POETRY AND FLIP TOP IN THE PHILIPPINES (GEC 100)

FIRST SEMESTER – MIDTERMS | BSRT-1A

THE HISTORY OF POETRY AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1898–1946)

POETRY - English was introduced as a medium of instruction

and literary expression.
- is a form of literary expression that uses rhythmic and - the rise of modern poetry in both English and Filipino
often metrical language to convey deep emotions, vivid languages.
imagery, or complex ideas. - The education system exposed Filipinos to Western
- often condensed form, appealing to the senses and literary forms, while also encouraging a nationalistic
emotions through metaphors, similes, symbols, and spirit among writers. Key figures and developments
include:
other stylistic devices.
 Francisco Balagtas: Considered the “Prince of Filipino
- can take various forms, from traditional structured
Poets” for his classic work Florante at Laura, which used
forms like sonnets to free verse, which has no fixed
allegory to reflect on colonial injustice and Filipino identity.
rhyme or meter.  José Corazón de Jesús (Huseng Batute): Known for his
heartfelt lyricism and political verses, he was one of the
THE HISTORY OF POETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES
prominent Filipino poets writing in the vernacular during
- is deeply intertwined with the country’ s culture, this time.
languages, and colonization experiences.  Amado V. Hernandez: A nationalist poet and labor leader
whose works blended activism with poetry.
- reflects the evolution of Filipino identity, from its pre-
colonial oral traditions to the contemporary literary POST-WAR PERIOD AND THE RISE OF MODERN
scene. POETRY (1946–1970S)
PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD (BEFORE 1521) - After World War II and the achievement of Philippine
independence in 1946, Filipino poets began to
- Before Spanish colonization, the Philippines had a explore more diverse themes and forms.
rich oral literary tradition. - Poetry moved away from rigid structures and
- Indigenous communities expressed their stories, embraced free verse.
beliefs, and values through various forms of oral - became more experimental, with poets incorporating
poetry. the realities of post-colonial life into their works.
- often accompanied by music or chanting. Some  Nick Joaquin: Known for his poems that reflected Filipino
examples include: identity and culture through a mix of Western and local
 Tanaga: quatrain with seven syllables per line, written in a themes.
rhyme scheme (often AAAA or AABB).  Alejandro G. Abadilla: Known as the father of modern
 Ambahan: A form of poetry practiced by the Mangyan Filipino poetry, Abadilla introduced free verse to Filipino
people of Mindoro, composed of seven-syllable lines and poetry, advocating for the use of vernacular language and
chanted during social or ritual gatherings. the exploration of modernist themes.
 José Garcia Villa: A poet who wrote in English and was
 Hudhud and Alim: Epic poems from the Ifugao tribe in
known for his “comma poems” and use of intense imagery.
Northern Luzon, recited during harvests, weddings, or
He is one of the most significant Filipino poets writing in
funerals.
English.
SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD (1521–1898) CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (1980S TO PRESENT)
- Poetry during this period was heavily influenced by In recent decades, Filipino poetry has become increasingly diverse in
Spanish culture and the Christianization of the terms of language, form, and themes. Writers explore social issues,
islands. Some key developments during this period personal identity, postcolonial realities, and globalization. There’s a
include: growing interest in regional languages and literature, reflecting the rich
 Pasyon: About the passion, death, and resurrection of linguistic diversity of the country. Themes of nationalism, poverty,
Jesus Christ, often recited during Holy Week. The most politics, and migration are common, as are personal themes of love,
loss, and identity.
famous is the Pasyon Henesis.
 Corridos and Awit: are long narrative poems written in  Poetry in Filipino and English: Contemporary poets often write
octosyllabic or dodecasyllabic quatrains. Corridos dealt in both Filipino and English, mixing languages and experimenting
with legends and saints, while awits were romantic, often with form and content.
focusing on chivalric heroes (e.g., Florante at Laura by  Spoken Word Poetry: In recent years, spoken word poetry has
Francisco Balagtas). gained popularity, particularly among younger audiences. The art
form blends performance with traditional poetic elements, making
 Balagtasan: A form of poetic debate that emerged later in
poetry more accessible to the public.
the colonial period, named after Francisco Balagtas. It
reflects Filipino mastery of rhyme and meter.

INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

 - the rise of social media and online platforms, poetry IMAGERY
has found new audiences and forms of expression.
- A descriptive technique that appeals to the five
- Online spaces like Wattpad, Facebook, and YouTube
senses, enriching the reader’s experience.
have become hubs for aspiring poets to share their
work with a global audience. THE STRUCTURE OF POETRY
- Additionally, spoken word and Flip Top battle rap
have emerged as popular modern forms of oral poetry ALLITERATION
that resonate with Filipino youth.
- Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of
words placed near each other or next to each other.
THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF A POEM  Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
 Slim-pinioned swallows sweep and pass.
Poetry  The barbarians broke through the barricade.

- is a unique literary form that combines elements of ASSONANCE

both speech and song, characterized by a rhythmic - Repeated vowel sounds in words placed near each
quality and often employing metaphor. other, usually on the same or adjacent lines.
- features formal elements such as meter, rhyme, and  I feel stressed and restless.
stanzaic structure.  The dapper lad chatted to the other happy chap.
 Johnny went here and there and everywhere.
- Unlike prose, which flows freely without restrictions,  Go slow over the road to nowhere.
poetry adheres to specific patterns and structures.
ONOMATOPOEIA
STANZAS
- Words that imitate the natural sound of the thing they
- a grouped set of lines in a poem, separated from others describe.
by a blank line or indentation.  The clang of the pots and pans and woke the baby.
- Stanzas can have regular rhyme and meter but are not  The wolves howled at the moon.
strictly required to do so.  Zoom! Went the race car as it sped past the finish line.
- serve as an organizational technique, similar to  The bacon sizzled in the pan.
paragraphs in prose.
 Couplet: Two successive lines that usually rhyme REPETITION
and share the same meter. - The purposeful re-use of words and phrases to create
 Tercet: A stanza consisting of three lines. emphasis or convey a particular effect.
 Quatrain: A stanza or poem made up of four lines.
 Octave: A set of eight lines that can be part of a  I will not brush my hair, I will not wear a dress and I will not
poem or a complete stanza clean my room
 We have so much stuff but still buy more stuff then need
RHYME AND RHYTHM storage units to store all the stuff

- involves the repetition of similar sounds in the final RHYTHM

stressed syllables of words.
- used for artistic effect and creates a pattern known as - Rhythm is when words are arranged according to
a rhyme scheme, indicated by letters to show which stressed and unstressed syllables so that they make
lines rhyme. a pattern or beat. Verses might contain a certain
number of syllables to create this pattern. Rhythm
METER helps to distinguish poetry from prose.
- to the rhythmic structure of a poem, defined by the - Some common rhythms include iamb (x /), trochee (/
pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. x) or spondee (/ /).
- Rhythm contributes to the overall beat and pace of - You can usually hear rhythm if you hum the words
the poem, enhancing the meaning of words and instead of saying them.
ideas.
THE MEANINGS OF WORDS
THEMES AND SYMBOLISM
A word can be carefully selected to convey a precise idea but
Theme - is the underlying message that a poet seeks to
some words can carry several layers or depths of meaning at
convey, ranging from simple concepts like love to complex
ideas such as human versus nature. the same time. Poets can use these or combine them with
other words for particular effects.
Symbolism - uses images or objects to convey deeper
meanings, making the poem more evocative. For example, Some techniques that can enhance the meaning of words are
loneliness can be illustrated by “a lone moon wandering as follows.
companionless through the night sky.”

SIMILE
 - Creates a comparison between two things by using EUPHEMISM
the words 'like' or 'as'.
 The desert was as dry as a bone. - An understatement, used to lessen the effect of a
 Her tempers were like an uncontrollable storm. statement that might sound harsh, offensive or hurtful.
 He's as cool as a cucumber.  She is at rest
 Rain plastered the land until it was shining like hammered  I need to use the ladies room
lead.  I'm currently between jobs
 She's a late bloomer
METAPHOR
IDIOM
- Creates a comparison by stating that one thing is
another or does the actions of another. - A group of words established by usage as having a
 The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees. meaning not deducible from those of the individual
 Her fingers danced across the keyboard. words.
 His stomach was a twisted storm of butterflies.  I was over the moon.
 Put in some elbow grease.
PERSONIFICATION  She was sitting on the fence.
 I have my finger on the pulse.
- Attributing human characteristics to an inanimate
object, animal, or abstract idea. METONYM
 As I climbed the stairs, the staircase groaned as if awoken
from a long sleep. - A figure of speech in which a person, place or thing is
 The days crept by slowly, sorrowfully. referred to by something closely associated with it.
 Seaweed snatched at his legs as he tried to swim away.  The pen is mightier than the sword.
 Wall Street braces for further rate rises
SYMBOLISM
ALLUSION
- When a simple or ordinary object, event, animal, or
person represents deeper meaning or significance. - A brief reference to a person, historical event, biblical
 The dove is a symbol of peace. or mythological situation or character.
 A red rose stands for love or romance.  I thought the software would be useful, but it was a Trojan
 A skull can represent danger or death. Horse.
 A fork in the road may symbolise a choice or a decision.  Chocolate cake is my kryptonite.

