INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

Literature
 Literature is derived from the Latin “littera” which means “letter”, which refers primarily to written
texts. Therefore, literature is simply anything that is written.
 Literature consists writings which recognize the meanings of nature and life, in words of charm and
power, touched with the character of the author, in artistic forms of permanent interest
 Literature is the written, printed or oral productions of the human mind collectively, which deals with
themes of permanent and universal interest, characterized by creativeness and grace of
expression, as poetry, fictions, essays, etc., distinguished from works of scientific, technical or
journalistic nature (Webster Comprehensive Dictionary, International Edition).
Types of Literature
A. Oral literature is the literature of the ancient periods when they did not yet have much concern about a
enduring preservation of the expressions of their wits and emotions or their experiences because what
seemed to matter then to them was merely the pleasure of being able to tell stories or being able to
express themselves either in the simplest way they can or in their kind of aesthetic sense. Itis preserved
and handed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. Oral literature started unwritten, but
eventually captured for writing.
B. Written literature is one that produced from the use of the pen by literary writer. Written Literature is
more permanent than oral literature because it remains as is.
Reasons Why People Write:
 For self-expression. It goes by the saying, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Literature
can be a great avenue for a person to express what they feel or think.
 To spread knowledge and information. Writing is a great way for us not only to share information,
but to learn from the information shared by other people.
 To pass on ideas and values. Preserving ideas and values can be difficult and writing can mend to
that problem. Passing on principles can be made easy by writings.
 To convey truth, accuracy, and evaluation. This allows others to analyze, evaluate, form valid
judgments, and make wise decisions.
The Qualities of Great Literature:
 Permanence - Great literature has a lasting influence and can stand though ages and may still
open a new world of meaning and experiences through different generations
 Universality - Great literature appeals to anyone, wherever, whenever and may be constantly
relevant. It deals with elemental feelings, fundamental truths, and universal conditions.
 Artistry – Great literature draws to our aesthetic sense or sense of beauty.
 Intellectual Value – Great literature stimulates the way we think. It makes us realize fundamental
truths about life and human nature; thus, enriching our mental ability.
 Spiritual Value – Great literature motivates, inspires, and brings out moral values which can make
us better persons. It also relates to God’s plan and purpose for humanity.
  Style – Great literature is evident with the distinctive way in which the writer sees life, forms his/her
ideas, and expresses them distinctly. The uniqueness of the writer shows in his or her style.
 Suggestiveness – Great literature draws to our emotions, stirs our imagination, feeling, moves us
deeply and evokes visions over and beyond the level of ordinary life and experience.
Prose and Poetry
Prose is discourse that follows the continuous and usual flow of conversation which uses sentences
forming paragraphs to express ideas, feelings, and actions. It is divided into two major divisions, namely
fiction and non-fiction.
Divisions of Prose:
1. Fiction is a type of prose writing that is the product of the author’s imagination.
a) Short Story is a sequence of events including one or more characters, one narrative, and one
single idea.
Examples: Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez, Footnote to Youth by Jose Garcia Villa
b) Novel is a long work of fiction that has chapters where many characters are involved and spans
long period of time.
Examples: Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
c) Play is a scripted story executed on stage
Examples: Call Me Flory by Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero, Dekada ’70 by Lualhati Bautista
d) Legend is a narrative about the origin of man, place, event, and happenings.
Examples: Alamat ng Pinya, The Legend of Daragang Magayon
e) Fable is a narrative where the characters are animals and nonliving objects that speak and act like
people, and usually ends with values that can mold their attitudes.
Examples: The Monkey and the Turtle, The Ant and the Grasshopper
2. Non-fiction is a type of prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people.
a) Essay is an attempt to express the viewpoint and judgment of the writer on a dilemma or event.
Example: Essays of Francis Bacon
b) Oration is a formal treatment of the subject and intended to be spoken before a crowd.
c) Biography is a literary work that gives the life account of a person written by another person.
d) Autobiography is a literary work where the author writes his own life account.
e) News is a report of expected and unexpected events in society and government and incidents in
the field of science, business, etc.
f) Letters is a written message communicated from one person to another person via writing through
a medium. Letters can be formal and informal.
g) Diaries and journals serve as account of personal experiences. They are synonymous but there is
an important difference:
 A diary is precisely a record of personal or private and daily experiences.
 A journal, depending on the context, could mean a more universal record or logbook but more
importantly a technical journal, that is a scientific or industry-related publication/periodical.
Three Types of Poetry:
1. Narrative poetry tells stories and has two forms:
a. Epics are lengthy poems that embody the adventures of epic heroes and divine forces. They are the
oldest remaining form of poetry.
Examples: Biag ni Lam-ang, Epic of Gilgamesh, Beowulf
b. Ballads are narrative poems meant to be sung. They are briefer than the epics and they usually tell
stories about a person. Because ballads started from the common people, they use repetitive and
simple language as well as supernatural touches.
