this shows the texts before the spaniards came to the philipiines and the philippine litarature after their colonization

1. THE PRE-SPANISH PERIOD

2. Historical Background
 Long before the Spaniards and other foreigners landed on Philippine
shores, our forefathers already had their own literature stamped in the
history of our race. Our ancient literature shows our customs and
traditions in everyday life as traced in our folk stories, old plays and short
stories. Our ancestors also had their own alphabet which was different
from that brought by the Spaniards. The first alphabet used by our
ancestors was similar to Malayo-Polynesian alphabet. The Spaniards who
came to the Philippines tried to prove that our ancestors were really fond
of poetry, songs, stories, riddles and proverbs which we still enjoy today
and which serve to show to generations the true culture of our people.

3. PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE IS CHARACTERIZED BY:
 Legends
 Folk tales
 Epics
 Folk songs
 Epigrams, riddles, chants
 Proverbs and Sayings

4. A. LEGENDS
Legends are a form of prose the common theme of which is about the origin
a thing, place, location or name. The events are imaginary, devoid of truth and
unbelievable. Old Filipino customs are reflected in these legends. Its aim is to
entertain.
B. FOLK TALES
Ever since, the Philippines has been blessed with a wealth of folk tales. Because
folk tales have been passed on by word of mouth it is difficult to trace their
Contemporary writers build their stories from old folk tales or from the products
their imagination.
Folk tales are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror and humor
where one can derive lessons about life. These are useful to us because they help
appreciate our environment, evaluate our personalities and improve our
perspectives in life.

5. C. THE EPIC AGE
Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or
usually of a hero, are dealt with at length. Nobody can determine which epics
the oldest because in their translations from other languages, even in English
Spanish. We can only determine their origins from the time mentioned in the
epics.
The HUDHOD and the ALIM of the Ifugaos may have happened during the
Stone Age when iron was still unknown. The Darangan of the Moros may have
started during the period of the Kingdom of the Bumbaran that sank in the
Ocean during the Deluge. It is clear that MARAGTAS was written during the
of Christ and the IBALON of Bicol which dealt with the early people of Bicol is
believed to have happened before the Deluge.

6. Aside from the aforementioned epics, there are still other epics that can be read and studied
like the following epics:
a. Bidasari- Moro epic
b. Biag ni Lam-ang- Ilokano epic
c. Maragtas- Visayan epic
d. Haraya- Visayan epic
e. Lagda- Visayan epic
f. Hari sa Bukid- Visayan epic
g. Kumintang- Tagalog epic
h. Parang Sabir- Moro epic
i. “Dagoy” at “Sudsod”- Tagbanua epic
j. Tatuaang- Bagobo epic
k. Indarapatra at Sulayman
l. Bantugan
m. Daramoke-A-Babay- Moro epic in “Darangan”

7. Biag ni Lam-ang(Ilokano epic)
This epic was written by Pedro Bukaneg who was said to have been
thrown by his parents down the Abra River while still an infant because he
was blind. A woman who found him gave him away to an Agustinian
He was christened Pedro Bukaneg. He was cared for, and sent to school
he became proficient in Spanish and Samtoy(Ilokano dialect). He is now
known as the Father of Ilokano Literature. From his name we derive the
word BUKANEGAN which means Balagtasan in Tagalog.

8. D. FOLK SONGS
Folk songs are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish
period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables.
1.KUNDIMAN(AWIT NG PAG-IBIG-SONG OF
LOVE)
Noong unang panahon ao ay bata pa,
Natisod mo na ay di pa alintana,
Nang ako ay lumaki at maging dalaga,
Tila sa wari ko ay may pagbabanta pa.
Pagsinta mo sa akin ay di ko tatanggapin
Pagka’t akong ito ay alangan sa tingin,
Ako ay mahirap, pangit pa sa tingin,
Bakit naman ngayon ay iyong iibigin?
TRANSLATION:
When I was still young
You tripped me and still you didn’t care
When I grow up to be a woman
I believe that there is even a threat.
Your love I will not accept
Because I don’t measure up to you
I am poor and ugly to look at,
Why will you leave me?