WORD CHOICE & CONNOTATION THE HISTORY OF FLIP TOP

- Connotations are the ideas or feelings evoked by a Flip Top is a Filipino rap battle league that became a cultural
word. These are the implications or associations we phenomenon in the Philippines, widely considered as a
might form which are different to a word's literal modern continuation of the country’s long-standing tradition of
meaning. oral debates, such as Balagtasan. It blends freestyle rap with
 E.g. The words ‘animal’ and ‘beast’ refer to the same type of
lyrical wordplay, wit, and social commentary, and has evolved
creature but the second term has connotations of wildness
and savagery
into a platform for self-expression, particularly among the
 E.g. The words ‘house’ and ‘home’ have the same youth.
denotation but the word ‘home’ has connotations of warmth,
family, safety, belonging etc THE ORIGINS OF FLIPTOP

OTHER LANGUAGE FEATURES - Flip Top was founded in 2010 by Alaric Riam Yuson,
also known as Anygma, who wanted to create a
PARADOX space for Filipino rappers to battle in the format of the
American "battle rap" leagues like Grind Time.
- A statement which seems contradictory but may
- The first-ever Flip Top battle was held on February 6,
reveal an unexpected truth.
 You’ve got to be cruel to be kind 2010, in a small venue in Makati City. From a niche
 I can resist anything but temptation event attended by a few, Flip Top rapidly gained
 The only constant is change popularity, eventually drawing millions of viewers
through its presence on social media platforms like
OXYMORON
YouTube.
- A combination of two words that appear to contradict - Flip Top battles are structured similarly to
each other. international battle leagues, with rappers engaging in
 Bittersweet freestyle rap competitions where they exchange
 Clearly confused verses filled with punchlines, insults, metaphors, and
 Seriously funny
rhymes. What sets Flip Top apart is its use of Tagalog
 Deafening silence
and other regional languages, reflecting the linguistic
diversity of the Philippines.
THE CONNECTION TO BALAGTASAN CLASSIC FLIPTOP BATTLE FORMAT

- Flip Top is often seen as a modern equivalent of FREESTYLE AND PRE-WRITTEN RAPS:
Balagtasan, a traditional form of Filipino poetic debate
- Battles often feature a mix of freestyle (improvised)
that began in the 1920s. Balagtasan featured poets and pre-written raps, with emcees (rappers) delivering
who engaged in verbal duels, using highly structured bars that insult, mock, or creatively challenge their
verses and rhyme schemes to argue over various opponents.
topics. Flip Top echoes this tradition by turning rap
THREE ROUNDS:
battles into verbal sparring matches, where wit and
lyrical prowess are essential to victory. - Each battle is usually divided into three rounds, where
- Just like Balagtasan, Flip Top participants use each rapper takes turns delivering their verses, with
language as both a weapon and an art form, often alternating turns between the two competitors.
addressing themes like politics, social issues, - The goal is to out-rap and outwit the opponent in each
personal struggles, and identity. This connection to round, often with punchlines, wordplay, and personal
Balagtasan gives Flip Top a unique cultural attacks (known as "disses").
significance in the Philippines, allowing it to merge
traditional forms with contemporary art. NO BEAT (A CAPPELLA STYLE):