Poetry is a type of literature that combines the sound and meaning of language to create and express ideas
and feelings. The language of poetry which uses imagery and figurative language closely related terms is
very rich, suggestive, and powerful. It is expressed in regimented manner by the force of stanza, meter,
rhyme, and other regulating devices.
Example: Ballad to King Arthur
2. Dramatic poetry reveal stories, but one or more characters act out the poem. There are
plays that are written as dramatic poetry. This allows the writer to reveal characters
directly through dialogue/ monologue. William Shakespeare, an English playwright, is the
most famous dramatic poet. In the dramatic monologue, the story is dramatically told by
only one character.
Examples: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare
3. Lyric poetry, the most familiar of the three, is a brief poem that articulates the poet’s
thoughts and feeling. The word lyric comes from the Greek word “rhein” which means lyre,
a harp-like musical instrument used by poets in ancient Greece. Lyric poetry comes in
many forms:
a) Haiku, one of the shortest lyric poems, is a Japanese verse of 17 syllables arranged in three lines,
the first line has 5, the second 7, and the third 5.
Example: Haiku poems of Matsuo Basho
b) Ode is a serious elaborate lyric poem full of high praises and noble feelings usually about things.
Example: Ode to Evening by William Collins (1721-1759), Ode to Tomatoes by Pablo Neruda
c) Elegy is a poem of meditation on life and death. Many elegies mourn the death of a famous person
or a close friend.
Examples: An Elegy Written on a Country Church Yard by Thomas Gra, In Memoriam A.H.H. by
Alfred Lord Tennyson
d) Sonnet is a 14-line lyric poem with a certain pattern of rhyme and rhythm.
Examples: How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1986) an English Poet,
Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
e) Song is a lyric poem intended to be sung.
Example: Sound of Silence by Bob Dylan and Paul Simon
 Pre-Spanish Period (… - 1564)
Beforehand the Spaniards arrived or set foot on Philippine shores, our ancestors already had their own
literature emblazoned in the history of our race. Literature occurred even prior to composing implements
were invented. It used to be oral; therefore, the literature of ancient Filipinos was handed from one
generation to another by word of mouth. The pre-Spanish poets and storytellers had gifts of good memory
to be able to transmit oral literature without changing the original, omitting or changing details from it.
Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by:
A. LEGENDS are narrative prose which aim to entertain and tell the story of how an object, place, or name
originated. Though they may seem believable expecially for children, the events are mere fictional, unreal,
and lacking truth. Former Filipino customs are mirrored in these legends.
B. FOLK TALES are narratives about life, quest, love, horror, and comedy where one can get lessons
about life. These are valuable to us as they help us appreciate our situation, assess our personalities, and
enhance our life’s perceptions.
C. EPICS are long narrative poems that dealt with the protagonists’ or heroes’ series of heroic
achievements or events.
D. MYTHS are narratives that describe and portray in symbolic language the origin of the basic elements
and assumptions of a culture. Mythic narratives relate, for example, how the world began, how humans and
animals were created, and how certain customs, gestures, or forms of human activities originated. Almost
all cultures possess or at one time possessed and lived in terms of myths.
E. FOLK SONGS are one of the eldest types of Philippine literature that appeared in the Pre-Spanish time.
Folk songs reflect and preserve the culture of the early Filipinos. These intend to express the hopes and
aspirations, the people’s lifestyles as well as their loves. These are repetitive and sonorous, didactic and
naïve as the children’s songs or Ida-ida (Maguindanao), tulang pambata (Tagalog) or cansiones para
abbing (Ibanag).
Spanish Period (1565-1898)
Spain had occupied the Philippines for over 300 years. Spanish occupation made a great impact to the
lives of Filipinos as well as their lifestyle. It was the Spanish colonization which introduced customs such as
naming system, baptism, and religion such as Catholicism. Morover, Filipinos learned to build houses that
are made of stones and bricks, used kitchen utensils and furniture like the piano. The means of
transportation of Filipinos during those times were carriages, trains, and boats. Fiestas are held to pay
tribute to the saints, popes, and governors. The church had also acted as the government. The popular
recreational activities were cockfights, horse races and theater.
A. Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature
 Alibata was the earliest Filipino writing system which was replaced by the Roman alphabet,
 The basis for religious practices was the Christian Doctrine.
 The Spanish language, which lent many of its words to our language, served as the medium of
instruction and language of literature.
  Our songs, corridos, and moro-moros were mostly about the legends and traditions from Europe.
 Ancient literature was translated and became available in Tagalog and other dialects.
 Grammar books were published in different Filipino languages such as Tagalog, Ilocano, and
Visayan.
 Several magazines and periodicals were written in religious light and tone.