9. 2. KUMINTANG O TAGUMPAY(WAR SONG)
Ang nuno nating lahat
Sa kulog di nasisindak,
Sa labanan di naaawat,
Pinuhunan buhay, hirap,
Upang tayong mga anak,
Mabuhay nang mapanatag.
TRANSLATION:
Our ancestors weren’t afraid of thunder
In battle they didn’t run;
Their lives were at stake; they suffered pain,
So that we, children, can live in peace.
3. ANG DALIT O IMNO(SONG TO THE GOD
OF THE VISAYANS)
Pumanaog, pumanaog si Masilatan
Saka si Badla ay bababa,
Mamimigayng olakas,
Pasayawin ang mga Baylan,
Pagligiran ng mga Baylan.
TRANSLATION:
Descend, descend Masilatan
Badla will alos descend
He’ll give away strength
Let the Baylans dance
Surround the Baylans.

10. 4. ANG OYAYI O HELE(LULLABY)
Matulog ka na bunso
Ang tatay mo ay malayo
Hindi niya tayo masundo
Pagkat ang daa’y maputik at mabalaho.
TRANSLATION:
Go to sleep, my child
Your father is far
He cannot fetch us
For the way is muddy and rugged.
5. DIANA(WEDDING SONG)
Umawit tayo at ipagdiwang
Ang dalawang pusong ngayon ay ikakasal
Ang daraanan nilang landas
Sabuyan natin ng bigas.
TRANSLATION:
Let’s sing and feast
For two hearts who are to be married;
The path they’ll pass
Let’s strew with rice.

11. 6. SOLIRANING(SONG OF THE
LABORER)
Hala gaod tayo, pagod ay tiisin
Ang lahat ng hirap pag-aralang bathin
Kahit malayo man, kung ating ibigin,
Daig ang malapit na ayw lakbayin.
Kay pagka-sawing-palad ng
Ianak sa hirap,
Ang bisig hindo iunat,
Di kumita ng pilak.
TRANSLATION:
Hey, let’s row, let’s bear our
fatigue
All failures, let’s learn to bear
Even if far, if we like
Much better than the near one
we don’t want to tread.
How pitiful are those born
poor
Our sinews if we don’t stretch
Will not earn silver.

12. 7. TALINDAW(BOATMAN’S SONG)
Sagwan, tayo ay sumagwan,
Ang buong kaya ay ibigay,
Malakas ang hangin,
Baka tayo ay tanghaliin
Pagsagwa’y pagbutihin.
TRANSLATION:
Row, let’s row
Our full strength let’s give
The wind is strong; we might be benighted,
Let’s make good our rowing.

13. E. EPIGRAMS, RIDDLES, CHANTS, MAXIMS, PROVERBS OR SAYINGS
Pre-Spanish poetry consists of epigrams, riddles, maxims, proverbs much of
which came from Tagalog. Some consist of stanzas of wit and wisdom.
1. EPIGRAMS(SALAWIKAIN)
These have been customarily used and served as laws or rules on god behavior by our ancestors. To
others, these are like allegories or parables that impart lessons for the young.
2. RIDDLES(BUGTONG OR PALAISIPAN)
These are made up of one or more measured lines with rhyme and may consist of four to 12
syllables.
3. CHANT(BULONG)
Used in witchcraft or enchantment.
4. MAXIMS
Some are rhyming couplets with verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line having the same number of
syllables.
5. SAYINGS(KASABIHAN)
Often used in teasing or to comment on a person’s actuations.
6. SAWIKAIN(SAYINGS WITH NO HIDDEN MEANINGS)

14. The Spanish Period
(1565-1898)

15. Historical Background
 It is an accepted belief that the Spanish colonization of the
Philippines started in 1565 during the time of Miguel Lopez
de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the
Philippines. Literature started to flourish during his time. The
Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more than three
centuries. During these times, many changes occurred in the
lives of Filipinos. They embraced the catholic religion,
changed their names, and were baptized. Their lifestyle
changes too. This gave rise to the formation of the different
classes of society like the rich and the landlords. Many
Filipinos finished their schooling in the Philippines because
many schools already had been established.

