21st Century Literature from the

Philippines and the World

Quarter 1 – Module 1.2:
Philippine Literature:
Pre-Colonial and Pre-
Revolutionary Writings
 What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master the nature of 21st century literature focusing on Pre-
Colonial to Prerevolution Period, its relevance to your life as a student
by relating it to your everyday experiences. 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.
The module is divided into three lessons, namely:

• Lesson 1 – Introduction to 21st Century Literature

• Lesson 2 –Philippine literature: Pre-Colonial and Pre-Revolutionary Writings
• Lesson 3 – Philippine Literature: American Influences and Traditions: Period
of Imitation

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. describe Philippine literature;
2. explain the relevance of reading Philippine literature;
3. explain Philippine literature and its delimitation;
4. relate pre-colonial poetry to present situations;
5. give the meaning of words through context;
6. explain literary devices used;
7. write a reader-response essay.

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. Why is studying Philippine literature still relevant in this time and age for
students?
a. empathize with characters
b. appreciate words and their power
c. feel proud in being a Filipino
d. travel to other realms and times
2. How has Philippine literature evolved side by side with our country’s history?
a. stories of ancient time were not written
b. present day writers recognized the country’s wealth of ethnic traditions
and disseminate them in schools through mass media
c. colonists blot out the memory of oral literature
d. change of attitude among young people
3. Which of the following texts supports the idea that Philippine 21st century
literature is NOT traditional and started in 2001?
a. Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura
b. Bob Ong’s ABNKKBSNPLAko?!
c. Lope K. Santos’ Banaag at Sikat
d. Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada 70
 4. Which of the following genres of literature was created to encompass new and
important kinds of texts in our society today?
a. Poetry c. Prose
b. Drama d. Media
5. Which of the following shorter forms of folk literature deceives the listener
about its meaning?
a. proverb c. charms
b. riddle d. folk songs
6. Who is known as the ‘Poet of the Revolution’?
a. Jose Rizal? c. Apolinario Mabini
b. Fernando Ma. Guerrero d. Graciano Lopez- Jaena
7. Which is the BEST reason why literature and history are closely
interrelated?
a. Literature mirrors the events of history
b. Literature has its own history and history has its own history.
c. The feelings, aspirations, customs and traditions are also written in
literature.
d. Literature is life and history
8. What is a pre-colonial poem with four lines praising God in the form of
meditative verses?
a. Riddle c. Diona
b. Tanaga d. Dalit
9. What is the period of time before colonization of a region or territory?
a. Pre-history c. Pre-colonial
b. Colonial d. Post-colonial
10. Which of the following literary works best describes unrecorded literature?
a. Ibong Adarna c. El Filibusterismo
b. Story of Bathala d. The Salubong

What’s In

Philippine literature has evolved side by side with our country’s history. Philippine
literature started with fables and legends created by ancient Filipinos long before the
coming of the Spaniards. While it is true that a huge number of these stories were
unfamiliar to many Filipinos because they were only passed on through word of
mouth, the influence of the Spaniards paved the way to getting acquainted with
literature especially those written by Spanish authors. Mass media became a tool in
propagating love of literature.

Fill in the grid about Lesson 1 by answering Summarize and Question and fill in Predict
and Clarify about Lesson 2.
Summarize Question Predict Clarify
Summarize Lesson Do you still have questions What is Philippine What clarifications will I
1 in 3-4 sentences. about Lesson 1? Literature Precolonial and have for Precolonial and
Pre Revolution about? Pre-Revolution Period?

Ask something about What will I learn?

Ask: What is the something obvious in the
principal topic? lesson? Sample phrases to use:
I think that …is going to
What are the important What do you think …because…
ideas? about…?
 What’s New
Relevance of Philippine Literature
Being a Filipino, you have to appreciate the literary heritage of your
country. As a senior high school student, you cannot appreciate something that you
do not understand. You don’t only study and trace the historical aspects of your
country, but you understand your identity and take pride in being a Filipino and
being Filipino is all about your own literature and culture.