B. THE FIRST BOOKS
 The Christian Doctrine (Doctrina Cristiana) - This was the first Tagalog and Spanish book
published in the Philippines in 1593 in Xylography. It was authored by Fr. Juan de Placencia and
Fr. Domingo Nieva. It included the Pater Noster (Our Father), Ave Maria (Hail Mary), Regina Coeli
(Hail Holy Queen), and the Ten Commandments of God, the Commandments of the Catholic
Church, the Seven Mortal Sins, How to Confess, and the Cathecism.
 Libro de los Cuatro Post Primeras de Hombre - This was the first book published in typography.
 Nuestra Senora del Rosario - This was the second book printed in the Philippines authored by Fr.
Blancas de San Jose in 1602. It includes the memoirs of saints, novenas, and questions and
answers about religion.
 Ang Barlaan at Josephat - This book was the first Biblical story published in the Philippines. Fr.
Antonio de Borja translated the book from Greek to Tagalog. The published translated book has
556 pages and was believed to be the first Tagalog novel published in the Philippines. This novel
was also translated to Ilocano by Agustin Mejia.
 The Passion - This book narrates the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ, and it is normally recited
during the lent season. 4 versions are available in Tagalog. Each of the adaptation is according to
the name of the author:
1. De Belen Version by Gaspar Aquino de Belen of Bataan (1704)
2. De Guia Version by Luis de Guia in (1750)
3. Pilapil Version by Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan (1814)
4. De la Merced version by Aniceto de la Merced of Norzagaray, Bulacan (1856)
 Urbana at Felisa - The father of Tagalog classic prose, Modesto de Castro authored this book. The
book includes the letters exchanged between the two sisters namely Urbana at Felisa. This book
has influenced greatly the behavior of people in society because the letters dealt with good
behavior.
 Ang Mga Dalit Kay Maria (Psalms for Mary) - This is a collection of songs praising Virgin Mary. It
was written in 1865 by a Filipino priest, Fr. Mariano Sevilla, which became popular especially
during Maytime festival or Flores de Mayo.
C. FOLK SONGS
During the Spanish period, each region had its national song from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao. Folk songs truly manifest the Filipinos’ artistic feelings and innate appreciation for
love of beauty: Some examples of folk songs are: Leron-Leron Sinta Pamulinawen Dandansoy Sarong
Banggi Atin Cu Pung Singsing
D. RECREATIONAL PLAYS These recreational plays in poetic forms were performed by Filipinos during
the Spanish era:
 Tibag means to excavate. This is a ritual to remind the people about the search of Saint Helena for
the Holy Cross where Jesus Christ was nailed and died.
 Lagaylay is a special occasion to get together during the month of May for the Pilarenos of
Sorsogon. As early as April, ladies are chosen, or mothers volunteer their girls to fulfill a vow or
panata during illness or even for a favor received. In Bicol, the people do a ritual offering of praise,
respect and love to the Blessed Cross by Saint Helena on the mound she had dug in.
 Cenaculo is a dramatic performance to re-enact the passion and death of Jesus Christ. There are
two kinds of cenaculo: the Cantada which is chanted like the Passion, and the Hablada which has
a more dignified theme where the lines are spoken in a more deliberate manner showing the
rhythmic measure of each verse and stanza.
 Panunuluyan is a play where the search of Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph for an inn to deliver the
baby Jesus is reenacted.
 Salubong is an Easter Sunday play, usually held before sunrise, stages the meeting of the Risen
Jesus Christ and His Mother.
 Carillo (also known as shadow play) is a dramatic entertainment performed during dark nights.
Cardboards figures before a light against a white sheet are normally used to successfully portray
Carillo. The figures are moved like marionettes and their conversations are created by
professionals and are drawn from Corrido, Awit or some religious plays accompanied with songs.
 Zarzuela (also known as the Father of Drama) is a musical comedy or melodrama. Divided into
three acts, the drama deals with man’s several desires and feelings like love, hate, revenge,
cruelty, greed or other social and political problems.
 Sainete is a brief yet exaggerated musical comedy wherein the characters depicted came from the
lower class. The themes resemble everyday life problems, conflicts, and situations.
 Moro-Moro is a play held in every city fiesta for the individuals to enjoy and commemorate their
Christianity. The play starts with the abduction of a Christian princess or a nobleman’s daughter by
the Moros. The father then organizes a rescue team where battling between the Moros and the
Christians takes place. The Christians usually win the battle by divine intervention, and the
defeated Moros are converted to Christianity, or the whole kingdom of Moros becomes baptized
and converted to Christian as well.
 Karagatan is a poetic competition where a tradition is performed based on a legend about a
princess who dropped her ring into the middle of the ocean and who offered her hand in marriage
to anyone who can find it. A leader begins with an extemporaneous poem to declare the purpose
as he spins a “lumbo” or a “tabo” marked with a white line. Whoever comes in the direction of the
white line when the spinning stops, gets his chance to “go into the sea to look for the ring.” The girl
asks a riddle, and if he gives the correct answer, he will offer the ring to the girl.
