Chapter 3 – Literature under Spanish Colonialism (1565-1897)

DOCTRINA CHRISTIANA
•The Teachings of Christianity,” is believed to be the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593.
•Written by Fray Juan de Plasencia
• Consisting of seventy-four pages of text in Spanish, Tagalog transliterated into roman letters, and Tagalog in original Baybayin script.
• It contains some of the basic prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and the Salve Regina, as well as the Ten Commandments,
and the Sacraments of the Holy Church.
•The method of printing was xylography, or woodblock printing, so that each page of the text was printed from hand-carved
woodblocks. The printer was believed to have been Juan de Vera, a Chinese man and devout Catholic.
MAY BAGYO MA’T MAY RILIM
MAY BAGYO MA’T RILIM (May Bagyo man at Dilim)
The Tagalog term Bagyo is a “typhoon” in English while rilim for “darkness.”
• The author of the poem is unknown.
• Published in 1605.
MAY BAGYO MA’T RILIM

May bagyo ma’t, may rilim

Ang ola’y, titiguisin,
Aco’y, magpipilit din:
Acquing paglalacbayin
Toloyin cong hanapin
Dios na ama namin.

Cun di man magupiling

Tocsong mabaomabaoin,
Aco’y, mangangahas din:
Itong libro’y, basahin,
At dito co hahangoin
Acquing sasandatahin.

Cun dati mang nabulag

Aco’y, pasasalamat,
Na ito ang liuanag
Dios ang nagpahayag
Sa Padreng nagsiualat
Nitong mabuting sulat.

Naguiua ma’t, nabagbag

Daloyong matataas,
Aco’y magsusumicad
Babagohin ang lacas;
Dito rin hahaguilap
Timbulang icaligtas.

Cun lompo ma’t, cun pilay

Anong di icahacbang
Naito ang aacay
Magtuturo nang daan:
Toncod ay inilaan
Sucat pagcatibayan.