Studying Philippine literature will make you realize the literary limitations affected by
some historical considerations. Like other countries, you need to understand the
greatness and nobility of your people’s traditions. In this manner, you can take steps
to disseminate the beauty and uniqueness of your country’s literature and culture
and explore the noble traditions which can serve as a means to incorporate other
cultures.

Above all, as a senior high school student, you have to take pride of your nation’s
culture and traditions and manifest genuine concern of your nation’s spirit. You must
keep alive the thoughts, beliefs and cultural variations of your ancestors.

Philippine Literature History

Time frames may not be necessary, however, literature and history are closely
interrelated. In discovering your country’s history of a race, the feelings aspirations,
customs and traditions of your people, this timeline may help you trace certain
boundaries. Table 1 Time Frames of Philippine Literature

Time line Example

Oral literature [folk tales, epics, poems chants,
The Pre-Colonial
traditional narratives, speeches and songs]
The Spanish Period Political essays, novels, poems, religious songs

free verse, (poetry), modern short story, critical

The American Period
essay, seditious works
The Contemporary Period Poetry, short stories, novellas, novels and essays
(socially committed, gender/ethnic related

What is It

Senior high school students being 21st century Gen Z readers need to understand the
relevance of Philippine literature in their life. Filipino students learned in Philippine
history that the study of Philippine literature is important because it is a reflection of
our history as a nation. Works of art and literature cannot be separated from our
history. History is not only our gateway to the past; it is also suggestive of our present
and the future. Literature and history are intertwined along with the struggles and
contradictions in our society at a given time. As a result, students historicize texts to
understand the colonial influence of Spain, America, and Japan.
Literature is a reflection of humanity and a way for you to understand each other.
Literature is important because of its purpose in a society which is becoming
increasing detached from human interaction.

Students assert their nationalism because they learned the many sacrifices of our
heroes, writers and others whose principles manifested genuine patriotism. Their
literary works are moving witnesses to real life situations that bring awareness to
numerous social issues.

The Pre-Colonial Poetry

Riddle

Our forefathers had their own literature before the coming of the Spaniards. Our
ancient literature shows our customs and traditions in everyday life as traced in our
folk stories, songs, and old plays called oral literature which were passed from one
mouth to another.

Riddles are common to all mankin and is considered canon in Philippine literature. It
is a puzzle in which an object to be guessed is described in terms of another unrelated
object (relies on talinghaga or metaphor). Riddles instill values by offering nuggets of
wisdom sometimes in a rhyming verse.

Example:
This riddle or bugtong ingeniously describes, in an apt personification, the motion of
feet:
Pampango (Kapampangan) English
Adua lang mikaluguran Two friends in an endless chase

It walks on four legs in the Explanation

morning, two legs at noon and In this riddle, the parts of the day serve as a
three legs in the evening. What is metaphor representing the parts of a person’s
it? life. The morning is early life (infancy), noon is
Answer: Man midlife (adulthood), and evening is the end of
life (being old, near death).
Is it possible to compose a modern day riddle wherein the topic is 21st century?
Here are some examples of 21st century riddles written by 21st Century Literature
students.
You need me in order to fill your life’s Bugtong bugtong
percentage Parihabang sukat, labas pasok sa butas
Without me, you’ll forever be dead. - Flash Drive ~ Jimmy Heramis, ABM
- Mobile charger ~ Elisha Diolata, ABM
Mas marumi pa sa iskwater, Sala sa lamig, sala sa init,
Ngunit ang mga naniniraha'y branded ang Parang emosyon ng babaeng may dalaw
underwear. – Politiko ~ Jacob Rivera, na papalit-palit. – Global Warming
HUMSS ~ Shaira Ubungen, HUMSS

I am not a human being nor a book, but I
can answer all of your questions.
- Google ~ Angelica Taguan
I am not one of God's disciples, but
with it I gain a lot of followers that
makes me go viral and influence a lot
of millennials -Twitter ~ Ruby Ann
Gean,
Tanaga
The Tanaga is an indigenous type of Filipino poem, consisting of four lines that is
used traditionally in Tagalog language. This poem has 7-7-7-7 syllabic verse syllables
with an AAAA rhyme pattern. However, the Modern Tanaga has the same syllable
count, but rhymes range from dual rhyme forms: AABB, ABAB, ABBA; to freestyle
forms such as AAAB, BAAA, or ABCD. Examples:

Kabibi, ano ka ba? See waves foaming, wash the shore.

