Philippine

Literary Periods
(Pre-Colonial, Spanish, American, Japanese, & Contemporary)
 Philippine Literary Timeline

Pre-Colonial American Contemporary

Period Occupation Period
Before 1564 1960 -Present
1898-1945

Spanish Japanese
Occupation Occupation
1565-1898 1942-1960
Philippine Literary Period

Pre-Colonial
Period
Before 1564
 The islands’ precolonial period, it is when indigenous peoples engaged in
healthy trade with various cultures and economies. in the region, gave way to a long
colonial period, first under Spain for over 300 years, and then under the United States,
during which it came briefly under Japanese occupation in World War II. The
Philippines gained independence in 1946.
The first Homo species on the Philippines arrived during the Pleistocene
period (631,000 and 777,000 years ago). evidenced by unearthed artifacts found in
Kalinga. earliest known hominin remains in the Philippines are the 67,000-year-old
fossil discovered in 2007 in the Callao Caves, Cagayan. An earlier find in Tabon
Cave, Palawan (1962) was fossilized fragments of skull and jawbone of three
individuals, called the “Tabon Man”. It was presumed a Negrito, who were among the
archipelago’s earliest inhabitants. Several models of early human migration to the
Philippines were theorized: Wave Migration Theory – H. Otley Beyer proposed that
Filipino ancestors came to the islands first via land bridges and then later via seagoing
vessels such as the balangay. Core Population Theory – Felipe Landa Jocano
proposed that early inhabitants of Southeast Asia were of the same ethnic group with
a similar culture, but over time, they differentiated themselves. Out of Sundaland –
Modern authors proposed that the origin of the Austronesian peoples, including the
early Filipinos, were from the sunken Sundaland landmass: modern Sumatra, Java,
Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula. Out of Taiwan – Peter Bellwood proposed that the
first Austronesians reached the Philippines in around 2,200 BCE from Taiwan to
Batanes Islands, then settled downwards to the rest of the islands of
Philippines and Southeast Asia.
the Pre-Colonial Era
(Before 1564)
 Literature of
Pre-Colonial Era
Philippine folk tales, epics, poems, and chants existed in most
ethnolinguistic groups and were passed from generation to generation through
word of mouth.
Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang) of the Ilocanos narrates the adventures of
epic hero, Lam-ang.
Other epics known to most Filipinos are the Ibalon of Bikol, Darangan a
Muslim epic, the Kudaman of Palawan, the Alim of the Ifugao, Bantugan of the
Maranao, the Hinilawod of Panay, and the Tuwaang of Manobos.
Pre-colonial literary pieces transferred in traditional narratives, speeches, and
songs include Tigmo in Cebuano, Bugtong in Tagalog, patototdon in Bicol, and
paktakon in Ilonggo.
Baybayin (to spell) was the pre-colonial writing system in the
Philippines. Some modern scripts in the Philippines descended from Baybayin.
Those are Hanunó’o, Buhid, Tagbanwa, the Kapampangan script, and the
Bisaya script
Philippine Literary Period

Spanish
Occupation
1565-1898
 T he start of Philippines more colorful history took
place in March 6, 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan docked on
the shores of Homonhon. The Filipinos were then called
"Ladinos", meaning they were Latinized. Filipinos were
called two tjings. One is the "Taga-bayan", while the other is
the "Taga-bukid" or "Taga-bundok". "Taga-bayan" is
considered urbane and civilized while "taga-bukid/Taga-
bundok" called a Bruto Salvage or Indio who lived far from
the center of Spanish power. During the early years of
Spanish colonization, education was mostly religionoriented
and controlled by the Roman Catholic Church. Spanish friars
and missionaries educated the natives through religion with
the aim of converting indigenous populations to the
Catholic faith. The existing literature of the Philippine
ethnic groups at the time of conquest and conversion into
Christianity was mainly oral, consisting of epics, legends,
songs, riddles, and proverbs. The conquistador, especially
its ecclesiastical arm, destroyed whatever written

