PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

LESSON 2
THE PRE-SPANISH PERIOD (1565)

INTRODUCTION
Welcome back my Philippine Literature students! This topic about Pre-Spanish Period is a very
exciting one because it will bring us back to the time when our ancestors are still enjoying the
blessings of freedom to carve their own destiny under the heavens. The days when they are but free to
move elsewhere, free to explore their environs, free to discourse with their fellow freemen and free to
chart their own lives. So, join me as we explore the beauty and unique features of Philippine Literary
pieces produced during this period.
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.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Identify the cultural, linguistic and aesthetic qualities of Philippine Literary pieces produced
during the Pre-Spanish period;
 Discuss the types of literature during Pre-Spanish period; and
 Appreciate the contributions of these literary pieces to the present corpus of Philippine
Literature.

ACTIVITY 1.1
A. Sayings or Kasabihan is one of the examples of pre-spanish poetry. Explain in your own words the
given sayings. (You can use Filipino or English language.)

1. “Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”

2. “Ang maglakad ng matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.”
3. “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”
4. “Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang wika ay mahigit pa sa hayop at malansang isda.”
5. “Ang mabuting ugali, masaganang buhay ang sukli”

B. For your second activity, answer some of the famous filipino riddles or bugtong.
1. Maliit pa si Kumpare, nakakaakyat na sa tore.
2. Kung gusto mong tumagal pa ang aking buhay, kailangang ako ay mamatay.
3. Baboy ko sa pulo, ang balahibo’y pako.
4. Magandang prinsesa, nakaupo sa tasa.
5. Dalawang batong itim, malayo ang nararating.
6. Isa ang pasukan, tatlo ang labasan.
7. Buto’t balat na malapad, kay galing kung lumipad.
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8. Lumuluha walang mata, lumalakad walang paa.

9. Yumuko man ang reyna, di malalaglag ang korona.
10. Nagbibigay na, sinasakal pa.

The Historical Background of Pre-Spanish Period

Our forefathers already have a body of literature even before the arrival of the Spaniards. They have
customs and traditions comparable to other parts of the globe. They have their own system of writing,
alphabet, and other nuance of a working body of literature. They are trading with the neighboring
countries of Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Arabia. In short, they are not savages nor
uncivilized as maliciously declared by some friars during the Spanish colonization.

Our many language are related to the Malaya-Polynesian Family of Languages spoken in vast areas
covering mainland Southeast Asia, East Timor, Polynesia, Micronesia and South Pacific Islands. We
have our own system of writing called Baybayin consisting of 3 vowels and 14 consonants. Baybayin
came from the word “baybay” which means “spelling”. The image below shows the Baybayin
characters and the corresponding sound represented.

Now, going back to our Philippine literary pieces during the Pre-Spanish period. Majority of these are
in oral traditions. Our ancestors love to communicate as evidenced by a great deal of surviving
records. Their written accounts are not inferior too. They used leaves, barks of trees, bamboo
cylinders, dried muds and jars as stationery. Their pen would be any pointed metal, stick, knife and
others used to engrave and imprint their message. However, the exposure to elements destroyed a
great majority of these works. The invading Spaniards destroyed and burned them too, thinking that
these were works of the devil. One interesting artifact that endured the test of longevity is the Laguna
Copperplate Inscription.

1. Legends. Pre-Spanish legends are fictitious narratives which explain the origin of things, places, or
names. The early Filipino customs are also depicted in them as it entertains the people during
gatherings and occasions.
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A. Examples include “The Legend of the Tagalog” of the Tagalogs and

B. “The Legend of the Philippine Archipelago” of the Visayans.

2. Folktales. Folktales are stories made up about life, adventures, love, horror and humor where one
can derive lessons about life.

A. Popular examples include “The Sun and the Wind” and

B. “The Boy who became a Stone” of the Tingguians.

Pre-Spanish Poetry

1. Epics. Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events usually of
a hero involving supernatural forces/phenomena. Listed below are some of the epics celebrated
among the various groups in the country.
a. Biag ni Lam-ang – Ilokanos
b. Hudhod hi Aliguyon – Ifugaos
c. Alim – Ifugaos
d. Ibalon – Bicol
e. Handiong – Bicol
f. Hinilawod – Bicol
g. Maragtas – Visayan
h. Haraya – Visayan
i. Lagda – Visayan j. Hari sa Bukid – Visayan
k. Kumintang – Tagalog
l. Bernardo Carpio – Tagalog
m. Parang Sabir – Moro n. Darangan – Moro
o. Indarapatra at Sulayman – Moro
p. Dagoy – Tagbanua
q. Sudsod – Tagnbanua r. Tatuaang – Bagobo

2. Folksongs. Folksongs are the oldest forms of Philippine Literature that emerged which are
composed mostly of 12 syllables per line of four in a verse. These songs mirrored the culture of each
group singing specific song per occasion/celebration/activities. Listed below are some of these songs
and the corresponding occasion/celebration/activities.