16. A. SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE
Due to the long period of colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards, they
have exerted a strong influence on our literature.
 The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious
practices.
 The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman
alphabet.
 The Spanish language which became the literary language during this
time lent many of its words to our language.
 European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our
songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
 Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other
dialects.
 Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and
Visayas.
 Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.

17. B. THE FIRST BOOKS
1. ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE)
This was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography. It
was written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr. Domingo Nieva, in Tagalog and
Spanish. It contained the Pater Noster (Our Father), Ave Maria(Hail Mary),
Regina Coeli(Hail Holy Queen), the Ten Commandments of God, the
Commandments of the Catholic Church, the Seven Mortal Sins, How to
Confess, and the Cathecism.
2. NUESTRA SENORA DEL ROSARIO
The second book printed in the Philippines was written by Fr. Blancas de
San Jose in 1602, and printed at the UST Printing Press with the help of Juan
de Vera, a Chinese mestizo. It contains the biographies of saints, novenas,
and questions and answers on religion.
3. LIBRO DE LOS CUATRO POSTPRIMERAS DE HOMBRE(in Spanish and
Tagalog).
This is the first book printed in typography.

18. 4. ANG BARLAAN AT JOSEPHAT
This is a biblical story printed in the Philippines and translated to Tagalog from Greek by Fr. Antonio
Borja. It is believed to be the first Tagalog novel published in the Philippines even if it is only a translation.
5. THE PASION
This is a book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is read only during Lent. There were 4
versions of this in Tagalog and each version is according to the name of the writer. These are the Pilapil
version(Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan,1814), the de Belen version(Gaspar Aquino de Belen in 1704), the de la
Merced version(Aniceto de la Merced of Norzagaray,Bulacan in 1856) and the de Guia version(Luis de
1750). Chanters may take 2-4 nights singing the Pasion with the chanters taking turns in shifts of 3-4 hours
each. It has been translated into every principal dialect-Ilocano, Ibanag, Pampango, Bicol and Visayan
version.
6. URBANA AT FELISA
A book by Modesto de Castro, the so-called Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog. These are letters
between two sisters Urbana at Felisa and has influenced greatly the behavior of people in society because
the letters dealt with good behavior.
7. ANG MGA DALIT KAY MARIA(PSALMS FOR MARY)
A collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary. Fr. Mariano Sevilla, a Filipino priest, wrote this in 1865
and it was popular especially during the Maytime “Flores de Mayo” festival.

19. C. LITERARY COMPOSITIONS
1. ARTE Y REGLAS DE LA LENGUA TAGALA(Art and Rules of the Tagalog Language)
Written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose and translated to Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in 1610.
2. COMPENDIO DE LA LENGUA TAGALA(Understanding the Tagalog Language)
Written by Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin in 1703.
3. VOCABULARIO DE LA LENGUA TAGALA(Tagalog vocabulary)
The first Tagalog dictionary written by Fr. Pedro de San Buenaventura in 1613.
4. VOCABULARIO DE LA LENGUA PAMPANGA(Pampango Vocabulary)
The first book in Pampanga written by Fr. Diego in 1732.
5. VOCABULARIO DE LA LENGUA BISAYA(Bisayan vocabulary)
The best language book in Visayan by Mateo Sanchez in 1711.
6. ARTE DE LA LENGUA ILOKANA(The Art of the Ilocano language)
The first Ilocano grammar book by Francisco Lopez.
7.ARTE DE LA LENGUA BICOLANA(The Art of the Bicol language)
The first book in the Bicol language and written by Fr. Marcos Lisbon in 1754.