May perlas, maganda ka? The castle is there no more.
Kung idiit sa taynga, No windows remain; no door.
Nagbubuntunghininga! Roof of sky; a sandy floor.
~Ildefonso Santos ~Peripatetic

Here are some examples of Modern Tanaga written by 21 st Century Literature

students in Makati High School.
OFW
Watching you depart is hard
But my feelings don't regard
While I look up in the sky
Oh, All I can do is cry ~Jacob Rivera
Peace
My world is full of wonder show
them love but not anger live my
life to the fullest
God's gift which is the greatest~ Kyle
Decena,

Dalit
The Dalit or Imno (Psalm) is a short Filipino poem with four lines (eight syllables
each) praising God in the form of meditative verses. It also contains a philosophy
of life. Examples:
Katangian ng Kaluluwa
Mga tao kung magtaka, My loving Father in heaven
Kung anong inaakala. Though at times I feel real broken Your
Kadalasan ay masama— Ang love and mercy is given
ugat ng kaluluwa. Grateful my life is not threatened.
~Tamara Dorothy

Skills Development: Understanding Literary Devices

Mood is the emotional feeling the reader gets from a story. Mood is shown through
setting and atmosphere. For example, if you are fond of detective stories which have
a suspenseful and mysterious mood, then you get anxious, excited, or even frightened
while reading the story.

These are typical words to describe the mood of a particular piece of text:
Humorous - Maddening
Sad - Fearful
Gloomy - Desiring

Metaphor is a direct substitution of one idea or object for another. It suggests a

likeness or analogy between them. Use of metaphor enhances writing in many
ways, which is why writers use them. You picture in your mind of what is being
discussed making it easier to understand and remember the writer’s message. “Her
eyes are a sparkling pond.” The comparison of eyes to a pond helps the reader see
just how beautiful the eyes are.
Examples of Metaphor:
Chaos is a friend of mine. ~Bob Dylan
Baby, you’re a firework. Katy Perry
His room was a massive junk yard.

Theme
The theme in any work of literature is the underlying message. In other words, this is
the belief the author is trying to convey in his writings, whether novel, poem, short
story or play. This idea or belief, transcends cultural barriers. It is usually universal
in nature.
Examples:
Sacrifice, Revenge, Betrayal- Creation Myths
Colonialism, Religion, Power – Noli Me Tangere
Greed, Ambition, Immorality - Fray Botod (Friar Botod)

Persona
The speaker is the voice or "persona" of a poem. An author takes on a character while
writing, usually telling the story or poem in the first person. It's important to note
that the speaker is not the poet.

Rhyme Scheme
Rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyme that comes at the end of each verse or line in
poetry. In other words, it is the structure of end words of a verse or line that a poet
needs to create when writing a poem.
Example:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (A)
How I wonder what you are. (A) Up
above the world so high, (B)
Like a diamond in the sky. (B)

MOTIVATION:
1. Have you ever been away from a loved one? Or away from home?
2. Are you sentimental? What are the things that make you feel like that?

PRE-READING
Regret is the negative emotion that people experience when realizing or imagining that
their present situation would have been better had they decided or acted differently.
• Have you ever regretted something in life? What was it? How did you cope with
that feeling?
• Interview a classmate or a family member and ask whether they have regretted
something in their life. Ask also how they cope with life after that feeling of
regret. Write the answers on a sheet of paper.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Fernando Ma. Guerrero, the Poet of the Revolution, was a Spanish Filipino poet,
journalist, lawyer, politician and polyglot. He wrote both prose and poetry; his favorite
theme was “eternal sadness of things.” The following poem explores the experience of
sentimentality. The good times can never come back and the feeling of regret the
passing of those times bring.

Where is my May?
Fernando Ma. Guerrero

My happy days have passed away.

