Philippine Literature: A Peek of Evolution

Every nation has its own literary genres, methods, and idioms that reflect its particular setting. Some
stand out because they have received widespread acclaim from people throughout the world. The
Philippines' vast and varied corpus of literature has grown over the course of the country's history. The
ancient Filipinos produced the fables and tales that formed the basis of literature long before the arrival
of Spanish influence that served as the foundation of literature.

Philippine literature has a rich history that has developed with its variety. The country's pre-colonial
cultural traditions and the sociopolitical histories of its colonial and modern traditions are best
understood in the light of this. We are able to communicate with the writers' minds through Philippine
literature. We have the capacity to see their concepts and become one with them. By using their writing
style or the structure of their literary works, they may even influence the audience's thoughts. We
would be able to appreciate them and their own abilities as Filipino authors if we read more local
literature. Even better, through reading, we may learn from them and grow as authors while also
refining our own critical thinking. Although the beginning of Philippine literature cannot be determined,
there have been various key moments in its development. These are undoubtedly influencing times that,
in fact, form the fundamental foundation of changes in its ongoing history.

Pre-colonial literature was largely oral in nature and included myths, folktales, stories, hymns, rites,
chants, fables, folk melodies, and proverbs. Because of their beliefs that God was punishing them for
their sins whenever a tragedy occurred, our ancestors created stories, which is where oral literature first
arose. Due to the lack of a scientific explanation, those legends were formerly accepted as a cause.
Before we were colonized, our writing in the Philippines was wonderful because readers and visitors to
the country were drawn to its originality. Chants like Bari-Bari Apo, which signifies makidalan in Iloko,
and songs like Oyayi or Hele are some instances of pre-colonial Philippine literature.

It is well knowledge that the Philippines spent more than 300 years under Spanish colonial rule. Since
Spain, a fervent Catholic nation, believed it had a moral mission to convert the pagan Philippines into
another Catholic nation, where they nearly succeeded in converting the Filipinos to Christianity, the
majority of literary works from this era are based on Catholic ceremonies and practices. Jose Rizal, one
of the finest Filipino authors, authored Noli Me Tangere and El filibusterismo at this time.

Following the overthrow of the Spanish rulers, the Americans arrived during the American Period. Since
the Americans were the only conquerors to start public education, which serves all people regardless of
social class, we may claim that they had the largest influence over the colonization of the Philippines.
Because English is the favoured language of Americans for use in education, all literatures have been
published in English as a result, which unluckily has contributed to the demise of Filipino literature by
giving Filipinos the false impression that English is a superior language.

As a result of the brutality, rights breaches, and outright oppression of Filipinos' fundamental rights, the
Japanese period was the darkest while also being the Golden Age of Philippine Literature. Tagalog was
established as an official language there. And finally, the Philippines embrace democracy as their system
of governance throughout the post-World War II and contemporary periods. a way of thinking in which
people are actually free to talk, write, or do whatever they choose as long as it complies with democratic
regulations

Philippine literature has the ability to make readers' eyes open to reality or the power of writing. Even in
previous ages, writing has been essential to exposing pressing political, social, cultural, and moral
challenges in our nation. It helps Filipinos understand what to do and how to fix their particular regional
problems. It's a really successful approach, as our nation's hero has demonstrated. A skillfully written
text has the capacity to alter a person's viewpoint and inspire them to take action for the good of their
lives or perhaps their own country. Studying Philippine literature benefits all Filipinos, not just students.
We cannot just disregard it since it is a significant component of our lives. By promoting the fruits and
gems of our own region, we may further demonstrate that we are Filipinos. Literatures passionately
created by our local authors with their passion and Filipino spirit and heart depict our identity, history,
and tradition.