The pasyon is a Philippine epic narrative about the life of Jesus Christ, focusing on his suffering, death, and resurrection. It’s written
in stanzas of five lines, each with eight syllables, blending epic poetry elements with a vibrant, dramatic theme.
The most popular version is the “Pasyong Mahal”, written by Gaspar Aquino de Belén in 1703. Devotees read the entire book during
Lent, especially Holy Week, through a ritual called “pabasa”. This involves uninterrupted chanting or reading of the pasyon from
beginning to end.
Pasyon is an important part of Filipino culture, showcasing Filipinos’ deep faith in Christianity. It serves as a way to understand
historical and political events through the story of Jesus Christ.
https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/faq/pasyon
The Senakulo (or cenaculo) is the staged re-enactment of Christ’s passion and death. It is also known as pasyon y muerte, passion
play (Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, and Pampanga); centurion or hudyuhan (Laguna); tanggal (Bicol region); and pamalandong (Leyte).
The performance of the Senakulo is traced to the late 17th and early 18th centuries when the first Pasyon text was written. Unlike the
Pasyon which is chanted in a mournful tone called tagulaylay, the Senakulo aims to dramatize scenes while also deriving from the
contents of the Pasyon.
https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2022/04/15/senakulo/#:~:text=The%20Senakulo%20(or%20cenaculo)%20is,)%3B%20and
%20pamalandong%20(Leyte).
The awit is a significant poetic form in Filipino literature, deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. It is derived from the
Tagalog word "awit," meaning "song," and reflects the strong connection between music and poetry in Filipino tradition.
Characteristics of Awit
 composed in quatrains, which are four-line stanzas.
 tell stories, often drawing from historical events, legends, or religious narratives.
 contains 12 syllables, with a pause typically occurring after the sixth syllable.
 monorhymed, meaning that all four lines in a stanza rhyme.
 each stanza in an awit poem represents a complete and grammatically correct sentence.
 incorporate various figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to enhance their imagery and
emotional impact.
 written anonymously, reflecting their oral transmission and communal nature.
Influence of the Pasyon
 The awit form is closely linked to the pasyon, a long narrative poem that recounts the Passion of Christ. The pasyon
established a pattern of rhyming stanzas that influenced the development of the awit.
One of the most famous and influential awit poems is “Florante at Laura,” written by Francisco Balagtas in 1838. This epic poem tells
the story of Florante, a young prince, and Laura, his beloved, who face numerous challenges and obstacles in their quest for love and
justice.
Corido
The term “corrido” in Philippine literature refers to a distinct poetic form, separate from the Mexican corrido. It is a narrative ballad
that shares similarities with the awit, another significant Filipino poetic form.
Characteristics of Corrido
 tell stories, often drawing from historical events, legends, or religious narratives.
 composed in octosyllabic quatrains, meaning each stanza has four lines with eight syllables each.
 stanzas are monorhymed, with all four lines rhyming.
 often explore themes of chivalry, love, adventure, and social commentary.
 often sung or chanted, reflecting their strong connection to music and oral tradition. [1]
Notable Corrido Works
Some notable examples of corrido poems in Philippine literature include:
“Ibong Adarna”: A popular corrido that tells the story of a magical bird and its quest for a cure for a sick prince.
“Doña Aurora”: A corrido that recounts the story of a beautiful woman who is pursued by many suitors.
Komedya
Komedya: A Theatrical Tradition of the Philippines
Komedya, also known as Moro-Moro, Linam Bay, or Arak Yo, is a vibrant theatrical tradition deeply rooted in Philippine history and
culture. It is a play in verse that often depicts the conflicts between Christians and Muslims, typically with a romanticized and stylized
portrayal of battles and heroic deeds.
Origins and Evolution
Komedya emerged during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, influenced by Spanish comedia (a form of dramatic play).
The Spanish used komedya as a tool to promote Christianity and solidify their control over the islands.
Komedya typically follows a narrative structure that involves a conflict between Christian and Muslim forces, often centered around a
love story or a quest for justice.
Komedya performances are characterized by elaborate costumes, colorful sets, and stylized acting.
Music plays a significant role in komedya, with songs and dances often incorporated into the performances.
Komedya explores themes of love, honor, justice, religion, and the clash between cultures.
https://prezi.com/wtzwfxhqipis/komedya/?fallback=1
https://philippineperformancearchive.wordpress.com/theatre/komedya-moro-moro-linambay/
Moro-Moro, is a vibrant theatrical tradition deeply rooted in Philippine history and culture. It is a play in verse that typically depicts
the conflicts between Christians and Muslims, often with a romanticized and stylized portrayal of battles and heroic deeds.
“Komedya” is a broader term encompassing various types of plays, while “Moro-Moro” specifically refers to those plays that depict
the conflict between Christians and Muslims.
Moro-Moro is a subgenre of Komedya, specifically focusing on the conflict between Christians and Muslims.
Urbana at Feliza
Modestro de Castro
 born in Biñan, Laguna
 studied at the Real Colegio de San Jose in Manila
 King of Prose
Urbana at Feliza:
  Published during the Spanish Colonization (1864) in the Philippines.
 Period of urbanization and the rise of the middle class were emphasized in this era.
PLOT
EXPOSITION:
Feliza woke up one day in an empty bed realizing that her sister Urbana had left for Manila already. Feliza wanted to keep in touch so
they started exchanging letters about what was going on in their lives. Feliza seeks advices from Urbana knowing that she knows
what to do.
RISING ACTION:
Feliza seeks counsel from Urbana and Urbana shared everything she has learned in Manila. She also reminds Honesto to not
participate in vices, conflicts and not to hang out with bad people.
CLIMAX:
Their exchanging of letter continues until Feliza asks her sister an advice about how to handle her suitor, Amadeo. Feliza is having
second thoughts in marrying Amadeo.
FALLING ACTION:
Feliza pushed through the wedding after Urbana settled her doubts and fears.
RESOLUTION:
The final part of the story is all about their father’s death and its final wish to not tell Urbana about his death so that she won’t feel
sad. In this part Urbana also mentioned her desire to become a nun.
CHARACTERS:
Urbana : The eldest sister of Feliza and the one who studies in Manila
Feliza: The younger sister of Urbana
Honesto: The youngest among the three
Amadeo: Lover of Feliza who later became her husband
SETTINGS:
Manila – where Urbana studies
Bulacan Paombong – hometown of Urbana and Feliza
THEME:
 Family
 Conduct of Etiquette
Language and style:
 Language used is in Tagalog
 Style used in writing is in epistolary
SYMBOLISM
URBANA – urbanity or good manners
FELIZA – happiness through fulfilling good deeds
HONESTO – sincerity of heart and neatness of honor
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/630082376/URBANA-AND-FELIZA-pptx

Ibong Adarna

Ibong Adarna is a classic example of Filipino epic poetry. Epics are long narratives that recount the adventures of a hero. . The narrative focuses
on the lives of King Fernando, Queen Valeriana, and their three sons: Don Pedro, Diego, and Juan.
When was ibong Adarna made?

The original Ibong Adarna poem was written in the 16th century. However, the exact year is uncertain. It was likely passed down orally for many
years before being written down.

The poem has been adapted and reinterpreted many times over the centuries. The most famous version is the Tagalog epic poem written by Jose
de la Cruz (Huseng sisiw) in the late 19th century.

Significance of ibong Adarna during the Spanish Colonization :

Allegorical Resistance: The Adarna bird symbolizes the Filipino spirit and culture, while the journey of the princes reflects the struggles for
independence and self-determination. The obstacles faced by the princes can be interpreted as the challenges posed by Spanish rule, such as
oppression, corruption, and cultural suppression.

