Torres, Keana Kyle A. - Written Work 3

 21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM PHIL AND THE WORLD: WW3

3.1. Based on the given articles, identify and discuss the literary forms/elements from

the following: (30 points)

a. Early Phil. Literature

Philippine literature is related to the country’s prehistoric story, colonization by others

until the present time. Before the Spaniards colonized our country and brought a lot of

contribution to our literature, we had our early Philippine literature (pre-Spanish period). The

early literary forms of the Philippines have mostly contained legends, epics, and riddles that

the natives told.

    The ancient residents of the Philippine islands used a local alphabet or syllabary

known as Baybayin among the Tagalogs, which is Sanskrit-like writing. Literary forms such

as proverbs, lyrics and songs, short poems, and some parts of epic poetry and riddles are

written through the use of Baybayin. The majority of this early literature, on the other hand,

was passed down by oral recitation and incantation and was only centuries later translated

into the Roman script by Spanish chroniclers and other academics. It is also said that the

Roman alphabet's change of the baybayin erased a substantial piece of indigenous

Philippine literature.

    Most ethnolinguistic populations recognize the native tunes and lyrics of their songs.

There were 16 song forms among the Tagalogs for different happenings distinguished by

Fathers Chirino and Colin. The awit or song is one of the earliest forms that has been

preserved. Some examples of song forms are uyayi or hele, and it is a lullaby or piece of

music that is usually played for putting a child to sleep; the kumintang, used as a war song;

the talindaw for seafarers and soliranin for the travelers; the panambitan is a wooing song,

while the pamanhikan is a song about love; the subli is a dance-ritual song of courting and

marriage performed by the would-be bridegroom to his would-be bride as he requests

permission to marry her. Then there are more other songs like maluway, kundiman, dalit.

There are also more known song forms among the Ilocanos: a love song called dallot and

duayya and a visitation song called dung-aw. The bagbagto, a song ritual for harvest, is

performed by the Bontoc of Mountain Province, while the Ivatan of the Batanes Islands has

three popular folk song forms: the laji, the kanta, and the kalusan.

    Bugtong, or what they called Tagalog riddles or burbutia to Ilocanos, are constructed

to rhyme and use the talinghaga, a type of metaphor whose meaning finally transmits the

importance of the riddle's response. An example of bugtong is “Narito na si Katoto, may

dala-dalang kubo” the answer is a turtle; it uses a metaphor that Katoto has a hut with him or

a house. The riddles sometimes are communicated through recognizable indigenous forms

of poetry, such as the ambahan, a monorhyme heptasyllabic poem credited to Mindoro's

Hanunuu-Mangyan ethnic group, and ambahans are also utilized to tell stories about

everyday life. Father Antoon Postma has gained a lot of ambahan’s examples. Tanaga is

also a poetic form similar to ambahan; the tanaga is a compact seven-syllable quatrain,

unlike the ambahan, which has an infinite length. The tanaga puts poets to the test in terms

of rhyme, meter, and metaphor since it not only rhymes and measures but also requires

skilled use of words to create a puzzle that needs an answer.

    Philippine proverbs are sayings that dictate rules, teach a lesson, or simply represent

the community's conventional norms, traditions, and beliefs. In Tagalog, proverbs are

referred to as salawikain or sawikain, whereas in Iloko, they are called sarsarita. According

to Professor Damiana Eugenio, Philippines proverbs are classified into six (6) groups:

1. Proverbs are sayings that indicate a general attitude toward life and principles.

2. Ethical proverbs encourage the practice of some virtues while condemning the

practice of others.

3. Proverbs represent a value system

4. Proverbs are sayings that communicate broad facts and observations about life and

people.

5. Humorous proverbs

6. Miscellaneous proverbs

She claims that a pretty comprehensive Filipino philosophy of life is possible to construct.

    As critics and anthropologists refer to the Philippine epics or ethno-epics, they are

the most fascinating poetic and narrative forms of early Philippine literature. Most of the

country's main ethnic groups have an epic recited in various rites; because these epics were

created by chanting, many have yet to be written down. According to ASEAN-sponsored

research of Filipino epics, there are about one hundred (100) surviving epics in the

Philippines, the majority of which are from the island of Palawan. The ASEAN anthology

features only translations into English and Filipino on Aliguyon (Hudhud) of the Ifugao, Biag

ni Lam-ang of the Ilocano, Labaw Donggon, the Sulod epic, Agyu or Olahing or Ulahingan of

the Manobos, Sandayo of the Subanun. Different professionals translate these.

These epics have five similar qualities, according to the editors and translators:

1. These epics have titles that signify "song" or "chant." Examples are the Ifugao

hudhud, the Manobo olaging, and the Subanon's guman.

2. The epics are episodic and progress through en palier structures. Every episode has

repeated sequences, the most well-known of which include chewing the betel nut,

battle chants, getting ready for marriage, and so on.

3. The diwatas, anitos, and other benign spirits who come to the hero's help are familiar

supernatural characters in epics.

4. These epics also reflect the civilization in which they were written.

5. There are usually multiple versions of these epics and multiplication of episodes,

phenomena described by the genre's orality and transmission over the years to the

group's generations.

    Aliguyon or the Hudhud talks about Aliguyon as he battles his enemy. Pambukhayon

leads his followers through rice fields and terraces, instructing them what they should do.

