LESSON 3

Regional Literature

Introduction

“Literature is the mirror of life.” In Philippine literature, the works of the regional writers are not just a form
of self expression, but a reflection of their culture. They give their readers a view of their way of living through the
themes of their writings. It is a n expression of their identity that provides a deeper understanding of the
characteristics of the people and forces that shaped their lives.

Tagalog Literature

The literary tradition in the Tagalog region originally follows the field of the ancient oral literature.
Literary writers wrote in verse, maxims and proverbs. During the rise of tagalong literature, versification was
shown not only in verses but also in drama. Drama plays were staged in open spaces such as in the houses of the
nobles and in the places of worship. With accompaniment of music, most of the plays dealt with love, war and
heroes.

Karagatan, on the other hand, which is sort of debate in verse involving men and women, was developed
under the Spaniards into duplo. However in 1924, the term duplo was developed into balagtasan under the
American occupation.

The purpose of Tagalog literary writers in the development of Tagalog Literature is to promote national
consciousness of the Filipinos all over the Philippines. Some of the prominent literary writers include: Aurelio
Tolentino, Amado V. Hernandez and Lope K. Santos who was known as the “Father of the Philippine National
Language and Grammar.” These Tagalog writers do not just use their gifted minds to write their nationalistic
views but also to introduce the beliefs and culture of their region to the readers.

Ilocano Literarture

Known to be active in producing colorful literary writings, Ilocano literature is rich in many kinds of song
sung in different occasions. They have war songs which express vigor and joy of the soldiers and warriors before
coming to a battle; on the other hand, dallot is an impromptu poem meant to be recited through singing. It was
very popular among the peasants and was sung in special occasions such as baptismal parties, weddings and feasts.
Their form of love song is called badeng, which is sung during a serenade. Pamulinawen was the most famous
badeng of Ilocano literature. The song expresses a longing for a loved one whom the serenade had cast his fate.

Though Ilocano literature is naturally lyrical in form, Ilocano writers also sustained poetry. They had “Biag
ni Lam-ang”, whose origins dated before the coming of the Spaniards. Some of the great Ilocano authors were:
Isabelo de Leon who was considered as “The Father of the Philippine Folklore”, Leona Florentino who was
addressed as “The Mother of Philippine Women’s Literarture”, Pedro Bucaneg who was known to be “The
Father of Ilocano Literarture”, Manuel Arguilla who wrote the anthology “How My Brother Leon Brought
Home a Wife” and was executed due to organizing a secret guerilla unit against the Japanese during their
occupation in the country.

At present, Ilocano writers are still writing and publishing works not only in the Philippines but also in
other countries. They succeed in other forms of literature not just in lyrical poetry. Ilocano writers are also known
for bagging numerous awards for Literature in the Palanca Awards, which is known to be prestigious award-
giving body for the contribution of the Filipino writers in the field of literature.
Hiligaynon Literature

Visayan culture and tradition became the inspiration of Hiligaynon writers in most of their writings. The
traditional form of oral literature such as riddles, proverbs and ritual chants paved their way in developing other
genres of literature like songs and other literacy forms of prose. Hiligaynon was known to be the land of beautiful
songs and chants. Folk songs include: ili-ili or lullaby, it is a cradled song played and sung to develop
communication skills to children; ambahan which is a traditional poetic expression of a syllabic script; siday
which is a long poem delivered by two poets representing two families before marriage; balitaw which is meant to
be a love song delivered by a man and woman in exchanging manner in a manner of debate.

Hiligaynon writers also believed in ritual chants delivered by healers to please diwatas, anitos and other
supernatural beings in exchange of the grant of their wishes such as good health, peace and good harvest. However,
asoy was the term used for a legend narrating stories of folk heroes in the region.

Some writers who have shared significant contributions in the growth of Hiligaynon Literature were:
Flavio Zaragoza Cano who was the Prince of Visayan Poets and wrote “The Rhymes”; Serapion Torre who was
known as the “First King of Hiligaynon Novel”; and Magdalena Jalandoni who was one of the most prolific
Filipino writers.

Another significant milestone of Hiligaynon literature was in 1986 during the People Power Revolution.
The creation of the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines challenges
and arouses the eagerness of the Hiligaynon writers to continue writing. Until present, Hiligaynon short stories are
always included in the Palanca Awards.

Cebuano Literature

Like the other regional literatures, Cebuano literature also started with other forms of oral literature like
folklores, fables and legends of early people in the Philippines during the pre-colonization of the Spaniards.

During the American literary period , Cebuano writers began using the form of literature to wage their
propagandas and to express their thoughts about betrayal of hopes and concerns about the American’s restriction
on freedom of expression . Vicente Sotto became the “Father of Cebuano Literature.” His work “Maming” was
the first written Cebuano Literature. Aside from literary writings, “Ang Suga” appeared to be the medium
publication of the Cebuano writers.

Writers continued writing articles and literary works explaining the meanings and values of the influential
colonization of Americans in the country. Themes talking about love, freedom and religion captured the heart of
Cebuano writers.

In 1991, Ernesto Lariosa, received a grant from the Cultural Center of the Philippines for introducing
social, sense, sound and story in Cebuano poetry. He uses strong metaphors in his poems and other writings.

Maranao Literature

Maranao literature is largely floating and meant to be sung on different occasions. It is greatly influenced by
Islam as their religion. It follows the oral tradition such as: Folktale (tutul), love poems (tubad-tubad), saying and
proverbs (pananaro-on), drama (sowa-i), riddles (antoka) and epic poetry (darangan).

The muslim cultural community greatly affects the region’s literary style and form. Since most of the
literary forms of Maranao literature were meant to be recited, the community portrays a big role in the
development of the regional literature. The audience participates through reacting, listening, and retelling the
story. Their literary works were in form of oral literature passé down through different generations.