 Balagtasan is a poetic debate about a socially-relevant topic or issue. This is held in honor of
Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.
 Dung-aw is a chant in free verse by a grieving person beside the corpse of the dead. Without
definite meter or rhyming, the person recites in poetic rhythm according to his feelings, emotions,
and thoughts. Since it is personalized and usually deals with the life, sufferings, and sacrifices of
the dead, it also includes apologies for his misdeeds.
 AMERICAN PERIOD (1898-1941)
During the American Period in the Philippines, the literary creation was motivated by two advancements in
education and culture:
 the introduction of free instruction for all children of school age
 the use of English as medium of instruction in all levels of education in public schools.
Free public education made knowledge and information accessible to all Filipinos. Those who availed this
education through college were able to improve their social status and joined a good number of educated
masses who became part of the country’s middle class.
Founded Schools/ Universities in the Philippines During American Colonial Period:
 1901 – Philippine Normal College (now PNU)
– National University
– Silliman University
– El Colegio de San Beda (now SBU)
 1902 – Negros Oriental High school
– Ilo-ilo Normal School
 1904 – St. Paul University
– Filamer Christian University
– Zamboanga Normal School
– Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila (now MCU)
 1905 – Central Philippine University
 1908 – University of the Philippines
 1914 – University of Manila
 1915 – Cebu Normal School
 1919 – Philippine Women’s University
– Jose Rizal University
 1925 – Mapua Institute of Technology
 1933 – Far Eastern University
 1938 – Arellano University
 1941 – San Sebastian College - Recoletos
During the Period of Apprenticeship (1910-1930), the Filipino writers imitated English and American
models. They were into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays, and
novels. Their writings clearly depicted their love of country and their longings for independence.
Short Stories
 Dead Stars was the first short story written in English by Paz Marquez Benitez.
 The Small Key was written by Paz Latorena.
 Footnote to Youth was written by Jose Garcia Villa.
Newspapers
 El Nuevo Dia (The New Day) -Established by Sergio Osmena in 1900.The Americans censored,
twice banned and threatened Osmena with banishment because of his nationalistic writings.
 El Grito Del Pueblo (The Call of the Nation) - Established by Pascual Poblete in 1900.
 El Renacimiento (The Rebirth) - Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.
Plays
 Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) written by Aurelio Tolentino.
It depicts the suppression done by the Americans and their plan to colonize the Philippines.
 Tanikalang Ginto of Juan Abad
 Malaya by Tomas Remigio
 Walang Sugat by Severino Reyes
The Characteristics and Features of the American Period:
1. Zarsuelas – This was popularized in 1893 A new-found dramatic form was popularized by Severino
Reyes and the old forms gradually vanished. The theme was no longer about Christians and
Muslims but between Filipinos and Spaniards in the first period of the American regime.
2. Tagalog Prose Fiction – Some of the well-known works are “Salawahang Pag-ibig” by Lope K.
Santos, “Pagsintang Naluoy” by Modesto Santiago and “Unang Bulaklak” by Valeriano Hernandez.
Writers of these prose were emotional; they chose more for romantic adventures than for flaming
issues of the day.
3. Novel – “Banaag at Sikat,” which was written by Lope K. Santos, is one of the renowned novels
during this era. The emotional character of each Filipino was shown in this novel using tents of
provinces.
4. Poetry – Remarkable people in this area include Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion, Jose Garcia Villa,
Angela Manalang Gloria, Abelardo Subido, Trinidad Tarrosa Subido and Rafael Zulueta da Costa.
They transformed not only love poems but nationalistic, spiritual, evocative and insightful poems
too. They penned in free verse, in odes and sonnets and in other types. Poetry was unique,
natural, expertly written and later, merged social awareness.
5. Short Story (1925-1941) – The College publications UP Literary Apprentice, Philippine Free Press,
The Graphic, The Philippine Magazine offered incentives and the short story prospered during
these times.
The Three Periods That Emerged During American Period:
1. The Period of Reorientation (1898-1910) – The concept of reorientation was materialized during
this period. The English language became the language of literature by the time of American
occupation on August 13, 1898. In 1900, the English language came to be used as a method of
teaching in the public schools.
2. The Period of Imitation (1910-1924) – In 1919, different universities such as the UP-College Folio
printed the literary masterpieces of the first Filipino authors in English. They were the forerunners
in writing short stories. They were then scrutinizing their way into impersonating American and
British models which resulted in a unusual, synthetic, and unnatural style, lacking enthusiasm, and
 naturalness. Their models included Longfellow and Hawthorne, Longfellow, Allan Poe, Irving and
other American authors of the Romantic School. Writers of this folio included Fernando Maramag
(the greatest editorial author of this period) Juan F. Salazar, Jose M. Hernandez, Vicente del
Fierro, and Francisco M. Africa and Victoriano Yamzon. They are established when it comes to
English poetry.
