Contemporary Period

The Rebirth of Freedom (1946-1970)

 The Americans returned in 1945. Filipinos rejoiced and guerrillas who fled
to the mountain joined the liberating American Army.
 On July 4, 1946, the Philippines regained is freedom and the Filipino flag
waved joyously alone. The chains were broken.

The State of Literature During This Period

 The early post-liberation period was marked by a king of “struggle of mind

and spirit” posed by the sudden emancipation from the enemy, and the wild
desire to see print.
 1. HEART OF THE ISLANDS (1947) – a collection of poems by Manuel
Viray
 2. PHILIPPINES CROSS SECTION (1950) – a collection of prose and poetry
by Maximo Ramos and Florentino Valeros
 3. PROES AND POEMS (1952) – by Nick Joaquin
 4. PHILIPPINE WRITING (1953) – by T.D. Agcaoilli
 5. PHILIPPINE HAVEST – by Amador Daguio
 6. HORIZONS LEAST (1967) – a collection of works by the professors of UE,
mostly in English (short stories, essays, research papers, poem and drama)
by Artemio Patacsil and Sliverio Baltazar
The themes of most poems dealt with the usual love of nature, and of social
and political problems. Toribia Mano’s poem show deep emotional intensity.
 7. WHO SPOKE OF COURAGE IN HIS SLEEP – by NVM Gonzales
 8. SPEAK NOT, SPEAK ALSO – by Conrado V. Pedroche
 9. Other poets were Toribia Mano and Edith L. Tiempo, Jose Garcia Villa’s
HAVE COME, AM HERE won acclaim both here and abroad

The New Filipino Literature During This Period

 Philippines literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most

themes in the writing dealt with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life
under the Japanese government and the brave guerrilla exploits.

Period Of Activism (1970-1972)

 Many young people became activists to ask for changes in the government.
In the expression of this desire for change, keen were the writings of some
youth who were fired with nationalism in order to emphasize the importance
of their petitions.
The Literary Revolution

 The youth became completely rebellious during this period. This was proven
not only in the bloody demonstrations and in the sidewalk expressions but
also in literature. Campus newspapers showed rebellious emotions. The
once aristocratic writers developed awareness for society. They held pens
and wrote on placards in red paint the equivalent of the word MAKIBAKA
(To dare!).

Writing During The Period Of Activism

 The irreverence for the poor reached its peak during this period of the mass
revolution. It was also during this period that Bomba films that discredit
our ways as Filipinos started to come out.

Palanca Awardees For Literature In English

 Established in 1950, the Planca Memorial Awards for Literature had been
giving cash prizes for short story, poetry and one-act play writing as an
incentive to Filipino writers. The prizes comes from La Tondena, Inc., the
firm founded by the late Carlos Planca Sr.

Period Of The New Society (1972-1980)

 The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos
Palanca Awards continued to give annual awards.
 Almost all themes in most writing dealt with the development of progress of
the country-like the Green Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition,
environment, drug addiction and pollution. The new Society tried to stop
pornography or those writings giving bad influence on the morals of the
people. All school newspaper were temporarily stopped and so with school
organization.

Filipino Poetry During The Period Of The New Society

 Themes of most poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture,
customs and the beauties of nature and surroundings.

The Play Under The New Society

 The government led in reviving old plays and dramas, like the Tagalog
Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the Muslim which were presented
in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and the Culture
Center of the Philippines.
Radio and Television

 Radio continued to be patronized during this period. The play series like SI
MATAR, DAHLIA, ITO AND PALAD KO, and MR. LONELY were the forms of
recreation of those without television.

Filipino Films

 A yearly Pista ng mga Pelikulang Plilipino (Yearly Filipino Film Festival) was
held during this time. During the festival which lasted usually for a month,
only Filipino films were shown in all theatres in Metro Manila.
1. MAYNILA…SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG written by Edgardo Reyes and
filmed under the direction of Lino Brocka. Bembol Roco was the lead role.
2. MINSA’Y ISANG GAMU-GAMO; Nora Aunor was the principal performer
here.
3. GANITO KAMI NOO…PAANO KAYO NGAYON: led by Christopher de Leon
and Gloria Diaz
4. INSIANG: by Hilda Koronel
5. AGUILA: led by Fernando Poe Jr., jay Ilagan and Christopher de Leon

Comics, Magazines and Other Publications

 During this period of the New Society, newspaper donned new forms. News
on economics progress, discipline, culture, tourism and the like were
favoured more than the sensationalized reporting of killings, rape and
robberies.

Overview Of The Literature During The New Society

 Bilingual education which was initiated by the Board of National Education

as early as 1958 and continued up to the period of Martial Rule in
September 21, 1972, resulted in the deterioration of English in the different
levels of education. The focus of education and culture was on problems of
national identity, on re-orientation, renewed vigor and a film resolves to
carry out plans and programs.

Period Of The Third Republic (1981-1985)

 After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino
which started under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on
January 2, 1981.

