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Pre-Spanish Period
Posted on July 3, 2016June 26, 2017 by salirickandres

Historical background of Pre-Spanish Period

Our forefathers already have a body of literature even before the arrival of the Spaniards.
They have customs and traditions comparable to other parts of the globe. They have their own
system of writing, alphabet, and other nuance of a working body of literature. They are trading
with the neighboring countries of Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Arabia. In short,
they are not savages nor uncivilized as maliciously declared by some friars during the Spanish
colonization.

Our many language are related to the Malaya-Polynesian Family of Languages spoken in
vast areas covering mainland Southeast Asia, East Timor, Polynesia, Micronesia and South
Pacific Islands. We have our own system of writing called Baybayin consisting of 3 vowels and
14 consonants. Baybayin came from the word “baybay” which means “spelling”. The image
below shows the Baybayin characters and the corresponding sound represented.

The Baybayin syllabary showing the characters and the sounds represented courtesy of
mandirigma.org
The three vowels are “a”, “e-i”, and “o-u”. The first character has only one pronunciation, while
the second and third, has two, depending on the thought and meaning presented. The fourteen
consonants include [b, k, d, g, h, l, m, n, ng, p, s, t, w, y]. The pronunciation of these is varied
too. Add vowels and you will change some scripts. Remove vowels and add crosses below. You
can use it freely. I prepared an activity for you to do in order to learn and master the use of it. We
will do it on your classroom. You may click here to know the details about it.

Now, going back to our Philippine literary pieces during the Pre-Spanish period. Majority of
these are in oral traditions. Our ancestors love to communicate as evidenced by a great deal of
surviving records. Their written accounts are not inferior too. They used leaves, barks of trees,
bamboo cylinders, dried muds and jars as stationery. Their pen would be any pointed metal,
stick, knife and others used to engrave and imprint their message. However, the exposure to
elements destroyed a great majority of these works. The invading Spaniards destroyed and
burned them too, thinking that these were works of the devil. One interesting artifact that
endured the test of longevity is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription. Use the net to do some
research about it.
Pre-Spanish Prose
1. Legends. Pre-Spanish legends are fictitious narratives which explain the origin of things,
places, or names. The early Filipino customs are also depicted in them as it entertains the
people during gatherings and occasions.
1. Examples include “The Legend of the Tagalog” of the Tagalogs and
2. “The Legend of the Philippine Archipelago” of the Visayans. We will study the
Legend of the Tagalog and the legend Why the Sea is Salty, both Ilokano and
Tagalog versions.
2. Folktales. Folktales are stories made up about life, adventures, love, horror and humor
where one can derive lessons about life.
1. Popular examples include “The Sun and the Wind” and
2. “The Boy who became a Stone” of the Tingguians.

Pre-Spanish Poetry
1. Epics. Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events
usually of a hero involving supernatural forces/phenomena. Listed below are some of the
epics celebrated among the various groups in the country.
1. Biag ni Lam-ang – Ilokanos
2. Hudhod hi Aliguyon – Ifugaos
3. Alim – Ifugaos
4. Ibalon – Bicol
5. Handiong – Bicol
6. Hinilawod – Bicol
7. Maragtas – Visayan
8. Haraya – Visayan
9. Lagda – Visayan
10. Hari sa Bukid – Visayan
11. Kumintang – Tagalog
12. Bernardo Carpio – Tagalog
13. Parang Sabir – Moro
14. Darangan – Moro
15. Indarapatra at Sulayman – Moro
16. Dagoy – Tagbanua
17. Sudsod – Tagnbanua
18. Tatuaang – Bagobo
2. Folksongs. Folksongs are the oldest forms of Philippine Literature that emerged which
are composed mostly of 12 syllables per line of four in a verse. These songs mirrored the
culture of each group singing specific song per occasion/celebration/activities. Listed
below are some of these songs and the corresponding occasion/celebration/activities.
1. Kundiman – Songs of Love/Serenading songs
2. Kumintang – War/Battle songs
3. Dalit – Worship songs
4. Oyayi/Hele – Lullaby songs
 5. Diana/Danaya – Wedding songs
6. Soliraning – Laborer/Workmen songs
7. Talindaw – Fisher/Fishing songs
3. Epigrams. Epigrams are more commonly called Salawikain. These have been
customarily used and served as laws or rules on good behavior. These are like allegories
or parables that impart lessons for the youth consisting of couplets (2-lines) which
usually have rhyming end-syllables. These lessons in life that they wish to impart are
usually implied. Popular examples include:
1. “Aaanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.”
2. “Sa marunong umunawa, sukat ang salita.”
4. Riddles. They are called “Bugtong” by the Tagalogs and “Burburtia” among the
Ilokanos. These are made up of one or two measured lines which may consist of 4 to 12
syllables. They are often used to stir a thought-provoking questions. They are often used
for entertainment purposes during gatherings and celebrations. Each group/region feature
unique riddles. Some of which are:
1. Riddle: “Maliit pa si kumpare, umaakyat na sa torre.” Answer: Langgam (ant)
2. Riddle: “Isda ko sa Mariveles, nasa loob ang kaliskis.” Answer: Sili (bell pepper)
5. Chants. Chants are customarily called “Bulong” or “Pasintabi” by the Tagalogs and
referred to as “Bari-bari” by the Ilokanos. These are sometimes in witchcraft or
enchantment often with an accompanying “Anting-anting” (amulet or talisman).
Examples are:
1. Among the Visayans: “Ikaw na nagnakaw ng mais ko, lumuwa sana ang mga
mata mo, mamaga sana ang kamay mo, parusahan ka ng mga anito.”
2. Among the Tagalogs: “Tabi-tabi po kayo, ako’y magbubuhos ng tubig at mainit
ito, kung masaktan ko kayo, pagpasensiyahan niyo na po.”
6. Sayings. Sayings are more commonly called Sawikain. They are used to emphasize
lessons for the youth and these lessons are explicitly stated. Examples are:
1. “Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”
2. “Ang maglakad ng matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.”

