CHAPTER 2: THE PRE-SPANISH PERIOD A.

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 that of the Malayo Polynesian alphabet.
Whatever records our ancestors left were cither burned by the Spanish friars in the belief that they were
works of the devil or were written on materials that easily perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves
and bamboo cylinders which could not have remained undestroyed even if efforts were made to
preserve them.

Other records that remained showed folk songs that proved the existence of a native culture truly our
own. Some of these were passed on by word of mouth till they reached the hands of some publishers or
printers who took interest in printing the manuscripts of the ancient Filipinos.

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.

B. Characterization of Pre-Spanish Literature

1. Legends- Legends are 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. Here is an example of a legend:

THE LEGEND OF THE TAGALOGS

We are aware that we Filipinos are a mixture of different races, we have the Ilocanos, the
Kapampangans, Visayans, Bicolanos, and the Tagalogs, whose origin we will trace.

In a certain wide region of Luzon, there was a village frequented by young men. This town was
full of trees, beautiful flowers and a river where clear waters flowed. What attracted the young men
more than the scenery was a beautiful nymph-like maiden.
2. Folk Tales ever since, the Philippines has been blessed with a folk tales. Because folk tales have been
passed on by word of mouth it is difficult to trace their origins. Contemporary writers build their stories
from folk tales or from the products of their imaginations.

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 us appreciate our environment, evaluate our
personalities and improve our perspectives in life. Example of a folk tale: THE MOON AND THE SUN
(Tingguian folk tale) an excerpt from PANITIKAN NG PDIPINAS author: Jose G. Villa)

3. The Epic Age epics are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic achievements or events,
usually of hero, are dealt with at length. Nobody can determine which epics are the oldest because in
their translations from other languages, even in English and Spanish. We can only determine their
origins from that mentioned in the said 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 Pacific Ocean during the deluge. It is clear that MARAGTAS was written
during the period of Christ and the EBALON of Bicol which dealt with the early people of Bicol is believed
to have happened before the Deluge.

Aside from the aforementioned epics, there are still other epics that can be read and studied like the
following epics.

a. BIAG-Ni-Lam-Ang (Ilocano 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 ari
Agustinian priest. He was christened Pedro Bukaneg. He was cared for, and sent to school until he
became proficient in Spanish and Samtoy (Ilocano dialect). He is now known as the Father of Ilocano
Literature. From his name we derive the word BUKANEGAN which means Balagtasan in Tagalog.)

An outline of Biag-ni-Lam-Ang In Nalbuan (now part of La Union) there once lived a couple by the names
of Namongan (the woman) and Don Juan (the man). When Namongan was about to deliver a child, Don
Juan went to the mountains to punish some Igorot tribes. Before he could arrive home, the infant
already talked and asked to be named Lam-Ang. He was the one who chose his own godfather. Because
his mother was always the one watching him, he asked her where his father was. At 9 months, when
Lam-ang's father had not arrived, he followed him to he mountains. On the way, he dreamed that the
Igorots were holding a feast to celebrate the death of his father. He woke up and angrily hastened to the
Igorots and tortured one of them before he set him free. Upon his return to Nalbuan, some women
friends gave him a bath in the Amburayan River. All the fish in the river died because of his dirt and foul
smell. Lam-ang fell in love with a woman named Incs Kannoyan whom he courted in her hometown
together with a white rooster and a dog. He met Sumarang, another suitor on the way to Ines' house,
and after a fight slew him. He also met a lot of suitors in front of mes' house. He let his rooster crow and
immediately a neighboring house collapsed. Ines looked out of the window. Lam-ang let his dog bark
and immediately, the fallen house stood up again. Ines' parents consented to his courtship provided he
could equal their wealth.

Aside from the aforementioned epics, there are still other epics that can be read and studied like the
following epics.

B . Bidasari-Moro 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

1. Bantugan

m. Daramoke-A-Babay "Darangan" Moro epic in

4. Folk Songs - Folk songs are one of the oldest forms of Philippines literature that emerged in the pre-
spanish period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12 syllables. Here is
an example: KUNDIMAN (Awit ng Pag-ibig-Song of Love), KUMINTANG O TAGUMPAY (War Song), ANG
DALIT O IMNO (Song to the god of the Visayans), TALINDAW (Boatman's Song)

C. OTHER FORMS OF PRE-SPANISH POETRY

Epigrams, Riddles, Chants, Maxims, Proverbs or Sayings

2. Riddles: Bugtong or Palaisipan These are made up of one or more measured lines with rhyme and may
consist of 4 to 12 syllables.