 Kundiman – Songs of Love/Serenading songs

 Kumintang – War/Battle songs
 Dalit – Worship songs
 Oyayi/Hele – Lullaby songs
 Diana/Danaya – Wedding songs
 Soliraning – Laborer/Workmen songs
 Talindaw – Fisher/Fishing songs

3. Epigrams. Epigrams are more commonly called Salawikain. These have been customarily used
and served as laws or rules on good behavior. These are like allegories or parables that impart lessons
for the youth consisting of couplets (2-lines) which usually have rhyming end-syllables. These lessons
in life that they wish to impart are usually implied. Popular examples include:

 “Aaanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.”

 “Sa marunong umunawa, sukat ang salita.”
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4. Riddles. They are called “Bugtong” by the Tagalogs and “Burburtia” among the Ilokanos. These
are made up of one or two measured lines which may consist of 4 to 12 syllables. They are often used
to stir a thought-provoking questions. They are often used for entertainment purposes during
gatherings and celebrations. Each group/region feature unique riddles. Some of which are:

 Riddle: “Maliit pa si kumpare, umaakyat na sa torre.” Answer: Langgam (ant)

 Riddle: “Isda ko sa Mariveles, nasa loob ang kaliskis.” Answer: Sili (bell pepper)

5. Chants. Chants are customarily called “Bulong” or “Pasintabi” by the Tagalogs and referred to as
“Bari-bari” by the Ilokanos. These are sometimes in witchcraft or enchantment often with an
accompanying “Anting-anting” (amulet or talisman). Examples are:

 Among the Visayans: “Ikaw na nagnakaw ng mais ko, lumuwa sana ang mga mata mo,
mamaga sana ang kamay mo, parusahan ka ng mga anito.”
 Among the Tagalogs: “Tabi-tabi po kayo, ako’y magbubuhos ng tubig at mainit ito, kung
masaktan ko kayo, pagpasensiyahan niyo na po.”

6. Sayings. (Kasabihan). They are used to emphasize lessons for the youth and these lessons are
explicitly stated. Examples are:

 “Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”

 “Ang maglakad ng matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.” 7. Sawikain (Sayings with no hidden
meanings)
 Nasa Diyos ang awa Nasa tao ang gawa.

Sample Pre-Spanish Prose

The Legend of the Tagalog

In a certain wide region of Luzon, there was a village frequented by young men. This town was full of
trees, beautiful flowers and a river where clear waters flowed. What attracted the young men more
than the scenery was a beautiful nymph-like maiden. The maiden was Maria and she had lots of
suitors who came from afar and who fought for her hand. But Maria remained undaunted so Maria
thought of a plan. She called all the young men together and told them:
“You are all good and kind and it is difficult for me to choose one among you. Let me decide with a
test.”
“I’ll marry the first man who can bring me a big, live, and strong serpent, “ Maria said in jest. The
young men were dumbfounded. After a while, the voice of Ilog broke the silence.
“I promise to bring you one, Maria. Even if I have to risk my life, I’ll bring you what you wish.” Ilog
was a man known for his bravery. He left immediately to fulfill his promise. The men whispered
among themselves. They were sure that Ilog would never be able to return. They waited for a long
while but Ilog had not returned. Even Maria was saddened because she also grieved the loss of a man
as brave and accommodating as Ilog. After many hours, Ilog returned. They crowded to see how Ilog
would prove his bravery. Ilog held a big snake by its nape and tail. While the men were thus occupied,
two Spaniards passed by. Their attention was caught not by what Ilog held but by the beauty of Maria.
“Maria”, heroically called Ilog. “I’ve brought you the serpent you wished for. What else do you want
me to do to make you happy?”
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“Cut it up!” shouted Maria. The Spaniards were startled. They asked the people around where they
were and in what place they were in but nobody paid attention for their attention were focused on the
snake and on Maria. When Maria saw the snake was still struggling, she shouted: “Taga, Ilog! Taga,
Ilog.” (Cut Ilog! Cut Ilog!) which she addresses to Ilog so he would cut the snake up again. The two
Spaniards, thinking that this was in answer to their question repeated the words:

“TAGA-ILOG, TAGAILOG”, which later became TAGALOG.