Spanish Occupation literature he could find, and hence rendered the

system of writing inoperable. Among the only native
systems of writing that have survived are the syllabaries of
1565-1898 the Mindoro Mangyans and the Tagbanua of Palawan.
(Guanco, 2017)
Famous Authors of Spanish
Era
Graciano Lopez Jaena
Jaena was known to publish a
number of literary works that
challenged the status quo. One of his
most popular works included the "La
Solidaridad," which was a newspaper
that played a very significant part in
the propaganda movement that helped
lead to the Philippine Revolution.
Famous Authors of Spanish
Era
Marcelo Del Pilar
For his 150 essays and 66
editorials mostly published in La
Solidaridad and various anti-friar
pamphlets, del Pilar is widely
regarded as the "Father of
Philippine Journalism."
Famous Authors of Spanish
Era
Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Rizal was a prolific poet, essayist, and
novelist whose most famous works were
his two novels, Noli Me Tángere and its
sequel, El filibusterismo. These social
commentaries during the Spanish
colonization of the country formed the
nucleus of literature that inspired peaceful
reformists and armed revolutionaries alike.
Famous Authors of Spanish
Era
Emilio Jacinto
He wrote the Kartilya ng
Katipunan which became not
only a primer for members, but
an ideology, embodying moral
and nationalistic principles. He
was also a poet.
Famous Authors of Spanish
Era
Andres Bonifacio
Bonifacio’s literary works served
as a catalyst for the nationalist
awakening through the Katipunan,
spurring on the Filipino’s political
development and popularizing
Tagalog poetry during the late 19th
century.
Famous Authors of Spanish
Era
Apolinario Mabini
Filipino theoretician and spokesman of
the Philippine Revolution, who wrote the
constitution for the short-lived republic of
1898–99. Two of his works, El Verdadero
Decalogo (The True Decalogue, June 24,
1898), and Programa Constitucional dela
Republica Filipina (The Constitutional
Program of the Philippine Republic, 1898)
became instrumental in the drafting of what
would eventually be known as the Malolos
Constitution.
Philippine Literary Period

American
Occupation
1898-1945
 Important Events
The Filipino Revolutionists won against the Spaniards who
Colonized for more than 300 years.
June 12, 1898 raised the Philippine flag as a symbol of our
independence. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was selected the first president of
the Philippine Republic but this was short lived.
The filipino-american war resulted in the defeat of Gen. Miguel Malvar
in 1903. The peace movements started as early as 1900. Many filipino
started writing again and the nationalism of the people remain
undaunted. Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news
reporting, poetry, stories, plays, essays and novels. Their writings clearly
depicted their love of country and thier longings for
A new group started to write in English. Hence, Spanish, Tagalog , the
Vernaculars and finally , English, were the mediums used in literature
during these times. The writers in Spanish were wont to write on
American Occupation
1898-1945
nationalism like honoring Rizal and other heroes. The writers in Tagalog
continued in their lamentations on the conditions of the country and their
attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue. The writers in English
imitated the themes and methods of the Americans.
The UP college Folio was later replaced by the Philippine Collegian.
Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez stand out as a model of perfection in
character delineation, local color, plot and message. 1933 Footnote to
youth by Jose Garcia Villa
 Education became a very important issue for the united states colonial government, since it
allowed it to spread thier cultural values, particularly the english language, to the filipino people.
By 1901, public education was institutionalized in the philippines, with english serving the
medium of instruction.
In a way, we can say that we can trace the beginnings of Philippine literature in English with the
coming of the Americans. For this purpose, we can divide this period into three time frames,
namely:
• The Period of Re-Orientation (1898-1910) English as a literary vehicle came with the
American occupation in August 13, 1898 and as they say, a choice bestowed on us by history.
By 1900, English came to be used as a medium of instruction in the public schools. From the
American American forces were recruited the first teachers of English. By 1908, the primary and
intermediate grades were using English. It was also about this time when UP, the forerunner in
the use of English in higher education, was founded.
Era • THE PERIOD OF IMITATION (1910-1924) By 1919, the UP College Folio published the
literary compositions of the first Filipino writers in English. They were the pioneers in short

