MODULE ONE

PHILIPPINE ETHNIC LITERATURE:

TREASURING OUR ANCESTOR’S WISDOM

T
he Philippine ethnic literature is a fundamental document of how the
ethnic Filipinos wondered at the diversity and mystery of nature and
articulated an entire array of beliefs and feelings from the foundation to
the culmination of their existence.

This module discusses the different forms of verbal literary expression
which originated among prehistoric Filipinos as well as among cultural societies
today, to name a few: the folk speech, folk songs, folk tales, epics and ballads.
Examples of each genre are provided to offer you a preview of the rich and
diverse oral literary folklore of the Filipinos. This also shows how this literary
legacy motivates modern writers in the present.

The module is divided into five comprehensive lessons:

Lesson 1: Sa Kanhi-ay Nga Panahon (In the Olden Times):
The Earliest Testimonies and Texts

Lesson 2: Kasebiang Amanu nang Apu (Proverbs Nurtured by

Ancestors): Proverbs and Riddles

Lesson 3: Doon Po Sa Amin (In Our Town): The Folk Songs

Lesson 4: Diad Lawak na Bilay (In the Arena of Life): Folk

Narratives and Mythologies

Lesson 5: Mga Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran (These

Marvelous Adventures): The Epics and Ballads

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND!

CONTENT STANDARD

The learner demonstrates understanding of: pre-colonial Philippine

literature as a means of connecting to the past; various reading styles; ways of
determining word meaning; the sounds of English and the prosodic features
of speech; and correct subject-verb agreement.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

The learner transfers learning by: showing appreciation for the literature
of the past; comprehending texts using appropriate reading styles; participating
in conversations using appropriate context-dependent expressions; producing
English sounds correctly and using the prosodic features of speech effectively
in various situations; and observing correct subject-verb agreement.

Malakas and Maganda are prominent

characters of Pre-Colonial Literature,
depicted as the first man and woman
emerged from a bamboo stalk; pecked
open by the Sarimanok
“Si Malakas at si Maganda” by Carlo
Pagulayan (https://guisadong-gulay.
deviantart.com/art/Si-Malakas-at-si-
Maganda)
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 1
 LESSON 1
Did You Know That...
Sa Kanhi-ay nga Panahon
(In the Olden Times):
The Earliest Testimonies and Texts

KNOW WHAT
YOU KNOW

TASK 1
Together with a partner, identify if the following statements are true based
Bisaya or Binisaya is a group of on your understanding about Philippine Ethnic Literature. Be ready to explain
languages of the Philippines that your answers with your partner.
are related to Tagalog and Bikol, all
three of which are part of the Central
Philippine languages. Most Visayan Philippine Songs and Songs are In the advent of Oral literary
languages are spoken in the whole literature poems were meant to western ideals, traditions
Visayas section of the country, but they existed even part of the be sung in ancient Filipino are the most
are also spoken in the Bicol Region, before the daily lives of victories and literature prominent
islands south of Luzon, such as those Spaniards came. our ethnic celebrations banished. kind of ancient
that make up Romblon and Masbate, ancestors. only. literature.
most of the areas of Mindanao and the
province of Sulu located southwest of _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Mindanao. Some residents of Metro _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Manila also speak Visayan. _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Over 30 languages constitute the _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Visayan language family. The Visayan _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
language with the most speakers _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
is Cebuano, spoken by 20 million _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
people as a native language in _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Central Visayas, parts of Eastern _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Visayas, and most of Mindanao. Two _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
other well-known and widespread _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________
Visayan languages are Hiligaynon
(Ilonggo), spoken by 10 million
in most of Western Visayas and
SOCCSKSARGEN; and Waray-Waray, TASK 2
spoken by 3 million in Eastern Visayas. On the space below, recall a childhood story you have heard from your
grandparents or passed through your parents. What makes this story very easy
Source: Wikipedia.org/Visayan_languages to recall?

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LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 2

Spotlight on the Author EXPLORE

F lorentino H. Hornedo was a full

professor at the Ateneo de Manila
University College of Arts and
Sciences, where he also serves as chairman
of the board of the
AN ESSAY ON PHILIPPINE ETHNIC LITERATURE
excerpt from Florentino H. Hornedo

University Press
and associate editor
of Philippine
Studies. He has a
PhD in Literature
in Philippine Oral
Traditions and in
Political Science
and History from
the University of
Santo Tomas. He
has been awarded
professorial chairs
in law and humanities. In 1989, he won first
prize in the English Essay Division of the
Palanca Awards. His scholarship focuses on
the culture and literature of the Ivatan. His
articles and reviews have appeared in several
research journals like the Philippine Studies,
Unitas, Philippine Humanities Review,
UST Journal of Graduate Research;
magazines like Kultura and Philippiniana
Sacra; and special publications like the
Manual on Ethnic Reporting. (Top, left)This painting from an anonymous artist exhibits the trade of products from Chinese traders that is already present
even before Magellan discovered the archipelago. (Bottom, left) The early life of ancestors includes fishing as their means
of living. (Right) One of the details of Carlos (Botong) Francisco’s mural “History of Philippine Medicine” depicts a
‘babaylan’ or a cultic healer, one of the prominent features of the pre-colonial Philippines.

MOTIVE QUESTION
What does ancient literature tell about
the life of our ancestors? How does it reflect
our lives today?
VOCABULARY BUILDING
lore – n. \’lȯr\
something that is taught; knowledge gained
through study or experience; a particular
body of knowledge or tradition
manuscript – adj. \’man-yə-skript\
written by hand or typed
philologists – n. \fə-lä-lə-jist\
a person that studies about literature and
of disciplines relevant to literature or to
language as used in literature
obliteration – n. \ō-bli-tə-rā-shən\
the act of removing utterly from recognition
or memory; destroying all trace, indication
or significance of a particular object
folk – n. \`fōk\
a group of kindred tribes forming a nation;
the great proportion of the members of a
people that determines the group character
and that tends to preserve its characteristics
for of civilization from generation to
generation
T
he Filipino’s earliest beliefs of himself and the realm can be
discerned from the verbal literary customs passed down through
generations. The Filipino wondered at the endless diversity
and profound mystery of nature that surrounds him and conveyed a
complete collection of sentiments from the beginning to the end of his
existence in stories, poems and songs.
The Filipino’s earliest ancestors travelled to the Islands on land bridges
from other points in Southeast Asia, bringing with them part of the lore
and oral traditions of Asia. They settled in caves like those of Palawan, and
in time dispersed to other places in the Archipelago. They migrated by land
or by sea on boats known today as barangay. Their journeys and adventures, as
well as their settled life and communities, also became part of their cherished
lore and provided the themes of their verbal arts.
The cautious recording of Filipino oral literature is somewhat late, most
of it having been done only in the 20th century. But brief
reports of the presence, forms and substances of this folklore
were written in the 16th and 17th centuries, first by Spanish
voyagers, and then by the missionaries.
Antonio Pigafetta wrote that the Visayan sang during
ceremonies for the dead, and while rowing their boats. They
had drums, gongs and stringed instruments (Pigafetta 1969:
103-2II).
A more accurate account about the early Visayan oral
literature is that of Miguel Lopez de Loarca, who stayed in the
Antonio Pigafetta Islands longer, wherein he wrote in greater detail:
“…since these natives are not acquainted with the art of writing, they preserve their ancient lore through songs, which
they sing in a very pleasant manner – commonly while plying their oars as they are island dwellers… Also, during their
revelries, the singers… recite the exploits of olden time; thus they always possess a knowledge of past events.”
(Loarca 1905: 34-187)
“Past events” probably meant myths, legends and exploits of tribal
ancestors magnified to the proportions of legend – the first man’s notion of
history.
The Boxer Codex, a manuscript written in 1590, which contains
illustrations of ethnic groups in the Philippines at the time of their initial contact
with the Spaniards, essentially reported what previous chroniclers had noted:

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 3

 QUESTIONS FOR COMPREHENSION
How did the first settlers of the
archipelago travelled?
What can you say about the prevalent
use of the oral literary traditions in all
aspects of life of the ancient Filipinos?
What does this say about our heritage
as a nation?
Why do you think Filipinos should
really bank on the preservation of
these ancient art forms?
origin myths and legends, and rowing
songs probably accompanied by a
bamboo flute. None of these sung
poetry were written; they were passed
on by oral traditions as songs. The
subject of the Codex was the Visayan.
(Jocano 1975:218 ff)
Writing on the Tagalog,
Fr. Francisco Colin echoed Pedro
Chirino’s earlier report. He admitted
that although changes in customs
A sample page taken from the Boxer Codex describing how the had taken place since the arrival of the
Visayan (Bittayar) people and the Tagalog (Naturales) people Spaniards centuries earlier, the change
look like during the time the Spaniards came. was not substantial; many of the old
customs were still being practiced. The
natives, he said, loved to play, sing and dance, especially during banquets.
“The banquets are interspersed with singing in which one or two sing and others respond. The songs are usually their
old songs and fables, as is usual with other nations.”
(Jocano 1975: 165)
As for songs on the occasion of death, “they put into their songs
innumerable bits of… praise of the deceased.” (Jocano 1975: 173)
Although the text of these oral forms were not recorded, it can be learned
from these old accounts (1) that the Visayan and the Tagalog of the 16th and
17th centuries had flourishing oral literary traditions rendered in song; (2) that
the contents of these sung literary traditions were largely narratives in the form
of creation myths and legends about the exploits of heroes and lyrics in the form
of dirges and lamentations in praise of the dead; (3) that these songs were sung
during feasts and banquets as well as funerals, wakes and other other death-
related occasions, and when people of sizable number were working together
or rowing their boats; (4) that the singing of these songs was part of the literary
tradition; and (5) that the tradition, with variations, was widespread.
During the Spanish period, there seems to
have been no attempt to record oral literature texts as
literature, but some texts have survived in print, largely
owing to the effort of grammarian-philologists of the
Spanish period who recorded some poems to illustrate
usage. Among the works with texts are Fr. Gaspar de
San Agustin’s Compendio del Arte de la Lengua Tagala,
1703, Francisco Bencuchillo’s Arte Poetica Tagala, 1750
and published in 1895, Juan de Noceda and Pedro de
San Lucar’s Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala, 1754
and 1860, and Fr. Joaquin de Coria’s Nueva Gramatica
Tagalog Teoretico-Practica, 1872. These and many
others written in other Philippine languages like Ilonggo,
Pampango, Cebuano and Ilocano, for example, Fr. Alonso
de Mentrida’s Arte de la Lengua Bisaya-Hiligayna de la
Isla de Panay, 1618 and 1894, which contains Lista de “Vocabulario de la Lengua
Varios Refranes, and the Libro Cuarto, which is a treatise Tagala” by Juan de Noceda and
Pedro de San Lucar covers a
on poesia bisaya, had the additional merit of recording comprehensive coverage of the
for posterity the traditional poetics. (Manuel 1986: 387- Tagalog Language.
401)
Through more than three centuries of Spanish
colonization, many art forms were introduced into the country. Many of these
forms were adopted and adapted by Filipino writers, especially by those who
were educated in Westernized schools.
The advent of these Western forms, however, did not necessarily lead to
the death or obliteration of indigenous literature. The wisdom and learning of
elders continued to be passed down orally through generations. This constituted
the traditional education of the young, even as it sustained the society from
which it sprang.
Today, these indigenous art forms continue to live not only among
those cultural communities hardly touched by Westernization, but even among
lowland Christian Filipinos, especially those in rural communities. This literature
created by the ordinary folk may be classed into folk speech, folk songs and folk
narratives.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 4

LIFE SKILL
The aim of scanning is for you to
quickly sort out information that are
essential and take away anything
that is considered unimportant or not
needed for a particular circumstance.
HOME TASK
Look for more opportunities to utilize
scanning as a reading skill. List these
down on your notebook.
PROCESS
Philippine Ethnic Literature is a reflection of who we are today as a
nation. The songs, riddles, proverbs and stories are a proof of the artistry that
was cultivated for centuries. As Filipinos, it is our duty to preserve this heritage
for the next generation to come. As the saying goes, “it is only by the roots that
a tree is able to flourish.”
As a young and able student, how can you contribute in fostering the
preservation of these literary gems? With your groupmates, create a collage or
montage of pictures that will show your support in preserving these ancient
art forms. Create a two-liner quotation that would speak of your message to
your fellow Filipinos on why we should help in preserving our ethnic forms of
literature.
ENRICH
SCANNING: READ WHAT YOU NEED!
Florentino H. Hornedo’s essay about the ancient Philippine Literature
provided a lot of information in order for the readers to know specific details in
the history of literature in the Philippines. With all of the loads of information
needed, how can a student like you be able to manage such huge amount of
details?
The answer? YOU DON’T NEED TO READ EVERYTHING! Yes, you read it
right. In reading, we have different goals and one of them is for us to get specific
information directly from a text. With this in mind, you don’t need to read from
cover to cover to get the necessary details. Imagine if you are going to read all
of the telephone numbers from a telephone directory just for you to order a box
of pizza from your usual pizza restaurant! How about finding out the meaning
of a word in the dictionary? Your teacher does not expect you to read all words
in the dictionary just to find the meaning of a word.
This reading skill is called SCANNING. Scanning is reading a text quickly
in order to find specific information, e.g. figures or names. For instance, a learner
taking a reading test needs to scan a text on population rates quickly to find out
if a series of statements about the population figures are true or false. Scanning
is a specific reading skill which is often used in combination with others such
as skimming and intensive reading. Learners need to learn different ways and
understand that choosing how to read is an important step in building reading
skills.
As a reader, you need to bear in mind that you can only scan for a
couple of premises:
1. if there is a specific need to be addressed;
2. if the answer is not implied for the passage and stated directly
from the text itself; and
3. a question will not require you to think critically for the answer.
TASK 1
Identify if the following scenario is requiring you to scan or not. Put a check mark
on the spaces given before the number.
_____ 1. A sales lady wants to find out if there are still stocks remaining for a
specific khaki Louis Vuitton handbag by finding its reference number.
_____ 2. Your teacher asked you to make a reflection paper about the Khmer
Rouge.
_____ 3. One of your groupmates suggested that you edit your research paper
by looking for grammatical errors.
_____ 4. Your freshly graduated brother is looking for job offerings in Jobstreet.
com.
_____ 5. After reading “Little Red Riding Hood” to your little sister, she asked
you about an alternate ending for the story.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 5

Dumbuuk Aku A Maylaji
Dr. Florentino H. Hornedo
Dumbuuk aku a maylaji su di ta
maydidimani
A maylipulipus, iñayñapwan nu dayay.
Lipus ko a dekey, hawahawayan mo ava
A dayangayen si tipuhu di payhusungan:
Anu dangurahen mo am mayasunggadit;
Vaditi a ilaychiren ko a pasugaten
A pangavuvutagan ni minhep a masbang
du ama, a masbang du ina;
Vatiyen mo ava si mangket di ihsungan
Ta anuyu vatiyen mo am kahuhsungan;
Palasen mo i mangket na di
payhuhusungan
Ta su yahahawen ko a kahapyaan.
Dumuneb a kahangdem si chinagulgulan,
Sa mahap ka dalisin a si miyan su horahed,
A payrakurakuhen ko a ruahen di vahay;
Tud mo ava namusamuli ta ipahanakep
mo pa
Su kayavaditiyan aya a kavaga
A payagapunen di tangul ni mumudan
A isaluval siya ta umunutu pa
Du pachiruruyan a mapaduyususyut
Du kayataydekey na pa as an di nguereng
daw, am idiwat mo a vavahen
Ta su ahahawen ko a iureng na.
translation
I Will Sing
Dr. Florentino H. Hornedo
I will sing, so we won’t quarrel among
ourselves,
We who are brothers to one another,
parents to the rest.
My little brother, do not try
To look up at the breadfruit tree in the
ravine;
To watch it would be difficult.
I stick on the ground my balite cane;
From it a child, orphaned early to father
and mother would obtain his clothing.
Do not fetch for fuel the trees on the
ravine;
For if you do, the ravine would grow bare.
Gather the young leaves on the ravine
Which I think is very fertile.
Dive deep and long, you whose hair is
newly cut:
Fetch me a talisin inhabiting its own shell
And have her grow up as a companion in
the home;
You shall give her all the care you can -
catch her
A brown-and-rose-and-green grasshopper
To put on her nose
To amuse her. She still tags along
With her elders whenever they go, asking
to be coddled
Being still too young; and if coddling will
not please her,
Pick her up and carry her on your back,
And that, I think, should calm her.
Source: Agung: The Official Newsletter of the
National Commission for Cuture and the Arts.
March-April 2017. Volume 20, Number 2, pp.
16-17
TASK 2
Read the following article and be able to answer the questions that follow. The
teacher will give specific time (approximately 5 minutes to finish the task).
Reinvigorating the Ivatan Laji
Timpalak Florentino Hornedo: Timpalak sa Pag-awit ng Laji in Basco, Batanes
by Timothy Jarred F. Pasco and Rozielle Joy Iglesia
The laji is a traditional lyric poem or song sung by the Ivatan of Batanes,
and it is in danger of vanishing.
To revive interest in and encourage the practice of the vernacular lyrical
tradition among the Ivatan, especially the younger generations, the Komisyon
sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA), in partnership with the local government of Basco, Batanes, held the
very first Timpalak Florentino Hornedo: Timpalak sa Pag-awit ng Laji.
Timpalak Florentino Hornedo is a laji singing competition for junior and
senior high school students. It is named after Ivatan scholar Dr. Florentino H.
Hornedo (1938-2015), who is known for his studies on the literary and cultural
traditions of Batanes. He is also known for documenting and studying the laji.
The last laji competition was in 2008 during the celebration of the
foundation anniversary of the province of Batanes.
The Timpalak Florentino Hornedo was held on April 21, 2017, in Basco,
the capital of Batanes, drawing six competing delegation from the different
municipalities of Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, and Uyugan. The contestants
were to perform the same piece, “Dumbuuk Aku A Maylaji” (Makata Akong
Aawit ng Laji or I Will Sing), culled from Dr. Hornedo’s book, Laji: Anu Maddaw
Ka Mu Lipus, An Ivatan Folk Lyric Tradition (University of Santo Tomas Publishing
House, 1997).
The contestants were John Patrick Gordo (Grade 8) and Dixie F. Agsunod
(Grade 10) from the Mahatao National High School; John Mark Ybay (Grade 11),
Joyce A. Cobico (Grade 11), Mark Gerard N. Gecha (Grade 9), Kylene A. Cobico
(Grade 8) and Joana C. Arca (Grade 8) from Itbud, Integrated School in Itbud,
Uyugan; Ron Andrae C. Bartilad (Grade 9), Marjorie Joyce Adalla (Grade 10),
Fiona A. Fidel (Grade 10), Aarone Cloe F. Agudo (Grade 9) and Samantha A.
Cataluna (Grade 10) from Ivana National High School; Christine Mae Ydel (Grade
11) and Maria Allelu Arca (Grade 10) from the Batanes General Comprehensive
High School in Uyugan; Juntike Valiente (Grade 8) from the Itbayat National
Agricultural High School; and Monica Abad (Grade 10) and Nicole Ponce (Grade
9) from Batanaes National Science High School in
Basco.
They were judged on appropriateness of
melody used, quality of voice and synchronization,
emotional expression, and effectiveness and/or
audience impact.
The judges were Dr. Felicidad Prudente,
one of the leading musicologists in the
country and a professor at the University of the
Philippines’ College of Music; Josefa Espinoza,
trainer at the Batanes Children’s Choir and also
a National Music Competition for Young Artists
(NAMCYA) trainer; and Rosalinda Cadiz, former
supervisor for the Education Program of the
Department of Education Division Office.
During the contest proper, Marta
Vaso from Ivana, considered as the oldest
singer of the laji, performed several songs.
The duo from Mahatao National High
School won third place, while the group from
Itbud Integrated School clinched the second
place. The lone contender from the Itbayat
National Agricultural High School copped the
first prize.
Oldest laji singer from Ivana, Marta Vaso, performed as
special guest at the competition. Photo by Rozielle Joy Iglesia
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 6