The hills and woods have lost their flower.
Where is my May?
 Where are its sweet and charming hours?
Cheer me, my star, and give me light,
To see at least a pleasant way, Show me your
eyes so fair and bright To find my way.
With thoughts of care I bend my head,
Where is my May?
I am alone, I eat my bread
Away from you, so far away.

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What is the mood of the persona 6. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
in the poem? 7. What does being sentimental mean? Are
2. What may be the reason why he you sentimental? If yes, what makes you
feels that way? sentimental?
3. Is May a person? What makes 8. In what other instances or situations do
you think so? What evidence can you Filipinos show their sentimentality?
point out to prove your answer? 9. Regrets can be like rain in your life. They
4. From whom does the author seek can bring positive reactions and can nourish
help? What kind of help is he asking your soul if they’re handled well. What did you
for? regret about in life and how did you make a
5. In the third stanza, where could positive turn to pursue a new path?
the author be? Why does he miss his 10. What is the theme of the poem? Explain.
May?
What’s More

Activity 1.1 Understanding Philippine literature and

Its Influences and Traditions
Find the definitions of the italicized words. Then, use the word in your own sentence.
Write the sentence on a separate sheet.
1. The Department of Health’s ‘ethical and sensible’ dissemination of information on
the number of COVID19 victims has earned negative comments from the public.
a. eradication c. propagation
b. suppression d. limitation
2. When students study Philippine literature, they have to study Philippine
history as well so they can historicize the texts with the geography,
experiences, ideals, customs and traditions of a people.
a. associate history and literature c. discriminate history and literature
b. differentiate history and literature d. separate history and literature
3. ‘Noli Me Tangere’ and ‘El Filibusterismo’ are notable socio-political works in the
canon of Philippine literature.
a. deregulation c. standard
b. plainness d. rule
4. The indigenous groups like the Igorots and the Lumads have their own oral
literature.
a. migrant c. strange
b. foreign d. native
5. Despite the slurs made against Manny Pacquiao by his opponent, the Filipino
boxer was magnanimous enough to praise his competitor.
a. soft c. generous
b. large-hearted d. mean
6. The literature teacher always tells stories in which the present and the past
intertwine.
a. divided c. untangled
b. connected d. scrambled
7. Apolinario Mabini wrote ‘The True Decalogue’ as confessions of his aspirations
to expose the internal and external revolution at the same time.
a. hatred c. dream
b. indifference d. cravings
8. The author's free verse has a unique rhythmic intensity.
a. no set line length c. has regular rhyme schemes
b. has set rhythm d. has a consistent pattern
9. You get a nugget of fresh advice every day, which you can interpret however
you choose.
a. taste c. wealth
b. fragment d. treasure
10. Secretary Duque was reluctant to assert his authority over his DOH staff
about the delayed compensation for virus-hit health workers.
a. worry c. trust
b. tell d. uphold

What I Have Learned

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

1. ___________ is literature associated with the Philippines from prehistory,

through its colonial legacies.

2. Filipino students appreciate the Filipino __________ through literature and

culture.

3. _________ like print, television, and radio played a huge role in disseminating
love of literature.

4. Philippine literature and other countries’ literature and culture leads to

exploration of ________ noble traditions.

5. The study of Philippine literature in English is important as it is a reflection of

being __________ as manifested by the many sacrifices of our heroes.

6. Pre-colonial poem, ______, instills values and mirror Filipino culture.

7. ________, a literary device, is the feeling created by the poet for the reader.

8. “Where is My May?” is a poem whose ________ is about passing of youth and

the regret the passing of what those times bring.

9. ________ is another example of literary device that denotes one kind of object
or idea used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy.

10. __________, an indigenous poem, has been modernized expressing teachings,

idioms, feelings, and ways of life.
 theme mood
metaphor Riddle
heritage media
history integration
Tanaga Philippine literature

What I Can Do
This part of the module is essential to effective learning and application of critical
thinking and solving problems in the 21st century. You will be evaluated to make sure
that you are performing the new set of skills correctly. This activity requires you to
take what you practice in your daily life and try to apply it correctly in “real life”
situations. You are to bridge the gap between what you learn in this module and the
“real world” by providing appropriate application activities.
Reading poems, short stories, news articles and other texts can help you to develop
not only reading skills but also, writing, grammar, vocabulary, speaking skills and
critical and problem solving skills.
Write a paragraph about what you regret in life using these expressions.
I Wish – If Only
I Wish and If Only are expressions we use when we regret something or when we
would like life to be different than the way it is. If only is usually stronger than I
wish.