FLIPTOP AS A PLATFORM FOR SOCIAL COMMENTARY - Unlike traditional rap battles where there is a beat to
rap over, FlipTop battles are performed without
- While Flip Top is primarily seen as entertainment, it instrumental backing, allowing for more focus on
also serves as a platform for social commentary. lyrical delivery, timing, and crowd engagement.
Many battles touch on issues such as corruption,
poverty, political oppression, and Filipino identity. This CROWD AND JUDGES:
combination of humor, cleverness, and relevance has
- The battles are performed in front of a live audience,
made Flip Top a voice for the frustrations and hopes
and reactions from the crowd can influence the
of the younger generation.
atmosphere, especially when clever or hard-hitting
- Flip Top has also helped bring regional languages to
lines are delivered.
the forefront, with battles being conducted in Ilocano,
- Battles may also be judged by a panel, with judges
Cebuano, Chavacano, and other local dialects. This
evaluating the emcees based on their creativity, flow,
inclusivity has contributed to the preservation and
delivery, and overall impact. In some cases, the
promotion of the Philippines' linguistic diversity.
audience reaction may play a role in determining the
- In the Philippines, Flip Top has become one of the
winner.
pillars of Filipino hip-hop, distinguishing itself from
other music communities in the country. In 2010, it TOPICS AND PERSONAL ATTACKS:
became the first Asian country to establish a battle
rap league. Now, it’s the biggest in the world. - FlipTop battles often involve direct personal attacks,
known as "disses." These disses can target anything
LOW BROW ART from an opponent’s appearance, background, rap
skills, or life experiences. The aim is to humiliate the
- also known as pop surrealism, is an underground
opponent in a humorous or aggressive manner,
visual art movement that originated in Los Angeles in
though battles generally maintain a sense of mutual
the late 1970s. It is characterized by its eclectic, often
respect outside the competition.
humorous, and irreverent style, blending high art
techniques with themes and imagery from popular WORDPLAY AND PUNCHLINES:
culture, comic books, street art, punk music, and B-
movies. Lowbrow art often challenges traditional - Wordplay is a critical element in FlipTop battles.
ideas of "fine art" by embracing the unconventional, Rappers use puns, metaphors, and similes to craft
absurd, and sometimes kitschy elements of everyday intricate lines that sound clever and resonate with the
life. audience.
- Punchlines, or witty and impactful lines delivered to
CLASSIC FLIPTOP BATTLE score a point or humiliate the opponent, are highly
emphasized.
- “It takes two to tango. Same goes for making a
‘classic’ battle, ” Anygma shares, when asked about LANGUAGE:
what makes a “classic FlipTop battle.” “Fans definitely
will almost always enjoy hard-earned levels of - Most FlipTop battles are performed in a mix of
competition over one-sided matches. But besides Tagalog and English, though some battlers also
equally matched high levels of skill, there are
incorporate other Filipino dialects, depending on their
definitely many nuances that also lead to making a
‘classic.’ Narratives and storylines like in a region.
tournament setting can help prop up anticipation for
certain matches.”
FILIPINO RAP HISTORY AND IDENTITY

- As a safe space for artistic expression and

collaboration, rap music in the Philippines grew from
being a borrowed culture from the U.S. to forming its
own sound, form of expression, and identity.
- Starting as an imported sound and practice—primarily
by DJs and producers—from the Filipino-American
and Filipino immigrant communities in the U.S., hip
hop reached the shores of the Philippines in the ‘80s,
with rap as one of its most appealing forms. Pinoy rap
eventually became more and more incorporated into
the everyday lives of Filipinos, providing an artistic
platform that allows diverse stories to be shared,
engages social and political commentary, and
contributes to the overall Filipino identity.

PINOY CULTURAL REFERENCES

- Filipino rap proudly shows its cultural roots, from

lyrical themes and fashion, down to its creative visual
themes. What was deemed to be the first recorded
Filipino rap is comedian George Javier’s “Na Onseng
Delight” released in 1980—and considered as the first
recorded Pinoy rap song—which was a comedic
parody of the 1979 hit “Rapper’s Delight” by The
Sugarhill Gang.
- Comedy is one of the most popular genres of film and
TV in the Philippines, especially during the ‘80s and
‘90s. The early iteration of Pinoy humor—particularly
parody, insult, and slapstick, themes that have mostly
endured to this day—was a common theme in the
early decades of Pinoy rap, most notably made
popularized by Andrew E., a DJ turned-rapper who
eventually ventured into acting in comedy flicks (many
of which are based on his songs).
- As times changed and Pinoy rap music gained more
commercial success, its content evolved from
containing problematic humor [Editor’s note: to say
the least] into themes that dwelled on the variations of
Filipino experiences and narratives. More and more
rappers begin sharing their reflections on their
personal lives—challenges and triumphs alike.