20. D. FOLK SONGS
Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song from the
lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Folk songs truly manifest the
artistic feelings of the Filipinos. They show the Filipinos’ innate appreciation for and love of
beauty.
Leron-Leron Sinta(Tagalog)
Leron-leron sinta, buto ng papaya
Dala-dala’y buslo, sisidlan ng sinta
Pagdating sa dulo’y nabali ang sanga
Kapos kapalaran, humanap ng iba.
Ako’y ibigin mo, lalaking matapang
Ang sundang ko’y pito, ang baril ko’y siyam
Ang lalakarin ko’y sampu ng dinulang
Isang pinggang pansit, ang aking kalaban.
Pamulinawen(Ilokos)
Pamulinawen pusok imdengamman
Toy umas-asog agrayo ita sadiam
Panunotemman, agrayo ita sadiam.
Essem ti diak kalipatan
Ta nasudi unay a nagan
Uray sadin ti aya, disso sadino man
No malagipka,pusok ti mabang-aran.

21. Dandansoy(Bisaya)
Dandansoy, bayaan ta ikaw, pa-uli ako sa
Ugaling kon ikaw hidlawon, ang payaw imo
lang lantawon.
Dandansoy, kon imo apason, bisan tubig di
magbalon
Igaling kon ikaw uhawon, sa dalan
bobon.
Sarong Banggi(Bicol)
Sarong banggi sa higdaan
Nakadangong ako, hinuni nin
sarong gamgam
Sa loba ko, katorogam
Bako kundi simong voces sa iyo
palan
Dagos ako bangon si sakuyang
mata iminuklat
Sa tahaw nin kadikluman ako
nangangalagkalag
Si sakuyang mata ipinasiring ko
sa itaas
Simong laog nahiling ko
maluhaan.
Duman sa inaaya bantog
buayahon
Lumangoy si nooy sa kalipong
awon
Dai mahiling niya ang saiyang
kailusyon.

22. Atin cu pung singsing(Kapampangan)
Atin cu pung singsing
Etong yang timpucan
Amana que iti
Cang indung ibatan
Sangcan queng sininup
Quing metong acaban
Mewala ya iti
Ecu camalayan
Quing sucal nin lub cu
Susucdal quing banua
Mengurus cung gamat
Babo ning lamesa
Ninumang manaquit
Queng singsing cung mana
Calulung pusu su
Manginu ya que ya.

23. E. RECREATIONAL PLAYS
There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
times. Almost all of them were in poetic form. Here are examples:
1.Tibag- The word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by the Spaniards to
remind the people about the search of St. Helena for the Cross on which Jesus died.
A dramatic performance is usually done even without a raised stage and held during
Maytime festivals. A cross is buried in a cleaning or mound in a yard near a church. Before the
town fiesta, St. Helena, with King Constantine and some soldiers start to look for the cross. She
digs on the mounds, while a dialogue ensues as the search continues. Upon reaching the third
mound where the Cross is found, there is great jubilation around then the Cross is borne in a
procession to the church where a priest performs the religious rites.
2. Lagaylay- This is a special occasion of Sorsogon during Maytime to get together. As early as
April, the participating ladies are chosen and sometimes, mothers volunteer their girls in order to
fulfill a vow made during an illness or for a favor received.

24. 3.The Cenaculo- This is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of
Jesus Christ. The Cenaculo is written in octosyllabic verse, with 8 verses to the stanza. The full
length versions take about 3 nights of staging. Performers come in costumes with wigs and
performers are carefully chosen for their virtuous life. One performs the role of Jesus Christ
and the role of the Virgin Mary. Many famous Cenaculo players come from the Tagalog
regions although there are also those from the Ilocos, Pampanga, Bicol, Sibulanon and
Hiligaynon.
4.Panunuluyan- This is presented before 12:00 on Christmas Eve. This is a presentation of the
search of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein to deliver the baby Jesus.
5.The Salubong (or Panubong)
The Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and His
Mother. It is still presented in many Philippine towns. Two processions are held by the church
at early dawn. One is made up of men bearing on their shoulders the image of the Risen
Christ, the other, women carrying the heavily veiled image of the Blessed Virgin. The
processions converge at an appointed place usually under a flower- like canopy constructed
the church patio or town plaza. At a signal, the petals of the “Flower” open and a little girl
dressed like an angel is slowly lowered by a pulley. Singing “Regina Coeli laetare,” she
removed the Virgin’s mourning veil and showers her with fresh flowers. The church bells ring
at this point. Then together the two images are carried back in procession to the church.