If only + Past + Express regret I wish I were rich.

Past participle about the
present situation If only I could
buy an expensive
watch.

If only + could + Express a desire I wish we could

to do something talk this week.
base form
If only I could talk
to President
Duterte.
 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following statements about Philippine literature is correct?

Choose two (2).
a. Pre- colonial Philippine literature was actually passed on from generation to
generation, originally through written tradition.
b. To understand the real spirit of a nation, every learner must read its
literature.
c. Even if we do not study our literature, we can still appreciate it.
d. Philippine literature is literature associated with the Philippines from
prehistory, through its colonial legacies, and on to the present.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT a valid reason why it is relevant to study
Philippine literature?
a. We take pride in being a Filipino.
b. We appreciate our literary heritage.
c. We are forced to study it because it is part of the curriculum.
d. We understand the nobility of our traditions.
3. Which of the following texts has the theme of loneliness?
a. The Myth of Creation c. Riddle
b. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere d. Where is My May?
4. What is referred in the poem?

Alipatong lumapag
a.wetness
Sa lupa — nagkabitak,
b.water
Sa kahoy nalugayak,
Sa puso —naglagablab! c.drought
~Ildefonso Santos d. coldness

5. What mood do these lines in the poem convey?

a.apathetic
And love grown faint and fretful
b. jubilant
With lips but half regretful
c.remorseful
Sighs, and with eyes forgetful
d. nostalgic
Weeps that no loves endure
6. Which of the following literary works best describes unrecorded literature?
a. Where is My May? c. Mi Ultimo Adios
b. Dasalan at Tocsohan d. How the Moon and the Stars Came to be
7. Which of the following Tweeter posts on how to cope with loneliness is
the BEST?
a. Too many people, too many shades
Nobody stays, everybody fades
b. You will search for me in another person. I promise.
And you will never find me.
c. It’s sad when you get hurt so much that you can
finally say, “I’m used to it.”
d. Strength doesn’t come from what you can do.
It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.
 8. What is referred in this riddle?
Who makes it, has no need of it.
Who buys it, has no use for it.
Who uses it can neither see nor feel it.
What is it?
a. A stamp c. A coffin
b. A needle d. A clock
9. What type of poem is revived by Filipino artists expressing teachings,
idioms, feelings, and ways of life?
a. Sonnet c. Diona
b. Haiku d. Tanaga
10. Which of the following statements is NOT true about identifying a persona
in a poem?
a. Identify the author at once as the speaker.
b. Examine the language of the speaker.
c. Ask yourself, “What is the poem about?”
d. Write down an immediate impression of the speaker.
11. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I rise

a. ABBA c. ABCB
b. ABCD d. AAAB
12. Which is a perfect example of Filipino turban legend?
a. Aswang c. Zeus, King of the Gods
b. The Frog King d. The Carabao and the Shell
13. Why was Fernando Ma Guerrero called the Poet of the Revolution?
a. He married more than once.
b. He came from a highly educated family.
c. He excelled in Spanish and Tagalog.
d. He felt and thought as a Filipino, lived as a Filipino and died as a
Filipino.
14.Which of the following reasons is the BEST why writers use metaphors?
a. To make an equivalency between one thing and another to highlight
how they’re similar.
b. To make the writing more interesting and effective.
c. To make the reader confused.
d. To force the reader to consider the subject of the metaphor from a new
angle.
15.What is the central theme of this poem?
a. Nature and man are indispensable.
Nature's first green is gold, b. Sunsets and sunrises are beautiful.
Her hardest hue to hold. c. Innocence cannot last.
Her early leaf's a flower; d. Nature and beauty are intertwined.
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.