3. Chant (Bulong)-used in witchcraft or enhancement.

4. Maxims - some are rhyming couplets with verse 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)

CHAPTER 3: THE SPANISH PERIOD (1565-1898)

A. 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. This spurt continued unabated until the Cavite Revolt in 1872. 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 lifestyles changed too. They built houses made of stones
and bricks, used beautiful furniture like the piano and used kitchen utensils. Carriages, trains and boats
were used as means of travel. They held fiestas to honor the saints, the pope and the governors. They
had cockfights, horse races and the theater as means of recreation.

B. 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.

1. The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman alphabet.

2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
3. The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent many of its words to
our language. 4. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs,
corridors, and moro-moras.

5. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects.

. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan. 6

7. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.

C. 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 Catechism. Three old original copies of this book can still be
found at the Vatican, at the Madrid Museum and at the US Congress, it contains only 87 pages but costs
$5,000.00.

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.

4. Ang Barlaan at Josephat: This is a Biblical story printed in the Philippines and translated vel Tagalog
from Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borjary pris believed to be the first Tagalog noviny published in the
Philippines even if it is only a translation. The printed translation has only 556 pages. The Ilocano
translation in poetry was done by Fr. Agustin Mejia.

5. The Passion: 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 narmelen the writer. These
are the Pilapil version for anano Pilapil of Bulacan, 1814), the de Belen version (by Gaspar Aquino de
Belen of Bat. In 1704), the de la Merced (by Aniceto de la Merced of Norzaragay, Bulacan in 1856) and
the de Guia version (by Luis de Guia in 1750). Critics have not agreed whether it is the Pilapil or the de la
Merced version which is the most popular. The de la Merced version is in octosyllabic verse with 5
verses-to-the-stanza. To man of earth and dust.
Chanters may take 2-4 nights singing the Passion 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.

D. 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. Caspar 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 Pampango written by Fr. Diego in 1732.

5. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisayan vocabulary): the best language book in Visayan by Mateo
Sanchezin 1711. 6

. Arte de la Lengua llokana (The Art of the Ilocano language): the first Ilocano grammar book by Franciso
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.

E. FOLKSONGS- 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 Filipmos' innate appreciation for and love of beauty. Here is an
example: Leron-Leron Sinta (Tagalog), Dandansoy (Bisaya)

F. 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 clearing 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 and 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 for the Pilarefios 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. In some parts of Bicol, a different
presentation is made but the objective is the same praise, respect and offering of love to the Blessed
Cross by St. Helena on the mound she had dug in

3. The Cenaculo- This is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of

Jesus Christ. There are two kinds: the Cantada and the Hablada. In the Hablada the lincs arc spoken in a
more deliberate manner showing the rhythmic measure of each verse and the rhyming in each stanza
and is more dignified in theme; the Cantada is chanted like the Passion

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.

6. Carillo_(Shadow Play). This is a form of dramatic entertainment performed on a moonless night

7. The Zarzuela: Considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama in three acts
which dealt with man's passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or
political probiem.

8. The Sainete: This was a short musical comedy popular during the 18th century. They were
exaggerated comedies shown between acts of long plays and were mostly performed by characters
from the lower classes. Themes were taken from everyday life scenarios.
9. 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 their 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 organizes 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. Example: PRINCE RODANTE

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 Florida

Tell me and to your Queen Mother

If you are fully ready

For the torneo play.

10. KARAGATAN - This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated during the death of a
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 who offered her hand in marriage to anyone who
can retrieve it. A leader starts off with an extemporaneous poem announcing the purpose. He then spins
a "lumbo" or "tabo" marked with a white line. Whoever comes in a direction of the white line when the
spinning stops gets his turn to "go into the sea to look for the ring." This means a girl will ask him a riddle
and if he is able to answer, he will offer the ring to the girl. Thus:

11. THE BALAGTASAN: This is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate on a particular topic or issue.
This replaced the DUPLO and is held to honor Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar.

12. THE DUNG-AW: This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his representative beside the
corpse of the dead. No definite meter or rhyming scheme is used. The person chanting it freely recites in
poetic rhythm according to his feelings, emotions and thoughts. It is personalized and usually deal with
the life, sufferings and sacrifices of the dead andincludes apologies for his misdeeds.

13. THE AWIT and the CORRIDO-Some use these two interchangeably because the distinction is not
clear. For purposes of comparison, we distinguish the two this way: The Corrido is in octosyllabic verse.
The Awit is in dodesyllabic verse. The corridors were usually on legends or stories from European
countries like France, Spain, Italy and Greece. The Awits are fabricated stories from writers' imagination
although the setting and characters are European. The Corrido refers to narration. The Awit refers to
chanting: The Corrido and the Awit are both referred to as narrative poetry.
An example of an Awit is FLORANTE AT LAURA (by Francisco Balagtas), and NASAAN SI LAURA (an
excerpt from the whole AWIT). An example of the CORRIDO Is IBONG ADARNA by Jose dela Cruz
(Huseng Sisiw) and HISTORIA FAMOSA by Bernardo Carpio.