3. Period of Self-Discovery and Growth (1925-1941) By this time, Filipino writers had mastered writing
literary pieces in English. They confidently and competently wrote on a lot of topics although the
old-time favorites of love and youth continued. They explored writing various forms of literature like
the novel and the drama.
JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)
 The development of Philippine literature was jeopardized when Japan conquered the Philippines
between 1941-1945. The Japanese prohibited the use of the English language in almost all
newspapers except the Tribune, Philippine Review, Pillars, Free Philippines, and Filipina.
 Freedom of speech was prohibited as well. According to Victoria Abelardo, the Filipino literature in
the time of Japanese invasion was “bitter and pessimistic.” Strict censorship allowed only a few
literary works to be printed and published during this period.
 Before it was managed by a Japanese named Ishiwara, the weekly magazine Liwayway was
placed under a very strict surveillance.
Do you know that during this period, the Americans used education as a vehicle of the program “benevolent
assimilation?” Moreover, do you know that American soldiers served as the first teachers of Filipinos then
they were later replaced by trained teachers, who were known as “Thomasites?” What can you say about
the contributions of American period in the history of the development of Philippine literature? Now, let’s
see how the next period affects our freedom of speech.
 This period encouraged Tagalog writing. Several literary works that focused on everyday life were
seen and unaffected by war. The Filipino Literature gained advantages for its renewed attention
because writers in English turned to writing in Filipino. One example of this is Juan Laya, who used
to write in English. He turned to writing in Filipino language because of the strict prohibitions of the
Japanese regarding any writing in English.
 The guerillas performed oral and written literature using their satirical and humorous skills. The
people who are fighting against Japanese movement also used literature as their weapon and
means of expression.
 The importance of cultural events remains not in the excellence of output but by the guidepost of
the Filipinos.
 Most poems centered on nationalism, love and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and arts.
 Voice of Freedom, a utmostly-secret underground radio, served as the only contact of Filipinos with
the outside world.
 During this period, Tagalog was favored by the Japanese military authority, and eventually
influenced and encouraged the Filipinos to develop the vernacular literature.
  Filipino writers who were able to write freely were those residing in the United States. Most writers
and authors were forced to go underground or write in Tagalog. Thus, the Filipino literature gained
renewed attention because writers in English language shifted to writing in Filipino language.
 Movie houses showing American films were closed. It was latter replaced by stage plays that were
translated from English to Tagalog. Well-known translators at that time were Francisco Soc
Rodrigo, Alberto Concio and Narciso Pimentel.
 Filipino literature was given a break during this period. Many Filipino writers wrote plays, poems,
short stories etc. whose topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.
The Filipino Poetry during the Japanese Period:
As previously discussed, the themes of Filipino poetry during the Japanese colonization were nationalism,
love and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
Three Types of Poems that Emerged during the Japanese Period:
1. Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 syllables divided into
three lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, 7 syllables and the third, five. The haiku is
allegorical in meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in meaning.
2. Tanaga – a poem consisted of 4 lines, each with 7 syllables and usually has AAAA rhyme scheme
3. Karaniwang anyo (usual metrical form)
The Filipino Drama During the Japanese Period:
The drama experienced a lull during the Japanese period because movie houses showing American films
were closed. The big movie houses were just made to show stage shows. Many of the plays were
reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. The translators were Francisco Soc Rodrigo, Alberto Concio,
and Narciso Pimentel. They also founded the organization of Filipino players named Dramatic Philippines.
A few playwrights and their well-known plays were:
1. Jose Ma. Hernandez – wrote “Panday Pira”
2. Francisco Soc Rodrigo – wrote “Sa pula, sa Puti”
3. Clodualdo del Mundo – wrote “Bulaga” (an expression in the game Hide and Seek).
4. Julian Cruz Balmaceda – wrote “Sino ba Kayo? Dahil sa Anak, and Higante ng Patay.”
The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)
Historical Background in the Post War-Contemporary Period
 It is also known as the “Recovering Era.”
 The Americans returned to the Philippines in 1945 to end the Japanese rule.
 The Filipinos were jubilant and the Guerillas who fled in the mountains joined the liberating
American Army.
 It is a period when Philippines gained independence from both America and Japan.
The Philippine Literature during the Post War-Contemporary Period:
  It is the transitional period in Philippine literature from the American style to the modern style of
writing
 The post liberation period was characterized by “struggle of mind and spirit” posed by the sudden
emancipation from the Japanese rule and the strong desire to experience the freedom of writing.
 The Filipinos gained more confidence in expressing themselves. Meanwhile, post war problems in
connection to language and print – like economic stability, the threat of new ideas and morality-had
to be dealt with side by side.