Important
story writing. They were then groping their way into imitating American and British models
which resulted in a stilted, artificial and unnatural style, lacking vitality and spontaneity.
• PERIOD OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND GROWTH (1925-1941) By this time, Filipino writers

Events
had acquired the mastery of English writing. They now confidently and competently wrote on
a lot of subjects although the old-time favorites of love and youth persisted. They went into all
forms of writing like the novel and the drama.
1898-1945 Poetry. Noteworthy names in this field ,they wrote in free verse, in odes and sonnets and in other
types. Poetry was original, spontaneous, competently written and later, incorporated social
consciousness. Short Story (1925-1941). Poetry and short story flourished during these times.
Publications. The Philippine Free Press provided the first incentives to Filipino writers in English
by offering prizes to worthwhile contribution. Other publication followed suit. The Drama.(1925-
1941) Drama during this period did not reach the heights attained by the novel or the short story.
 Famous Authors &
their famous works
Julián Cruz Balmaceda (January 28, 1885 – September 18, 1947) was a
Filipino poet, essayist, playwright, novelist, journalist and linguist. He made
several works written in Filipino, English and Spanish languages.

Written works:
• Sa Bunganga ng Pating (On the Shark's Mouth) - condemns usurers and
usurpers.
• Budhi ng Manggagawa (Worker's Will), Dugo ng Aking Ama (My Father's
Blood), Kaaway na Lihim (Secret Enemy) - discussed his ideals on socialism.
• Ang Tala sa Kabundukan (The Star on the Mountains) - a musical play
composed of three stages.
• Kayamanang Lumilipad (Treasury Flies) - an opera of three stages.
• Ale-aleng Namamayong (Lady under the Umbrella) - a poem about sacrifice of
love.
• Ang Hampas ng Lupa (Nature's Guilt) - one stage.
• Ligayang Nawawala (Dissipating Happiness) - short story.
• Heneral Gregorio del Pilar - historical play of three stages that narrates the death Julian Balmaceda
of Filipino war general Gregorio del Pilar on the Battle of Tirad Pass.
 Famous Authors &
their famous works
Florentino Collantes (Oct. 16, 1896-July 15, 1951) was a Filipino poet
who was among the writers who spearheaded a revival of interest in Tagalog
literature in the Philippines in the 20th century.

Written works:
• Ang Lumang Simbahan
• Ang Tulisan
• Ang Barasoain
• Alitaptap
• Nagumon sa Bisyo
• Pag-ibig at Awa Florentino Collantes
 Famous Authors &
their famous works
José Cecilio Corazón de Jesús (November 22, 1894 – May 26, 1932), also known by
his pen name Huseng Batute, was a Filipino poet who used Tagalog poetry to express the
Filipinos' desire for independence during the American occupation of the Philippines, a
period that lasted from 1901 to 1946. He is best known for being the lyricist of the
Filipino song Bayan Ko.

Written works:
• Ang Manok Kong Bulik ("My White Rooster", 1911) - a poem about a
country man's misfortune in cockfighting
• Barong Tagalog (1921) - poem written after the Filipino national
costume
• Ang Pagbabalik ("Homecoming", 1924)
• Ang Pamana ("The Legacy", 1925)
• Isang Punongkahoy ("A Tree", 1932)
• Some of his poems were set into music; among these are:
• Bayan Ko ("My Country", 1929) - music by Constancio de Guzman
• Pakiusap ("A Request") - music by Francisco Santiago José Cecilio Corazón de Jesús
 Famous Authors &
their famous works
Iñigo Ed. Regalado (1 June 1888 feast day– 24 July 1976) was a Filipino poet,
journalist, and novelist. He was the son of Iñigo Corcuera Regalado, the renowned Tagalog
printer and journalist. His mother was Saturnina Reyes.As an editor, Iñigo Ed Regalado was
one of the "powerful voices" in the newspapers and magazines during the first part of the
1900s. It was during his time when the Golden Age of the Tagalog Novel (1905–1921)
started. The whole period of the Golden Age of the Tagalog Novel was from 1905 to 1935.