25. 6. Carillo(Shadow Play)
This is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night during a town fiesta or on
nights after a harvest. This shadow play is made by projecting cardboard figures before a lamp
white sheet. The figures are moved like marionettes whose dialogues are produced by some experts.
dialogues are drawn from a Corrido or Awit or some religious play interspersed with songs. These are
called by various names in different places: Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas and Laguna; TITRES in
Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Bataan, Capiz and Negros; TITIRI in Zambales; GAGALO or KIKIMUT in
Pampanga and Tarlac; and ALIALA in La Union.
7.The Zarzuela
Considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama in three acts which dealt
man’s passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or political
These were originally performed by traveling dramatic troupes organized by royal mandate of
Narciso Claveria to stimulate dramatic performances.
8.The Sainete
This was a short musical comedy popular during 18th century. They were exaggerated comedies
between acts of long plays and were mostly performed by characters from the lower classes. Themes
were taken from everyday life scenarios.

26. F. THE MORO-MORO
Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is presented also on a special stage. This is
performed during town fiestas to entertain the people and to remind them of
Christian RELIGION. The plot is usually the same that of a Christian princess or a
nobleman’s daughter who is captured by the Mohammedans. The father
a rescue party where fighting between the Moros and the Christians ensue. The
Mohammedans are defeated by some miracle or Divine Intercession and the
Mohammedans are converted to Christianity. In some instances, the whole
kingdom is baptized and converted.

27. Example:
PRINSIPE RODANTE
Ngayo’y dumating na itong takdang araw
Dakilang Torneo sa plasang kalakhan
May kabalyerong dito’y daratal
Ang magpapamalas ng dangal at tapang.
O mahal kong anak, Prinsesa Flerida
Sabihin sa aki’t sa in among Reyna
Kung ang iyong loob ay handing-handa na
Sa larong torneo na magiging bunga.
(The day has arrived when the good Torneo will arrive at the plaza and men will show their bravery and skill.)
My dear child, Princess Flerida
Tell me and to your Queen Mother
If you are fully ready
For the torneo play.

28. G. KARAGATAN
This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of
person. In this contest, more or less formal, a ritual is performed based on a
legend about a princess who dropped her ring into the middle of the sea and
offered her hand in marriage to anyone who can retrieve it. A leader starts off
an extemporaneous poem announcing the purpose. He then spins a “lumbo” or
“tabo” marked with a white line. Whoever comes in the direction of the white line
when the spinning stops gets his turn to “go into the sea to look for the ring.”
means a girl will ask him a riddle and if he is able to answer, he will offer the ring
to the girl. Thus:

29. Girl: Ikaw nga ang unang pinili ng Diyos Translation:
Girl: You’re the first choice of God
To dive for the ring I dropped
Not to be my sweetheart
But only to pass a test.
That’s why, try for this question
And this ring you’ll own
This plain ring without astone
Start answering and this you’ll own.
Boy:
This sea, though very deep
I’ll hazard to dive
Your kindness will see me thru.
Sumisid sa singsing na aking hinulog
Subalit hindi upang siyang maging irog
Kungdi idaan lang muna sa pagsubok.
Kaya’t sisirin moa ng tanong kong ito
At singsing na liso at walang pabato
Turan mong simula at ang dulot nito.
Boy: Karagatang ito’y kahit na malalim
Pangangahasan kong aking lulusungin
Hutong bait ninyo ang titimbulanin
Na inaasahang sasagip sa akin.
This sea, though shallow, is difficult
To dive, for an amateur,
So if I should hand I await.