Sample Pre-Spanish Prose

The Legend of the Tagalog

In a certain wide region of Luzon, there was a village frequented by young men. This town was
full of trees, beautiful flowers and a river where clear waters flowed. What attracted the young
men more than the scenery was a beautiful nymph-like maiden. The maiden was Maria and she
had lots of suitors who came from afar and who fought for her hand. But Maria remained
undaunted so Maria thought of a plan. She called all the young men together and told them:

“You are all good and kind and it is difficult for me to choose one among you. Let me decide
with a test.”

“I’ll marry the first man who can bring me a big, live, and strong serpent, “ Maria said in jest.
The young men were dumbfounded. After a while, the voice of Ilog broke the silence.

“I promise to bring you one, Maria. Even if I have to risk my life, I’ll bring you what you wish.”

Ilog was a man known for his bravery. He left immediately to fulfill his promise. The men
whispered among themselves. They were sure that Ilog would never be able to return. They
waited for a long while but Ilog had not returned. Even Maria was saddened because she also
grieved the loss of a man as brave and accommodating as Ilog. After many hours, Ilog returned.
They crowded to see how Ilog would prove his bravery. Ilog held a big snake by its nape and
tail. While the men were thus occupied, two Spaniards passed by. Their attention was caught not
by what Ilog held but by the beauty of Maria.

“Maria”, heroically called Ilog. “I’ve brought you the serpent you wished for. What else do you
want me to do to make you happy?”

“Cut it up!” shouted Maria.

The Spaniards were startled. They asked the people around where they were and in what place
they were in but nobody paid attention for their attention were focused on the snake and on
Maria. When Maria saw the snake was still struggling, she shouted:

“Taga, Ilog! Taga, Ilog.”

(Cut Ilog! Cut Ilog!) which she addresses to Ilog so he would cut the snake up again. The two
Spaniards, thinking that this was in answer to their question repeated the words:

“TAGA-ILOG, TAGAILOG”, which later became TAGALOG.

Why the sea is Salty?

(Tagalog Version)

Many years ago, the sea tasted like ordinary rainwater. It was bland and tasteless. Fortunately,
the people living in the islands knew about a friendly giant who kept mounds of salt in his cave.

The people would cross the ocean on their boats to reach the gentle giant’s island, and that is
how they were able to bring salt back to their villages, in order to prepare tastier meals.

One time, however, the ocean was quite rough and they could not sail out to gather salt. They
eventually ran out of salt and the villagers no longer enjoyed their tasteless meals. They
wondered how they could get salt again, when a child suggested they ask the giant to stretch out
his legs over the ocean so that they could walk to his island instead.
The kind giant agreed, and villagers with empty salt sacks walked along the giant’s leg.
Unfortunately, the giant’s foot landed on an anthill, and the ferocious red ants started biting the
enormous leg.

“Hurry!” pleaded the giant, who strained to keep his itchy legs still.

As soon as the people reached the giant’s island, he immediately withdrew his foot and scratched
the itchy bites. The villages just smiled at how a giant could be bothered by tiny ants.