LIFE SKILL
Using the right volume when talking
to people will lessen your risk of being
misunderstood.
Youtube URL: https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=-HA8kSdsf_M
Questions:
1. What do you call the traditional lyric poem or song sung by the Ivatan
of Batanes?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. What organizations initiated the laji singing competition in Batanes?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. To whom was the laji singing competition named in honor?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. What are the municipalities that participated in the competition?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. Who won the competition?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
SPEAK UP!
TURN UP THE VOLUME!
The natives of Batanes required them to sing the laji audibly and
with precision to the actual singing of it. Just like in our normal conversations,
heightened and lowered volume of speech is a very important feature a person
should practice. Imagine this situation: You saw a friend leaning against a wall
that is about to crumble down. How would you warn him about the possible
danger?
Apart from the slight increase in loudness to indicate stress, volume
is generally used to show emotions such as fear or anger. In writing, it can be
shown by the use of an exclamation mark, or typographically with capitals or
italics (or both).
The highness or lowness of volume can indicate a certain emotion or
emphasize a specific point in a particular speech. Knowledge on when and how
to heighten or lower down your voice will make you an effective speaker.
TASK 1
Together with a partner, create a conversation based on the following scenarios
given. You can only choose one from the given situations. Be able to observe
proper use of volume to create emphasis or to convey a certain emotion.
1. A slightly deaf waiter is trying to get your order.
2. A clerk is extending help to an elderly person.
3. A student running for student council giving a short speech
4. A student explains the life cycle of a butterfly.
TASK 2
Watch the excerpt of Charlie Chaplin’s speech in his movie “The Great Dictator”
(1940). Scan the QR Code or type the URL of the video. Observe the shifts in
volume to give emphasis to his points. What points of his speech does he want
you, as a listener, to know about? Complete the grid below as you listen to the
speech.
Description of the Speaker’s Voice Description of the Speaker’s Message
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 7

HOME TASK
Do you know other English words or
phrases that are used in the Filipino
slang? Create a list on your notebook
and let your classmates know about it.
Source: Phro, Preston. “Do you use these
“Philippine English” words and phrases?”
August 15, 2014. Sora News 24 https://
soranews24.com/2014/08/05/do-you-use-
these-philippine-english-words-and-phrases/
Illustrations: Lady Santelices, 8List.ph; Chris
Hallbeck, Maximumble.com; Dave Carpenter,
Cartoonstock.com
EXPAND YOUR HORIZON
ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES: FILIPINO ENGLISH SLANGS
English, being the Philippines’ official language next to Filipino, had been
through a lot of transitions in the past. The Philippines’ American colonization
history has led it to become one of the most fluent non-native English speakers
in the world. But, with all the transitions and dynamism the English language has
gone through in the Philippines, many slang words have been developed which
can only be used and accepted in the Philippines and nowhere else.
Here are some of the Filipino English slangs which you are most probably
using, but have no idea they are only accepted here in the Philippines.
Bad Shot
You may think that this word can refer
to a badly taken Instagram photo, but actually,
it’s not. The term “bad shot” can refer to an
unfortunate situation or something to express
frustration or disappointment. Another alternate
word for this is bad trip.
Example:
The flow of traffic at EDSA is indeed a bad shot.
Chancing
This word has been in the Pinoy slang since
the flourishing of Pinoy movies in the 70’s. This word
actually means to take advantage to someone (usually
for sexual intentions). NOTE: This is not a thing to be
done by students like you, so just leave this here.
Example:
He did a lot of chancing by intentionally becoming a
‘shoulder to cry on.’
Comfort Room
The “comfort room” in the
Philippines is just the typical bathroom, or
toilet. Sometimes, we call it ‘rest room’.
Example:
Whenever we go to restaurants, I’m always
checking out their comfort room.
Live-in
This supposed-to-be-adjective, took
place as a noun in the Filipino conversation
and became a term used to describe a man
and a woman living together but not within
the bounds of marriage.
Example:
They decided to become live-in partners
despite their parents’ disapproval.
“Mineral” Water
In the Philippines, any water, apart
from the one gushing out of your faucet, is
“mineral.”
Example:
Please drink the water in jars inide the
refrigerator. That’s “mineral”.
TASK 1
Identify the meaning of the following words as used in the Filipino slang. Use
each in a sentence.
1. frigidaire 3. kodaking 5. pentel pen
2. ice drop 4. vulcanizing shop
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 8

THROWBACK!
A subject is either a noun or a pronoun
that is being talked about or doing an
action in a sentence.
A verb is any action word or a state of
being that is associated to the subject.
LIFE SKILL
In order to create an effective
sentence, one must know how to make
the subject agree with its verb, and
vice versa.
INSTA-GRAMMAR
#RELATIONSHIPGOALS: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
Take a look at these “IG-worthy” pictures:
Who is not dreaming of a perfect relationship? Everyone does. However,
to keep a relationship strong, one must know how to lead and manage it. Of
course, there will be hardships along the way, but, those are opportunities for
growth.
One way to keep a strong relationship is for each individual to AGREE to
each other’s differences. There should be agreement and consent between two
individuals for the relationship to flourish.
With all the relationships that are failing, there is one relationship that
is literally #relationshipgoals - the relationship between the SUBJECT and the
VERB.
You’ve already known them since your 4th Grade, and here they are, still
#staystrong. But how do they keep their relationship unbreakable? Subject and
Verb always choose to agree to each other.
Want to have that #relationshipgoals? These are the RULES that they
follow in order to create a harmonious relationship:
Rule No. 1 - Be A One-Woman Man/ One-Man Woman
A verb agrees with its subject in number.
(If the subject is in its singular form, the verb should be
suffixed with -s or -es, just as a normal verb would do. Plural
subject uses the base form of the verb.)
Example:
The bride wears a long, serpentine gown.
S V
The groom is patiently waiting at the altar.
S V
Rule No. 2 - Just You and I; No One in Between
The number of the subject (singular or plural) is not changed
by words that come between the subject and the verb.
(The indicated number for a subject determines the singularity
or the plurality of the verb.)
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 9
 Examples:

One of the principal sponsors is my uncle.

S V
Regardless of the number of principal sponsors, the sentence is only referring to
one, so the verb will agree to a singular subject.

Two of the bride’s cousins help in lifting her trail.

S V
The sentence is referring to two among all the cousins, so the verb help will
cater to a plural subject.
Examples of Indefinite Pronouns
that take Singular Verbs Rule No. 3 - Two Should Become One
each someone Some subjects always take a singular verb even though the
either anyone meaning may seem plural.
neither nobody (Some indefinite pronouns are functioning as singular subjects,
one somebody thus need a singular verb.)
no one anybody
everyone everybody Examples:

Someone from the groom’s family calls for a toast.

S V

Everyone is encouraged to join the newly-wed for a dance.

S V
Examples of Indefinite Pronouns
that take Either Singular or Rule No. 4 - We Get By with a Little Help From Our Friends
Plural Verbs Some subjects may be singular or plural, depending upon
some their use in a sentence.
any (Some indefinite pronouns are functioning as plural; that’s why
all it’s indefinite.)
most
Examples:

Most of the flowers used in the church are yellow.

S V

All the entourage is early for the ceremony.

S V
The boxed words indicate whether the indefinite pronoun will be singular or
plural. The noun NEAREST to the verb determines its singularity or plurality.

Rule No. 5 - Always Bank on Friendship; It Doesn’t Count

When the subject is a fraction, a percentage or an indefinite
quantifier, the verb agrees with the preceding noun or clause.
(No matter how high the amount, numerical figures will always
depend on the noun being associated to the figure.)

Examples:

One-third of this article is taken from my friend’s blog.

S V

Fifty percent of my friends are guys.

S V

There are still many rules to know, but more than knowing the rules by
head, we need to follow these rules by heart to create meaningful relationships...
err, meaningful sentences. Enjoy crafting effective sentences!

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 10


LIFE SKILL
The writing we do in everyday life
fulfills many purposes. We write to
communicate when we send letters,
leave messages, or write explanations.
As in real life, we use writing in
school to communicate, memorize and
organize.
TASK 1
Circle the correct verb in each of the sentences below.
1. Your friend (talk, talks) too much during the wedding ceremony.
2. The man with the roses (look, looks) like your brother.
3. The women by the pool area (is, are) the bride’s friends.
4. Bill (drive, drives) the cab for the bride.
5. One of the groom’s men (wipe, wipes) his teary eyes.
6. Several of the children in the church (is-are) noisy.
7. Some colleagues of the bride from her work (is-are) present in her
wedding.
8. Nobody in the crowd (has-have) mobile phones to interrupt.
9. Each of the girls (observe-observes) all the wedding traditions.
10. All of the visitors (is-are) here.
11. Most of the seats (was-were) taken.
12. One-third of my friends (has-have) graduate degrees.
13. Ten percent of the population (speak-speaks) at least two languages.
14. Everybody (was-were) asked to remain quiet when the ceremony
started.
15. Several of the children in the church (is-are) noisy.
JUST WRITE
WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS PEN FOR?
A PURPOSE-DRIVEN WRITING
In the previous topics, you have learned that the literature of our
ancestors was only passed through oral traditions. How do you think it lasted
through hundreds of generations up until today? Why do you think we still enjoy
the beauty of our own ancestral heritage? It is because people managed to
document these things and put them into writing.
Writing is very important as the means of all lasting communications;
our beliefs, histories, law, contracts, deeds and will all find permanent form in
writing. As we interact with one another, we use writing to narrate, describe,
explain and persuade. It also helps students learn in many ways: recalling,
revising, organizing, connecting ideas and discovering new information.
Purpose is the goal or aim of a piece of writing: to express oneself, to
provide information, to persuade, or to create a literary work. There are four
purposes writers use for writing. When someone communicates ideas in writing,
they usually do so to express themselves, inform their reader, to persuade a
reader or to create a literary work.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 11
 TASK 1
Read the following short passages. Afterwards, fill in the table below with
necessary inputs.

Paragraph 1

Like most of the nations in Asia, the gender roles in Philippines are
distinctive. Men play different roles from their female counterparts. The
traditional role of the men is to fend for their families. The women take care of
families by playing the general yet crucial role of homemakers. The traditional
roles of either gender are under constant changes. The changes are indicative of
the extent of the western culture influence on the people.

Paragraph 2

Filipinos are deeply religious people. They profess Christianity, Islam,

and traditional religious beliefs. The majority of people are Christians mostly
Roman Catholics. The minority religions are the Sunni Muslims are among the
minority religions. In roman Christian homes, the members say the rosary at
9 pm. The children grow up with the knowledge and practices of the Roman
Catholic. There are also a few protestant factions. The most practiced rituals are
the customary Muslim and Christian rituals although there are some people that
believe in the traditional faith healers. Burial rituals have a pivotal role in the
society since the people believe in life after death.

Paragraph 3

Rice is the staple food for the Filipinos. It is not a meal unless rice
features therein. The crop also features among the primary source of livelihood
for the population. Unemployment is rampant in the country. Most of the people
that have some form of employment rely on agriculture, fishing and forestry.
The remainder of the employed people relies on mining and light industries
for their livelihoods. Christmas and Idd fitr and Idd Mubarak are among the
principal ceremonies for the people depending on the faith that they profess.
The independence celebration is the most important nonreligious ceremony.
However, the people have different celebrations conducted by the individual
tribes or clans.

Paragraph Purpose Audience Format

Source: Rodell, P. (2002). Culture and customs

of the Philippines. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood
Press.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 12

Did You Know That... LESSON 2

Kasebiang Amanu nang Apu

(Proverbs as Told by Ancestors):
The Proverbs and Riddles

KNOW WHAT
YOU KNOW

TASK 1
What is your motto in life? What makes you choose this motto?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

If you would be given the chance to make a film out or write a book about your
life, what do you want the title to be like? How do you want the poster/ book
cover to look like? Draw it in the box below.
“Kapampangan” written in Kulitan, the
native writing system of the language
Kapampangan, Pampango, or the
Pampangan language is one of the
major languages of the Philippines. It
is spoken in the province of Pampanga,
most parts of Tarlac and Bataan.
Kapampangan is also understood
in some municipalities of Bulacan
and Nueva Ecija and by the Aeta or
Aeta of Zambales. The language is
also referred to honorifically in the
Kapampangan language as Amánung
Sísuan, meaning “breastfed/nurtured
language.” In 2012, Kapampangan
was one of the major languages of
the Philippines, taught and studied
formally in schools and universities.
Source: Wikipedia.org/Kapampangan_language

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 13

Spotlight on the Author
EXPLORE Reading 1

D amiana Ligon Eugenio (1921-2014)

was a Filipino female author and
professor who was known as the
Mother of Philippine Folklore, a title she
received in 1986.
WORDS OF WISDOM
excerpts from Damiana L. Eugenio’s Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology

Apart from teaching

at the University
of the Philippines,
she has several
publications in the
field of Philippine
folklore, among
them a series of
seven books which
she compiled and
edited. Eugenio’s
works were
described as volumes that are thorough
and professional in presentation and as
being valuable resources for scholars
studying the Philippines and comparative
folklore. Written in the English-language,
her Philippine Folk Literature: The
Myths (1993) served as a compendium that
promotes “national and international access
to Filipino folklore,” were gathered from
written sources rather than collected oral
variants, and was intended to foster interest
in the subject matter.
This painting by Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo depicts a common scene in the rural areas in the Philippines. Entitled
Planting Rice, the painting is only one of the many idyllic and life-like paintings of Amorsolo. Photo Courtesy of National

MOTIVE QUESTION
How do Filipino proverbs or salawikain
formed part of our identity as a nation?
VOCABULARY BUILDING they were able to interact with the early Filipinos their and eventually introduce
indigenous – adj. \in-di-jə-nəs\
produced, growing living or occuring
naturally in a particular region or
environment
norm – n. \’nȯrm\
an authoritative model; a principle of right
action binding upon the members of a group truths about life and the complexity of living. Compared to lengthy narrations,
and serving to guide or regualte proper and
acceptable behavior
ethical – adj. \’ e-thi-kəl\
involving or expressing moral approval or
disapproval
miscellaneous – adj. \mi-sə-’lā-nē-əs\
consisting of diverse things or members;
dealing with many diverse subjects.
D
Museum of Contemporary Art
amiana L. Eugenio, the mother of Philippine Folklore compiled and
edited what may very well be considered as the most comprehensive
collection of proverbs in our country. There is a limited number of
works like this in existence. She spent a lifetime collecting pieces of folk
literature that reveal our ancestors‘ wisdom. When she gathered proverbs
from various areas in our country, she declared that our elders lived by
simple, yet very meaningful rules of righteous living. In fact, she asserted
that even the Spaniards who colonized our country noticed how proverbs
formed part of the native spirit. Spanish missionaries were found to have
translated such proverbs and other oral expressions in Spanish in order
for their fellow religious people to learn our indigenous languages. By doing so,
the Catholic faith.
Proverbs are brief instructive expressions that suggest a specific action,
behavior, or judgment. Referred to by some scholars as ―the wisdom of many
and the wit of one, they are commonly written in the form of short assertions
or poetic two-liners which have rhyme. It is interesting to note that people are
easily struck by proverbs when they are woven in conversations or writings. This
is perhaps because they have the power to teach people the more essential
descriptions, or argumentations, proverbs are able to effect quickly a change in
view or disposition.
In Filipino, proverbs are called salawikain or sawikain. They prescribe
norms, impart a lesson, or emphasize traditions and beliefs in a community. In
the anthology of Damiana L. Eugenio, she classified proverbs into six categories:
(1) proverbs expressing a general attitude towards life and the laws that govern
life; (2) ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning certain
vices; (3) proverbs expressing a system of values; (4) proverbs expressing general
truths and observations about life and human nature; (5) humorous proverbs
and (6) miscellaneous proverbs. Below are examples of each category.
1. Proverbs expressing a general attitude towards life and the laws that
govern life

Walang ligaya sa lupa na di dinilig ng luha. (Tagalog)

There is no earthly joy that is not watered with tears.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 14

 Say liket ban-bantayey ermen. (Pangasinan)
Joy is always guarded by sorrow.

Ang kapalaran ko di ko man hanapin, dudulog lalapit kung talagang

akin. (Tagalog)
The good fortune which is intended for me will come even without my
seeking it.

2. Ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning

certain vices

Walang utang na di pinagbayaran. (Tagalog)

No debt remains unpaid.

Dai mo pagpaagahan an magigibo mo ngonyan. (Bikol)

Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do for today.

Ayau mo in kahui pila‟a ha kawa‟an mo bunga. (Tausug)

Do not cut the tree to get the fruit.

3. Proverbs expressing a system of values

Ti nasadot a baro cas carne a nadangro. (Ilokano)

A lazy young man is like foul-smelling meat.

Ang mga tulo singgot sa taong mangguibuhaton paga bayran gayud
sa guihapon. (Boholano)
Every drop of perspiration of an industrious man will be rewarded
accordingly.

Isa ka tuig nga tiponon, isa ka takna wagwagon. (Hiligaynon)

It takes only a moment to squander what took a year to save.

4. Proverbs expressing general truths and observations about life and

human nature

Huli man at magaling, ay naihahabol din. (Tagalog)

A good thing is never too late.

Ti saan a matimtemec, nauyong no macaunget. (Ilokano)

The quite person is slow to anger but terrible when aroused.

Ing mayap a babai, maiguit ya karing rubi. (Pampango)
A good woman is worth more than rubies.

5. Humorous proverbs

Ang gugma sang tigulang daw igui nga nagakamang. (Hiligaynon)
The love of an old man is like a snail that crawls.

Ako kanhi cabalyero nga wala‟y kabilinggan; pagdawat sa matrimonio,

sa hinanali ng lawas mingniwang. (Cebuano)
I was formerly a gentleman without a care at all, but when I got
married, my body shrank and became small.

Kay tagal nanindahan, kabili-bili‟y balindang. (Tagalog)

After shopping for a long time, he ended up with a poor purchase.