Written works:
• Madaling Araw (Dawn) (1909)
• Kung Magmahal ang Dalaga (How a Maiden Loves)
(1911)
• Ang Labing-apat na Awa (The Fourteen Graces) (1912)
• Sampagitang Walang Bango (Jasmine Without
Fragrance) (1921)
• May Pagsinta'y Walang Puso (Heartless Love) (1921 Iñigo Ed. Regalado
 Famous uthors &
their famous works

Lope K. Santos (born Lope Santos y Canseco,

September 25, 1879 – May 1, 1963) was a Filipino Tagalog-
language writer and former senator of the Philippines. He is
best known for his 1906 socialist novel, Banaag at Sikat and
to his contributions for the development of Filipino grammar
and Tagalog orthography..
Written works:

• Banaag at Sikat
Lope K. Santos
Philippine Literary Period

Japanese
Occupation
1942-1960
 T he Philippine Literature was interrupted in its
development when the Philippines was again conquered by
another foreign country, Japan. Philippine literature in
English can to a halt. Except for the TRIBUNE and the
PHILIPPINE REVIEW, almost all newspapers in English were
stopped by the Japanese. The weekly LIWAYWAY was placed
under strict surveillance until it was managed by a Japanese
named Ishiwara. This had an advantageous effect of Filipino
Literature, which experienced renewed attention because writers
in English turned to writing in Filipino. Juan Laya, who used to
write in English turned to Filipino because of the strict
prohibitions of the
Philippines of the Japanese regarding any writing in
English. In other words, Filipino literature was given

Japanese Occupation a break during this period. Many wrote plays, poems,
short stories, etc. Topics and themes were often about
1942-1960 life in the provinces.
 The common theme of most poems during th Japanese occupation was
nationalism, country, love, life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
Three Types of Poems:
1. Haiku – A poem of free verse that the
Japanese liked. It was made up of 17 syllables divided
into three lines. The first life had 5 syllables, the
In Japanese second had 7 syllables, and the third had 5. It is
allegorical in meaning. It is short and covers a wide

Period scope in meaning.

2. Tanaga – It is like the Haiku since it is short
but it had measure and rhyme. Each line had 17
syllables and is also allegorical in meaning.
3. KaraniwangAnyo- The
normal way of writing poem.
 Filipino Drama in 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
Drama reproductions of English plays to Tagalog. Francisco Soc Rodrigo,
Alberto Concio, and Narciso Pimentel founded the organization of

& Filipino players named Dramatic Philippines..

Short Story in Japanese Period

Short Story The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation.
Many wrote short stories. Among them were: Brigido Batungbakal,
Japanese Period Macario Pineda, Serafin Guinigundo, Liwayway Arceo, Narciso
Ramos, NVM Gonzales, Alicia
Lopez Lim, Ligaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman.
 The Japanese
Period
The arrival of the Japanese caused tremendous
fear, hardships and suffering among the Filipinos. The
Filipino way of life was greatly affected during the
Japanese period. The Filipinos lost their freedom of
speech and expression. The development of art was also
stopped. Filipinos greatly feared the "zoning". There
were Filipinos spies hired by the Japanese to point those
who were suspected of being part of the guerilla
movement. The Japanese made some changes in the
system of education
Famous Authors of Japanese
Era
Francisco "Soc" Aldana
Rodrigo
Was a Filipino playwright, lawyer,
broadcaster, and a Senator of the Third
Congress (1955–1957), Fourth Congress
(1958–1961), Fifth Congress (1962–
1965), and Sixth Congress (1966–1969)
of the Republic of the Philippines. He
wrote “Sa Pula, Sa Puti” and “Kuro –
Kuro sa likod ng mga Balita ”.
Famous Authors of Japanese
Era
Jose Ma. Hernandez Liwayway Arceo
Wrote Panday Pira Wrote Uhaw ang Tigang na Lupa

