Europe, and Jose Rizal, whose novels, Noli
Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo set the conflagration of revolutionary
spirit and movement.
 The Literary Tradition
While Rizal was living in banishment in a far-flung town of Dapitan
in Mindanao island, a man of the masses, Andres Bonifacio founded
the Katipunan, a revolutionary organization that sought total
independence from the Spanish yoke.

Even the revolutionary struggle of the people was guided by the light
of literature. Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, his close associate in the
revolutionary struggle were men of letters, both writing nationalist
essays, and poems.
 The Literary Tradition
Jacinto in his essay, "Liwanag at Dilim" (Light and Darkness),
discoursed on the spirituality of man's natural desire for freedom. On the
other hand, Bonifacio spoke of the dimension of love of country in his
poem, "Pag-ibig sa Tinibuang Lupa" (Love for the Native Land). He
says:

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya Which love can be more powerful
Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila More pure and noble
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa Than the love for one's native land
Aling pag-ibig pa, wala na nga, wala. Which other love, there is no such.
 The Literary Tradition
This tradition of Tagalog literature has been bequeathed upon the
national consciousness of Filipinos all over the Philippines Manila
being the center of the country in all aspects of national life of the
Filipinos becomes the logical conduit of national consciousness
emanating from the literary legacy of the region's gifted minds.
 The Literary Tradition
During the long period of Philippine subjugation by foreign
dominations - vigorous literary traditions have been nurtured.

In contemporary Philippine society, Tagalog literature is continuing its

role bequeathed upon it by historical development.

Tagalog literature has now, more and more is given a new name -
Filipino literature.
Famous Literary in
Southern Tagalog
American period (Short story): "Dead Stars"
by Paz Marquez Benitez

Ancient literature (Folktales): "Stories of

Maria Makiling"
by Jose Rizal
The Author
Paz Marquez Benitez
(3 March 1894 – 10 November 1983) was a Filipina
beauty queen, short-story writer, educator, and editor.
Benítez authored the first Filipino modern English
language short story, Dead Stars, published in the
Philippine Herald in 1925. Although she only had one
more published short story after "Dead Stars" entitled
"A Night in the Hills," she made her mark in
Philippine literature because the former is considered
the first modern Philippine short story.
The Author
Paz Marquez Benitez
In her masterpiece, Dead Stars, did not
only write about a love story. Most
importantly, her writing reflects the time
in which the literary work has written
along with the language, the norms, and
the way people think.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
ALFREDO SALAZAR
He is the son of Don Julian. He is over
thirty years old bachelor. Alfred Salazar
believes in true love and optimism to
discover ecstasy in its stir.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
ESPERANZA
She is the wife of Alfredo Salazar.
Esperanza is an impassionate woman
having strong will and principles. A
homely woman, she is also among the
lucky women who have the aptitude of
consistent beauty.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS

JULIA SALAS
She is the sister in law of Judge Dal
Valle, a friend of Alfredo’s father. She
is the second woman with whom
Alfredo falls in love with.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
DON JULIAN
He is the father of Alfredo Salazar.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS

CARMEN
She is the only sister of Alfredo Salas.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS

JUDGE DEL VALLE

He is Julia’s brother in law.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
DONNA ADELLA
She is Julia’s sister. A pretty, small,
plump woman with baby complexion.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
CALIXTA
He is a note-carrier of Esperanza and
Alfredo Salazar.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
VICENTE
Carmen’s husband.
DEAD STARS CHARACTERS
BRIGIDA SAMUY
The elusive woman whom
Alfredo is searching for.
 DEAD STARS SETTING
Don Julian's House

Judge Del Valle's House The time of the story is Lenten

Season because they are celebrating the
Don Julian's House in Tanda where holy week proven by the procession
there are coconut and a beach
they made with Our Lady of Sorrows.
Calle Real

Sta. Cruz
 DEAD STARS PLOT
Exposition
At Don Julian’s house Carmen was asking
Don Julian about Alfredo and Esperanza.
Alfredo reminiscence how he met Julia
Salas.
 DEAD STARS PLOT
Rising action
He had gone neighboring with Don Julian to
Judge Del Valle’s house. He met Julia Salas. All
the time he was calling her Mrs. Del Valle
which led him to embarrassment. Coming to
the judge’s house became often. Then he
realized he was in love with Julia in spite his
engagement with Esperanza.
 DEAD STARS PLOT
Climax
After the procession for The Lady of
Sorrows Alfredo caught up with Julia. It
was when Julia found out about Alfredo’s
wedding so he congratulated him. Alfredo
needs to make a very difficult situation.
Would he choose what he WANTS to? Or
would he choose what he HAS to?
 DEAD STARS PLOT
Falling Action
Julia didn’t want Alfredo not to honor his
understanding with Esperanza. She said
goodbye. He went home to Esperanza. Esperanza
soon confesses that she knew about his affair with
Julia. In pursuit of his lust and heart’s content, she
encourages him to cancel the wedding.
 DEAD STARS PLOT
Denouement
Alfredo and Esperanza still got married. After
eight years, he was searching for a lady named
Brigida Samuy-a lady important for his defense in
the court-in Sta. Cruz, Julia’s hometown. He went
to Julia’s house and he found her there. Still
unmarried. And he realized that his love for Julia
was like a Dead Star. It was nonexistent.
THEMES IN DEAD
STARS
The short story "Dead Stars" by Paz Marquez
Benitez is conveying the theme that pertains to
FORBIDDEN LOVE.