6. Miscellaneous proverbs (typically expressive of specific realities to a

certain area)

Ing matudtud a pemangca e na balu lebasa‟ ng sapa. (Pampango)

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 15


G– proverbs expressing a general Use Damiana Eugenio‘s system to classify the following proverbs. Use the given
attitude towards life and the laws codes on the left side of this page.
that govern life
E– ethical proverbs recommending A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound.
certain virtues and condemning
certain vices
V– proverbs expressing a system of
values
T– proverbs expressing general
truths/observations about life and ____ 4. Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.
human nature
H– humorous proverbs
M– miscellaneous proverbs
HOME WORK
What other proverbs or salawikain do you
know that are not on the list? With your
groupmates, create a jingle inspired by the
proverb of your choice. Explain through
the song why this proverb is a principle
everyone can apply to their own lives.
Prepare to perform this piece in front of your
classmates.
The sleeping boatman does not know the streams he has passed.
Mapipia nu sumavat ka a maysaosaod su sagap as canu caviden mu
du calawangan q manalamad su among. (Ivatan)
It is better to go home and weave a net than to stay on the shore and
watch the fish.
Dica agcapcapoy no bassit ti inapoy; dica agnengnengneng no bassit
ti diningdeng. (Ilokano)
Don‘t be too slow if there‘s only a little rice; don‘t be too shy if there‘s
only a little viand.
Our proverbs are not only witty expressions. They are also our cultural
treasures. As we continue to use them in various spoken or written forms and
as we explore ways of representing them in graphic, musical, or dramatic
modes, we facilitate their preservation. And through these, we strengthen our
identity as a people.
PROCESS
Proverbs are statements of practical wisdom based on experiences and
observations about life. They are wise sayings which provide us food for thought.
Proverbs can help a person become a better individual if he or she observes the
learnings they impart.
TASK 1
____ 1. Matibay ang walis, palibhasa’y magkabigkis.
____ 2. Sa taong walang takot, walang mataas na bakod.
To a fearless person, no fence is high enough.
____ 3. Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.
Whatever the tree, so is the fruit.
What good is the grass if the horse is already dead.
____ 5. Kung may isinuksok, may madudukot.
If you save, you have something to withdraw.
____ 6. Ang magalang na sagot, nakakapawi ng pagod.
A respectful retort wipes away weariness.
____ 7. Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang
malansang isda.
He who does not love the national language is worse than a smelly
fish.
____ 8. Ang mabigat ay gumagaan, kung pinagtutulungan.
A heavy burden is lightened if everyone participates in carrying it.
____ 9. Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsang nasa ibabaw, minsang nasa
ilalim.
Life is like a wheel; sometimes you are on top, sometimes you are in
the bottom.
___ 10. Ang pili ng pili, natatapat sa bungi.
One who is choosy ends up with the least attractive choice.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 16
Spotlight on the Contributors
Reading 2

L
EXPLORE
uisito Batongbakal is the founder
and editor-in-chief of Filipiknow, a
popular and award-winning trivia/
BUGTONG, BUGTONG
excerpts from Luisito Batongbakal’s “Bugtong, Bugtong: Can You Answer These
history blog in Tricky Pinoy Riddles?”, Florentino Hornedo’s “An Essay on Philippine Ethnic Literature” and German
the Philippines. V. Gervacio’s “101 Bugtong na Hindi Alam ng Titser Mo

B
Currently, he is a
Health Writer at ugtong. They say it’s too old-school,
Perk.com Canada boring and a form of literature
and Content facing imminent death. While hugot
Wizard at Monitor lines and jokes are all the rage these days,
Backlinks. bugtong has been relegated to books
His first book, rarely touched by youngsters who are
“FilipiKnow:
Amazing Facts growing up in this age of digital boom.
and Figures For starters, bugtong is a Filipino
Every Pinoy riddle (palaisipan) that consists of two
Must Know” was phrases that rhyme. It uses symbolism
released by one to describe a specific object, which the
of the country’s listener can guess by using his imagination.
top traditional publishers in 2016 while his Take the following Tagalog riddle
self-published work about social comparison as an example:
theory is slated to be released in 2019.
Balong malalim, puno ng patalim.

G erman V. Gervacio is a professor Deep well, full of knives.

in Filipino at the Mindanao State
University, Iligan Institute of One should never take these
Te c h n o l o g y. words literally. By letting your imagination
In 1994, his do the work, you’d picture a hollow cavity
poetry collection filled with cutting objects. The answer is
“Huling Hirit ni mouth.
San Jose at Iba Some people may find it too The Aetas, among the first inhabitants in the
Pang Tula” won
second prize. In puzzling, but that’s exactly what Pinoy archipelago, are famous for their riddles which is their
1998, his short riddle is all about. It challenges your wit, favorite pastime. Photo by Joel Formales from Flickr
story for children tests your familiarity with the surroundings
“Si Tanya and lets your imagination run wild.
ang Uwak na The Pinoy riddle has been around for ages. Bugtong-bugtungan was a
Gustong Pumuti” favorite pastime of early Filipinos. It’s also part of our folklore, grouped in the
won first prize. same category as the salawikain or proverbs.
His short story In the book “The Riddles. Philippine Folk Literature Series. Vol. V,”
“Sinsil Boys” Damiana Eugenio said:
was adjudged
first prize in “Riddles belong to large class of enigmatic and puzzling questions that one person poses to another during a riddling
1999. In 2016, his winning entry entitled session. They rank with myths, fables, folktales and proverbs, most riddles are characterized by brevity, wit and
“Ang Totoo Raya, Ang Buwan ay Itlog ng felicitous phrasing, and as such effective ways of transmitting folk wisdom to succeeding generations in capsule form.”
Butiki” is a 10-poem collection written for
children. Gervacio started writing in 1989
and published his first poem at the age of The Tagalog’s penchant for riddling in fine verse embraced a wide
21. His other works include a novella “Hari scope of themes and objects. They have riddles for the waning and waxing of
Manawari”, and a book of riddles “101 the moon:
Bugtong na Hindi Alam ng Titser Mo”.
He is also a 4-time HomeLife Magazine Quinain na’t naubos, nabubuo nang lubos.
National Poetry Competition Awardee is Eaten up and gone, it becomes completely whole.
a faculty member of the Department of
Filipino and Other Languages, CASS, and There is also a riddle for the tongue:
is a resident panelist of the Iligan National
Writers Workshop.
Isda ko sa Quilao-Quilao, di mahuli’t may pataw.
Fish at Quilao-Quilao, cannot be captured because it’s tied down.

MOTIVE QUESTION And, there’s also for the needle:

How do Filipino proverbs or salawikain Batang susukot-sukot, nagdaralan pangacot.
formed part of our identity as a nation? A child crouching crawls in and out.
Translations by Elmer S. Ordoñez

VOCABULARY BUILDING
relegate – v. \’re-lə-gāt\
to assign to a place of insignificance; put
out of sight or mind

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 17

penchant – n. \’pen-chənt\
a strong and continued inclination or liking
wit – n. \’ wit\
reasoning power; intelligence
miscellaneous – adj. \mi-sə-’lā-nē-əs\
consisting of diverse things or members;
dealing with many diverse subjects.
This example of a Tausug riddle, the tukudtukud, sensitizes listeners to
nature and to the rainbow in particular:
Taytayan mamanis, walna ginisginis.
A beautiful bridge with many colors.
Translations by Abraham Sakili
Among the Cebuano, the tigmo is also an occasion for sharpening the
wit. This riddle refers to the bamboo which sheds its protective covering as it
matures.
Han bata pa nagbabado, han lagas na, naghuhubo
Dressed when young, naked when old.
Sadly, the same literary form that has survived many generations is now
being neglected by the young Filipinos who should preserve it in the first place.
But are we supposed to let things as they are? Is it time to embrace the
new and let go of the old?
As what German Gervacio’s “101 Bugtong na Hindi Alam ng Titser Mo”
has proven, there’s actually a solution: create new riddles whose subjects are
modern gadgets or terms that present-day Filipinos are familiar with.
Here are some examples from Gervacio’s book:
Tatlo sa ulo, apat sa tiyan, sa puwitan, mga tuhod, nag-uumpugan.
The head has three, stomach has four, at the rear, knees are bumping
against each other.
Would you be surprised that the answer is an FX (Tamaraw FX vehicle)?
In this riddle, one should have a cautious mind to answer. Aside from the idea
that the head, stomach and rear (butt) and knees are pertaining to parts of the
body, the description should be connected to how a Tamaraw FX operates (three
people, inlcuding the driver rides the front part, four are occupying the middle,
and the other four at the rear end are facing each other, thus, the bumping of
the knees).
Pagkagat nang madiin, naiwan ang ngipin.
When it bit firmly, the tooth was loosen.
The answer is stapler. The firm bite of the stapler that makes it lose its
wire against the paper is a creative description of how the stapler works.
Sinampal ko, sinampal niya, ayaw kasing pumirmi sa mesa.
I slapped him, the other, too, because he doesn’t want to stay put on
the table.
The answer is pingpong ball. Riddles should also be incorporating
humor in order to be appealing to audience, especially the children.
Riddles form part of the heritage of the Filipinos and we have the
responsibility to nurture it. It encompasses and represents our timely and and
contemporary ideals and experiences as a people of this country.
PROCESS
Riddles strengthen the social relationship of elders and children. These
are used by our ancestors as their early form of entertainment or pastime.
TASK 1
To make it more entertaining or interactive, you are tasked to create a board
game, a card game or a tabletop game that incorporates the use of riddles. Your
invented game should be interactive, easy to use and portable to bring with you
and be enjoyed in the context of family or friends.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 18
 ENRICH
SKIMMING: GETTING THE MAIN IDEA

Howard Stephen Berg is recognized as the

world’s fastest reader thanks to the cutting- edge
accelerated learning techniques he developed. He
has the unique distinction of being listed in the 1990
Guinness Book of World Records for reading at more
than 25,000 words per minute and writing more than
100 words a minute.
Rapid reading is a skill a student like you
should be practicing for different purposes. First, we
need to develop this skill in order to get as many
information as we need; and second, to comprehend
the message of a particular text. This lesson is going
to focus on the latter, which is known as skimming.
Skimming is reading a text quickly to get a general idea of meaning.
It can be contrasted with scanning, because it’s aim is only to get specific
information from a text.
Skimming is a specific reading skill which is common in reading
newspapers, messages and e-mails. It is important that learners understand that
there is no need to read every word when skimming, so often teachers set this
as a timed task to encourage speed.
For example, a learner taking a reading exam decides to approach text
by looking at the title, introductions, and any diagrams and sub-headings, then
skim reading to get a clear general idea of what the text is about.
To skim effectively, there has to be a structure but you don’t read
everything. What you read is more important than what you leave out. So what
material do you read and what material do you leave out?
Once you know where the reading is headed, you can begin to read
only the first sentence of each paragraph. Also called topic sentences, they
give you the main idea of the paragraph. If you do not get the main idea in the
topic sentence or if the paragraph greatly interests you, then you may want to
skim more.
At the end of each topic sentence, your eyes should drop down through
the rest of the paragraph, looking for important pieces of information, such as
names, dates, or events.
Continue to read only topic sentences, dropping down through the rest
of the paragraphs, until you are near the end. Since the last few paragraphs may
contain a conclusion or summary, you should stop skimming there and read in
detail. Remember that your overall comprehension will be lower than if you read
in detail. If while skimming, you feel you are grasping the main ideas, then you
are skimming correctly.

TASK 1
Give yourself 60 seconds to skim through the paragraph below. When you are
finished, cover the paragraph up before moving onto the questions.

Size Matters

Here’s something to think about the next time you go shopping.

Have you ever noticed how many trolleys are available when you go to the
supermarket? In my experience, it seems like hundreds! But how about the
number of hand baskets? Invariably I struggle to find even one, especially when
I only need a few items. Why might this be the case? Well it seems to be a tactic
used to encourage us to buy more. If you are walking around with an empty
trolley, you are more tempted to fill it, so if you a planning on only doing a quick
shop, always try to find a basket. It will be lighter, easier to use and is sure to save
you money!

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 19

Now test your skimming skills and answer the questions below in the space
provided. Make sure to not look back at the paragraph you have just read.

1. What can you find in large numbers at a supermarket?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Why can this be a problem?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. How can you avoid spending more than you planned?

___________________________________________________________________________
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4. Why is it a good idea to use a basket instead of a trolley?

___________________________________________________________________________
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SPEAK UP!
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE YELLING

Rosalio “Yoyong” Martirez (wearing sleeveless, holding a bolo), famous for his line “Hindi...nagpapaliwanag lang” in the
movie “Ang Kuya Kong Siga” (1993) alongside with veteran comedian Vic Sotto and Richie d’ Horsey. Photo screenshot
from Youtube.com
During the 80’s and 90’s, a Filipino comedian, in the name of Rosalio
“Yoyong” Martirez, became famous in the Philippine movies, alongside with
veteran comedian Vic Sotto for his line “Hindi... nagpapaliwanag lang,” (No...
I’m just explaining). In almost all of his movie portrayals, he is always acting as
the guy who is always grumpy, always gets mad and irritated, and usually yells
against other characters. His long grumpy lines and rants will then be followed by
Vic Sotto’s (or other character’s) question, “Galit ka ba?” (Are you angry?), which
will make him immediately mellow down and reply, “Hindi... nagpapaliwanag
lang.”
Oftentimes, we also find ourselves in a situation the same as Yoyong
Martirez. When we want to emphasize a point, we usually end up shouting at
each other, which eventually leads to disagreement. We can choose to avoid
these circumstances if we know how to project our voice properly.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 20

 Voice projection is the strength of speaking or singing whereby the
voice is used loudly and clearly. It is a technique employed to command respect
and attention, as when a teacher talks to a class, or simply to be heard clearly, as
used by an actor in a theater.
The biggest mistake you can do is “talk to yourself” when you’re up on
stage. This means talking under your breath. Visualize your voice spreading
throughout the audience making sure to hit that audience member sitting all
the way in the back.
If you are a boxing fan, or have been watching Manny
Pacquiao’s boxing matches, you will always encounter
Michael Buffer. He is an American ring announcer for
boxing, professional wrestling matches and football
matches. He is known for his trademarked catchphrase,
“Let’s get ready to rumble!” and for pioneering a distinct
announcing style in which he rolls certain letters and
adds other inflections to a fighter’s name. His career gave
him a national identity at a time when ring announcers
were strictly locally hired talent. By trademarking his
catchphrase, Buffer has generated over $400 million
Michael Buffer
in revenue, selling the rights to music, video games,
merchandise and while making personal appearances.
Buffer’s voice projection is a perfect example of how you are supposed
to speak your voice. Even with a microphone, he does not intend to shout but he
is clearly heard by people whether he announces for NFL, in UFC, or in Las Vegas
for a boxing match.
So, how do you manage to project your voice properly without the need
to yell and eventually strain or damage your vocal tract? Here are some tips that
you can follow:

Keep an eye out on your

breathing. Breathing plays a big
part in voice projection. Try to
focus on relaxing your diaphragm
and throat muscles. A good
technique is to breathe in through
your diaphragm and exhale while
at the same time humming.

Stand the right posture.

Standing up straight allows for
your voice to flow. Crouching
over may cause your voice to get lost. Think of your throat as a water hose if
you were to bend it less would come out.

Don’t be in such a rush. Projection is not just about being heard it is

also about being understood. Many people tend to speak too quickly out of
nerves when they are up on stage. Make sure to take your time when you give
your presentations. Allow time to pronounce every word and syllable.

Choose the right pitch. You want your voice to carry weight and by
that, you want your voice to resonate. A good rule of thumb is to give your
presentation at a lower pitch than you usually use when having a conversation.
Not only will the deeper voice give you authority it’ll also sound a whole lot
better. Just remember not to sound monotone!
TASK 1
Together with a partner, create a scenario based from the given prompts below.
Make sure to observe proper use of volume and voice projection to deliver the
message more clearly.

1. A secretary is reviewing to the general manager the minutes of the

meeting earlier with the advertising team.
2. A police officer is giving directions to an elderly person.
3. A sales person is persuading a customer to buy a product.
4. A quizmaster is going to announce the winners in the quiz bowl.
5. A customer gives specific instructions for hs coffee to the barista.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 21


DID YOU KNOW THAT...
The term embolalia refers to hesitation
forms in speech---meaningless filler words,
phrases, or stammerings such as um, hmm,
you know, like, okay, and uh. Also called
filler, spacers, and vocal filler.
Embolalia comes from two Greek words
meaning “something thrown in.”.
EXPAND YOUR HORIZON
SAY, “UHMM...”
Janina San Miguel rose to the top of public consciousness after video of her Q&A during the Bb. Pilipinas World 2008
became viral. During her Q&A with the judges, Janina apologized for her incoherent answer and explained that it was her
first time joining a pageant neither did she expect to be among the top 10. Photo courtesy of Youtube.com
If you were born in the year 2000 and above, you might have come
across a popular figure in the name of Janina San Miguel. Janina is a Filipina
beauty queen who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas World at the Binibining
Pilipinas 2008 beauty pageant. She gained notoriety for her performance in the
pageant’s question and answer portion, where she lost her composure and gave
an unfocused and rambling response with a thick accent. A video of the incident
has garnered millions of views on websites such as YouTube.
It was indeed a nerve-wracking moment for her during that time, which
is already an expected scene in every beauty pageant. We are going to use her
as an example in this lesson, not to create a laughing stock out of it, but for us
to learn an essential element in the nature of the any language - fillers.
A filler word is an apparently meaningless word, phrase, or sound that
marks a pause or hesitation in speech. These are also known as a ​pause filler or
hesitation form.
Definitely, what happened to Janina is not an unforgivable mistake, but
actually a common scenario among non-native speakers of English, like you. So,
we can always relate to Janina’s mistake: our uhmm’s and uhh’s, even lexically-
accepted words - so, like, you know, alright, okay - that became prevalent fillers.
“Well, my family’s role for me is so important, because there was the wa--
they’re, they was the one who’s... very... haha... Oh I’m so sorry. Umm, my Pamily
(family)... my Pamily (family)... Oh my God. I’m... Ok. I’m so sorry. I... I told you that
I’m so confident. Eto, (Here) umm, wait... Hahahaha! Umm, sorry guys because
this was really my first pageant ever, because I’m only 17 years old and... haha...
I, I did not expect that I came from-- I came from one of the taf (top) 10. Hmmm.
So... But I said that my family is the most important persons [sic] in my life. Thank
you.”
Although filler words may have fairly minimal
lexical content, they can play a strategic syntactic role in
an unfolding utterance.
Modern linguists led by Leonard Bloomfield
in 1933 call these ‘hesitation forms’—the sounds of
stammering (uh), stuttering (um, um), throat-clearing
(ahem!), stalling (well, um, that is), interjected when the
speaker is groping for words or at a loss for the next
thought.
Even 8-timer boxing champion and senator
Manny Pacquiao did not find himself excused from filler Sen. Manny Pacquiao
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 22

HOME WORK
Together with a partner or a group, create a
5-minute video blog (vlog) about any of the
following:
1. a particular event in your life that has (Caroline Kennedy, in an interview conducted by Nicholas Confessore and David
happened very recently.
2. a tutorial vlog
3. a challenge vlog
4. a listing vlog (top ten, or top five things)
You can provide a script for yourself as
part of your preparation. Observe the steps
in refraining the use of filler words and
hesitation forms. Upload your video in your
Youtube channel or post it in your Facebook
account. NOTE: The output will be graded
not on the number of likes, reactions or
shares, but will be graded according to
content and allegiance to the given criteria.
Content 30%
Avoidance of fillers 30%
Script 20%
Quality and Originality 20%
TOTAL 100%
words. His utterance “y’ know” (you know) has been a household phrase and was
a favorite catch-phrase of comedians who are patronizing and impersonating
him.
You know that “y’know” is among the most common of these hesitation
forms. Its meaning is not the imperious ‘you understand’ or even the old
interrogatory ‘do you get it?’ It is given as, and taken to be, merely a filler phrase,
intended to fill a beat in the flow of sound, not unlike like, in its new sense of, like,
a filler word.
When there is no basis whether fillers are against sentence formation or
not, we can minimize using filler words by doing the following steps:
Pause. Every time you feel that you’re about to use a filler word, pause
instead. The lack of ‘ums’ and ‘uhs’ alone can make you sound more confident.
Such words are a clear indication that the speaker’s style is halting and uncertain.
Pauses also give your audience some sort of time to reflect on the last thing you
have said, which makes your speech more interactive.
Use ‘tee-up words’. In olden times, pointer phrases or tee-up words
were ‘get this’, ‘would you believe?’ and ‘are you ready?’ The function of these
rib-nudging phrases was—are you ready?—to make the point, to focus the
listener’s attention on what was to follow. Tee-up words sounds more natural
and makes you sound like you are engaging people to listen. Tee-up words give
you enough time to think of the next words to say.
Always prepare ahead of time. Speeches and reports should take
much time of preparation. Rehearse your lines in a play as often as necessary.
Adlibs are good, but if you do not know how to play with your lines, then you
will find yourself buckling all the time. Speeches should be imperative and
persuasive, so you cannot afford to be uncertain with the things you are going
to say. Whatever the reason, the cure for filler words is preparation. You reduce
nervousness and pre-select the right ways to say ideas through preparation and
practice.
Always remember, as non-native English speakers, our goal in speaking
the language is not to be perfect in speaking the language, but to deliver the
TASK 1
Read the following dialogues that were lifted from movies, interviews and on-
the-spot conversations. Improve the following statements by removing filler
words or replacing them with tee-up phrases.
1. “Um, this is a fairly unique moment both in our, you know, in our
country’s history, and, and in, in, you know, my own life, and um, you know, we
are facing, you know, unbelievable challenges, our economy, you know, health
care, people are losing their jobs here in New York obviously um, ah, you know.”
M. Halbfinger of The New York Times, Dec. 27, 2008)
2. “Uh, in a school. And my father, he was, uh, from the United States. Just
like you, ya know? He was a Yankee. Uh, he used to take me a lot to the movies.
I learn. I watch the guys like Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney. They, they teach
me to talk.” (Al Pacino as Tony Montana in the film Scarface
3. “I’ve heard about it. I hope you go--you know--I hope you go back to
the ranch and the farm is what I’m about to say.” (President George W. Bush,
explaining that he hadn’t yet seen the film Brokeback Mountain, Jan. 23, 2006)
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 23
 INSTA-GRAMMAR
#FRIENDSHIPGOALS: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
(A Continuation)

Do you have a best friend? What are the qualities that you like the most
about him or her? Did you have any disagreement with him/her in the recent
past? How did you manage to resolve?

