Pre-Spanish

Period
History Background

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.

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”.

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PRE – SPANISH PROSE
Pre-Spanish Prose

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.

“The Legend of the Tagalog” of the Tagalogs

“The Legend of the Philippine Archipelago” of the Visayans.

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Pre-Spanish Prose

Folktales
Folktales are stories made up about life, adventures,
love, horror and humor where one can derive lessons
about life.
“The Sun and the Wind” and

“The Boy who became a Stone” of the Tingguians.

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Pre-Spanish Poetry
Pre-Spanish Poetry

Epics
Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events
usually of a hero involving supernatural forces/phenomena.

Biag ni Lam-ang from Ilokanos Hudhod hi Aliguyon from Ifugaos

Source: http://hannahhyung088.blogspot.com Source: http://rizatormis.blogspot.com

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Pre-Spanish Poetry

Folk songs
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.

Kundiman – Songs of Love/Serenading songs

Walay Angay Silayan
Ay Kalisud Kumintang
No Duaduaem Pay Pamulinawen

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Pre-Spanish Poetry

Dalit – Worship songs

Dung – aw
Tagulaylay

Oyayi/Hele – Lullaby songs

Diana/Danaya – Wedding songs

Dal-lot

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Pre-Spanish Poetry

Epigrams
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.

“Aaanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.”

“Sa marunong umunawa, sukat ang salita.”

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Pre-Spanish Poetry

riddles
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.

“Maliit pa si kumpare, umaakyat na sa torre.”

“Isda ko sa Mariveles, nasa loob ang kaliskis.”

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Pre-Spanish Poetry

chants
These are sometimes in witchcraft or enchantment often with an
accompanying “Anting-anting” (amulet or talisman).

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.”
Among the Tagalogs: “Tabi-tabi po kayo, ako’y magbubuhos ng tubig at
mainit ito, kung masaktan ko kayo, pagpasensiyahan niyo na po.”

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Pre-Spanish Poetry

sayings
They are used to emphasize lessons for the youth and these lessons
are explicitly stated.

“Pag may itinanim, may aanihin.”

“Ang maglakad ng matulin, pag natinik ay malalim.”

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The fool doth think he is wise, but
the wise man knows himself to be
a fool

William Shakespeare

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 references

✣ Balsomo T. B. et.al. (2013, August 25). Genres Of Music During Spanish Time. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/teruzmo_647/genres-of-music-during-spanish-time
✣ Bibashenry (2015, June 21). Music of the Philippines during Pre-Spanish Era. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/bibashenry/music-of-the-philippines-during-pre-spanish-era
✣ Salirickandres (2016, July 3). PRE-SPANISH PERIOD. Retrieved from
https://salirickandres.altervista.org

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 Thank you!
Any questions?

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