Philippine Proverbs
(Salawikain) - Short sayings that
Literature - The artful
expression of human thought,
the written word, stands as a
timeless testament to our
capacity for imagination,
creativity , and storytelling.
Philippine Literature - It is
a captivating and diverse tapestry
that weaves together the rich
cultural heritage and complex
history of the Philippines.
Spanning centuries, it
encompasses a wide array of
literary forms and genres, from
the vibrant oral traditions of pre-
colonial time to the written works
that emerged under Spanish,
American, and Japanese, colonial
influences.
Philippine Pre-Colonial
Literature - It refers to the
body of written and oral works
created by the indigenous people
of the Philippines before the
arrival of Spanish colonizers in the
16 th century. These literary
traditions were diverse, reflecting
the rich cultural tapestry of the
archipelago, which was
composed of various ethnic
groups and languages.
convey traditional wisdom,
values, and cultural insights. (e.g.,
“ Ang hindi marunong lumingon
sa pinanggalingan ay hindi
makakarating sa paroroonan.”)
Philippine Riddles (Bugtong) -
Traditional form of wordplay that
challenges the listener to solve a
puzzle or find the hidden
meaning behind a description.
(e.g., “Dala mo, dala ka. Dala ka
ng iyong dala.”)
Philippine Folksongs
(Kundiman) - Traditional songs
that have been passed down
through generations and are
deeply rooted in Filipino culture.
(e.g., “Harana, Pasyon, etc.”)
Philippine Tales - Encompasses
a wide range of traditional stories
and narratives that have been
passed down through
generations within Filipino
culture. (e.g., “Myths, Legends,
Folktales, Epics, etc.”)
Philippine Spanish
Colonial Literature - It
refers to the body of literary
works produced during the more
than three centuries of Spanish
Colonization in the Philippines,
from the 16 th to the 19th century .
Religious Writings - A
significant portion of the
literature produced during the
Spanish colonial period in the
Philippines was religious in
nature.
Doctrina Christiana - Published
on 1593, and is one of the earliest
known books printed in the
Philippines. It was a religious
primer written in Spanish and
Tagalog, deigned to teach
Filipinos the basics of the Catholic
Faith.
Pasyon - A narrative poem that
recounts the suffering and
crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Corridos - Narrative poems or
ballads that was originated from
Spain and were adapted to
Filipino culture. They often
narrate heroic deeds,
adventures, and love stories.
(e.g., “Ibong Adarna”)
Awit and Florante at Laura -
Francisco Balagtas, a prominent
Filipino Poet during the Spanish
Colonial Period, wrote the epic
poem, “Florante at Laura.” This
work, along with his other
poems, demonstrated a blending
of native and Spanish influences
in Philippines Literature.
Letters and Correspondence -
Often express grievances,
concerns, or requests to higher
authorities.
Secular Prose and Poetry -
Secular works that explored
themes of love, nature, and
everyday life. Some examples
include the works of Jose Rizal,
such as his novels “Noli Me
Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.”
Spanish Influence on
Language - Many Spanish
loanwords and idioms were
incorporated into Filipino
languages, and these linguistic
influences are still evident today.
The Impact of Colonialism -
Spanish colonialism had a
complex impact on Philippine
Literature.
PROSE & POETRY
PROSE
1. Fictional Prose
Novel - A long, fictional narrative
work that typically explores
complex characters, intricate
plots, and various themes.
Short Story - A brief work of observations, and reflections
fiction that focuses on a single during their journeys.
character, event, or theme, often
with a surprise or twist ending.
3. Journalistic Prose
News Article - A factual and
Novella - A shorter narrative
objective report of recent events
work than a novel but longer than
or developments, often found in
a short story, offering a compact
newspapers and online
yet detailed exploration of
publications.
characters and themes.
2. Non-Fictional Feature Article - A more in-
depth and descriptive piece of
Prose
journalism that explores human
Essay - A short to medium- interest stories, profiles, or
length non-fictional piece of analysis.
writing that explores a specific
topic, often with a personal or
4. Creative Non-
persuasive tone.
Fiction
Personal Essay - A non-fictional
Memoir - An autobiographical
piece that combines personal
narrative that focuses on a
reflection and narrative
specific period or aspect of the
storytelling to explore a particular
author’s life.
topic or experience.
Biography - A detailed account
Literary Journalism - A style of
of a person’s life, often
journalism that incorporates
highlighting significant events
elements of storytelling and
and contributions.
creative writing to engage
Autobiography - A person’s readers on a deeper level.
own account of their life,
providing insights into their
5. Historical Prose
experiences, thoughts, and Historical Texts - Non-fictional
emotions. prose works that provide
accounts, analysis, and
Travelogue - A form of travel interpretations of historical
writing that describes the
events, periods, or figures.
author’s experiences,
Historical Fiction - Fictional
prose is set in a specific historical
period, blending real historical
details with fictional characters
and events.