Cultural Preservation: The poem's emphasis on the Adarna bird's healing song and its ability to revive nature can be seen as a reflection of
Filipinos' deep connection to their land and their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage amidst foreign influence.

Florante at Laura

Florante and Laura is a classic example of Filipino romantic epic poetry. It is a long narrative poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the
human condition. Florante and Laura was written by Francisco Balagtas in the early 19th century. The exact year of its completion is uncertain,
but it is believed to have been written between 1838 and 1841 and published in 1838 after he was release in Manila prison.

Significance of flourante and Lauraduring the Spanish Colonization:

Cultural Preservation: Florante at Laura helped preserve Filipino culture and language during a time when the Spanish were actively trying to
suppress both. The poem showcased the beauty and richness of Filipino literature and traditions.

Social Commentary: Balagtas used the poem to criticize the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial regime. He exposed the corruption,
tyranny, and discrimination that Filipinos faced under foreign rule.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

The author of both "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" is José Rizal. He was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and physician who played a crucial
role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
Noli Me Tangere was written by José Rizal in 1887. It was published in Berlin, Germany, in 1887. Noli Me Tangere, is a powerful critique of
Spanish colonialism in the Philippines. It tells the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, a wealthy young man who returns to his homeland after studying
abroad. Through his experiences, Ibarra witnesses the injustices and oppression inflicted upon the Filipino people by the Spanish authorities. The
novel delves into themes of social inequality, corruption, and the struggle for freedom and independence.

El Filibusterismo was written by José Rizal in 1888 and published in Ghent, Belgium, in 1891. It is the sequel to "Noli Me Tangere". Is the second
novel written by Jose Rizal, serving as a sequel to Noli Me Tangere. It continues the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, who has now adopted the alias
Simoun, a wealthy jeweler. The novel delves into themes of social injustice, corruption, and the futility of violence as a means of achieving
change. It also explores the complexities of human nature and the destructive consequences of hatred and revenge.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were written with the primary purpose of exposing the abuses of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
Rizal aimed to awaken Filipinos to the injustices they were suffering under Spanish domination and to inspire them to fight for their
independence.

Key purpose of these novels:

Exposing colonial abuses

Awakening Filipino nationalism

Calling for reforms

Inspiring revolution

Significance to Philippine Literature

Pioneering Filipino Novels

Social and Political Commentary

Nationalist Awakening

Literary Mastery

Cultural Legacy
Mi último adiós”
Reproduction of the original manuscript of the “Ultimo Adios” which was folded so many times when it was hidden in the
lamparilla. Rizal’s sisters had to unfold it delicately with their Hairpins. The original manuscript has writing on both sides of the
paper which measure 9.5 x 15 cms. (Ambeth Ocampo, Rizal Without the Overcoat, revised edition (Pasig City: Anvil Publishing, Inc.,
1996), 90). (English: “My Last Farewell”) is a poem written by Filipino propagandist and writer Dr. José Rizal before his execution by
firing squad on December 30, 1896. The piece was one of the last notes he wrote before his death.
”Mi Último Adiós” (My Last Farewell), written by José Rizal, holds significant relevance under Spanish colonialism in the Philippines.
Here’s why:
1. Symbol of Martyrdom
2. Cultural Identity
3. Call for Freedom and Nationalism
4. Critique of Colonial Oppression
“Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog”
Source: José P. Santos, Si Andres Bonifacio at ang Himagsikan (Manila: n.pub, 1935), 6–7

Andres Bonifacio (attrib.) This famous patriotic rallying call was published under the nom de plume Agapito Bagumbayan. The
Tagalogs, it declares, have supported and sustained “the race of Legazpi” for over 300 years, but have been rewarded with treachery,
“false beliefs” and dishonor. “To eyes long blind,” the light of reason has now revealed this harsh injustice and shown the separate,
selfreliant road the Tagalogs must take.

LIWANAG AT DILIM
•Liwanag at dilim is the first Article made by Emilio Jacinto
•He was known as "Utak ng Katipunan"
•When he was 19 years old he became a leader in out country
•He is the secretary of Andres Bonifacio
•He died on April 16, 1899 at the age of 23
•Liwanag at dilim was wrote when we Filipinos Covered by the Spaniards."

" Sa katunayan ng masamang naugalian: Nagdaraan ang Isang karwaheng maningning na hinihila ng kabayong matulin. Tayo'y
magpupugay at ang isasaloob ay mahal na tao ang nakalulan. Datapwat marahil naman ay Isang magnanakaw; Marahil sa ilalim ng
kanyang ipinatatanghal na kamahalan ay mga hiyas na taglay ay nagtatago sa Isang pusong sukaban."