Do you have a best friend? What are the qualities that you like the most
about him or her? Did you have any disagreement with him/her in the recent
past? How did you manage to resolve?
Just like how we resolve marriage life through the rules of subject-verb
agreement, the discussion about subject-verb agreement can also be related in
resolving conflicts in friendship so you can always say #friendshipgoals.

RULE NO. 1 Always Act in Unison #BetterTogether

Two singular subjects connected by or or nor require a
singular verb.
The trick is in knowing whether the subject is singular or
plural. The next trick is recognizing a singular or plural verb.

Example:
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
S S V

RULE NO. 2 Embrace each Others Differences #LoveYourself

Two singular subjects connected by either/or or neither/
nor require a singular verb as in Rule 1.

Examples:
Neither Juan nor Carmen is available.
S S V

Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.

S S V

RULE NO. 3 Respect each Others’ Individuality #ICan

When  I is one of the two subjects connected by either/
or or neither/nor, put it second and follow it with the singular
verb  am.

Examples:
Neither she nor I am going to the festival.
S S V

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 24

RULE NO. 4
When a singular subject is connected by or or nor to a plural
subject, put the plural subject last and use a plural verb.

Example:
The serving bowl or the plates go on that shelf.
S S V

RULE NO. 5
When a singular and plural subject are connected by either/
or or neither/nor, put the plural subject last and use a plural
verb.

Example:
Neither Jenny nor the others are available.
S S V

Either Rene or the other members are asked to get things done.
S S V

TASK 1
Write the correct verb in the blank to the left of each sentence. See the instructor
for answers.

1. Either the pitcher or the base runners (was-were) caught napping.

2. Either Luis or Horace (pay-pays) the bills in our house.
3. Neither of us (is-are) going to work.
4. Neither Matt nor his brothers (was-were) at the party.
5. Either the workers or the boss (deliver-delivers) the merchandise.
6. Either Joyce or Ellen (was-were) here.
7. Either the cups or the glasses (are-is) in the dishwasher.
8. She, my friends, and I (is-are) not going to the festival.
9. Neither Charles nor Benjamin (was-were) present there.
10. Neither he nor his dad (is-are) good at driving.

TASK 2
Below is a student‘s draft of an introduction for an article about diversity in the
Philippines. If a sentence observes proper subject-verb agreement, write C. If it
does not, rewrite the sentence.

(1) Each tourist or guest who come to the Philippines is always amazed by
our cultural diversity. (2) Every island and region highlights a unique adventure.
(3) A variety of traditions, dishes, celebrations, and many others are offered to
both local and foreign travelers. (4) Our rich past and our promising future are
discovered by every guest almost every day and everywhere in the country. (5)
For this reason, tourism experts, along with the Department of Tourism believes
that “It‟s more fun in the Philippines!”
(6) Northern Philippines boast of its old Spanish flavor, from architecture
to culinary traditions. (7) There are much pleasure to discover in the coasts and
shorelines of Central Philippines. (8) In Southern Philippines, one discovers
the rich Islamic backgrounds of our country. (9) Nobody has ever experienced
boredom in hopping from one island to another. (10) Either pleasure or warm
insights is taken home by every visitor in our shores.
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LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 25

 JUST WRITE
WRITE LIKE A SCHOLAR: IMPORTANCE OF
ACADEMIC WRITING
During your grade school years, you are already acquainted to writing
short paragraphs about how your vacation went, or what is the most valuable gift
you receive last Christmas.
These are nice topics to write
about, but as you start your
middle school year, you will
be immersed into a more
scholarly way of writing. This
does not invalidate your
previous learnings, though,
but will be made handy as a
jumpstart for a new form of
writing - academic writing.
According to James
Hartley, based on his book
“Academic Writing and
Publishing: A Practical Guide,” academic writing refers to “a style of expression
that researchers use to define the intellectual boundaries of their disciplines and
their specific areas of expertise. Characteristics of academic writing include a
formal tone, use of the third-person rather than first-person perspective (usually),
a clear focus on the research problem under investigation, and precise word choice.
Like specialist languages adopted in other professions, such as, law or medicine,
academic writing is designed to convey agreed meaning about complex ideas or
concepts for a group of scholarly experts.”
Academic writing may sound so tedious for a Grade 7 student like you,
but this will help you in all fields of discipline. All subjects, like Mathematics,
Science and Social Studies require a lot of researches and analysis. Here is a list
of documents where academic writing is used. Some are self-explanatory and
some have a brief explanation.

Books and book reports

Translations
Essays
Research paper or research article
Conference paper
Academic journal
Dissertation and Thesis - These are written to obtaining an advanced
degree at a college or university.
Abstract - This is a short summary of a long document.
Explication - This is a work which explains part of a particular work.

There is still a long line of opportunities to venture in academic writing,

but before you immerse into the difficult task of writing academically, here are
some things to remember about the characteristics of academic writing:

Planning - There is a certain amount of planning before you start

writing the paper; so, it will be analytical and organized.

Outline - A proper outline is a must for academic writing. An outline will

not only help you formulate your thoughts, but will sometimes make you aware
of certain relationships between topics. It will help you determine the pertinent
information to be included in your paper.
Tone - A formal tone is used. You do not use slang words, jargon,
abbreviations, or many clichés.

Language - The language in your paper needs to be clear and words

need to be chosen for their precision. A thesaurus is a good tool to help you pick

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 26

just the right words to explain the issues.

Point-of-view - The point of view in the third person, as the focus of

academic writing is to educate on the facts, not support an opinion.

Approach - Deductive reasoning is a big part of academic writing as

your readers have to follow the path that brought you to your conclusion.

An academic paper has three distinct sections - the introduction, body

and conclusion:

In the introduction, you must grab
the reader’s attention and identify the
thesis of the paper. You can do this by
starting with:

- Several questions
- A quote from a famous work or
person
- Some interesting facts or information
- A definition of an important term
related to the work

The body is the main part of the work

and the paragraphs must be clearly
written and be arranged in a logical
order, like chronologically or in order
of importance. Each initial sentence
links the preceding paragraph and
the whole section flows smoothly.
Within each paragraph, the sentences
need to flow and refer back to
the topic. Cohesion is achieved by
repeating important words, using
synonyms for the main subject, and using transitional words like: however, such
as, therefore, and for example.

In the conclusion, you re-emphasize the thesis and summarize all the
main points. The conclusion consists of one paragraph which shows the final
conclusion to the reader.

Whether you are writing a research paper, a thesis, or a paper for a
conference, these tips should help your paper be authoritative and coherent.
Your thesis will be substantiated and explanations clear. Readers of your paper
will follow your reasoning and understand your conclusion.

TASK 1
Examine the following texts and identify any significant features. What kind of
text does the extract come from and how does the language differ between the
texts? Fill in the table that follows after the two texts.

Text A
Geologists observe that many of our mountains and mountain ranges
seem to resemble human-like forms. However, they argue that these earth
formations are the result of various interrelated geological processes such as
earthquakes, rock formations, and even volcanic eruptions. They cited several
conclusive research that detail the formation of such natural wonders. They also
conducted experiments that show how bodies of water have contributed to rock
formation worldwide. In the years to come, scientists expect to generate more data
to explain such phenomena.

Text B
One day, a mound of earth shaped was seen growing in the east. After
several years, the mound grew into a beautiful mountain range resembling
Alunsina‟s face and her wonderful hair. The magical breeze whispered to the
unhappy Tungkung Langit that Alunsina grew old and died of sorrow somewhere

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 27

in the east. This made Tungkung Langit mournful. As the sun rises in the east, the
shadow of the mountain reminds Tungkung Langit of his dear Alunsina. And as
the shadow fades away at nightfall, Tungkung Langit waters the earth with his
tears.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 28

Did You Know That...
LESSON 3

Doon Po Sa Amin
(In Our Town):
The Folk Songs
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription is
inscribed with small writing hammered
into its surface. It shows heavy Indian KNOW WHAT
cultural influence (by way of Srivijaya) YOU KNOW
present in the Philippines prior to
European colonization in the 16th century.
TASK 1
Look at the picture below, then answer the questions that follow.
The word Tagalog is derived from the
endonym taga-ilog or river dwellers.
The first written record of Tagalog is
the Laguna Copperplate Inscription,
which dates to 900 CE and exhibits
fragments of the language along
with Sanskrit, Old Malay, Javanese
and Old Tagalog. The first known
complete book to be written in
Tagalog is the Doctrina Cristiana
(Christian Doctrine), printed in
1593. The Doctrina was written in
Spanish and two transcriptions of
Tagalog; one in the ancient, then-
current Baybayin script and the other
in an early Spanish attempt at a
Latin orthography for the language.
Tagalog was declared the official
language by the first revolutionary
constitution in the Philippines, the
Constitution of Biak-na-Bato in 1897,
but was changed to Filipino to give it
a national rather than ethnic label and
connotation.
1. What song will best describe your emotion as you look at the
picture? Why did you choose that song?

2. What significant childhood memory is evoked from you through this

picture?

TASK 2
Choose a song from your childhood that created a huge impact in your life
in the present time. Write a short review of the music and how it created an
impact to you as a person.

Title of Song: __________________________________________________________________________

Song Artist: _______________________________________ Year Popularized: _________________

This song created a huge impact in my life because ________________________

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LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 29

Spotlight on the Author
Reading 1

J
EXPLORE
ose Corazon
de Jesus,
also known ANG DALAGANG FILIPINA
Tagalog Folksong, written by Jose Corazon de Jesus, music by Jose G. Santos
by his pen name
Huseng Batute,
was a Filipino poet
who used Tagalog
poetry to express
the Filipinos’ desire
for independence
during the
A m e r i c a n
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. José Corazón de Jesús’s works appeared
on several magazines and newspapers,
notably Ang Democracia, Taliba, Liwayway,
Ang Buhay sa NDDU and Sampagita. In
addition, his works have appeared in various
anthologies and textbooks from grade school
to college.

Palay Maiden, 1920. Oil on canvas. Palay is Tagalog for grain, which is symbolic of the Philippines’ most staple
MOTIVE QUESTION crop. Maiden bears significance to Amorsolo’s preference for beauty. Photo Courtesy of ationgson.tumblr.com

What traits of Filipina women do you like
the most?
VOCABULARY BUILDING
blunt – adj. \ˈblənt \
having an edge or point that is not sharp
blushing – adj. \ˈblə-shiŋ\
often used conventionally to suggest an
appearance of youthful innocence
I
n the Tagalog language, a dalága is a young, unmarried woman.
Dalagang Pilipina is a Tagalog song about the virtues of a Filipino
woman. Throughout his pieces showing women, Fernando Amorsolo
does not conform to a Western standard of beauty; rather, he portrayed
them to have: a rounded face, not of the oval type often presented to us in
newspapers and magazine illustrations. The eyes should be exceptionally lively,
not the dreamy, sleepy type that characterizes the Mongolian. The nose should
be of the blunt form but firm and strongly marked. … So the ideal Filipina beauty
should not necessarily be white-complexioned, nor of the dark brown color of
the typical Malayan, but of the clear skin or fresh colored type which we often
witness when we met a blushing girl.

appease – v. \ə-ˈpēz\ Tagalog Version English Translation

to bring to a state of peace or quiet
preen – v. \ˈprēn\
to behave or speak with obvious pride or
self-satisfaction
Ang dalagang Pilipina The Filipina maiden
Parang tala sa umaga Is like a star in the morning
Kung tanawin ay nakaliligaya It’s such a joy to see her being
May ningning na tangi at dakilang ganda With great beauty and brilliant beholding

Bulaklak na tanging marilag A flower incomparable

fortitude – n. \ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd\ Ang bango ay humahalimuyak Her scent that’s unforgettable
strength of mind that enables a person to Sa mundo’y dakilang panghiyas To the world she’s a jewel
encounter danger or bear pain or adversity Pang-aliw sa pusong may hirap To appease those hearts in trouble
with courage
Batis ng ligaya at galak A stream of joy and gladness
Hantungan ng madlang pangarap A shelter for everyone’s wishes
Ganyan ang dalagang Pilipina A Filipina maiden, she is
Karapat-dapat sa isang tunay na pagsinta Worthy of true love and happiness

(Maging sa ugali, maging kumilos, mayumi, (Even in conduct and in actions, she’s preen,
mahinhin, mabini ang lahat ng ayos Orderly, timid, undoubtfully serene
Malinis ang puso maging sa pag-irog Ev’n with her affections, her heart is clean,
may tibay at tining ng loob.) to fortitude, inner strength, she leans.)

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 30

QUESTIONS FOR COMPREHENSION
To what objects was the Filipina
maiden compared to? What makes her
comparable to these objects?
What makes the Filipina maiden
worthy of true love and happiness?
Think of the woman in the present.
How would you compare the Filipina
maiden mentioned in the song to the
Filipina women of today?
Currently, there is a song dedicated
to an allegedly “Dalagang Pilipina.”
Do you think the characteristics on
that song reflects the Filipina maiden
mentioned in the folksong?
If you’re a woman, would you choose
to be a “Dalagang Pilipina” of
today or the “Dalagang Pilipina of
yesterday? Why?
If you’re a man, would you prefer
to have a “Dalagang Pilipina” of
today or the “Dalagang Pilipina of
yesterday? Why?
PROCESS
Folk songs are reflection of what life is like during the time of our
ancestors. These songs may be about all sorts of life’s undertakings: happy and
festive moments like weddings, fiestas and holidays; sad and mournful moments
like death in the family; triumphal moments like victory in wars; and so on.
Nowadays, because of the advent of advanced technology, the singing
of these songs were already replaced by modern songs sung by popular artists.
It is a general truth that as the world evolves, so as everything that exists in it,
including our music. However, this should not be an excuse for us to look back
and treasure its roots.
TASK 1
Collaborate with your music teacher and look for Filipino folk songs that falls
under different categories (working songs, war songs, courtship songs, burial
songs). Identify where the song originated. Do not forget to cite your sources.
You can use the table below
Folk Song Category Origin Short Overview
of the Song
TASK 2
With your group, choose one song and perform it in front of the class. You can
use musical accompaniment and incorporate simple dance steps to make your
performance more lively.
ENRICH
POWER OF TWO: SKIMMING AND SCANNING
TO ANSWER SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
You have learned from the previous lessons about two rapid reading
skills: Skimming and Scanning. Now, it is time for you to use these two skills to
effectively comprehend selected texts. But first, you need to recall the concepts:
Scanning is reading a text quickly in order to find specific information,
e.g. figures or names. A learner taking a reading test needs to scan a text on
population rates quickly to find out if a series of statements about the population
figures are true or false.
Skimming is reading a text quickly to get a general idea of meaning. A
learner taking a reading exam decides to approach text by looking at the title,
introductions, and any diagrams and sub-headings, then skim reading to get a
clear general idea of what the text is about.
Scanning and skimming can be used together to measure full
comprehension of a selected text. This skill is also known as intensive reading.
Scanning can be used to identify specific details from the text, while
skimming can help you analyze and fully understand the content of a selected
text.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 31
 TASK 1
Read the following article from ABS-CBN Lifestyle and answer the questions
that follow.

Love, Forgiveness, and Filipino Values through Folk Songs

by Duey Guison

We may not be familiar with many folk songs but most if not all of
them share a common theme: they talk about the traditional Filipino values of
courtship, love, family, and forgiveness; values that are essential to the Filipino
family.
It is through these values that the Filipino family remains strong in spite
of the difficulties and sacrifices their loved ones may encounter. While there are
some things that cannot be changed, forgiveness is the most important value
for the family, as it is through forgiveness that helps strengthen relationships
and the family.
Though some of us may no
longer be familiar with these folk
songs our mothers would sing to us
when we were young, like Ilocandia,
Si Filemon, and Sarong Banggi,
these songs come to life, together
with Sampaguita flowers, kites, and
festivities, through a ballet performance
in Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi.
Featuring the interpretation of six
choreographers to 15 classic folk songs, and
arranged by maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Sarong
Banggi aims to give life to traditional Filipino
values through telling a story of two lovers
who maintained their love for one another in
spite of the trials they have endured in their
lives. Fashion designer Rajo Laurel designed
the costumes that made use of traditional
materials and at the same time having a simple
and straightforward design.
The ballet performance explores
on the traditional way of courtship, and the
sacrifices and struggles we endure to make
the relationship strong. In fact, all kinds of
Filipinos, from housewives, blue and white
collar workers, to OFWs, will be able to relate to
the story of Jose and Pilar, and how their love
for one another endured even the toughest times, to the point of forgiving
one another for their shortcomings.
“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic
music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” said Ballet Philippines
Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales.
We may be living in the modern times, but our views on love and
family is what makes us truly Filipino.

Questions:

1. What makes folk songs an integral part of the Filipino traditional

values?

2. According to the article, what is the most important value for the
family which helps the strengthening of relationships?

3. What is the ballet performance “Sarong Banggi” all about?

4. Which audience will be able to relate to the story of Jose and Pilar?

5. “We may be living in the modern times, but our views on love and
Source: Guison, Duey. “Love, Forgiveness, and
Filipino Values through Folk Songs”. ABS- family is what makes us truly Filipino.” What can you interpret from
CBN Lifestyle. Oct 13, 2015 02:14 PM. https:// this statement from the author?
lifestyle.abs-cbn.com/articles/0657/love-
forgiveness-and-filipino-values-through-folk-
songs/
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 32
 SPEAK UP!
PITCH PERFECT!