Filipino Poetry

 Poems during this period of the Third Republic were romantic and
revolutionary. Writers wrote openly of their criticism against the
government. The supplications of the people were coached in fiery,
colourful, violent, profane and insulting language.
Filipino Songs

 Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were really true-to-life those
grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and of
fellowmen.

Philippine Films During The Period

 The yearly Festival of Filipino Films continued to be held during this period.
The people’s love for sex films also was unabated.

Periods (1986-1999)

 History took authors twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their
independence which they lost twenty years ago.
 In the span of four days from February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People
Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. Together, the people barricaded the
streets petitioning the government for changes and reforms.

On Newspaper And Other Publications

 Newspaper which were once branded crony newspaper became instant

opposition papers overnight. This was true of BULLETIN TODAY which
became the opposition paper.

On Books

 The Philippines revolution of 1986 and the fire of its spirit that will carry the
Filipinos through another epoch in Philippine history is still being
documented just as they have been in the countless millions who
participated in body and spirit in its realization.

Revolutionary Period

Revolutionary period in our Philippine literary journey marked a drastic period

of inflamed emotions and fiery rhetoric on the account of achieving freedom
from the shackles of tyranny. Revolutionary period likewise saw various literary
masterpieces written as ammunition and shield in the ever-changing tide of
war to independence. Periodicals and magazines were likewise continued to
flourish as both avenue for idea propagation and vehicle for literary initiatives.
So, hang on as we explore this very significant revolutionary period of our
nation’s history and literary tradition.

Historical background

 The Filipinos did not get the reforms demanded by the propagandists.
 The government turned deaf ears to the oppression and abuses of the
colonial officials.
 The good intention of Mother Spain was reversed by the friars.
 Many Filipinos affiliated with Rizal’s La Liga Filipina (The Filipino League).
 Events which triggered the outbreak of Revolution include:
1. The Banishment of Rizal to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte;
2. The establishment of the then secret society KKK (Katipunan);
3. The execution of Jose Rizal; and
4. The discovery of Katipunan and arrest of its members.

Revolutionary writers:
Andres Bonifacio

 He was deemed as the “Father of Philippine Revolution.”

 He was called the Great Plebeian.
 He was recognized as the “Supremo” of “Katipunan” or Kataas-taasan,
kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).
 He was greatly inspired by the Noli and Fili of Rizal.
 Initially, he joined Rizal’s La Liga Filipina but established Katipunan when
Rizal was banished in Dapitan, Zamboanga.
 He used Agapito Bagumbayan as his nom de guerre (pen name).
 After the Tejeros Convention, he was charged with sedition and was
executed by Aguinaldo’s men in Maragondon, Cavite on May 10, 1897.
 His major written works include:
1. Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog (What the Tagalogs should Know) – an
essay outlining the basic tenets of Bonifacio’s ideas on nationalism.
2. Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Obligations of our
Countrymen) – an outline of obligations just like the Ten Commandments,
hence, it is likewise called Ang Dekalogo.
3. Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of One’s Native Land) – a poem
describing love of one’s country considered as his poetic masterpiece
4. Huling Paalam (Last Farewell) – his translation of Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios
from Spanish into Tagalog tongue.

Emilio Jacinto

 He was deemed as “The Brains of the Katipunan.”

 He was the adviser of Bonifacio and the secretary of the Katipunan.
 He served as editor of Kalayaan (Freedom), the official newspaper of
Katipunan.
 He used Dimas-Ilaw as pen name.
 After the death of Bonifacio, he led the fight independently of Aguinaldo in
his hometown in Laguna.
 He became a general of the revolution and he died due to bullet wounds in
Majayjay, Laguna.
 His major works include:
1. Ang Kartilya ng Katipunan (A Primer Book of Katipunan) – this served as
the charter of the Katipunan which is required to be read by all members.
2. Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness) – a collection of essays on different
subjects like freedom, work, faith, government and love of country.
3. A Mi Madre (To my Mother) – a touching ode to his mother, Marina Dizon.
4. A La Patria (To my County) – an ode he composed believed as his poetic
masterpiece.

Apolinario Mabini

 He was deeded as “The Sublime Paralytic.”

 He was regarded as The Brains of the Revolution.
 Due to sensitive and political inclination of his job as Aguinaldo’s adviser,
he was called Aguinaldo’s Dark Cabinet.
 He was a working honor student despite his handicap and finished his law
degree.
 He wrote several works about government, society, philosophy and politics.
 His major works include:
1. El Verdadero Decalogo (The True Decalogue) – this is considered as his
literary masterpiece which aims to propagate nationalism
2. El Desarollo y Caida de la Republica Filipina (The Rise and Fall of the
Philippine Republic) – this essay highlights the establishment of the
Philippine republic and its subsequent doom due to disunity among the
Filipinos
3. Sa Bayang Pilipino (To the Filipino Nation)
4. Pahayag (News)

Jose Palma

 He was a poet, a writer and a revolutionary soldier.