Anyway, the people got their salt and the giant again stretched his leg over the ocean.
Immediately, the ants began biting his swollen foot. Once again, the giant asked the people to
hurry up, but the heavy salt sacks slowed them down.

Besides, the people didn’t believe that the tiny ants could really affect the giant, so they idly
chatted away, and walked rather slowly.

Before the villagers could cross the ocean, the giant cried out and thrust his ant-bitten foot into
the ocean. All the packed salt fell into the plain-water sea and melted.

The giant saved the people from drowning, but no one was able to recover the spilled salt. From
that day on-wards, the sea became salty.

Why the sea is Salty?

(Ilokano Version)

(Narrated by José M. Paredes of Bangued, Ilocos Sur. He heard the story from a farmer. From
the compilation of Dean S. Fansler and Mabel Cook Cole)

A few years after the creation of the world there lived a tall giant by the name of Ang-ngalo, the
only son of the god of building. Ang-ngalo was a wanderer, and a lover of work. He lived in the
mountains, where he dug many caves. These caves he protected from the continual anger of
Angin, the goddess of the wind, by precipices and sturdy trees.

One bright morning, while Ang-ngalo was climbing to his loftiest cave, he spied someone across
the ocean. The ocean at the time was pure, its water being the accumulated tears of a
disappointed goddess named Baybay. Ang-ngalo waved at the beautiful maid. She beckoned to
him, and waved her black handkerchief: so Ang-ngalo waded across to her through the water.
The deep caverns in the ocean are his footprints.

This beautiful maid was Sipnget, the goddess of the dark. She said to Ang-ngalo, “I am tired of
my dark palace in heaven. You are a great builder. What I want you to do for me is to erect a
great mansion on this spot. This mansion must be built of bricks as white as snow.”
Ang-ngalo could not find any bricks as white as snow: the only white thing there was then was
salt. So he went for help to Asin, the ruler of the Kingdom of Salt. Asin gave him pure bricks of
salt, as white as snow. Then Ang-ngalo built hundreds of bamboo bridges across the ocean.
Millions of men were employed day and night transporting the white bricks from one side of the
ocean to the other.

At last the patience of Baybay came to an end: she could not bear to have her deep and quiet
slumber disturbed. One day, while the men were busy carrying the salt bricks across the bridges,
she sent forth big waves and destroyed them. The brick-carriers and their burden were buried in
her deep bosom. In time the salt dissolved, and today the ocean is salty.
Note:

The hero of the tale, Ang-ngalo, is the same as the Aolo (Angalo) mentioned in the notes to No.
3 (p. 27, footnote). Blumentritt (s.v.) writes, “Ang-ngalo is the name of the Adam of the
Ilokanos. He was a giant who created the world at the order of the supreme god, Lumawig.”

Pre-Spanish Poetry
Indarapatra at Sulayman

(A summary of the Moro epic)

(From the compilation of Mabel Cook Cole)

A long, long time ago Mindanao was covered with water, and the sea extended over all the
lowlands so that nothing could be seen but mountains. Then there were many people living in the
country, and all the highlands were dotted with villages and settlements. For many years the
people prospered, living in peace and contentment. Suddenly there appeared in the land four
horrible monsters which, in a short time, had devoured every human being they could find.

Kurita, a terrible creature with many limbs, lived partly on land and partly in the sea, but its
favorite haunt was the mountain where the rattan grew; and here it brought utter destruction on
every living thing. The second monster, Tarabusaw, an ugly creature in the form of a man, lived
on Mt. Matutun, and far and wide from that place he devoured the people, laying waste the land.
The third, an enormous bird called Pah, was so large that when on the wing it covered the sun
and brought darkness to the earth. Its egg was as large as a house. Mt. Bita was its haunt, and
there the only people who escaped its voracity were those who hid in caves in the mountains.
The fourth monster was a dreadful bird also, having seven heads and the power to see in all
directions at the same time. Mt. Gurayan was its home and like the others it wrought havoc in its
region.
So great was the death and destruction caused by these terrible monsters that at length the news
spread even to the most distant lands, and all nations were grieved to hear of the sad fate of
Mindanao.

Now far across the sea in the land of the golden sunset was a city so great that to look at its many
people would injure the eyes of man. When tidings of these great disasters reached this distant
city, the heart of the king Indarapatra was filled with compassion, and he called his brother,
Sulayman, begging him to save the land of Mindanao from the monsters.

Sulayman listened to the story, and as he heard he was moved with pity.

“I will go,” said he, zeal and enthusiasm adding to his strength, “and the land shall be avenged.”