Cloduado del Mundo NVM Gonzales

Wrote Bulaga Wrote Lunsod at Dagat-dagatan

Narciso Reyes
Wrote Lupang Tinubuan
Philippine Literary Period

Contemporary
Period
1960- Present
 T his began the flowering of Philippine
literature in the various languages continue
especially with the appearance of new
publications after the Martial Law years and the
resurgence of committed literature.

D uring this period, Filipino writers

continue to write poetry, short stories, novellas,
novels and essays whether these are socially
committed, gender/ethnic related or are personal
intentions.

Contemporary
1960- Present
Period
 Famous uthors &
their famous works

The eminent Tagalog novelist of the pre-war years that

produced significant work. He produced countless literary
works that dealt with several different issues during the
period
Written works:
• Bayaning Nagpatiwakal (1932)
• Ilaw Sa Hilaga (1948)
• Sugat Sa Alaala (1956)
• Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig (1956)
• Daluyong (1962) Lazaro Francisco
 Famous uthors &
their famous works

Just like Lazaro, he’s also a writer. He produces literary

works that spreads symbolical narratives of social, moral,
and political import through fantasy based works.
Written works:
• Ang Ginto sa Makiling (1947)
• Halina sa Ating Bukas (1966)
• Isang Milyon Piso (1950)
• Sa Himaymay ng Puso (1943)
• Love in the Rice Fields (1940s)
• Mga Batikang Kuwentista (1973 Macario Pineda
 Bibliography
Almario, V.S. (June 11, 2018) National Memory: The Quest for a Pre-Colonial Filipino
Past. Retrieve from
https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-8451
Blanza, M.E. (November 2018) Philippine Literature During The Japanese Period.
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https://
pdfcookie.com/download/philippine-literature-during-the-japanese-period-rv31ex6dx12d
Be, M. (2011). 4 Literature in Spanish Colonial Period. Retrive from
https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/MarienBe/4-literature-in-the-spanish-colonial-period
Carreon, A. (2015). Notable Writers During Spanish Period. Retrieved from
https://prezi.com/0z1ztnrh5j8s/notable-writers-during-spanish-period/
Estroga, I. J. (January 18, 2016) Philippine Literature During American Period. Retrieved
from.
https://www.slideshare.net/josephestroga/philippine-literature-during-american-period
Godinez-Ortega, C. F. (n.d.). The Literary Forms in Philippines. Seasite. Retrieved from
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/literature/literary_forms_in_philippine_lit.htm
History And Culture (n.d). Retrieved from:
https://global.ateneo.edu/life-and-community/why-philippines/culture-and-hist
ory
Macasantos, F., & Macasantos. P. (1998). Philippine literature in the Spanish
Colonial Period. Retrived from
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sca/literary-arts/philippine-literature-in-the-spanish-colonial-period/
Philippine Literature in the Post-War and Contemporary Period. (n.d.).
Retrieved from
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sca/literary-arts/philippine
-literature-in-the-post-war-and-contemporary-period/
Santiago, L. Q. (n.d.) Philippine Literature During The American Period.
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sca/literary-arts/philippine-literature-during-the-american-period
/
 Performance Task
in 21 Century
st

Literature
Presented by:
Rondon, Oscar Benjamin
Galgao, Karyl Jane
Concepcion, Ronna Angel
Buenaventura, Jake Russel
Ramos, Denise
Torres, Ralph