PROSE
1. Lyric Poetry
Sonnet - A 14-line poem, often
with a structured rhyme scheme,
exploring themes of love, beauty,
and human emotions.
Ode - A formal and often
ceremonious lyric poem that
celebrates a person, object, or
abstract concept.
Elegy - A poem written in
remembrance of a deceased
person or as a reflection on
morality and loss.
Haiku - A Japanese form
consisting of three lines with a 5-
7-5 syllable pattern, traditionally
focusing on nature and seasons.
2. Narrative Poetry
Epic - A long, narrative poem
that recounts heroic deeds,
adventures, or historical events,
often featuring legendary or
mythological characters.
Ballad - A narrative poem that
tells a story, often with a
repetitive structure and strong
emotional appeal.
3. Dramatic Poetry
Monologue - A poem in which a
single speaker addresses an
audience, revealing their
thoughts, emotions, and
character .
Soliloquy - A dramatic speech
delivered by a character in a play
or poem, usually when the
character is alone, expressing
their innermost thoughts and
feelings.
4. Satirical Poetry
Satire - Poems that use humor,
irony, and sarcasm to critique and
mock vices, follies, or societal
issues.
5. Descriptive Poetry
Pastoral Poetry - Poems that
idealize rural life often portray
shepherds and the simplicity of
nature.
Nature Poetry - Poems that
celebrate or reflect on the beauty
and majesty of the natural world.
6. Metaphysical
Poetry
Metaphysical Poetry - A style
of poetry characterized by
intellectual and philosophical
exploration, often employing
intricate metaphors and conceits.
7. Free Verse
Free Verse - Poetry that does
not adhere to a strict meter or
rhyme scheme, allowing for
greater flexibility in form and
expression.
8. Concrete Poetry
Concrete Poetry - Poems in
which the visual arrangement of
the words on the page
contributes to the overall
meaning or theme.
9. Confessional
Poetry
Confessional Poetry - Poems in
which the poet openly discusses
personal experiences, emotions,
and struggles, often blurring the
line between poetry and
autobiography .
10. Lyrical Poetry
Lyrical Poetry - Poetry that
expresses personal emotions and
feelings in a musical and
evocative manner .
11. Experimental
Poetry
Experimental Poetry - Poems
that challenge traditional forms
and conventions, pushing the
boundaries of language and
structure.
12. Spoken Word
Poetry
Spoken Word Poetry - A
dynamic and contemporary form
of literary expression that
combines the art of writing with
the power of performance.
Central Idea of a text
focusing on 2 points:
- Reader’s thoughts on the
text.
- Thoughts on the text to be
passed onto the readers.
Many of the literary works in
the 21st century will give a glimpse
of literary works produced way
back before this era.
The infusion of technology led
Contemporary Writers to talk
about futuristic concepts that
one may dream of .
Different avenues and portals
helped these writers to explore
more into writing, most
specifically on the Themes found
in their works.
PREVALENT LITERARY
THEMES IN THE 21ST
CENTURY
Identity - Has become the
most common theme of this
generation because of the fast-
pacing intersection of cultures
and philosophies. It mainly
focuses on the following:
Gender - LGBT Rights /
Homosexuality / Orientation /
Choice / Femininity / Masculinity
Age Group - Role in the
Community / Role in a Family /
Hobbies / Likes & Dislikes / Travel
Social Status - Level of
Profession / Poverty
History & Memory - Has let
the readers explore the notion of
multiplicities of truth and
acknowledges that history is
filtered through human
perspective and experience. It
mainly focuses on the following :
Beginning - Origin of multiple
concepts and Ideas / Theories
Cause & Effect - Results of the
works of the past unto the
present events
Depiction - Difference of what
one knows to what actually
existed
Technology - Has let the
readers dream of what
technology could potentially help
people become and how it would
be of use for humanity. It mainly
focuses on the following:
Future - Futuristic Events /
Gadgets / More kind of being /
More kind of places
Utopia - Imaginary Community /
Society / Citizens / Escape to
Reality
Integration - Usage on one’s life
/ What’s new and What’s better
Intertextuality - Has let
contemporary writers recognize
a piece of work as being one
among many throughout history
making a broader conversation,
context and body of work. It
mainly focuses on the following:
Textual Relationship -
Similarities and Differences /
References or parallels to other
works
Making Meaning - Original &
Parodies / Reenactment
Derivations – Prequels /
Sequels; Series / Volu mes