Why the sea is Salty?

(Tagalog Version)

Many years ago, the sea tasted like ordinary rainwater. It was bland and tasteless. Fortunately, the
people living in the islands knew about a friendly giant who kept mounds of salt in his cave. The
people would cross the ocean on their boats to reach the gentle giant’s island, and that is how they
were able to bring salt back to their villages, in order to prepare tastier meals. One time, however, the
ocean was quite rough and they could not sail out to gather salt. They eventually ran out of salt and
the villagers no longer enjoyed their tasteless meals. They wondered how they could get salt again,
when a child suggested they ask the giant to stretch out his legs over the ocean so that they could walk
to his island instead. The kind giant agreed, and villagers with empty salt sacks walked along the
giant’s leg. Unfortunately, the giant’s foot landed on an anthill, and the ferocious red ants started
biting the enormous leg. “Hurry!” pleaded the giant, who strained to keep his itchy legs still. As soon
as the people reached the giant’s island, he immediately withdrew his foot and scratched the itchy
bites. The villages just smiled at how a giant could be bothered by tiny ants. Anyway, the people got
their salt and the giant again stretched his leg over the ocean. Immediately, the ants began biting his
swollen foot. Once again, the giant asked the people to hurry up, but the heavy salt sacks slowed them
down.
Besides, the people didn’t believe that the tiny ants could really affect the giant, so they idly chatted
away, and walked rather slowly. Before the villagers could cross the ocean, the giant cried out and
thrust his ant-bitten foot into the ocean. All the packed salt fell into the plain-water sea and melted.
The giant saved the people from drowning, but no one was able to recover the spilled salt. From that
day on-wards, the sea became salty.
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Why the sea is Salty?

(Ilokano Version)
(Narrated by José M. Paredes of Bangued, Ilocos Sur. He heard the story from a farmer. From the
compilation of Dean S. Fansler and Mabel Cook Cole)

A few years after the creation of the world there lived a tall giant by the name of Ang-ngalo, the only
son of the god of building. Ang-ngalo was a wanderer, and a lover of work. He lived in the mountains,
where he dug many caves. These caves he protected from the continual anger of Angin, the goddess
of the wind, by precipices and sturdy trees. One bright morning, while Ang-ngalo was climbing to his
loftiest cave, he spied someone across the ocean. The ocean at the time was pure, its water being the
accumulated tears of a disappointed goddess named Baybay. Ang-ngalo waved at the beautiful maid.
She beckoned to him, and waved her black handkerchief: so Ang-ngalo waded across to her through
the water. The deep caverns in the ocean are his footprints. This beautiful maid was Sipnget, the
goddess of the dark. She said to Ang-ngalo, “I am tired of my dark palace in heaven. You are a great
builder. What I want you to do for me is to erect a great mansion on this spot. This mansion must be
built of bricks as white as snow.” Ang-ngalo could not find any bricks as white as snow: the only
white thing there was then was salt. So he went for help to Asin, the ruler of the Kingdom of Salt.
Asin gave him pure bricks of salt, as white as snow. Then Ang-ngalo built hundreds of bamboo
bridges across the ocean. Millions of men were employed day and night transporting the white bricks
from one side of the ocean to the other.
At last the patience of Baybay came to an end: she could not bear to have her deep and quiet slumber
disturbed. One day, while the men were busy carrying the salt bricks across the bridges, she sent forth
big waves and destroyed them. The brick-carriers and their burden were buried in her deep bosom. In
time the salt dissolved, and today the ocean is salty,
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Let’s Check Your Knowledge!

A. 1. What are the cultural, linguistic and aesthetic qualities of Philippine Literary pieces produced
during the Pre-Spanish period? Explain.

2. Discuss the following types of literature during Pre-Spanish period:

a. Legends
b. Folk tales
c. The Epic Age
d. Folk Songs
e. Epigrams
f. Riddles
g. Chants
h. Sayings
i. Sawikain

3. This is also known as Lullaby.

4. This is used in witchcraft or enchantment. What is it?
5. What do you think is the contributions of these literary pieces in the new generation or in the
present time?

B. Give the moral lesson of the following sample pre-spanish prose:

 The Legend of the Tagalog
 Why the sea is Salty? (Tagalog Version)
 Why the sea is Salty? (Ilokano Version)