Naquila, Russel Angelo B. - Written Work 3

Based on the given articles, identify and discuss the literary forms/elements from the  following: 

a.) Early Philippine Literature 

The early inhabitants of the archipelago established Philippine Literature long before the colonizers arrived. One prominent difference of the early literature was the native alphabets used by the Tagalogs which is commonly called the baybayin, an inscription similar to Sanskrit. Songs, riddles, proverbs, short poems, epics, and other literary works from the pre-colonial period utilized  Baybayin writings. Because no foreign elements were employed for inspiration, the majority of these literary works were created by the country's early inhabitants, and hence can be regarded as our own. 

Dr. Lilia Quindoza-Santiago also stressed the importance of the awit, or song, which most ethnolinguistic tribes remember for its own tunes and lyrics. The Tagalogs had 16 different song  types that they employed for various occasions. Uyayi or hele (lullaby), soliranin (traveler's song),  talindaw (seafarers songs), kumintang (war song), kundiman (melancholic love song),  panambitan (courtship song), pamanhikan (wedding song ceremony), and many others, including  maluway, dalit, subli, dallot, duayya, dung-aw Also mentioned by the author are other literary  works from the time period, such as bugtong or riddles, which are usually designed to rhyme and  employ the talinghaga as a metaphor for the meaning or answer of the riddle. Second, Filipinos  enjoy poetry. Poets engage in rhyme, meter, and metaphor, and it is also used to communicate,  narrate, and describe, among other things. The tanaga, a short seven-syllable quatrain, was a  popular form of poetry at this time. Then there are Tagalog proverbs, also known as  Salawikain/Sawikain in our own language, which are statements/sentences that dictate  standards, teach life lessons, and reflect community traditions and values. Finally, epics and  folklore were popular throughout this time period, and these depict the culture, history, and beliefs  of various tribes, people, and places, or the entire country in general.  

b.) Philippine Literature in Spanish Colonial Period 

As previously said, early or existing Philippine literature before Spanish colonialism comprises  epics, ballads, riddles, and proverbs that were passed down orally rather than in writing. However,  when the Spaniards came and colonized the country, the conquistador destroyed every written  literature he could find and rendered with the existing native systems of writing. Likewise, the Spanish colonial strategy was to change the existing native oral tradition or literature by  introducing the story of the passion of Christ. In fact, the church leaders coordinated with the  Indio, or natives, in their own language, spreading the church doctrines. As a result, Indio's literacy  began to flourish, paving the path for the creation of the first written literary work by the indigenous  people. These writers are commonly referred to as Ladinos because of their fluency in Tagalog  and Spanish.

In the 18th Century secular literature was developed specifically komedya which was a  form of medieval inspired by the native poetry drama and was mostly associated with Christians  triumphing over Moslems. Poets rose to prominence during this period, being acclaimed for a  variety of literary works, particularly poetry and drama. Despite the fact that the Philippines were  invaded by the Spaniards in 1565, literary works published in Spanish did not begin until the  nineteenth century. Considering the start of literacy during these times, journalism and the  educational system began to rise and were mostly owned or managed by the religious orders.  The country's first newspaper, Del Superior Gobierno, was published in 1881, but it wasn't until  the second part of the nineteenth century that journalism became popular. Because of the  increase in printing presses and publications in the country during the 19th century, printing  overtook tradition. There was also an upsurge in fiction and poetry writing as a result of the  increased number of publication channels. There was also a surge in creativity in the theater,  particularly in the zarzuela, which the Spaniards brought to the Philippines.  

However, because the colonial government was in charge of the production and  distribution of literature, some limitations were imposed, such as censorship and restrictions.  Similarly, many Filipinos struggled, faced problems, and even died as a result of Spanish  colonization. As a result, nationalists launch a propaganda campaign to speak and express the  Filipinos' pains and struggles under the Spanish rule through books and literature. In reality,  among many other works, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are two of the most popular,  well-known, and widely regarded novels published in this generation that depict the injustices,  violence, and sufferings of Filipinos. 

c.) Philippine Literature in American Period 

In 1898, Spanish colonization came to an end, and the country was taken over by  Americans. Secular and liberal ideals were extensively promoted during this time, public  education advanced, and journalism and publishing or printing in the country grew in popularity.  During this time, three languages are often employed as a medium for expression: a local  language or dialect in the country, Spanish, and English. Education and culture are the most  notable developments in Philippine literature during the American Period, since free public  education for all students was implemented, and the English language was widely utilized by the  majority of people. The English language was used for education and was taught by the educators  that arrived in the same year public education was introduced – 1901. People picked up the  language rapidly and it was already being used in a variety of media, including novels, periodicals,  newspapers, and other forms of prose. 

In addition, various schools, including the Philippine Normal School and the University of  the Philippines, were established beginning in 1901. During this time, several English newspapers  were founded, including the Daily Bulletin, The Cablenews, and the Philippines Free Press, all of  which contributed to the spread of English. Magazines such as the Philippines Herald, Philippine  Education Magazine, and Manila Tribune were also widely disseminated throughout the country.  Aside from that, major printing presses and magazines have been founded, showing that the  country's journalism has actually risen. As a result of American colonization, the majority of poems  and works linked to poetry published during this time period are in English. In terms of fiction and short stories, most literary works were patterned after American writers' style and craft. After the  University of the Philippines was founded, Paz Benitez released a short story entitled ‘Dead  Stars,’ and was made the landmark of the maturity of the Filipino. Soon after, most short stories  written by Filipino authors stopped imitating American literature's methods and style. Furthermore,  the Philippine Writers League was founded in 1936 and began to debate the importance of writing  in society. Finally, Filipino authors have continued to publish literary works in the country's native languages and dialects. Despite American colonization, weekly periodicals such as Liwayway,  Bannawag, and Bisaya continued to publish novels in Tagalog and other local dialects. Poetry in  all languages flourished in all parts of the country, and balagtasan, a verse debate almost done  spontaneously in poetry in which protagonists argue various topics, was a prominent and important event during this time. 