The underlying theme is RESPONSIBILITY

The Author
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y
Alonso Realonda
(June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896)
Filipino nationalist, writer, and polymath active at the
end of the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.
He is considered the national hero (pambansang
Bayani) of the Philippines. An ophthalmologist by
profession, Rizal became a writer and a key member
of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which
advocated political reforms for the colony under
Spain.
 Legend of Maria Makiling
This article originally appeared in the December 31, 1890, issue of the
Madrid fortnightly review La Solidaridad under Rizal's pen name "Laong-
Laan".

The translation and explanatory note are by Mr. Charles Derbyshire. The
present publication is primarily to arouse interest in seeking out and
preserving similar folk tales so that Philippine History may not lose the
valuable aid these can afford in clearing up early Filipino relationships.
 THE CHARACTERS
Maria Makiling
She was a fantastic creature half nymph, half
sylph. She was a young woman, tall and graceful,
with big black eyes and long and abundant hair.
Her color was a clear pure brown (kayumanging
kaligátan). She lived on the beautiful mountain
that separates the provinces of Laguna and
Tayabas.
 THE CHARACTERS
Hunter
- who was chasing a wild boar.

Two Famous Hunters

- carrying some wild boars and deers they
had killed.

Old woman
- begged the two famous hunters to give her
a quarter of the meat.
 THE CHARACTERS
Young Farmer
A young man engaged in the cultivation
of a small farm, supporting his aged and
infirm parents. Comely, neat, robust, and
industrious, he possessed a simple and
noble heart.
 THE SETTING
The Mountain

Humble Hut of Maria Makiling

 SUMMARY
(He who related to me this adventure, a nephew
of one of them.)
There are many stories woven about this
guardian spirit. Most of them deal with her
helping the poor and the sick, in the guise of a
peasant girl. The precious things she lent the
country folk are said to be returned to her, along
with the offering of a young pullet with feathers
white as milk.
 SUMMARY
A hunter who was chasing a wild boar came
upon a hut where a beautiful young woman
lived. Confused and startled, he ate
mechanically everything she offered him,
without being able to speak a word. Before he
left she gave him some pieces of ginger and
charged him to give them to his wife for her
cooking.
 SUMMARY
Two famous hunters were one afternoon coming
down the mountain, carrying some wild boars
and deer they had killed during the day. They
met an old woman who begged them to give her
a quarter, but considering her request exorbitant
they refused to do so. The crone left them saying
that she would go and tell the mistress of those
animals, whereupon the hunters laughed heartily.
 SUMMARY
When night had fallen and the two were near the plain,
they heard a distant shout. When they reached the plain
the fearful cry again resounded, but this time so clear and
distinct that both instinctively looked back. There in the
moonlight, they discerned two strange, gigantic shapes,
descending the mountain at full speed. The monsters came
up and their aspect froze the blood in the hunters' veins. In
a few seconds, they devoured the wild boars and deer they
found on the ground, then went away toward the
mountain.
 SUMMARY
But for many years now her presence has not
been manifested on Makiling. Her vapory figure
no longer wanders through the deep valleys or
hovers over the waterfalls on serene moonlit
nights. The melancholy tone of her mysterious
harp is no longer heard, and now lovers are
married without getting from her either jewels or
presents. Mariang Makiling has disappeared or at
least she avoids any contact with mankind.
 SUMMARY
(Old Woodcutter who has spent sixty-five years of his seventy years in
the forest of Makiling)
Mariang Makiling is said to be more than compassionate. Once,
there lived a young farmer who always seemed to be blessed.
His fields were never touched by any calamity, and his livestock
was always in good health. The young man himself was good at
heart and simple in spirit. But he was quiet and secretive, and
would not say much of his stranger activities, which included
frequent visits to the wood of Mariang Makiling.
 SUMMARY
But there came a terrible time for him and his
family. War had come to his fair land, and army
officers came, recruiting unmarried young men
who were in perfect health. So that the young man
would stay safely in the village, his mother
arranged for him a marriage with a most beauteous
daughter of a wealthy family. Upon finding this
out, the young man became more
uncommunicative than ever.
 SUMMARY
He visited Mariang Makiling’s wood one last time, a
few days before his marriage. Mariang Makiling lent
him a dress and some jewelry, for his wife to wear on
their wedding day. "I've protected you and loved you,"
she said sadly, "but you need an earthly love, and you
do not have enough faith in me, me would have
protected you and your parents, go!" This having been
said, she disappeared. The young man went back to his
village with Mariang Makiling’s gifts and presented
them at once to the girl he would marry.
 SUMMARY
But the girl did not care for Mariang Makiling’s
gifts. Instead, she wore the pearls and dresses
her mother had handed down.

Mariang Makiling was never seen by the

peasants again, nor was her humble hut ever
rediscovered.
THE THEMES
Always appreciate others'
kindness.
THANK YOU!