During the Spanish period from 1565-1898:
- Spanish was the dominant language alongside Tagalog and other vernacular languages. Religious materials were published which led to the emergence of other literature genres.
- Notable works included Doctrina Cristiana, the first book published in the Philippines, folk songs, recreational plays like moro-moro, novels like Noli Me Tangere, and newspapers like Diaryong Tagalog.
- Writers during this period included Francisco Baltazar, Jose Rizal, and Pedro Paterno who wrote in both Spanish and Tagalog and explored themes of morality, religion, and later, reform and freedom during the revolutionary period.