 The newspapers like the Free Press, Morning Sun of Sergio Osmena Sr., Daily Mirror of Joaquin
Roces, Evening News of Ramon Lopez and the Bulletin of Menzi, proved that there were more
readers in English than in any other vernaculars like Tagalog, Ilocano or Hiligaynon during this
period.
 In year 1946, Ginto sa Makiling, a novel by Macario Pineda, was published. It is the first work that
appeared after the Second World War to be recorded.
 Lazaro Francisco, a famous Tagalog novelist, is described as a realist with social and moral ideals.
The influence of Rizal is reflective on his work. He produced the following three novels:
1. “Sugat Sa Alaala” (1950) reflects the horrors of the war experience as well as the human capacity
for nobility, endurance, and love under the most extreme circumstances.
2. “Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig” (1956) deals with the agrarian issue
3. “Daluyong” (1962) deals with the corruption produced by the American-style and American-
educated pseudo-reformers.
 Amado Hernandez, the poet who was also a union leader and social activist, wrote novels
encouraging social change. These novels include: “Luha ng Buwaya” (1963) (Lumbera) discusses
the struggle between the oppressed peasantry and the class of politically powerful landlords. “Mga
Ibong Mandaragit” (1969) deals with the domination of Filipinos by American industry.
 The writers in English dominated the genres of Post-war poetry and fiction. They educated and
trained in writers’ workshops in the United States or England.
 Later on, most of the said writers return to the Philippines as educators. With their credentials and
solid standings, they influenced the form and direction of the next generation mainly in accordance
with the dominant tenets of the formalist New Critics of America and England.
 Whether written in English or any of the native languages, the Philippine novel has remained
social-realist.
 The prize-winning poet-critic Lilia Quindoza Santiago, is, the most comprehensive compilation of
feminist writing in the Philippines after “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina” (1997) which was written during the
post-war period. The Challenges Faced by the Government:
 In the 1950s, the Guerilla warfare, also known as the HUKBALAHAP, (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa
Hapon) was causing problems in the government, but in the Magsaysay administration, they
vanished, neutralized, or were gone.
 During this period, journalists indulged in more militant attitude in their reporting. Gradually, as
peace and order were restored, the tones and themes of their writings turned to the less pressing
problems of economic survival.
Common Themes of Philippine Literature during the Post War-Contemporary Period:
 1. Romanticism
2. Nationalism
3. Independence
4. Nature
5. Expression of Feelings
Filipino Writers During the Post-War Period
1. N.V.M. Gonzales (1915-1999)
 Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez, also known as N.V.M. Gonzalez, is fictionist, essayist, poet, and
teacher. He articulated the Filipino spirit in rural, urban landscapes.
 Born in the Philippines in 1915 in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Gonzalez conveyed enthusiasm
for music at a very early age. He discovered to perform the violin and made his own guitars by
hand. For college, he studied at National University at Manila, Philippines, but did not finish his
degree.
 Gonzalez published his initial essay in the Philippine Graphic and his first poem was printed in
1934. These early publications began Gonzalez’s literary career. He went to The Diliman Review
and worked as a member on the Board of Advisers of Likhaan: The University of the Philippines
Creative Writing Center and president of the Philippine Writers’ Association.
 Gonzalez’ absence of college degree did not stop him from pursuing teaching, and he received
teaching positions at numerous universities in the Philippines, including the University of the
Philippines (U.P) and the Philippine Women’s University. In fact, Gonzalez was one of only two
faculty members at U.P. to teach without holding a college degree. Since then, he has taught at
several universities in California.
 During his writing career, Gonzalez wrote five novels, eight short fictions and multiple essays, with
his work translated into languages like English, Chinese, German, Russian, and Indonesian.
 Gonzalez has received numerous awards including the City of Manila Medal of Honor in 1971, the
Cultural Center of the Philippines award in 1990, and the role of Regents professor at the
University of California at Los Angeles in 1988-9.
 Gonzalez passed away in 1999 at the age of 84, leaving behind his wife, four children, and five
grandchildren. In 2016, Gonzalez’s son, Dr. Michael Gonzalez, led an N.V.M. Gonzalez Workshop
in Oriental Mindoro. This workshop was in honor of the 2015 centenary of Gonzalez’s birth and
was held in the province of Gonzalez’s childhood.
ABOUT THE BAMBOO DANCERS:
The Bamboo Dancers is a historical novel by the Filipino novelist NVM Gonzalez. Published in 1959 by
Bookmark, this novel follows the travels of an Americanized Filipino man and his struggles to embrace his
own roots in rural culture. Praised for its subtlety and careful handling of culture clashes, The Bamboo
Dancers is one of a series titled Filipino Literary Classics. Prior to his death in 1999, Gonzalez received
both the 1960 Philippine Cultural Heritage Award for Literature, and the 1961 Rizal Pro-Patria Award. He
received National Artist status in 1997. The narrative follows the journey of protagonist Ernie Rama.
