21ST LESSON 2

• Pre-Spanish Literature (.... - 1564):

  • Pre-Spanish poets and storytellers had good memory to transmit oral literature without changing the original
  • Epics: long narrative poems about heroes' heroic achievements or events
  • Legends: narrative prose that entertain and explain the origin of objects, places, or names
  • Folk tales: narratives about life, quest, love, horror, and comedy with lessons about life
  • Myths: narratives in symbolic language describing the origin of a culture's basic elements and assumptions
• • Folk songs: one of the oldest types of Philippine literature reflecting and preserving early Filipino culture
• Spanish Period (1565-1898):

  • Spanish language used as medium of instruction and language of literature
  • Alibata replaced by Roman alphabet
  • Christian Doctrine basis for religious practices
  • Songs, corridos, and moro-moros about European legends and traditions
  • Ancient literature translated and available in Tagalog and other dialects
  • Grammar books published in Filipino languages like Tagalog, Ilocano, and Visayan
  • Magazines and periodicals written in religious light and tone
• • Ang Mga Dalit Kay Maria (Psalms for Mary): collection of songs praising Virgin Mary
• Spanish Influences on Philippine Literature:

  • Doctrina Cristiana: first Tagalog and Spanish book published in the Philippines in 1593 in Xylography
  • Nuestra Senora del Rosario: second book printed in the Philippines in 1602
  • Libro de los Cuatro PostPrimeras de Hombre: first book published in typography
  • Ang Barlaan at Josephat: first Biblical story published in the Philippines
  • The Passion: narrates the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ, recited during lent season
  • Urbana at Felisa: authored by Modesto de Castro, father of Tagalog classic prose
• Folk Songs:

  • Dandansoy
  • Pamulinawen
  • Atin Cu Pung Singsing
  • Leron-Leron Sinta
  • Sarung Banggi
• Recreational Plays:

  • Cenaculo: dramatic re-enactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ
  • Lagaylay: special occasion in May for the Pilarenos of Sorsogon
  • Tibag: ritual reminding people about Saint Helena's search for the Holy Cross
• More Recreational Plays:

  • Carillo: dramatic entertainment during dark nights
  • Salubong: Easter Sunday play staging the meeting of Risen Jesus Christ and His Mother
  • Panunuluyan: play reenacting the search of Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph for an inn
  • Zarzuela: musical comedy or melodrama
  • Dung-aw: chant in free verse by a grieving person beside a corpse
• Even More Recreational Plays:

  • Moro-moro: play during city fiestas to enjoy and commemorate Christianity
  • Karagatan: poetic competition based on a legend about a princess and her ring
  • Balagtasan: poetic debate on socially-relevant topics in honor of Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar
  • Sainete: brief exaggerated musical comedy with characters from the lower class
• • cantada which is chanted like the Passion
• Hablada which has a more dignified theme where the lines are spoken in a more deliberate manner showing the rhythmic measure of each verse and stanza.