30. H. DUPLO
The Duplo replaced the Karagatan. This is a poetic joust in speaking and
reasoning. The roles are taken from the Bible and from proverbs and saying. It is
usually played during wakes for the dead.
Example:
Hari:Yamang sa tuos ko ngayo’y natalastas
At ang isinakdal dito’y nahaharap
Ang unang bigkas sa naritong dilag
Siyang tinutukoy na di nagbabayad.
Bilyako: Bilyaka, mangyaring sumagot ka ngayon
Kung inaamin mo ang sinabing sumbong
Saging na nalugok, dahoon may kalungtoy
Bayaran ang dapat sa takdang panahon.
Bilyaka: Hari naming giliw na kagalang-galang
Punong sinusunod nitong kalakatan
Ang kumunting tutol ay iyonh pakinggan
Niring walang sala’t wala naming utang.

31. Translation:
King: In as much as I have discovered
That the accused is here present
The first thing that this lady said
Refers to a debt unpaid.
Bilyako: Bilyaka,pleas answer
If you accept the accusation
The rotten banana whose peelings
You have to pay at a certain time.
Bilyaka: Beloved and hinorable Kinh
Head obeyed by all
Our feeble protest please hear
Of one who in sinless and with no dept.
A big mystery in their accusation
Since I was born I never knew
The banana mentioned which I never
gotNever owed anybody a single cent
Bilyoko: O mysterious and cruel beauty
In my heroic heart I've long loved
Why ignore the debt and deny the
accusation
Here I carry the proof
By wat of following up this debt
I'll present two witnesses
That I'll bring to show proof

32. I.THE BALAGTASAN: This is a poetic joust or contest of skills in debate on a particular topic or
issue.This replaced the DUPLO and is held to honor FRANCISCO "Balagtas" BALTAZAR .
J.THE DUNG-AW: a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his representative beside the
corpse of the dead.
Here is a reproduction by Fr. Alphonse Calerhoudt.
‘’ Have a pity on me, o my brother
You have left for unknown My eyes are wells of tears…
Your body is dead , my brother My poor life floats in a sea of tears…
What of me that you have deserted For I know that in your gave
What of me, what is to become of me! I cannot bring you comfort
I shall forever miss you, my brother, As I have always brought you comfort
For I love you, I love you so much While you were live
Like a baby loves its mother My heart almost melts by my sufferings…

33. My sobs dissolve my hopes. And if I do not find you beside me
Whatever task in the future I my do To help me d what I have to do
I shall seek your help as of old And if I do not find you beside
If it’s something to be lifted To help me do what I have to do
Live with me, o my brother My life shall be ashes to my despair!
Help me scatter the grains
When feeding the pig in its pen.
Help me keep the pig away
From the feeding trough
Until all the feed are ready for it
Help me cook the daily food
Help me wash the dishes in the kitchen
I shall look for you, my brother
In everything that I may have to do

34. K. THE AWIT AND THE CORRIDO
Some use these two interchangeably because the distinction is not clear.
purposes of comparison,we distinguish this two this way:
The Corrido is in octosyllabic verse
The Awit is in dodecasyllabic verse.
The Corrido were usually on legends or stories from European countries
like France ,Spain,Italy ans Greece.
The Awits are fabricated stories from writer’s imagination akthough the
setting and characters are European.
The Corrido refers to narration.
The Awit refers to chanting.

35. Example of an AWIT:
FLORANTE AT LAURA by:Francisco Balagtas
Example of the Corrido:
IBONG ADARNA by: Jose de la Cruz

36. Submitted by:
Grade 12- Avogadro
Melrose Yatong
Erika Sinadjan
Dagmar Ursal
Jessieca Ligson
Submitted to:
Mrs. Julie Ann Fernan