2. Macario Pineda (1912-1950)
 Macario Pineda was born on April 10, 1912 in Malolos, Bulacan. His parents, Felisa de Guzman
and Nicanor Pineda are established poetical debater. Macario Pineda married Avelina Reyes and
they had seven children. He finished his high school studies at Bulacan High School and worked
afterwards in the municipality office.
 Macario Pineda is a well-known Filipino writer. He is a renowned author because of his Tagalog
works. Even though he wrote some stories in English, all his writings in Filipino were much
appreciated by the readers. He also authored works in Liwayway, Malaya, Bulaklak, Ilang-ilang,
Daigdig, at Sinag-tala.
 His works shows distinctive characterization and remarkable narration. Readers are astounded
with his works because he uses native contexts, excellent use of the Filipino language which
reflects traditional Filipino customs. His works were always included in the list of the anthology of
the great writers, Ang 25 Pinakamabuting Maikling Kathang Pilipino ng 1943 and Maikling
Kuwentong Tagalog, 1886-1948.
3. Stevan Javellana (1918–1977)
Stevan “Esteban” Javellana, a Filipino novelist and short story writer in the English language, was born in
1918 in Iloilo. During the Japanese occupation, he fought as one of the guerillas. After the World War II, he
graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1948. He stayed in the United States
afterwards but he died in the Visayas in 1977 at the age of 59.
Javellana wrote Without Seeing the Dawn, which was his only and best-selling war novel in the United
States and Manila. This was published by Little, Brown and Company in Boston in 1947. He also wrote
short stories that were published in 1950s by Manila Times Magazine in among which are Two Tickets to
Manila, The Sin of Father Anselmo, Sleeping Tablets, The Fifth Man, The Tree of Peace and Transition.
ILOCANO LITERATURE
 Ilocano literature is one of the most vibrant Filipino literatures throughout the ages. Ilocano regions
are also one of the most active tributaries in the Philippine literature next to Cebuano, Bikol,
Hiligaynon, Pangasinense, and Tagalog.
 Prior to the Spanish colonial period, the Ilocano literature is purely alive in form of written and oral
literature. The ancient Ilocano poets expressed themselves in folk and war songs. Another popular
form of literature was the dallot, which is an improvised, versified and impromptu long poem
delivered in a sing-song manner.
 When the Spaniards arrived in Ilocos Norte in 1572, it took a toll on Ilocano literature. During the
Spanish era, Ilocano poetry was heavily influenced by Spanish poetry. The earliest known written
Ilocano poems were the romances translated from Spanish by Francisco Lopez. Lopez was an
Augustinian friar who published his Iloko translation of the Doctrina Cristiana (first book published
in the Philippines by Cardinal Bellarmine) in 1621.
Following are the most notable Ilocano authors and their selected literary works.
FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSÉ (already 93 years old) is one of the most widely read Filipino writers in the
English language. His novels and short stories depict the social underpinnings of class struggle and
colonialism in Filipino society.
Birthdate: December 3, 1924
Hometown: Rosales, Pangasinan
Educational Attainment: Graduated at University of Santo Tomas
Melvin Banggollay
Birthplace: Saliok, Natonin, Mountain Province
Hometown: Tabuk, Kalinga
Occupation: Senior specialist at Department of Trade and Industry DTI)
Educational Attainment: Graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting and
management at St. Mary's University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, as a scholar of the National integration
Study Grant Program (NISGP) sponsored by the Department of Education and National Student Loan
Center, Philippines
BICOLANO LITERATURE
Around 5 million people speak variations of Bikolano dialect in the Bicol region. From Camarines Sur to
Naga to Albay Sorsogon – and every locality in between – Bikolano literature has flourished, providing a
lively literary flavor unrivalled by any other literary tradition.
How the Diversity Unfolded:
 Just like other local traditions and cultures in the country, Bikolano literature has its roots in orally
transmitted poems and mythical narratives that reflect the history of the people. The transformation
of the literature can be traced by going through local and national history.
 Mariano Perfecto is the first Bikolano writer who published Bikola newspaper, he was also
responsible for the development of the first printing press named “Imprenta de Nuestra Senora de
Penafrancia.”
 While the latter development implied that Bikolano literature was dominated by religious writing at
that time.
 Protest drama became a form of expressing the people’s growing resentment of the Spanish rule.
 “Comedia” writers such as Sabas Armenta, Juan Alvarez Guerra and Juan Miraflor have protest
plays credited to their names.
 The dramatic genre of the “corridor,” which was popular among the Tagalog-speaking folk, was
adapted into the local ‘Bikolcorrido”, with “Magamang Pobre” being a popular example).