The 90’s decade

was known as the decade
of wholesome family
sitcoms, giving birth to
many comic television
series and paved the way
for rising comedy stars.
Names such as Michael
V., Ogie Alcasid, Richard
Gomez, Joey Marquez,
John Estrada, among
others became household
names as they starred in
primetime comedy shows.
A comedy actress,
in the name of Cynthia Cynthia Patag, a former comedienne and actress, was famously known for her
Patag, became a popular role as Cynthia Chavez in the evening sitcom “Palibhasa Lalake, co-starring with
Richard Gomez, John Estrada and Joey Marquez, Carmina Villaroel and Amy
character in a sitcom Perez. She is significantly known for her shrill voice, giving color to her character
entitled “Palibhasa, Lalake” in the show. Photo from Pressreader.com
starring Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez and John Estrada. Cynthia was known for
her comedic skills and a voice that is as shrill as the crowing of the rooster in the
morning. Her voice pitch became a common source of laugh among the general
audience.
Although her unique voice led her to stardom, some of us cannot be
like Cynthia. Talking to someone at the top of our lungs is not healthy, both
to the one you are speaking with, and also to your vocal chords. In speaking,
identifying the right pitch is very important, in order for you to communicate a
specific message.
Pitch refers to the rise and fall of your voice when you speak. It is
sometimes called “highness” or “lowness.” Pitch is identified to give subtle
meaning to sentences. The use of pitch is called intonation, but the words “pitch”
and “intonation” are often used interchangeably (more of intonation on the next
lesson).
English speakers mark words with a higher pitch for many reasons,
including:
- to make a simple statement (neutral statement)
- to contrast or clarify information
- to give new information
- to show emphasis
- to ask questions
Here are 5 easy tips that can be used by anyone who wants to
communicate clearer. A great way to practice is to start with short phrases in
everyday life and apply one of the tips.

Tone. When you go to a department store, do you encounter these

enthusiastic salesmen enticing you to buy their product? You don’t expect them
to deliver their sales pitch in a flat, monotonous manner, or they will not be able
to hit up sales. If you are communicating excitement, it should come out with
your voice. If you are communicating a sad news, you are not expected to deliver
it in an enthusiastic way. Your tone should always fit the occassion.

Volume. If your friends are always leaning in and working to hear you,
you probably are speaking at a volume that is below the conversational level.
It is necessary to work with your voice modulation, so as not to terrorize your
audience in a small room, or be dismissed in a larger crowd.
Open your mouth. The English language needs a lot of mouth opening.
If you do not open your mouth enough when you speak, do not expect to have
a heightened volume or even the right tone when you say something. Opening
your mouth more than you might feel the need to will help with volume, stress,
and clarity.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 33


Youtube URL: https://www.youtube.com/
results?search_query=I+Have+a+Mono-
tone+Voice+&pbjreload=10
Youtube URL: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=UCUfjBOjxak
Pause. Do not hold your breath when you speak. Pausing between
thought groups gives the audience a chance to take in the new information
you are presenting. It also gives you a chance to breathe, and slow down your
pace. Pauses are a great replacement for all those “umm”s and “uhh”s which
frequently take up the time between thoughts, but sound unimpressive and
uncoordinated to the audience.
Inflection. You can’t speak in monotone; it’s the easiest way to lose
an audience. Variety in your speech will help you show your enthusiasm and
will keep your audience on their feet to listen. Do not try to deliver a message
with an accent your tongue is not familiar with. You may end up tongue-tied
or inconsistent with your tone. If you are not a native British, do not attempt to
deliver in British accent just to impress your audience. Deliver it and articulate
your speech in the most natural way possible.
TASK 1
Watch this video clip by Peter Nelson entitled “I Have A Monotone Voice”.
Notice the way Peter Nelson deliver his message. What are the struggles of
Nelson having a monotonous voice? List them down in the space below.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Then, watch the video clip entitled “World’s most enthusiastic college welcome
speech” delivered by sophomore Nicholas Selby from Georgia Institute of
Technology. Notice the way Selby deliver his message. What points from the
lesson do you think Selby was able to use to make his speech more enthusiastic?
Write your answer below.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Fill in the table below based from the two videos. What can you say about
their usage of the following factors to consider in developing your pitch in
communication?
Mouth
Video Clip Tone Volume Pause Inflection
Opening
“I Have A
Monotone
Voice” by Peter
Nelson
“World’s most
enthusiastic
college
welcome
speech” by
Nicholas Selby
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 34
 EXPAND YOUR HORIZON
MEAN WHAT YOU SAY: IDIOMS FOR DAILY USE
Most probably, you have already encountered idiomatic expressions
from your intermediate years. However, some of you might think that these
expressions are only encountered in formal or artistic conversations. This is good
news for you! Did you know that you can also have a dose of these expressions
on a daily basis, just like your regular tweet or status on social media.
Here are some of the idiomatic expressions you are actually using on a
daily basis.

LONG TIME NO SEE

Some may see this as technically wrong if you are going to look on
its grammar or structure, but it is an English expression used as a greeting by
people who have not seen each other for a while.

Example:
Joey: Hey, Fred! Long time no see!
Fred: Oh, hi, Joey! What is up with you?

TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN (24/7)

This expression is clearly stating that an activity is happening or an
establishment is operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Example:
Some Mercury Drug establishments are open twenty-four seven.

BEAT AROUND THE BUSH

Imagine one of your classmates wants to tell you something but he is
not sure how you would react, or how to say it. They might say things and try to
make you guess or lead you to it with phrases. That’s beating around the bush.

Example:
Stop covering up with what really happened! Do not beat around the
bush!

SICK AND TIRED

Do you hate something? An annoying or gruesome attitude, perhaps?
Are you fed up, angry and bored because something unpleasant has been
happening for too long? This is the actual expression to say.

Example:
I am sick and tired of your childish attitude. Stop acting like a child
and man up!

WHAT’S THE CATCH?

When something sounds too good for an offer (too good to be true...
well, that’s an idiom also), you might be asking this question to know what’s in it
for you.

Example:
Joey: Fred, Sam wants to sell his car to you for only P30,000. Isn’t that
a great deal?
Fred: That’s too low for an offer. What’s the catch?

IT’S A SMALL WORLD/ WHAT A SMALL WORLD

Aside from being a title of your favorite typical-elementary-school-
program song, this may also refer to a reaction to an unexpected coincidence or
meeting up with an old acquaintance or someone related to.

Example:
Joey: Excuse me. You’re Jeziel, Jason’s younger sister, right?
Jeziel: Yes, I am! You’re Joey, his friend! What a small world!

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 35

TASK 1
The underlined words or phrases in the following sentences are idioms that are
used in daily conversations. Identify the meaning of each expressions.

1. The news about Pres. Duterte’s visit to South Korea is indeed a hot potato.
Meaning: _____________________________________________________________________

2. Instead of bragging, why don’t you start moving? Actions speak louder than
words!
Meaning: _____________________________________________________________________

3. Blaming the victim of smart-shaming and catcalling is just adding insult to

injury.
Meaning: _____________________________________________________________________

4. Carla enjoys solving Math problems and loves painting. She’s having the
best of both worlds!
Meaning: _____________________________________________________________________

5. You can’t judge the book by its cover. You don’t know her deeply to place
judgment on her.
Meaning: _____________________________________________________________________

INSTA-GRAMMAR
#SQUADGOALS: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
(A Continuation)

Most of the time, we love to hang out with our friends and do the
same stuff together. That’s part of what friendship offers. Whether a drive out-of-
town, cooking your favorite dishes, watching your favorite movies, or just plain
catching up, you always intentionally find time to do these things with friends.
Much like in the way we agree in many things, our rules in subject-verb
agreement gives us the opportunity to look at each others’ differences, and still
find ourselves agreeing with each other in so many ways. #squadgoals
Let’s look at more rules in subject-verb agreement:

RULE NO. 1 DO STUFF TOGETHER

As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects
when they are connected by and.

Example:

A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

S S V

Math and Science excite him the most in class.

S S V

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 36

RULE NO. 2 BEAT THE ODDS TOGETHER
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by words
such as  along with, as well as, besides, or not. Ignore these
expressions when determining whether to use a singular or
plural verb.

Examples:

The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.

S V

Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.

S V

The farmers, together with Atty. Reyes, appeal to the court.

S V

RULE NO. 3 COUNT ON EACH OTHER

The expression  the number is followed by a singular verb
while the expression a number is followed by a plural verb.

Examples:

The number of people we need to hire is thirteen.

S V

A number of people have written in about this subject.

S V

RULE NO. 4 ALWAYS BE “THERE”; I WILL BE “HERE”

The words  here and there have generally been labeled as
adverbs even though they indicate place. In sentences
beginning with here or there, the subject follows the verb.

Examples:

There are four hurdles to jump.
V S

There is a high hurdle to jump.

V S

Here is your allowance for the week.

V S

Here are your materials for the project.

V S

RULE NO. 5 DO NOT LET TIME AND MONEY BE AN ISSUE

Use a singular verb with sums of money or periods of time.

Examples:

A hundred thousand pesos is a high price to pay.

S V

Five years of not seeing each other does not hinder them
S V
from becoming friends.

TASK 1
Study the following sentences. Write C if the sentence observes correct subject-
verb agreement. If it does not, make the relationship correct by rewriting.

_____ 1. Ritual and magic are common elements in myths.

___________________________________________________________________________

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 37

_____ 2. One hundred dollars are not a lot of money to some people.
___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 3. Twenty minutes is the amount of time it takes me to get home from
work.
___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 4. A number of cookies was sold for a fund-raising project.

___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 5 . Ten days are not nearly enough time to finish the project.
___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 6. The first telephone, along with other antiquities, are exhibited in the
musuem.
___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 7. One hundred men and women was arrested in the anti-loitering
ordinance commanded by the chief executive.
___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 8. Here are your duty for this week.

___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 9. There is your new pair of shoes in the cabinet.

___________________________________________________________________________

_____ 10. Ten kilometres is too far to walk.

___________________________________________________________________________

TASK 2
Using the information that the chart below provides, write two sentences that
observe the subject-verb agreement rule for each of the cases listed.

Highlights of the Hornedo P. Sanlaksa Foundation Proverbs Collection Project

Researcher Team Members Number of Proverbs Area
9 students,
Simeon L. Cruz 245 Northern Luzon
2 translators
4 students, Eastern and Western
Candida O. Ramos 164
4 translators Visayas
16 students, Central and Southern
Conrado F. Santos 1,104
5 translators Luzon
8 students, Northern and
Estrelita J. Perez 987
3 translators Western Mindanao
12 students, Central Luzon and
Dominador Q. Factor 2,135
12 translators Central Visayas

Case Sentence
A/ The 1.
number 2.
There is/ 3.
are 4.
Intervening 5.
phrase 6.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 38

 JUST WRITE
THE JOY OF LITERARY WRITING

In the previous lesson, you were able to have an understanding about

what academic writing is. In this lesson, you will be knowing about the other
form of writing - literary writing.
Unlike academic writing, literary writing deviates with all the analytics
and the rigid forms and structures. Literary writing explores more on the affective
and emotional; the active and alive. It deals with your senses and brings you to
another place, just by reading its pages.
Although writing literature can be considered carefree, you can still
find structure in them, but more than the technicalities, literature is more in the
sensibility of a writer to deliver a story, and how it would affect the readers.
In this lesson, you will be acquainted to the world of writing literature.
But first, you need to be familiar with the terms you will encounter as you venture
in literary writing. You need to take the following considerations:

Form - The form of a piece of writing is simply its structure, how it

is constructed and organized. Literary forms are like the roots. The four major
literary forms are the following: nonfiction prose, fiction prose, poetry and
drama.
Nonfiction prose is literature that is written in ordinary, non-metrical
language and communicates facts or opinions about reality.
Fiction prose is also written in ordinary, non-metrical language, but it
is the product of the writer’s imagination. You’ve probably been reading novels
and short stories for years; if so, you already know a lot about fiction prose.
Poetry uses metrical language with lots of rhythm and rhyme to create
word pictures. Poetry employs all kinds of word play, figurative language, and
imagery to send its messages, which are often rather obscure and need to be
dug out with some effort on the part of the reader.
Drama combines elements of prose and poetry into plays that are
usually intended to be performed on stage. Drama joins monologues and
dialogues by characters with stage directions and occasionally narrative sections
that explain the action.

Genre - A genre is a specific style or category of writing. Genres make

use of the various literary forms as foundations from which to stretch out in
many directions of expression. Forms and genres join with content to create the
meaning of a piece of writing. They are determined by narrative technique, tone,
content, and sometimes length.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 39

 Genres of Literature
Nonfiction Prose Fiction Prose Poetry Drama

biographies, traditional poetry,

mystery, historical
autobiographies, lyric poetry, blank
fiction, science fiction, musicals, tragedies,
history texts, opinion verse, free verse,
fantasy, horror, comedies, romance,
essays, newspaper narrative poetry,
adventure, romance, horror, fantasy
articles, self-help epigrams, ekphrasic
classics
books or descriptive poems,

Meaning - Meaning is basically the writer’s message to the reader.

Writers choose various forms and genres to help them express their meaning.
For instance, a poem about the tragedies of the World War II would send a very
different message than a nonfiction history book, yet uncompromising of the
details from historical accounts.

In conclusion, literary writing does embody certain distinguishing

characteristics. It is a self-conscious, imaginative mode of writing which uses
words not just to convey information, but as an art form. Ultimately it is a
response to life.

TASK 1
Do you know the origin of your name? Where yours came from, or where you
wish it came from? Who you’re named after? Or how would you describe
yourself using your name? Write about this following the terms you have been
introduced to in this lesson. Pick one literary form, whether a one-stanza poem,
or a short anecdote of your name origin. Example: You are going to write an
acrostic poem of your name and it’s origin.

Example:

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 40

Did You Know That...
As the 9th largest ethnic group in the
Philippines, the Pangasinenses are found
at the province of Pangasinan, Lingayen
gulf, and in the central part of the Luzon
island. With Pangasinan being the largest
province in the Ilocos region, they have 44
municipalities at hand. Pangasinenses are
known for salt production, farming, and
fishing.
Salitan Pangasinan is one of the
major languages of the Philippines.
It is the language spoken in the
province of Pangasinan, on the
west-central seaboard of the island
of Luzon along the Lingayen Gulf,
the northern portion of Tarlac and
southwestern La Union, most of whom
belong to the Pangasinan ethnic
group. Pangasinan is also understood
in some municipalities in Benguet,
Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and by
the Aeta or Aeta of Zambales. As of
2012, Pangasinan is one of the major
languages of the Philippines that is
taught and studied formally in schools
and universities.
LESSON 4
Diad Lawak na Bilay
(In the Arena of Life):
Folk Narratives and Mythologies
KNOW WHAT
YOU KNOW
TASK 1
As a class, pretend that you will go on time travelling, and you will travel to
a part of our country’s history that is not yet written on accounts. Write your
observations on the following:
1. How do the people during that time dress?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. What are the kinds of job they are doing? Are the women doing the
same as what men do?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. What are the children doing? What are they playing?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. If you are going to tell them one story from the future, what story
would you tell them?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
TASK 2
Are you a naughty child during your childhood? What are the usual stories that
your parents or grandparents tell you to tame you down? Draw it here.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 41
Spotlight on the Researcher
F elipe Landa
Jocano was
a Filipino
anthropologist,
educator, and
author known for
his significant body
of work within the
field of Philippine
Anthropology, and
in particular for
documenting and
translating the
Hinilawod, a Western
Visayan folk epic.
His eminence within the field of Philippine
anthropology was widely recognized during
his lifetime, with National Artist F. Sionil
Jose dubbing him “the country’s first and
foremost cultural anthropologist”. Jocano
served as Professor Emeritus at the Asian
Center of the University of the Philippines
and Executive Director of PUNLAD
Research House, Inc. and a professor
in University of the Philippines. He has
authored numerous books on various
aspects of Filipino Society and Culture.
MOTIVE QUESTION
How do you think folk stories such as creation
stories shape our belief system about the
creation of the world?
VOCABULARY BUILDING order over the confused world. He decided to arrange the world so that the
void – n. \’vȯid\
no legal force or effect; nothing
deity – n. \’dē-ə-tē\
the rank or essential nature of a god;
divinity
reproach – n. \ri-’prōch\
an expression of rebuke or disapproval
sombre – adj. \’säm-bər\
dismal or depressing character
reverberate – v. \re-ver-bə-rāt\
to repel, to echo or to be driven back
EXPLORE Reading 1
TUNGKUNG LANGIT AND ALUNSINA
Visayan Narrative about the Creation of the World adapted by F. Landa Jocano in Outline of
Philippine Mythology
I
n the beginning everything was shapeless and formless. The earth,
the sky, the sea, and the air were almost mixed up. In a word, there
was only confusion. Then from the depth of this formless void there
appeared the god Tungkung Langit and the goddess Alunsina.
It was not known just where these two deities came from but it is
related by old Bisayan folk that Tungkung Langit fell in love with Alunsina.
After he had courted her for many years, they married and made their
home in the highest part of heaven. There the water was always warm
and the breeze was forever cool. In this place order and regularity began.
Tungkung Langit was a loving, hard-working god. He wanted to impose
heavenly bodies would move regularly. On the other hand, Alunsina was a lazy,
jealous, selfish goddess. She sat at the window all day doing nothing.
Sometimes she would leave her home, sit down by a pool near the
door, and comb her long, jet-black hair all day long. One day Tungkung Langit
told his wife that he would be away for some time. He said he must make time
go on smoothly and arrange everything in the world.
When he was gone, Alunsina set the breeze to spy on Tungkung
Langit. Tungkung Langit found this out and he became very angry. After he
returned home, he told her that it was ungodly of her to be jealous since there
were no other gods in the world except the two of them.
Alunsina resented this reproach, and they quarreled. In his anger,
Tungkung Langit drove his wife away. No one knew where she went. Several
days later, Tungkung Langit felt very lonely. He realized that he should not
have lost his temper. But it was too late.
Once vibrant with Alunsina’s sweet voice, his home became cold and
desolate. In the morning when he woke up, he would find himself alone. In the
afternoon when he came home, he would feel the same loneliness creeping
deep in his heart because there was no one to meet him at the doorstep or
soothe the aching muscles of his arms.
For months, Tungkung Langit was in utter desolation. He could not
find Alunsina, try hard as he would. And so, in desperation, he decided to do
something in order to forget his sorrows. For months and months he thought,
but his mind seemed pointless; his heart weary and sick. He needed something
to ease his lonely world.
One day, while he was sailing across the regions of the clouds, a
thought came to him. He would make the sea and the earth, and the earth
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 42
QUESTIONS FOR COMPREHENSION
Why did Tungkung Langit get angry
with his wife?
Do you think Alunsina’s action towards
her husband is fair and just? Support
your answer.
If you were Tungkung Langit would
you have done the same? Explain your
answer.
What do you think about the
description of Alunsina in the story?
Do you think this is still our society’s
point of view about women? Why?
Why not?
and the sea suddenly appeared. However, the sombre sight of the lonely sea
and the barren land irritated him. So he came down to earth and planted the
ground with trees and flowers.
Then he took his wife’s treasured jewels and scattered them in the sky,
hoping that when Alunsina would see them she might be induced to return
home. The goddess’s necklace became the stars, her comb the moon and her
crown the sun. However, despite Tungkung Langit’s efforts, Alunsina did not
come back.
Until now, some elders of Panay say Tungkung Langit lives alone in his
palace in the skies. Sometimes, he would cry out his pent-up emotion and his
tears would fall down upon the earth. When it thunders hard, it is Tungkung
Langit sobbing, calling for his beloved Alunsina to come back, entreating her
so hard that his voice reverberates across the fields and the countryside.
PROCESS
Filipino folktales are stories that form part of the oral tradition in the
Philippines. They have been passed on generation to generation by word of
mouth rather than by writing, and thus the stories have been modified by
successive retellings before they were written down and recorded.
Folktales in general include legends, fables, jokes, tall stories and fairy
tales. Many of the folktales in the Philippines involve mythical creatures and
magical transformations.
These stories are in the danger of being lost if our generation will forget
to take care of these precious gems. Retelling and reinventing these stories will
help us create a fresher view of our past.
TASK 1
Create a timeline of the events that happened in the story “Tungkung Langit and
Alunsina”.
What How did it
happened end?
first?
TASK 2
Look for other folk narratives about the Creation of the World. What makes the
story of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina different from other creation stories?
What makes it similar to other stories? Answer this using a Venn diagram.
Tungkung Other Creation
Langit and Stories
Alunsina
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 43
Spotlight on the Researcher
C harity Beyer-Bagatsing was the
great granddaughter of American
anthropologist, Henry Otley Beyer,
who spent most
of his adult life
in the Philippines
teaching Philippine
indigenous culture
and known as
the “Father
of Philippine
Anthropology”.
Charity pursued
a degree in
Veterinary
Medicine, but
found her love for
writing wherein
she became a publisher and her publication
Northwest Woman Magazine was rated as
one of the top 3 Local Women’s Magazine’s
in the USA. Like her great grandfather,
she is also fascinated in the research about
Filipino folklore and mythology through
The Aswang Project, an online educational
resource to share the rich, colorful and
diverse folklore of the Philippines.
MOTIVE QUESTION
How did the belief of the supernatural affect
our ancestors’ way of life? How does this
reflected in the present time?
VOCABULARY BUILDING
sovereign – adj. \’sä-v(ə-)rən\
a person possessing supreme political
power
exemplary – adj. \ig-’zem-plə-rē\
serving as an example, instance or
illustration
envoy – n. \’än-vȯi\
a person delegated to represent one
government in its dealings with another
smitten – adj. \’smi-tən\
affected by striking
renounce – v. \ri-naúns\
give up, refuse to follow
EXPLORE Reading 2
THE MERMAID QUEEN
retold by Charity Beyer-Bagatsing, adapted from The Beyer Ethnographic Series
T
he sirena or
mermaid and the
facts surrounding
this mythical creature are
of Spanish origin. Using
the 160 volumes of the
Beyer Ethnographic Series,
it was amazingly observed
that the maiden of the
waters was predominantly
unique to the Ilokano
volumes. According to
Pacita Malabad-Beyer, the
myths about the sirena
is only found in Ilokano
folklore and cannot be
found in any Tagalog or
even Visayan and Mindanaoan folklore is because they have observed that
different rivers in the Ilocos region, although calm and pristine on the surface,
have strong currents and undertows beneath. Through the years, accounts
of swimmers drowning or in a half dazed state after escaping the grip of
an unknown force which tried to drag them to the bottom of the river;
having no other explanation for this phenomena the early Spaniards told
the natives it might have been a mermaid or sirena.
***
I
n the olden days, Binalatongan whose main product was mongo
beans (balatong) hence its name, was a wealthy settlement of 2,000
houses where ordinary people wore the finest Chinese silk for daily
use and gold that flowed in the rivers surrounding the region.
The name of their sovereign ruler was Maginoo Palasipas, who was
unhappy in spite of his vast wealth and power brought by his exemplary
rulership. His greatest desire was to be conquered by the heart of a woman
and share his kingdom with a soul mate. This woman had to be the fairest of
the fair, whose beauty and character was unmatched by no other. His loyal
datus sought the fairest maidens in the land and presented their beauty to the
King. Tagalog chieftains sent envoys with a message offering their secluded
royal daughters to be his bride. Chinese, Japanese and Bornean merchants
volunteered to sail back to their native lands to bring back princesses of pure
royal blood. But he refused all their offers and suggestions.
One evening, Maginoo Palasipas strolled by the riverbank and laid
down on the dewed grass to admire the fullness of the moon. He heard a faint
and mystical melody from afar. Following the sound of the music, he came
upon a maiden sitting on a rock with her back turned. She was combing her
thick ankle length hair and sang with the most enchanting voice. He noticed a
crown of pearls adorning her head and she wore a silk robe embroidered with
gold beads, pearls and diamonds.
The maiden instinctively turned around and he beheld the face of a
goddess with flawless olive skin, blue green eyes like the waters and blood red
lips. Instantly smitten Maginoo Palasipas asked who she was.
She answered, “I am the mermaid of Binalatongan”
Palasipas replied, “I have heard about your kindness towards my
people. Thank you for guiding my fishermen back into shore during a storm,
for rescuing Datu Angat’s only son from drowning and leaving a string of
pearls to Datu’ Bakat’s widow after he was killed by raiding Tirong pirates.”
By this time Palasipas got down on his knees and asked the mermaid
to be his wife and rule as the Queen of Binalatongan. The mermaid smiled,
nodded her head and gave her hand to Palasipas, renouncing her sea life and
begun the long and glorious reign of the once mermaid and the powerful
Maginoo Palasipas.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 44
QUESTIONS FOR COMPREHENSION
Why is Maginoo Palasipas unhappy in
spite of his vast wealth and power?
What did Maginoo discovered one
evening when he strolled by the
riverbank?
Based on Maginoo Palasipas’ decision
not to marry any women delivered
to her, how do you think this attitude
reflects the Filipino way of courtship?
How would you compare our present-
day perspective about it?
PROCESS
Philippine mythology is the body of myths, tales, and superstitions held
by Filipinos, mostly originating from beliefs held during the pre-Hispanic era.
Today, some of these precolonial beliefs are still held by Filipinos, especially in
the provinces.
Filipino myth is incorporated from various sources, having similarities
with Indonesian and Malay myths, as well as Christian traditions, such as the
notion of Heaven, Hell, and the human soul. Filipino mythology attempts to
explain the nature of the world through the lives and actions of gods, goddesses,
heroes, and mythological creatures. A majority of these myths were passed on
through oral tradition.
According to the late Philippine-based American anthropologist
Henry Otley Beyer, “Among the Christianized peoples of the plains the myths
are preserved chiefly as folk tales, but in the mountains their recitation and
preservation is a real and living part of the daily religious life of the people. Very
few of these myths are written; the great majority of them are preserved by oral
tradition only.”
TASK 1
In your library, search for the following Filipino mythological creatures. Identify
the roles that they play in the ancient Filipino culture and the places in the
Philippines where their stories are prominent.
Mythical Place/Tribe of Best known for/
Creature Origin Characteristics
Amalanhig
Bakunawa
Litao
Minokawa
Santelmo
Tigmamanukan
ENRICH
INTENSIVE AND EXTENSIVE READING
We learn languages for a host of different reasons. Some of us do
it for educational purposes, employment opportunities, travel goals or to
communicate with family or friends, among other motivations.
But diverse as our motivations may be, we all want to read in our
target language, don’t we? Reading is basic. It’s practical. It opens up worlds
and broadens horizons. It’s also just enjoyable. Sometimes it even includes fun
material like comic books and romance novels. And most of us want to not just
stumble through; we want to read well.
The great news is that not only is it possible to train yourself to read
well in your target language, you can actually use reading as a method to teach
yourself vocabulary, sentence structure and more.
With two different but complementary strategies—extensive and
intensive reading—we can strengthen our reading skills and overall fluency.
Intensive and extensive reading, are two distinct methods of reading.
Both are useful for learning a second language.
In intensive reading, testing, evaluating and increasing knowledge is the
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 45
primary focus. Understanding the literal meaning of what’s being read is vital.
Reading intensively often includes note-taking and attention to details. Some
possible examples of intensive reading material are reports, contracts, news
articles, blog posts and short pieces of text such as short stories.
Extensive reading, on the other hand, is a completely different sort of
approach. Know how it feels when you’re doing something simply for the joy
of doing it? Like riding a bicycle or dancing, when you know it won’t matter if
you don’t get the gears shifted perfectly or your dance steps don’t hit every
downbeat? Extensive reading is like that. It’s reading for fun. And it’s doing it as
often as possible.
The idea behind extensive reading is that increased exposure leads to
stronger language skills. Think of the vocabulary you’re being exposed to when
you read a lot. And seeing the structure, idioms and cadence of a language
leads to familiarity, which leads to reading competence.

SPEAK UP!
DON’T BE STRESSED WITH STRESS!

A language learner needs to engage with a word many times, preferably

in different ways, in order to really learn it - identifying and practicing word
stress can provide one or two of those engagements.
When we stress syllables in words, we use a combination of different
features. Experiment now with the word ‘computer’. Say it out loud. Listen to
yourself. The second syllable of the three is stressed. What are you doing so that
the listener can hear that stress?
A stressed syllable combines five features:
- it is longer
- it is louder
- it has a change in pitch
- it is said more clearly
- it uses larger facial improvements

Why word stress is important?

Mistakes in word stress are a common cause of misunderstanding in
English. Here are the reasons why:

Stressing the wrong syllable in a word can make the word very
hard to hear and understand; for example, try saying the following
words. Stressing the word bottle as bot-TLE and hotel as HOT-tle
would sound very difficult to understand.

bot-tle | ho-tel - correct stress in syllable
In a sentence:
“I carried the bottle to the hotel.”

Stressing a word differently can change the meaning or type of the

word:

“They will desert the desert by tomorrow.”

desert - verb desert - noun

Even if the speaker can be understood, mistakes with word stress can
make the listener feel irritated, or perhaps even amused, and could
prevent good communication from taking place.

These three reasons tell us that word stress is an important part of the
English language, and it is something students should be improving on.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 46

TASK 1
The following sets of identical words contain different stresses in their syllables.
Identify which one is correct. The stressed syllable is written in capital letters.
___ PLAS-tic ___ DE-cide ___ YES-ter-day
___ plas-TIC ___ de-CIDE ___ yes-TER-day
___ PHO-to-graph-er ___ AB-sen-tee-ism ___ HOL-i-day
___ pho-TO-graph-er ___ ab-sen-TEE-ism ___ hol-i-DAY
___ com-PU-ter ___ com-mu-ni-CA-tion ___ BEAU-ti-ful
___ com-pu-TER ___ com-mu-ni-ca-TION ___ beau-TI-ful
___ un-DER-stand ___ flex-i-BI-li-ty ___ to-MA-to
___ un-der-STAND ___ flex-i-bi-LI-ty ___ TO-ma-to
___ con-ver-SA-tion ___ A-mor-ti-za-tion ___ GEN-e-ral
___ con-VER-sa-tion ___ a-MOR-ti-za-tion ___ gen-E-ral
___ im-POR-tant ___ en-vi-ron-MEN-tal ___ CAL-cu-la-tor
___ IM-por-tant ___ en-vi-ron-men-TAL ___ cal-cu-LA-tor

EXPAND YOUR HORIZON

WORD CONTRACTIONS
Are you a person of few words?
Then most probably you already considered
shortening your sentences or phrases to keep
it simple and easy to understand. There is one
way for us to minimize the use of words and
still deliver the same message across - word
contractions.
We use contractions in everyday speech
and informal writing. Contractions, which are
sometimes called ‘short forms’, commonly
combine a pronoun or noun and a verb, or a
verb and not, in a shorter form. Contractions are
usually not appropriate in formal writing.
We make contractions with auxiliary
verbs, and also with be and have when they are
not auxiliary verbs. When we make a contraction,
we commonly put an apostrophe in place of a
missing letter.
The following are the most common
contractions:

Contractions with I, you, he, she, it, we, and they:

First person pronoun + am

I am = I’m

Second person pronouns + are

You are = You’re We are = We’re They are = They’re

Second person pronoun + is and has

He is/has = He’s She is/has = She’s It is/has = It’s

Personal pronouns + will

I will = I’ll He will = He’ll She will = She’ll
It will = It’ll We will = We’ll They will = They’ll

Personal pronouns + had and would

I had = I’d You had = You’d He had = He’d
She would = She’d It would = It’d We would = We’d
They had = They’d

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 47

Contractions with auxiliary verb and not
The contraction for not is n’t

are not = aren’t is not = isn’t

can not = can’t must not = mustn’t
could not = couldn’t shall not = shan’t
did not = didn’t was not = wasn’t
has not = hasn’t were not = weren’t
have not = haven’t will not = won’t
would not = wouldn’t

We use contractions with be + negative in two ways:

She is not is contracted to she isn’t or she’s not. I am not is only
contracted to I’m not. Not: I’m n’t or I am n’t. They are not is contracted to
they aren’t or they’re not. The isn’t / aren’t contractions are more common
after nouns. The ’s / ’re not contractions are more common after pronouns: The
cakes aren’t ready yet. She’s not a friend of mine.

TASK 1
A. Make affirmative contractions with words that can possibly be word
contractions.

1. They will go to the museum and it is obvious that they are excited.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. He is very happy to announce that they will move in to their new

home in Cavite.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. She was 21 years old when she started working for the company.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4. I am going to the market. You will go with me, right?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

5. Jessie and I are thankful for your invitation, and we would love to
come to your party. We will be there at 8:00.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

B. Make negative contractions with words that can possibly be word contractions.

1. Albert and I did not go to the party last weekend. We went to the
beach instead.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. Teddy and Erin were not feeling very well. So, they did not go to
school.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. Erika does not like spaghetti.

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4. I have not seen the movie yet. Have you?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

5. Jovita has not finished her homework; still, she is not working on it.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 48

 INSTA-GRAMMAR
#TRAVELGOALS: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
(A Continuation)

Which part of the Philippines have you traveled so far?

Filipinos’ innate love for wandering is believed to be rooted from
our ancestors who are actually wanderers when they first inhabited the
archipelago more than a hundred thousand years ago. We are actually a mix
of the Malayan race - who are currently inhabiting our neighboring countries
like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia - and the countries who were all active
in the ancient trading system.
Indeed, as we explore different corners of the country, we are going to
know more of our culture and understand more of ourselves - our traditions,
belief systems and cultural practices. That will be the time when we can really
say #travelgoals
Much like the way we should explore and understand our islands,
the use of subject-verb agreement in understanding the uses of nouns in
sentences should also come in handy. Here are some of the rules in subject-
verb agreement that you should know when it comes to using collective and
proper nouns.

RULE NO. 1 DON’T GO SOLO; TRAVEL IN GROUPS

A collective noun takes a singular verb if the collective noun
is acting as a unit.

Examples:

The tour guiding team requires the tourists to be responsible
S V
with their garbage.

The audience enjoys the performances of the sea lions and

S V
dolphins in the aquatic park.

RULE NO. 2 EVEN IN GROUP TOURS, RESPECT YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

A collective noun takes a plural verb if the collective noun is
acting as individual members.

Examples:

The tour guiding team are arguing about which goes first in
S V
the itinerary.

The audience prefer to watch either the dolphins or the sea

S V
lions only.

It is necessary to grasp the meaning of the entire sentence in order

to determine whether the collective noun is acting as a unit or as individual
members.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 49

RULE NO. 3 RECREATE SCENES FROM A FAMOUS FLICK
When the subject is a title of a literary work, movie, etc.,
the verb is singular.

Examples:

Bamboo Gods and Iron Men is a martial arts comedy set in
S V
the Philippines.

How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife depicts the rural

S V
life in the town of Bangar in La Union.

RULE NO. 4
Though some nouns like news, measles, economics, physics,
aerobics, appendicitis, etc., end in -s, they are singular in
meaning, hence take singular verbs.

Examples:

News about the closure of Boracay saddens beach-goers.

S V

Statistics shows that 2017 posted an impressive growth of
S V
earnings brought by tourism in the Philippines.

RULE NO. 5 LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS; TAKE NOTHING BUT MEMORIES

In sentences preceded by a prepositional phrase, those
wherein the subject comes after the verb, the verb
still agrees with the subject.

Examples:

In Nayong Filipino are replicas of the famous tourist

V S
destinations in the Philippines like Mayon Volcano, the

pay-ews in Banaue and Chocolate hills.

TASK 1
Complete the following sentences. Use the present tense and observe correct
subject-verb agreement.

1. The jury _____________________________________________________________________

2. Athletics _____________________________________________________________________

3. Filipinos all over the world __________________________________________________

4. Tungkung Langit and Alunsina ______________________________________________

5. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ______________________________________________

6. In the Avilon Zoo ____________________________________________________________

7. The administration __________________________________________________________

8. How I Met Your Mother _____________________________________________________

9. On top of your desk _________________________________________________________

10. Measles ____________________________________________________________________

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 50

 JUST WRITE
THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Have you already played tug-of-war? What is the goal of the game
and how do you strategize to play it?
In the game of tug-of-war, the usual winners are those with enough
physical strength. Strong arms and determination are essential to win this kind
of rough game. The one who is frail and undetermined loses the competition.
This has a parallel in the world of writing. In order for you to create a
more convincing and clear point, you need to establish strong evidences and
engage your readers with your strong explanations and reliable sources. These
are the weapons you need in writing your argumentative essay.
An argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student
to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a
position on the topic in a concise manner.
Argumentative essays are kind of like superpowers: they allow you to
get what you want using the superpower of persuasion.
The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the
following.
A thesis statement usually appears at the 1. A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the
middle or end of the introductory para- first paragraph of the essay.
graph of a paper, and it offers a concise
summary of the main point or claim of the > set the context by reviewing or introducing your topic
essay, research paper, etc. It is usually ex- > explain why such topic should be discussed
pressed in one sentence, and the statement > present your thesis statement/ main point of argument
may be reiterated elsewhere.
For many years, children growing up in a single parent family have
been viewed as different. Being raised by only one parent seems impossible
to many yet over the decades it has become more prevalent. In today’s society
many children have grown up to become emotionally stable and successful
whether they had one or two parents to show them the rocky path that life
bestows upon all human beings. The problem lies in the difference of children
raised by single parents versus children raised by both a mother and a father.
With much speculation, this topic has become a very intriguing argument. What
people must understand is that properly raising a child does not rely on the
structure of a family but should be more focused on the process or values that
are taught to these children as they learn to mature. Children of single parents
can be just as progressive with emotional, social and behavioral skills as
those with two parents.


2. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body,
and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the
essay together. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the
previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the
next section.
Transitional Devices
Addition Contrast Comparison Result Time
however, still,
next, then,
also, besides, nevertheless, similarly, therefore, hence,
meanwhile,
furthermore, conversely, likewise thus,
finally,
moreover nonetheless, consequently
subsequently
instead
Coordinating
and, for, or, yet, but, nor, so
Conjunctions
Correlative both . . . and; either . . . or; neither . . . nor; not . . . but; not only . . . but
Conjunctions (also); whether . . . or
after, even though, than, wherever, although, if, that, whether, as, in order
Subordinating that, though, which, as if, in order to, unless, while, as though,rather than,
Conjunctions until, who, because, since, when, before, so as to, whenever, even if,
so that, where

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 51


URL: https://www.mesacc.edu/~pao-
ih30491/ArgumentEssay1.pdf
3. Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate,
detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement
and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical,
or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis.
4. A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but
readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.
This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most
immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it
must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new
information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information
presented in the body of the essay.
TASK 1
Read the essay entitled “Single Parent Struggles” by Chris Polito and Paola
Brown. Scan the QR code or find it through the URL at the left side of this
page. Answer the following questions:
1. What is the speaker’s claim? What does s/he want you to believe?
2. What reasons does s/he give for his claim?
3. What facts, quotations, evidence, or specific details does s/he give to
support those reasons?
4. Is there a counterclaim? What is it?
TASK 2
Below are questions given to our Filipina representatives in the recent world
pageants. Pick a question from the list and write a 5-paragraph argumentative
essay about your chosen topic. Make sure to use credible and valuable sources,
which you will cite to support your argument.
1. As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English should
be a pre-requisite to being Miss Universe? Why or why not?
2. Would you change your religious beliefs to marry someone you love?
3. Earlier this year, there was a controversy in Philippines about the United
States reopening a base in your country. Do you think the United States
should have a military presence in your country?
4. Australia is taking its first step towards legalizing marijuana. Do you think
that is a good idea? Why?
5. Few issues in the United States are more polarizing than gun ownership. The
argument really heats up after major tragic events such as San Bernardino
and Sandy Hook. What is your position on gun control?
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 52
Did You Know That...
LESSON 5

Mga Kagila-gilalas na
Pakikipagsapalaran
(These Marvelous Adventures):
Epics and Ballads
KNOW WHAT
YOU KNOW

TASK 1
Who is the person you consider your own personal hero? Why?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Map of the dominant ethnolinguistic groups of the
Philippines. TASK 2
Create a Modern-Hero Starter Pack. Look for 4 magazine pictures that will
embody the kind of character you want for your hero. Paste it in the boxes
below.
There are some 120 to 187 languages
and dialects in the Philippines,
depending on the method of
classification. Almost all are Malayo-
Polynesian languages. A number of
Spanish-influenced creole varieties
generally called Chavacano are
also spoken in certain communities.
The 1987 Constitution designates
Filipino as the national language
and an official language along with
English. While Filipino is used for
communication across the country’s
diverse linguistic groups and is used
in popular culture, the government
operates mostly using English.
Including second-language speakers,
there are more speakers of Tagalog
than English in the Philippines. The
other regional languages are given
official auxiliary status in their
respective places according to the
constitution but does not specify any
language in particular. Some of these
regional languages are also used in
education.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 53

Background of the Text
T he Hudhud is an integral part of the
cultural traditions of the Ifugao. It
survived to the present day in spite
of the introduction of Christianity among
the Ifugao because it is not associated with
indigenous rituals. It serves as one of the
organizing principles that bind the Ifugao
society and gives the people a specific
character and identity.
This is chanted in seven of the eleven
municipalities of the Ifugao province. There
are different versions in the province, mostly
chanted and rarely recited, in the various
dialects. Some of the words are archaic and
presently not understood. The Hudhud is now
inscribed in the Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
having been declared a Masterpiece of the
Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
in 2001. It was declared a National Cultural
Treasure of the Philippines by the National
Museum in 2001 and a Provincial Cultural
Treasure by the Ifugao Province in 2007.
MOTIVE QUESTION
What kind of identity is being revealed about
Filipinos through epics and ballads?
VOCABULARY BUILDING spear and the shield. Amtulao made for him a little spear; and when at the age
thatched – adj. \ˈthacht\
loosely covered
austerity – n. \ȯ-ˈster-ə-tē\
stern and serious; plain and simple
ostentation – n. \ä-stən-ˈtā-shən\
excessive display; vain and unnecessary
show especially for the purpose of
attracting attention, admiration, or envy
precocious – adj. \pri-ˈkō-shəs\
exceptionally early in development or
occurrence
gaiety – v. \ˈgā-ə-tē\
merriment; festivity; elegance
EXPLORE Reading 1
HUDHUD HI ALIGUYON (The Prowess of Aliguyon)
retold by F. Landa Jocano
L
ong ago in Hannanga
there lived a rich
couple, Amtulao and
Dumulao. They owned the
longest and widest of the
rice terraces that covered
the mountainsides, and
their harvests were the
most plentiful. Their
thatched house, large
enough to contain three
of their neighbors’ huts,
had piles of red and white
camote. Buried in the earth
were jars of rice wine.
Hudhud chanters sitting on top of the Rock of Pumbakhayon, declared
National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in Amtulao’s dogs were fat
November 2001 as object correlative of the hudhud chants of the Ifugao. and well fed, not lean and
Photo by Renato Rastrollo, National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA). starved looking as were the
dogs of his neighbors. But
will all their wealth, Amtulao and Dululao were unhappy, for they were childless.
They offered numerous sacrifices to the spirits; and they lived frugally and
simply feeling somehow that austerity and lack of ostentation would
please the anitos.
In the end their prayers were answered, and Dumulao gave birth to
Aliguyon, a sturdy and handsome child.
Even as an infant, Aliguyon was precocious. He quickly learned the
songs with which his mother lulled him to sleep, and in no time he could
recite the long prayers chanted by the warriors on Hannanga. He even
knew by heart the village lore, the stories that the old folks of the village
told, reciting them word for word as he had heard them in the cool
evenings. But what pleased Amtulao most was Aliguyon’s skill with the
of three Aliguyon speared his first fish, Amtulao offered a pig as a sacrifice to
the gods in thanksgiving. At five Aliguyon had speared wild chickens, at seven
he was an accepted companion of Amtulao on hunting trips.
Among his playmates Aliguyon was a favorite. He was accepted as the
leader, and no one challenged his leadership, for could he not spin a top better
than anyone else? And could he not “kill” the strongest tops by hitting them
with the pointed stem of his own top? Amtulao loved his son and carefully
taught him all the arts of hunting and fishing that he knew, and he told the boy
all the stories of valor and prowess of which he knew so many. But always, he
ended with the story about his bitter enemy in the village across the mountain.
Pangaiwan of Daligdigan had to be conquered before Amtulao could die in
peace.
So when Aliguyon reached manhood, he called his childhood friends,
now skilled workers, and talked to them about the glories of war, the prize they
could bring back , and the adventures and fame awaiting them if they joined
him in an expedition to Daligdigan. Eagerly his friends ran for their spears
and shields, and with provisions for three days, Aliguyon and ten warriors set
forth. When they reached the enemy village, Aliguyon challenged Pangaiwan
to fight, but Pangaiwan was old. Instead, up rose Pumbakhayon, his manly son,
as skilled a warrior and as strong and keen eyed as Aliguyon.
For three years the two men fought, and when they rested, their
friends fought man to man. But so well matched were the men, so equal in the
arts of war, that no one was beaten. Each combat was a draw, each encounter
ended with no one seriously wounded. At last Aliguyon and Pumbakhayon
grew to admire each other. The people of Daligdigan, who had watched the
strangers with suspicion, learned to like them for their courteous bearing
and fair fighting. And the warriors of Hannanga found the girls in Daligdigan
winningly shy and sweet.
One day, therefore, while Aliguyon and Pumbakhayon sat resting from
a hotly contested fight, Pumbakhayon remarked: “What a waste of time! If
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 54
QUESTIONS FOR COMPREHENSION
Why did Amtulao and Dumulao choose
to live frugally and simply despite their
numerous wealth?
What made Aliguyon decide to fight
the people of Daligdigan?
Why did Aliguyon and Pumbakhayon
stop fighting?
If you are Aliguyon, will you do the
same as what he did in the story?
Why?
were not enemies, we could be at home drinking rice wine and eating broiled
river fish or roasted meat. But were enemies even though neither of us did the
other any harm.” Aliguyon replied, “Ah, how truly you speak. Perhaps the anitos
do not favor this fight, for neither has won. Perhaps the gods put your words
into your mouth and this feeling in my heart, for I no longer wish to kill you,
O Pumbakhayon.” His words fell on the ears of the listening warriors and on
those of the villagers watching the combat. With a loud shout of approval, the
warriors ran to their leaders and carried them to the house of Pumbakhayon
where old Pangaiwan waited. Preparations began for a huge celebration.
Squealing pigs were drag to be killed. The fattest dogs were killed and cooked.
The fields were scoured for river fish and snails. Prized camotes, violet and
orange, glutinous and sweet, were boiled or roasted. Bananas were laid out
by the bunches; guavas and berries were heaped high, and in white scrubbed
wooden bowls steamed small-grained upland rice, sweet smelling of fragrant
herbs and banana leaves, and black-bottomed earthen pots. Everyone came
to the feast, and as the jars of rice wine were emptied, the friendship between
the strangers from Hannanga and the people of Daligdigan grew.
All throughout the feast, Aliguyon was fascinate by the light movements
of Bugan, by her gaiety and her poise. At the end of the three-day feast, he
approached Pangaiwan and said, “O Pangaiwan, once my father’s enemy but
now his friend, grant, I beg of you, this one request. Let us bind our friendship
with ties that even death cannot break. Give me your daughter Bugan for my
wife. I love her; she is to me the brilliant sun that warms the earth and drives
away the chill of the night. She is to me the golden moon that brightens the
dark and drives away the weariness of the day’s work. Without her I cannot
return to my village as I left it, for with her I have left y heart and my thoughts
and my happiness.”
Pangaiwan listened, and the men grew quite. Bugan blushed and bent
her head. Fourteen times her father had harvested his yearly crops since she
was born; she knew that after two or more harvests her father would begin
looking critically at the young men who talked to her. But Aliguyon was such a
hero, so strong and brave, so well spoken of and handsome! Would her father
allow her to leave the house and follow Aliguyon?
Pangaiwan looked at his daughter fondly. He could read her thoughts
as she looked at him mutely from under shyly lowered eyelashes. Clearing his
throat, he answered slowly:
“Aliguyon, you are my son. The spirits are good. They have given me
a worthy man for a son-in-law. Take Bugan. I pray the anitos that she will be a
worthy wife for you and a dutiful daughter-in-law for Amtulao and Dumulao.”
His words were drowned by the joyous shouts of Aliguyon and his men.
Aliguyon sprang into the air, yelling with happiness, and his friends chanted
the first words of the courting song. The women took up the rhythm with their
hands on bronze gongs and hollowed-out logs, and everyone crowded around
to see Aliguyon mimic the strut of a rooster as he danced before Bugan.
In triumph he led her to his father in Hannanga, and kneeling before
Amtulao and Dumulao, he cried:
“O Father! O Mother! Your enemy in Daligdigan is no more. Pangaiwan,
your enemy, no longer lived. In his place is Pangaiwan, the father-in-law of
your only son Aliguyon. If you love me, love too the man whom your son
promised to honor as the father of his wife. Behold, I have brought you my
wife, Bugan of Daligdigan, the lovely daughter of Pangaiwan. I bring her to
you, Father, so that someone can pound the dried meat for you when you are
hungry. I brought her to you, O my mother, so that someone can carry water
to you when you want to drink.
“I destroyed your enemy by making him a friend. Therefore, O Father,
you can die in peace, for we have conquered him. But Bugan conquered my
heart, and with her I can live in peace.”
Thus did peace come to Amtulao and Dumulao. They lived to see
Bugan enrich their lives with several grandchildren. Often Amtulao and
Dumulao were honored guests at Daligdigan, in the house of Pangaiwan; and
as often as they visited Pangaiwan, so often did he go to Hannanga to visit his
grandchildren and to talk of old times with Amtulao and Dumulao.
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 55
 PROCESS

One of the reasons why the idea of heroic figures or archetypes strike
Filipinos so hard is because our ancestors created the original version of the
stories. They spoke about adventures of ‘larger than life’ people who bring
glory, honor, and pride to them through their remarkable deeds that are beyond
the normal person’s capacity to achieve.
Epic stories such as Aliguyon, Lam-ang, among others, are considered
“one of the few available gems of Philippine oral literature of the northern tribal
cultures.” these are chanted during important social festivities or at the wake of
an important community leader. These stories portray heroes with supernatural
strength and characteristics, far from how heroes are being depicted in the
present.
It is our responsibility as Filipinos to foster preservation of these epic
narratives because this also form part of our identity as a nation.


TASK 1
With your group, look for the following titles of other epics recorded in the
Philippines. Identify the characteristics of an epic hero exhibited in each of their
main characters. Write it down in the graphic organizer below.

Epic Hero Characteristics of the Epic Hero

Kudaman
(Palawan)

Labaw Donggon
ng Hinilawod
(Panay)
Tuwaang
(Bagobo)

Indarapatra
(Magindanaw)

Agyu ng Olaging
(Bukidnon)

Lam-ang
(Ilocos)

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 56

Background of the Text EXPLORE Reading 2

L akay

recorded
Canuto
B a y a n g

song Indayuan along

with other songs in
the
INDAYUAN
recorded by Lakay Canuto Bayang; translated by Florentino Hornedo

his repertory. He is
one of the only natives
who is familiar with
the musical style of
chanting called baguyos, a repetitive melody.
Cultural researcher Florentino Hornedo
described Lakay Canuto “though eighty-
seven years old (at the time of the research
done by Hornedo), was still vigorous... he sat
and drink some tapey (rice wine) and then
sang for the tape recording, pausing from
time to time to answer interview questions. In
the course of his singing, Canuto made many
gestures sometimes standing to gesticulate,
to laugh at his own funny remarks in the
songs, in response to the reactions of his
audience.” The Amburayan River headwaters are a confluence of smaller creeks along the south of barangay Lubo,
in Kibungan. Several other tributary creeks merge with the river as it flows along Atok and Kapangan. It
then flows along the Sugpon-San Gabriel border, the Sugpon-Santol border, the Sugpon-Sudipen border,
the Sudipen-Alilem border, the Sudipen-Tagudin border, and finally at the Tagudin-Bangar border, where
its river mouth is located.

I
ndayuan is a narrative song named for the beautiful mysterious girl of
the poem. It was recorded, among others, from the repertory of Lakay
MOTIVE QUESTION Canuto Bayang in Barrio Porporiket, Sudipen, La Union on April 1, 1986.
Porporiket lies along the west bank of the Amburayan River which flows
How do you think the kind of migration of from the Benguet mountains down to the West Philippine Sea at the border
people in the past is motivated? Does it have of the provinces of Ilocos Sur to the north and La Union to the south. In
any parallel or similarities in the present?
the area where it is joined by the Bakun River, there are several villages
belonging to the La Union town of Sudipen and the Ilocos towns of Alilem
and Sugpon. The Ilokanos in the sea coast towns as well as the villagers in
the inland communities refer to the culture of the place as Bag-o, a mixed
VOCABULARY BUILDING Iloko-Kankana-ey culture, rich in lore and literary sophistication.
The Indayuan is sung in the musical chant style called baguyos which
repertory – n. \ˈre-pər-ˌtȯr-ē\ is used for singing hero stories. The story purports to be the story of the lovely
the production and presentation of plays by Indayuan, but it eventually gets caught up in the history of an exodus of groups
a repertory company; a collection
of refugees.
sophistication – n. \sə-ˌfi-stə-ˈkā-shən\
the process or result of becoming more ***
complex, developed, or subtle Ilokano Version English Translation
purport – n. \ˈpər-ˌpȯrt\ Ay adda ket malagipko I remember a story
meaning conveyed, professed, or implied Nga iduayya nga iday-os To sing and to tell
Iti biang ti pubpubliko, For the public to hear
exodus – adj. \ˈek-sə-dəs\ Ti adda ket malagipko, For I remember the story
a mass departure; migration Ni babae nga Indayuan Of the woman Indayuan
Nasudi ken nabulan, Who was famous and lovely,
refugees – v. \ˌre-fyu̇-ˈjēz\
a person who flees to a foreign country or Ni babae nga Indayuan This woman Indayuan
power to escape danger or persecution
No rumuar diay paraangan, When she appears at their porch,
Ni babae nga Indayuan, This woman Indayuan,
Kas no la binokbukodan Seems to have taken to herself
Ti pudaw ti babbalasang The beauty of all the women
Kadaida nga agkakailian, Who lived in her village,
Ni babae nga Indayuan, This woman Indayuan,
Anak da Sevilla ken Kapariaan Daughter of Sevilla and Kapariaan
Nga agkabangibang Who were wife and husband

Idi met kapigsa During the height

Ti ubra ti daldalan Of work at road construction,
Ngem idiay Butak idi And it was at Butak
Ti agdama nga maubran Where the road was being made
Da met Sevilla ken Kapariaan, Sevilla and Kapariaan

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 57

 Isu met tay inda nagbutngan Became afraid,
Da Sevilla ken Kapariaan These Sevilla and Kapariaan,
Nga akin-anak ken Who were the parents of
Donya nga Indayuan This Lady Indayuan.

Nabukada metten nga nagpaagbagatan They decided to flee southward

Ta kabutengda aya ti ubra
Nga saan nga pampamayan
Ti ayanna ngamin nga pagdaksan,
Ti tallo nga pisos ngamin
Ti pag-sedulam
Ket nangina met ti kuarta piman;
No awan ti ilakom nga nuang,
Saanka nga makapag-sedulan
Na dumanon ti panagsingirda
Dagiti mangopisina piman
Isu ti inda nagtarayan
Napandan ditoy abagatan
nabukadan nga nagpaabagatan
Da Sevilla ken Kapariaan
Nga akin-anak ken
Ni Donya Indayuan
Immayda idiay Bio nga pagbalsaan,
Ta awan pay met la idi
Ti rangtayna dayta
Ket pasig la a rakitan
Nga Barcelo ti agan-andar
Ay ket inda met inumian piman
Idiay ti inda nagransuan
Tagibi da met pay la piman
Ni Donya Indayuan,
Isuna ta apag-adda
Ni babae nga Indayuan
Kuna met da Lakay Bukaen ken
Salapang.
“Daytoy met karayan nga Amburayan
Ti surotentay nga agpa-abagatan,”
Kinunkunada piman
For fear of the unforeseeable wrong
Which this great labor would bring,
For you needed three pesos
To get your cedula.
And money was very hard to get;
And if you had no carabao to sell,
You coudn’t get your cedula
When it was time for collecting payment
By these public officials
This was what they ran away from
And came southward to this place;
They fled toward the South,
These Sevilla and Kapariaan
Who were the parents
Of Lady Indayuan
They came to Bio to cross by raft,
For there was not yet at the time
The bridge that is there now.
And the only ferry there
Was Barcelo’s bamboo raft
And they spent the night there,
They made themselves a camp there,
For they were still breast-feeding
The infant Indayuan
Who was then a newly-born babe,
This woman Indayuan.
And Lakay Bukaen and Salapang said,
“We will follow the river Amburayan
As we go towards the South.”
This was what they said.

PROCESS

Today, oral literature remains a living tradition because it has survived

through centuries of encounter with alien cultures among the various cultural
communities unchanged by colonization. Because so much of oral literature
has now been recorded and published, it now provides contemporary artists
materials to build upon or draw from
In the present search for a Filipino national cultural identity, the
importance of folklore cannot be overestimated. Oral literary tradition is the
record of the deepest layer of the national culture, of the racial subconscious
and ego, the resource Filipinos have recourse to in times of greatest joy and
deepest sorrow - the seat of national urges, the spring from which flows our
national consciousness. It is, one may say, the wellspring of the national soul.