King Indarapatra, proud of his brother’s courage, gave him a ring and a sword as he wished him
success and safety. Then he placed a young sapling by his window and said to Sulayman:

“By this tree I shall know your fate from the time you depart from here, for if you live, it will
live; but if you die, it will die also.”

So Sulayman departed for Mindanao, and he neither walked nor used a boat, but he went through
the air and landed on the mountain where the rattan grew. There he stood on the summit and
gazed about on all sides. He looked on the land and the villages, but he could see no living thing.
And he was very sorrowful and cried out:

“Alas, how pitiful and dreadful is this devastation!”

No sooner had Sulayman uttered these words than the whole mountain began to move, and then
shook. Suddenly out of the ground came the horrible creature, Kurita. It sprang at the man and
sank its claws into his flesh. But Sulayman, knowing at once that this was the scourge of the
land, drew his sword and cut the Kurita to pieces.

Encouraged by his first success, Sulayman went on to Mt. Matutun where conditions were even
worse. As he stood on the heights viewing the great devastation there was a noise in the forest
and a movement in the trees. With a loud yell, forth leaped Tarabusaw. For a moment they
looked at each other, neither showing any fear. Then Tarabusaw threatened to devour the man,
and Sulayman declared that he would kill the monster. At that the animal broke large branches
off the trees and began striking at Sulayman who, in turn, fought back. For a long time the battle
continued until at last the monster fell exhausted to the ground and then Sulayman killed him
with his sword.

The next place visited by Sulayman was Mt. Bita. Here havoc was present everywhere, and
though he passed by many homes, not a single soul was left. As he walked along, growing sadder
at each moment, a sudden darkness which startled him fell over the land. As he looked toward
the sky he beheld a great bird descending upon him. Immediately he struck at it, cutting off its
wing with his sword, and the bird fell dead at his feet; but the wing fell on Sulayman, and he was
crushed.
Now at this very time King Indarapatra was sitting at his window, and looking out he saw the
little tree wither and dry up.

“Alas!” he cried, “my brother is dead”; and he wept bitterly.

Then although he was very sad, he was filled with a desire for revenge, and putting on his sword
and belt he started for Mindanao in search of his brother.

He, too, traveled through the air with great speed until he came to the mountain where the rattan
grew. There he looked about, awed at the great destruction, and when he saw the bones of Kurita
he knew that his brother had been there and gone. He went on till he came to Matutun, and when
he saw the bones of Tarabusaw he knew that this, too, was the work of Sulayman.

Still searching for his brother, he arrived at Mt. Bita where the dead bird lay on the ground, and
as he lifted the severed wing he beheld the bones of Sulayman with his sword by his side. His
grief now so overwhelmed Indarapatra that he wept for some time. Upon looking up he beheld a
small jar of water by his side. This he knew had been sent from heaven, and he poured the water
over the bones, and Sulayman came to life again. They greeted each other and talked long
together. Sulayman declared that he had not been dead but asleep, and their hearts were full of
joy.

After some time Sulayman returned to his distant home, but Indarapatra continued his journey to
Mt. Gurayan where he killed the dreadful bird with the seven heads. After these monsters had all
been destroyed and peace and safety had been restored to the land, Indarapatra began searching
everywhere to see if some of the people might not be hidden in the earth still alive.

One day during his search he caught sight of a beautiful woman at a distance. When he hastened
toward her she disappeared through a hole in the ground where she was standing. Disappointed
and tired, he sat down on a rock to rest, when, looking about, he saw near him a pot of uncooked
rice with a big fire on the ground in front of it. This revived him and he proceeded to cook the
rice. As he did so, however, he heard someone laugh near by, and turning he beheld an old
woman watching him. As he greeted her, she drew near and talked with him while he ate the
rice.

Of all the people in the land, the old woman told him, only a very few were still alive, and they
hid in a cave in the ground from whence they never ventured. As for herself and her old husband,
she went on, they had hidden in a hollow tree, and this they had never dared leave until after
Sulayman killed the voracious bird, Pah.

At Indarapatra’s earnest request, the old woman led him to the cave where he found the headman
with his family and some of his people. They all gathered about the stranger, asking many
questions, for this was the first they had heard about the death of the monsters. When they found
what Indarapatra had done for them, they were filled with gratitude, and to show their
appreciation the headman gave his daughter to him in marriage, and she proved to be the
beautiful girl whom Indarapatra had seen at the mouth of the cave.
Then the people all came out of their hiding-place and returned to their homes where they lived
in peace and happiness. And the sea withdrew from the land and gave the lowlands to the people.