Bicolano Authors and their Literary Pieces:
Luis Guevarra Dato (4 July 1906 – 29 January 1985)
 He was a Filipino poet, writer, educator and politician from Baao, Camarines Sur.
 He was one of the first Filipinos to write and publish works in English.
 He was also considered as an “authority on the Bicol language and culture.”
 He also worked as a newspaperman for the Bicol Star, Naga times, and other Newspapers.
Other Famous Works:
 Manila: A Collection of Verses (1926),
 My Book of Verses, I (1936), II undated
 The Land of Mai: A Philippine Epic, Volume I (1975)
Marne L. Kilates has published three books of poetry, Children of the Snarl (Aklat Peskador, 1987), Poems
en Route (UST Publishing House, 1998), and Mostly in Monsoon Weather (UP Press, 2007), and nine
books of translation of Filipino poetry into English. His translations include works by major Filipino poets,
the latest of which are the University of the Philippines Centennial Edition of Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at
Laura , and National Artist Virgilio S. Almario’s (or Rio Alma’s) Mga Biyahe, Mga Estasyon / Journeys,
Junctions (Anvil, 2008).
Kilates is also an active user of the new medium of the Internet, and publishes and edits the online poetry &
art magazine called Poet’s Picturebook, and his own website, All Our Nameable Days, where his new and
past works, and his translations, may be sampled.

The Mother of Philippine Folklore: Damiana Ligon Eugenio (September 27, 1921 – October 10, 2014)
Occupation: Was a Filipino female author and had several publications in the field of Philippine folklore and
a professor at the UP Diliman at the Department of English and Comparative Literature for the college of
Arts
Educational Attainment:
  Graduated BSE from the University of the Philippines as Cum Laude
  Completed her M.A degree in English Literature and folklore
CEBUANO LITERATURE
Cebu, dubbed as “The Queen of the South,” distinguishes itself with its rich and vibrant literary tradition.
With a quarter of the entire country’s population speaking the Cebuano language, Cebuano literature has
proliferated across Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental.
How the Diversity Unfolded:
 Cebuano literature refers to the literary works written in Cebuano, a language widely spoken in the
southern Philippines. The term is most often extended to cover the oral literary forms in both
indigenous and colonial Philippines.
 While the majority of Cebuano writers are from the Visayas and Mindanao region, the most
recognized Filipino literary outlet for them, including the Bisaya Magasin, is based in Makati City in
Metro Manila, while there is also a lively Cebuano community of writers in the language, which is
based outside the country.
 Cebuano literature, therefore, encompasses not only those Visayas and Mindanao-based writers
writing in Cebuano, but all written output in Cebuano, wherever its source is.
 Cebuano Literature may be traced back to several poetic forms. These included the “balak” (which
contains a “balaybay” or metaphor), the “tigmo” (riddles), “panultihon” (proverbs), and “garay”
verses.
 “Balitaw,” a poetic debate that required the participants (a man and a woman) to improvise and
even sing their lines, was also popular in the place. Improvised poetry was also present in the
dramatic genre of the “kulilising hari”. Cebuanos are known for having a rich oral tradition, this is
consist of legends associated with specific locales, like the “Maria Cacao” legends of Southern
Cebu and those of Lapu-Lapu and his father Datu Manggal of Mactan; and folktales like the fable
“Haring Gangis ug Haring Leon”, which gives caution on the unmannerly behavior by the prevailing
group. Many of the tales carry lessons, but just as many suggest the value of humor, keeping of
one’s wit and resourcefulness, as in the “Juan Pusong trickster tales”.
 It was only in the late 19th century when written literature became noteworthy. Tomas de San
Geronimo’s “Soneto sa Pagdayeg can Santa Maria Gihapon Virgen” (1751) is the first of many
religious compositions that show a loss of the mysterious symbol and metaphor of pre-colonial
verse.
 The pasyon is considered the longest poetic form. It is a verse interpreting the life and suffering of
Jesus Christ that is read during the Lent season.
 Among the publications before the war, only Bisaya has survived as literary outlet of Cebuano,
caused by the rise in stature of English and later Tagalog. Although Cebuano was still the
language of home and street, postwar Cebuano literature was downgraded to third class.
 Cebuano literature is probably weakest when it comes to the Drama, even though there are few
writers like Claude Al Evangelio and Allan Jayme Rabaya whose writings were continued.
Cebuano playwrights have slowly turned to radio- and TV-scriptwriting triggered by the worry they
had regarding thoughts unusual to writing for theater, like curiosity in publication and facing the
standard of the theater arts.
 The annual “Cornelio Faigao Memorial Writers Workshop” conducted since 1984 by the “Cebuano
Studies Center of the University of San Carlos” were attended my many writers. These workshops,
which the Cebuano writers may attend as fellows and as observers, provide a setting for people
from different backgrounds and walks of life to share their crafts and discuss problems.