Discuss the significant developments of the following periods. 

a.) Early Philippine Literature 

Most literary works were written in the local Philippine alphabet, the Baybayin, in the early  days. However, as time passed by, since the material used in writings aren’t that well-built most  of these literary works were propagated through oral literature or incantations. Oral tradition,  incantations, or translations into songs and rituals are also visible in literary works from this time  period. Aside from that, the literary works produced during this time period consist of moral tales  depicting genuine events in people's lives. Although some are fantasy or fiction, others aren't, and  they can link to people's lives and teach them valuable lessons.  

Then, the prevalent literary works produced in this period were songs, poetic works,  riddles, proverbs, epics and folklore. These literary works were passed down from generation to  generation, either through written or oral literature; moreover, several of these literary works are  still relevant and in use today. Furthermore, because no foreign elements or inspiration were  employed in the literary works created during this time period, it emphasized the Filipino culture,  traditions, and beliefs, which we can consider as our own.  

b.) Philippine Literature in Spanish Colonial Period 

 The majority of literary works written during the Spanish Colonial Period are religious in  nature. In truth, the Spaniards were the ones who brought Christianity to the land and spread  religious texts among the inhabitants. Church authorities spread church doctrines to the natives  by using their native or local language. The Spaniards were responsible for the rise in literacy  among Filipinos during this time period. Because of the literacy culture among Filipinos, the first  literary native text authored by the natives was developed. 

Similarly, several Filipino poets and their creative works prospered, particularly in the  areas of drama, poetry, and other types of prose. Moreover, at this time, journalism and the  educational system began to flourish. As a result of the increased number of publishing houses  and printing presses, printing has surpassed tradition in that most literary works are now printed.  Although most existing literary works were through oral literature, the Spaniards destroyed whatever written literary work they could find. For them, learning the language by the Filipino is  considered and would foster a spirit of assertiveness and rebellion. Furthermore, because of the  injustices, brutality, and miseries that the Filipinos endured during this time, various writers were  able to document and express their pain and hardships through writing and propaganda for  revolution. 

c.) Philippine Literature in American Period 

 During the American Period, it was clear that the country had undergone significant  improvements and advancements. The English language was brought to the country by the  Americans, who established free public education for everybody. During this time, a number of  public schools were established, which also assisted in the teaching of the English language to  the residents. During this time, journalism flourished and progressed to the point where significant  newspapers and magazines, as well as publications, were established. 

In most prose genres, most literary works written and published by Filipino writers used  English as the primary language. As a result of American colonization, many local writers  replicated or imitated the ways and approaches of American literature, despite the fact that some  local writers conveyed their works in the traditional ways of Filipino writers. Theater plays were  popular both during and after World War II. During this time, seditious drama in the form of  zarzuela, which primarily focused on American imperialists, was also produced. Despite the rise  of English poems and poetry works, Philippine literature, particularly poetry produced in local  languages by Filipino writers, was remained extensively available and propagated in the country.  During this time, novels and Maikling Kuwentos (short stories) in local languages and English  were also published, as were fictions in Tagalog, English, and other local languages of the  country. Finally, balagtasan was commonly used to discuss important topics in a poetical manner. 

How have these literary periods shaped our (a) ideological perspectives, (b) societal  values, (c) and political views? Discuss each  

a.) ideological perspective 

Religion in the country has changed and has significant developments over time as  Spaniards introduced Christianity. As a result, most literary works produced have a relationship  to religion or tackle religious issues. Similarly, numerous Filipino authors borrowed elements and  writing styles from Spanish and American literature. Colonialism, on the other hand, occurred  during the Spanish and American periods, when the Philippines were colonized and ruled. They  aspired to be the head of state or government, with the power to command the people, and as a  result, the colonists' culture and traditions were imported to the Philippines. Furthermore, many  Filipinos suffered, died, and coped with many problems as a result of the colonizers; as a result,  there are Filipinos who rise up, fight, and write about their sufferings and inequalities.

b.) societal values 

One of the most notable developments during the various literary periods is culture and  traditions. In early Philippine literature, early inhabitants employed the native alphabet, often  known as the baybayin, and there was no common language used by these people. However,  colonizers like the Spaniards and Americans introduced the Roman alphabet, which evolved into  the alphabet we use today, and various languages, including English and Spanish, became widely  spoken. Furthermore, major advancements for the country's growth and advancement were  visible during these literary times, and can be seen in several sectors such as education,  economy, rule of law, and many others. Through media, public education, literary works, and  language, we may also see how the country has grown. 

c.) political views 

During the Spanish Period, various constraints or obstacles were erected as a result of  the colonizers, particularly in the sphere of journalism, where there should have been some media  control and censorship on the released press. Similarly, during the various literary periods, many  Filipinos suffered from miseries, violence, and inequality. As a result, there were Filipinos who  stood up, fought for what was right, and expressed their hardships through writing or combat.  Most writers attempted to develop literary works during the colonial period in order to demonstrate  hope and affection for the country.