1) Early Filipino literary works were written on perishable materials like tree bark, leaves, and bamboo and focused on portraying local customs and traditions. However, many were destroyed by friars who saw them as works of the devil. 2) During the Spanish period, Filipinos adopted Catholicism and Spanish surnames. The native alphabet was replaced with the Roman alphabet and religious works became prominent. European legends and traditions were incorporated into local songs, plays, and stories. 3) During the Enlightenment period, the execution of three priests without evidence sparked nationalist sentiments among Filipinos. Intellectuals like Rizal led a propaganda movement calling for reforms, equal treatment, and representation from

1. Name:________________________________________________ Section:________________
Date:_________________
Pre-Spanish Period
Customs and traditions of our forefathers are portrayed in literature; early Filipinos’
everyday lives are traced in folk stories, old plays, and short stories
Literary works were written on materials that easily perished like the barks of trees, dried
leaves, and bamboo cylinders
Friars believed that the literary works are works of the devil; hence, they were burned and
destroyed; other records and literary works were passed on by word of mouth
The first Filipino alphabet was called Alibata
Spanish Period (1565-1898)
Filipinos embraced the Catholic religion and had their names changed; they adopted the
surnames of their colonizers
The Filipino alphabet was replaced by the Roman alphabet; and many grammar and
vocabulary books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano, and Visayan
European legends and traditions are brought here and became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros
Majority of literary works and periodicals gained a religious tone; even recreational plays
were performed to commemorate Christ’s life
Enlightenment Period (1872-1898)
Filipinos were reawakened when the 3 priests were guillotined without sufficient evidence
of guilt
The once religious spirit of Filipinos transformed itself into nationalism and demanded
changes in the government and church
A propaganda movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like Jose
Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, etc.
Filipinos seek reforms and changes to (1) get equal treatment; (2) make the Philippines a
colony of Spain; (3) restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Corters; (4) Filipinize the
parishes
The American Regime (1898-1941)
Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry, stories, plays,
essays, and novels; their writings depicted their love of their country and longings for
independence
The writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans; the inspirations
of the writers in Spanish was Rizal because of his novels Noli and Fili
English came to be used as a medium of instructions in the primary and intermediate grades
in public schools.
There were still remnants of Spanish influence in the use of expressions that were florid,
sentimental, and exaggerated; the influence of the Western culture also was evidents
Pre-Spanish Period

2. Legends- A form of prose; the common theme of which is about the origin of 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.
Folk Tales- Made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror and humor where one can
derive lessons about life. They help us appreciate our environment, evaluate our
personalities, and improve our perspectives in life. An example of this is The Moon and The
Sun.
Epic- Long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events of a hero are
dealt with at length.
Folk Songs- Songs that mirrored the early forms of culture and practices. Examples are
Kundiman, Dalit o Imno, Diana, etc.
Epigrams or Salawikain- Customarily used and served as laws or rules on good behavior by
our ancestors.
Spanish Period (1565-1898)