TASK 1
Together with your teacher, take time to visit a local cultural museum showcasing
cultural and folk heritage of our ancestors. Create a reflective paper about your
tour and identify ways on how to preserve these pieces of our heritage as a
nation.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 58

 ENRICH
THE BIG PICTURE:
TRANSCODING INFORMATION FROM GRAPHICAL DATA
Oftentimes, we always see ourselves bombarded with things to read,
and, truth be told, we usually get bored from this monotonous routine. Although
skimming and scanning can always come in handy, too much words make us
more confused and dizzy.
This is the reason why
as early as Grade 7, you need to
be acquainted with transcoding
or interpreting graphical data
- tables, graphs and charts - in
order to fully understand the text
you are reading.
Important information in
the business and scientific world
is often presented in various
visual aids. In this lesson, we will
discuss how to read and interpret
charts, graphs, and tables.


A chart is usually used to
define a visual picture of number relationships, such as a pie chart.

A graph can be
many things, but in math,
it is generally a line drawn
between data points,
showing the shape that
the points are forming.
Like a chart, a graph is
designed to give a picture
of the numbers, making it
easier to understand their
relationship.

A table is normally
a structured set of numbers,
in columns and rows that
give an orderly way to look
at the numbers. It is used to
display facts and provides
a way to look up specific
numbers.

Charts, graphs, and tables will sometimes have a legend, which is like
a code book to explain the information. For example, the legend might tell you
the units (such as kilometers, pesos, or people) represented by the numbers, or
what certain colors represent.
Other parts found on a chart, graph, or table are the title, headings, and
labels. The title is the name and includes brief description of what is being shown.
The headings tell what is contained in a section of information, especially for
columns and rows. The labels define specific sections or points of information.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 59

TASK 1
Look at the bar graph and pie chart below. Interpret the data by answering the
questions that follow.

Bar Graph

1. What is the bar graph

trying to measure?
Home Electricity Use _____________________________
35%
_____________________________

Average House Used per Day

30% 2. What do the numbers in
25% the vertical axis of this
20% graph represent?
15% _____________________________
10% Weekdays _____________________________
5% Weekends 3. The line that runs along
0% the bottom of the graph
from left to right is labeled
Appliance. Each appliance
in the graph has two bars.
Appliances What is measured by the
darker-shaded bar?
_____________________________
_____________________________

4. Which appliance has the most total usage?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5. On average, how many hours is the computer used on a weekday?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Pie Chart

6. Tina spends the largest portion Tina's Monthly Living Expenses

of her income on ______________.

7. Tina spends the least amount of 7%

money every month on ________. 10% Rent
3% Food
8. Tina spends _________ of her Clothing
monthly income on clothing. Bus fare
12% 50%

9. The percentage of Tina’s income Utilities

that she spends each month on Others

“bus fare” and “other” expenses 18%

combined equals what she
spends on ______________________

10. Tina spends _________ of her monthly income on food.

TASK 2
Interpret the following table by answering the following questions:

1. Which candidate placed third? _____________________

2. How many votes made Shen land on second place?

_______________

3. If Jones gives his his votes to Smith, will Smith be

able to defeat Lopez in number? ___________________

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 60

 SPEAK UP!
RISE, PAUSE AND SLOW DOWN:
INTONATION, JUNCTURE AND RATE OF SPEECH
Before the rise of
Korean television series,
Filipinos were crazy
about Mexico-novelas,
television series franchised
from Mexican broadcast
networks. Characters such
as Mari Mar and Maria
Mercedes - both played
by famous Mexican singer-
actress Thalia - became
household names. This
includes the characters of The characters of Mari Mar (Thalia) and Angelica Santibanez
Sergio Santibanez, Mari (Chantal Andere) became household names when the Mexico-
Mar’s love interest and novela Mari Mar aired in Philippine television in the 90’s. The
Angelika Santibanez, the confrontation between the two were indeed sought by Filipino
beautiful arch-enemy of audience making it one of the most popular Mexico-novelas ever
franchised in the Philippines.
Mari Mar, among other
colorful characters.
One of the most noticeable features of Mexico-novelas is how the actors
portray their characters and speak their lines - scripts are usually overlapping,
causing them to speak spontaneously without waiting for the other character
to stop speaking. This is very exhausting, and to some extent, not helping the
audience to understand the conversation.
This is where the role of intonation, juncture and speech rate will take
its place.

INTONATION
Intonation is crucial for communication. It’s also a largely unconscious
mechanism, and as such, a complex aspect of pronunciation. It is about how
we say things, rather than what we say. Without intonation, it’s impossible to
understand the expressions and thoughts that go with words.
There are two kinds of intonation: rising intonation and falling
intonation.
Basically, intonation has something to do with the rising and falling
of your voice pitch. The pitch can add feeling to the intention of a statement
because the meaning is revealed, not in the structure of the sentence, but
on how it was said. Here are some guidelines to look at when we are making
statements or asking questions:
We tend to use this rising intonation pattern when we’re asking
questions answerable by Yes or No. So the pitch of our voice tends to go up.

Examples:

Would you like a cup of tea?

Is it going to rain today?
Can I borrow your pencil?

Questions answerable by definite answers, or questions starting with

who, what, where, when, why and how require falling intonation.

Examples:

When do we celebrate Teacher Rina’s birthday?

What do you want to name your dog?
Who is the woman wearing yellow?

Another instance in which we would use this upward or rising inflection

would be on lists. The last item on the list will use a falling intonation to indicate
the end of the statement.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 61


Examples:

I’d like some eggs, some milk, some cheese and some bread.
The itinerary of the trip is on National Museum, Luneta Park and
Manila Planetarium.

In making a definite statement, an exclamatory statement or a
command, a falling intonation is needed.

Examples:

Imus City celebrates its cityhood anniversary every 30th of June.

That’s wonderful!
Put that book down and help me here.

In making statements with, subordinating statements in between, the

commas should indicate a rising intonation.

Examples:

Michael, a transferee from California, knows how to play the piano.

Jose Rizal’s sister, Narcisa, is a doting sibling to him.

JUNCTURE
Juncture refers to a pause or slight delay in a continuous flow of speech.
This silence is an effective communicative tool if used sparingly. For better effect,
pausing to breathe must be done at natural breaks in the sentences where
commas and full stops would be in written prose.
In sentences, juncture is usually indicated by thought units and suggests
the need of pausing to indicate clarity of thought.
There are three symbols for juncture - single bar juncture (/), double bar
juncture (//), and double cross juncture (#).
Single bar juncture indicates the need for a slight pause between two
thought units in a sentence.

Example:

We visited our students / who are sick. (

One of the students / who are absent / is sick. (adjective clause)

If the sentence consist of only one thought group, juncture is no longer

needed.

Examples:

My teacher teaches English well.

I am interested in Geometry.

A change of places of juncture in the sentence logically change the

meaning of sentence.

Example:

The statement, “My teacher said the doctor is pregnant,” when proper
punctuating is used, can be interpreted in various ways; either:

My teacher said, “The doctor is pregnant.”

“My teacher,” said the doctor, “is pregnant.”

Double-bar juncture indicates the need for a longer pause between two
thought units in a sentence.

Examples:

Dr. Jose Rizal // one of the greatest Filipino statesmen // was born on
June 19, 1861. (appositive)

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 62

 Mr. Bani Logroño // a young film director // is making headlines for
his documentary films about World War II. (appositive)
Mrs. Teresita Ortilla // who holds a doctorate degree in Education // is
my aunt. (non-restrictive clause)
The president // together with fifty close friends // went to the US for
a State Visit. (parenthetical expressions)
After eating // the dogs appeared satisfied. (verbal phrase)

Double cross juncture characterizes a drop in pitch. The pausing time
responds to a need for semi colon (;), colon (:) or period (.).

Example:

To err is human; # to forgive is divine.

If you can’t say something good of your brother; better say nothing of
him.

RATE OF SPEECH
Speech rate is the term given to the speed at which you speak. It’s
calculated in the number of words spoken in a minute. A normal number of
words per minute (wpm) can vary hugely.
Studies show speech rate alters depending on the speaker’s culture,
geographical location, subject matter, gender, emotional state, fluency,
profession or audience.
However, despite these variables, there are widely accepted guidelines.
These are:
● Slow speech is usually regarded as less than 110 wpm, or words per
minute.
● Conversational speech generally falls between 120 wpm at the slow
end, to 160 - 200 wpm in the fast range.
● People who read books for radio or podcasts are often asked to
speak at 150-160 wpm.
● Auctioneers or commentators who practice speed speech are usually
in the 250 to 400 wpm range.

Generally people are not conscious of their habitual speaking speed

and if they are understood by those listening there is little reason to change.
Their speech could be considered too slow or too fast by people outside of their
normal environment but if they are not routinely communicating with them it
doesn’t really matter.
If you’re giving a speech or presentation, the concept of a normal
speaking speed doesn’t apply. What does is flexibility - the ability of the speaker
TASK 1
Create a short skit about your daily activities in school. Write dialogues
concerning your skit, following the correct use of intonation.

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

TASK 2
Read the following poem below and apply appropriate juncture symbols to
indicate pauses.

THE DARK WOOD

excerpt from Francisco Balagtas’ “Florante at Laura”; translated by Rolando Tinio

In this dark wood thick with gloom,

The thick weave of thorny vines…
Rays of Phoebus cannot pierce,
Almost, the solid wilderness.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 63

 Great trees loom, disclosing
Sadness only, grief, despair.
Mournful birds dispel
The cheerful air, the stoic pose.

Convolutions of the vine

On branch and twig bristle with thorns.
Their fruit, as if downed with knives,
Wounds the passerby.

And flowers for the looming trees,

Specks of bright shooting through leaves,
Wear the color of mourning,
Sharpen the dizzying stench.

Clumps of cypress and young fig

Cast a terrifying shade.
Fruitless, they spread great leaves.
Darkness deepens on the weed.

And beasts that roam

Are shapes of serpent, basilisk,
Hyena, tiger — beasts that prey
On man and beast.

The wood hugs the gate

Of dour Pluto’s Avernus,
Its precincts watered by
The rivering poisoned Coccytus.

TASK 3
Form groups of three members each and, using the poem above, perform it,
following the appropriate rate of speech, juncture and intonation.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZON

PROUDLY PINOY:
FILIPINO WORDS IN ENGLISH DICTIONARY
Language is dynamic - it changes through time - and it can only be
considered alive and functional when it adapts and adopts new words to its
system of vocabulary and grammar rules. Both Filipino and English language
- Philippines official languages - are both dynamic and since we use them
sparingly in conversations, some words in Filipino were already taken in as part
of the wide range of vocabulary written in Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
In a June 2015 update, OED has just included 40 Philippine English
terms and expressions, and its the largest, single batch of terms from Tagalog to
Filipino usage of English to be published.
The selections, chosen through the observed use of the words online
and in publications, and through linguistic studies, include words borrowed
from Tagalog, hybrid expressions, derived terms, compound words, Filipinized
translations, and complete changes or conversions of word meanings.
Below are some from the 40 words with their meanings as seen on the
world-renowned dictionary:

bahala na – expressing an attitude of optimistic acceptance or fatalistic

resignation, esp. in acknowledging that the outcome of an uncertain or difficult
situation is beyond one’s control or is preordained; ‘que sera sera’. Hence also as
noun (n): an approach to life characterized by this attitude.
Example: Filipinos are used to showing bahala na attitude towards tragedies.

balikbayan – a Filipino visiting or returning to the Philippines after a period of

living in another country.
Example: We are often excited when there is a balikbayan.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 64

baon – money, food, or other provisions taken to school, work, or on a journey.
Example: We always have our baon during long trips.

barangay – in the Philippines: a village, suburb, or other demarcated

neighborhood; a small territorial and administrative district forming the most
local level of government.
Example: Our barangay is a safe haven to live in.

barong tagalog – a lightweight, embroidered shirt for men, worn untucked

and traditionally made of piña or a similar vegetable fiber.
Example: We always wear barong tagalog during formal functions and gatherings.

kikay – a flirtatious girl or woman. Also: a girl or woman interested in beauty

products and fashion. Usually tagged with a kikay kit, a case containing the
kikay’s toiletries and cosmetics.
Example: Her penchant for cosmetics makes her a certified kikay.

KKB – ‘kaniya-kaniyang bayad,’ literally ‘each one pays their own’, used especially
to indicate that the cost of a meal is to be shared. Also as adjective.
Example: We usually go KKB whenever we hangout with friends.

mabuhay – an exclamation of salutation or greeting: long live! good luck (to

you)! hurrah! cheers!
Example: A mabuhay cheer makes the tourists feel welcome.

pasalubong – a gift or souvenir given to a friend or relative by a person who

has returned from a trip or arrived for a visit.
Example: Whenever my uncle goes home from the province, he always bring a
pasalubong.

salvage – to apprehend and execute (a suspected criminal) without trial.

Example: Some suspected criminals, despite not yet proven by court, become
victims of salvage.

sari-sari store – a small neighborhood store selling a variety of goods.

Example: You can buy vinegar in smaller portions in a sari-sari store.

sinigang – in Filipino cookery: a type of soup made with meat, shrimp, or fish
and flavored with a sour ingredient such as tamarind or guava.
Example: My aunt’s favorite dish is shrimp sinigang.

TASK 1
Check out the following words which were also added in the Oxford Dictionary.
Identify their meanings and use them in sentences.

1. aggrupation 6. estafa
2. batchmate 7. suki
3. carnap 8. go down
4. gimmick 9. mani-pedi
5. yaya 10. dirty kitchen

TASK 2
Write a short paragraph utilizing these newly-introduced Filipino words in the
Oxford English Dictionary. Make sure to use them in a conversational and not
definitive way. You can choose any topic to write about. Use the space below.

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LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 65


A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or
take the place of) a noun.
An antecedent is a word for which a
pronoun stands.
SINGULAR INDEFINITE PRONOUNS
each, either, neither, one, no one, nobody,
nothing, anyone, anybody, anything,
someone, somebody, something, everyone,
everybody, everything
PLURAL INDEFINITE PRONOUNS
several, few, both, many
EITHER SINGULAR OR PLURAL
some, any, none, all, most
INSTA-GRAMMAR
ANYONE GOT A MATCH?
PRONOUN-ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT
In our previous lessons, we have discovered that the subject of a
sentence determines the singularity or plurality of its verb; thus, the subject verb
agreement. In this lesson, you are going to learn another form of agreement in
sentences - the pronoun-antecedent agreement.
The basic principle of pronoun-antecedent agreement is that a pronoun
usually refers to something earlier in the text (its antecedent) and must agree in
number — singular/plural — with the thing to which it refers. A singular pronoun
must replace a singular noun; a plural pronoun must replace a plural noun.
Here are nine pronoun-antecedent agreement rules. These rules are
related to the rules found in subject-verb agreement.
RULE NO. 1 A phrase or clause between the subject and verb does not
change the number of the antecedent.
Example:
The can of lima beans sits on its shelf.
RULE NO. 2 Indefinite pronouns as antecedents
- Singular indefinite pronoun antecedents take singular
pronoun referents.
Example:
Each of the clerks does a good deal of work around his or her
office.
- Plural indefinite pronoun antecedents require plural referents.
Example:
Both do a good job in the office.
- Some indefinite pronouns that are modified by a prepositional
phrase may be either singular or plural.
When the object of the preposition is uncountable, use a
singular referent pronoun.
Example:
Some of the sugar fell out of its bag.
When the object of the preposition is countable, use a
plural referent pronoun.
Example:
Most of the marbles fell out of their bag.
RULE NO. 3 Compound subjects joined by and always take a plural referent.
Example:
Jones and Smith made their presentation.
RULE NO. 4 With compound subjects joined by or/nor, the referent
pronoun agrees with the antecedent closer to the pronoun.
Examples:
Neither the director nor the actors did their jobs.
(plural antecedent closer to pronoun)
Neither the actors nor the director did his job.
(singular antecedent closer to pronoun)
LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 66
RULE NO. 5 Collective Nouns (group, jury, crowd, team, etc.) may be
singular or plural, depending on meaning.

Examples:
The jury reads its verdict. (antecedent ‘jury’ acting as one unit)

The jury members gave their individual opinions.

(antecedent jury members acting as individuals)

RULE NO. 6 Titles of single entities. (books, organizations, countries, etc.)

take a singular referent.

Examples:
The Grapes of Wrath made its characters as real as possible.
The United States cherishes its democracy.

RULE NO. 7 Plural form subjects with a singular meaning take a singular
referent. (news, measles, mumps, physics, etc)

Example:
The news about the killed mayor lost much of its sting a week
later.

RULE NO. 8 Every or Many a before a noun or a series of nouns requires a

singular referent.

Examples:
Every family had lost its livelihood in the lahar.
Many a girl wishes she could be as pretty as Ariana Grande.

RULE NO. 9 The number of vs A number of before a subject:

- The number of is singular

Example:
The number of volunteers increases its number daily.

- A number of is plural

Example:
A number of volunteers are offering their help.

TASK 1
Choose the correct pronoun in each sentence.

1. Since the doctor went to medical school, (they-she) should know what
treatment you need.
2. If anyone has an opinion about capital punishment, (he-they) should
state it.
3. Because the members of the chemistry class did poorly on the exam,
(they-it) had to take a make-up exam.
4. Due to the fact that my car is older than other cars, I don’t expect
(them-it) to run in the winter.
5. If people don’t like to shop at that store, (he-they) shouldn’t go there.
6. Neither Mary nor Laura has turned in (her-their) report.
7. Each of the boys takes care of (his-their) own room.
8. The team can’t play (its-their) best when it’s too hot.
9. George wants to go into politics; he finds (it-them) exciting.
10. I find that playing bridge is hard on (my-your) nerves.

LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 67

 JUST WRITE
THE BEAUTY OF WRITING POETRY
Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities
of language—such as rhyme scheme, sound symbolism, metre and creative
expression—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic
ostensible meaning.
The great philosopher Aristotle suggested that poetry is divided into
three genres: comedy, tragedy and epic. Today, poetry is still considered the
owner of the three main poetic forms: lyric, narrative, dramatic. Each form can
then be divided into many subdivisions, each consisting of a rhyme scheme,
rhythm and/or style.

Lyric
An emotional writing focusing on thought and emotion - can consist
of a song-like quality. Subdivisions include elegy, ode and sonnet. In Filipino
poetry, examples of lyric poetry are the tanaga, dalit and diyona.

Narrative
A poem which tells a story. Includes the subdivision epic, a long
story which tells of the heroic ideals of a particular society, and ballad, which
generally tell of an event of interest such as a crime. Ballads were originally
intended to be sung while dancing. Examples of Filipino narrative poetry
include Francisco Balagtas’ “Florante at Laura”, “Ibong Adarna”, Mariano
Pilapil’s “Pasyong Tagalog” and the epics of Lam-ang, Aliguyon, Indarapatra
and Ibalon.

Dramatic
This is an emotional piece of literature which includes a story which is
recited or sung. This kind of poetry has come from Sanskrit dramas and Greek
tragedies. The method adopted in this form is that the story is usually narrated
in the form of a recital or song. Soliloquy and dramatic monologues are the
main instruments of this form of poetry.

TASK 1
Write to a given pattern using various parts of speech:
first line = noun
second line = two adjectives that describe the noun
third line = three verbs associated with the noun
fourth line = a phrase that sums up the poem.

For example:

Fire
poker-hot, blazing
flickering, scorching, thrusting
dangerous to meddle with!

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LITERATURE IN CONTEXT: Module in Philippine Literature for Grade 7 68