 He wrote the lyrics of the Himno Nacional Filipino (The Philippine National
Anthem) composed by Julian Felipe which was originally entitled, Marcha
Magdalo.
 He was born in Tondo, Manila, together with his brother Rafael Palma who
later became President of UP Diliman, Quezon City.
 He joined the fight against the Americans together with Gen. Gregorio del
Pilar.
 His major works include:
1. Himno Nacional Filipino (Philippine National Anthem) – his poem which
became the lyrics of our national anthem, which was composed by Julian
Felipe.
2. Melancolias (Melancholies) – his collection of poems.
3. De Mi Jardin (In my Garden) – a poem expressing one’s desire for his
sweetheart.
Publications during the Revolutionary period

1. El Heraldo de la Revolucion (Herald of the Revolution) – printed the

decrees of the Revolutionary Government, news and works in Tagalog that
aroused nationalism. This is the Official Newspaper of the Revolutionary
Government of Aguinaldo.
2. La Independencia (Independence) – an independent newspaper founded
and edited by General Antonio Luna.
3. La Republica Filipina (The Philippine Republic) – a private newspaper
edited by Pedro Paterno.
4. La Libertad (Liberty) – another private newspaper edited by Clemente
Zulueta.

Colonial Period

Historical Background

It is accepted that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565,

during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Change in the Lives of the Filipinos

 Embraced the Catholic religion

 Changed their names and were baptized
 Housing (stone and brick house)
 Transportation/means of travel (carriages and boats)

Spanish Influences On Philippines Literature

1. The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman
alphabet.
2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious
practices.
3. The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time
lent many of its words to our language.
4. Our periodical during these times gained a religious tone.
5. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and
Visayan.
6. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our
songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
7. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other
dialects.
8. Until the 19th century, the printing presses that published literary works
were owned and managed by the religious orders. Thus, religion themes
dominated the literature of the time.
The First Book

1. ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE) – this was the

first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography.
2. NUESTRA SENORA DEL ROSARIO – it contain the biographies of saints,
novenas, and questions and answers on religion.
3. LIBRO DE LOS CUATRO POSTRIMERIAS DEL HOMBRE – first written
book in typography.
4. ANG BARLAAN AT JOSEPHAT - biblical story printed in the Philippines
and the First Tagalog novel printed in the Philippines even though it is only
a translation.
5. THE PASION – this is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ.
6. URBANA AT FELISA – Modesto de Castro-Father of Classical Prose in
Tagalog and influenced greatly the behaviour of the people in the society.
7. ANG MGA DALIT KAY MARIA (PSALMS FOR MARY) – collection of songs
praising the Virgin Mary.

Literary Composition

1. Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala ( Art and Rules of the Tagalog

Language)
- Translated to Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in 1610
- Written by Fr. Balancas de San Jose
2. Compendio de la Lengua Tagala (Understanding the Tagalog Language)
- Written by Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin 1703
3. Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala (Tagalog Vocabulary)
- First Tagalog Dictionary written by Fr, Pedro de San Bueneventura in 1613.
4. Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga (Pampanga Vocabulary)
- The first book written in Pampanga written by Fr. Diego in 1732
5. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisaya Vocabulary)
- Best Visayan language book
- Written by Mataeo Sanchez in 1711
6. Arte de la Lengua Ilokano (The Art of the Ilocano Language)
- First Ilocano grammar book by Francisco Lopez

7. Arte de la Lengua Bicolana (The Art of the Bicol Language)

- First book in Bicol Language by Fr. Marcos Libson in 1754.

Recreational Plays

1. Tibag – the word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by
the Spaniard to remind the people about the search of St. Helena for the
Cross on which Jesus died through a dramatic performance.

2. Lagaylay – this is a special occasion for the Pilarenos of Sorsogon during

Maytime to get together. This also shows praise, respect and offering love to
the Blessed Cross By St. Helena and the mound she dug in.
3. The Cenaculo – this is a dramatic performance to commemorate the
passion and death of Jesus Christ.

4. Panunuluyan – this is presents before 12:00 on Christmas Eve. This is a

presentation of the search of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn
wherein to deliver the baby Jesus.

5. Salubong – an Easter play the dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ
and his Mother.

6. Carillo (Shadows Play) – this is a form of dramatic entertainment

performed on a moonless night during a town fiesta or on dark nights after
a harvest.

7. The Zarzula – considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or

melodrama three acts which dealt with man’s passions and emotions like
love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or political proble.

8. Sainete – a short musical comedy that were exaggerated and shown

between long plays,.

9. The Moro-Moro – a play that depicts a Christian princess who is captured

by the Mohammedans. The father organizes a rescue party where fighting
between the Moros and Christians ensues.

Folk Songs

- Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its
national songs from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao. (Ex. Leron-leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, and Atin Cu
Pung Sing-sing)

Karagatan

- A poetic vehicle of socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a

person.
- It is a ritual based on a legend about a princess who dropped her ring into
the middle of the sea and offered her hand in marriage in anyone who can
retrieve it.