Biag ni Lam-ang narrates the story of Lam-ang, a magnificent epic hero who had terrific

abilities from a young age. The romantic escapades of the son of a deity, Alunsina, by a

mortal, Datu Paubari, are the subject of Labaw Donggon. The Agyu or Olahing is a

three-part epic that begins with the pahmara (invocation), continues with the kepu'unpuun

(history), and concludes with the sengedurog (a standalone narrative); the parts talk about

the adventure of the hero as he leads his people. Sandayo narrates the history of the

same-named hero, who was born under unusual circumstances when he fell out of his

mother's hair when she was combing it on the ninth stroke. There are more known epics

such as Bantugan of the Maranao, the Darangen, which is a Muslim epic, the Kudaman of

Palawan, the Alim of the Ifugao, the Hinilawod of Panay, the Ibalon of Bikol and Tuwaang of

the Manobo. Also, the Tagalog has no known epic, although it is widely assumed that the

narrative of Bernardo Carpio, a man imprisoned by the massive Montalban mountains, is

their epic. According to a literary scholar, Dr. Resil Mojares, the general origins of the Filipino

novel may be traced in epic narratives. Don Isabelo de Los Reyes, a renowned scholar, and

critic, had amassed an extensive collection of folk stories, legends, and myths, which he

displayed in Madrid in 1887 and received a prestigious merit award. These stories have now

been collected in a book called El Folklore Filipino (1996).

b. Phil Literature in Spanish Colonial Period

    In 1565 Spanish colonization started in the Philippines. In 1565, notable Filipino

writing in Spanish appeared in the nineteenth century, despite the Spanish occupation. This

occurred because of the circumstances for a “culture of literacy” –the rise of journalism and a

letter-based educational system. The Philippines was first exposed to printing in 1593, with

Doctrina Cristiana being the first printed book in the country. Only 541 books were published

in the Philippines between 1593 and 1800. The sluggish growth of the Spanish language

was exacerbated by the Spanish government's reluctance about its promotion. The prevalent

opinion was that learning the language by Filipinos would develop a spirit of assertiveness

and resistance among the colonial subjects, based on racist and imperialist assumptions.

Prior to the nineteenth century, the only influential Filipino writers who wrote in Spanish were

religious writers and Spanish missionaries. The Spanish utilized the narrative of Christ to

subjugate Philippine literature at the time. They used the parallels between Christ and the

superheroes of Filipino epics to destroy early Philippine literature, and Filipinos began to

worship Christ, learn Church principles, and embrace a religion at this time.

    The late nineteenth century marked a turning point because of political, economic,

and social reforms that "opened up" the colony to the globe. Journalism began to flourish in

the second half of the 19th century, with publications such as Diario de Manila and El

Comercio. As publishing companies grew, more literary forms such as fiction and poetry

were created. The Spanish government kept track of the creation and distribution of every

literature item. Censorship was very active and forced that the colony forbade the entry of

books by Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas, Eugene Sue, and Miguel de Cervantes' Don

Quixote for displaying "immoral traditions." However, the force of social and economic

transformation allowed Filipino literature in Spanish to develop.

    The "Propaganda Movement," led by Filipinos from Europe and the Philippines, was

the most notable. Literary activity occurred throughout this time, and outstanding individuals

in Philippine literature emerged. The notable figure Jose Rizal, Noli me Tangere(1887), and

El Filibusterismo (1891) are two of his many works, which is now considered one of the most

important books by a Filipino. La Solidaridad (1889-1895), the organ of the Spanish

Propaganda Movement, was the primary platform for 19th-century nationalist writings in

Spanish. After Spanish colonialism ended in 1898, there was a rise in Spanish literary works.

Advances in public education and the growth of journalism and book publishing are only a

few of the causes that have been recognized as contributing to this increase. The linguistic

situation in the early twentieth century was also a significant issue. During this period of

change, Spanish remained a popular medium, particularly among the Spanish-schooled

generation. During that time, three languages were used as a medium for expression. These

are the native languages: Tagalog, Iloko, Cebuano, and other Philippine languages; The

language of the educated elite is Spanish; and English.

    Significant literary works, primarily poetry, were created in the early years of the

century. Cecilio Apostol, Jesus Balmori, and Claro M. Recto. Guerrero, Cecilio Apostol,

Jesus Balmori, and Claro M. Recto's Bajo Los Cocoteros, Guerrero's Crisalidas, Balmori's Mi

Casa de Nipa, and Apostol's Pentelicas were among the prominent poets. The Philippines

was introduced to theater, specifically the Spanish zarzuela. Recto, Pascual Poblete, and

Antonio Abad were some of the Spanish-language playwrights who failed to make an effect

as the popularity of Philippine-language plays grew.

    Fictional works were also produced during this time. Balmori's Bancarrota de Almas

and Abad's El Ultimo Romantico were among the famous writers. Propagandists in the 19th

century wrote writing that indicated Filipinos had adopted the Spanish language. In the

essay and other written forms, it made significant progress. Essays and prose forms were

produced in Spanish, demonstrating the Filipinos' understanding of the language. Rafael

Palma, Jaime C. De Veyra, and Teodoro M. Kalaw were notable authors of these works.

    Despite Spain's long colonialism of the Philippines, the language was not widely

spoken. The language's influence in schooling waned, and Filipino writers writing in Spanish

were no longer visible in Philippine literature. When the American era began, the number of

works in Spanish and the language fell dramatically.

c. Phil Literature in American Period

    After the Spanish Colonization happened, American Period took place. The attempts

of American troops at the turn of the century to soothe the Filipino people and implant in

them the American principles of "universality, pragmatism, and democracy" gave rise to

Philippine Literature in English. The institution of public education was established using

English as the language of teaching during 1901. In that year, around 600 educators arrived.

People picked up the language fast, undoubtedly aided by the numerous support systems

outside of academia, such as books, periodicals, newspapers, etc. Right now, people who

could understand and speak the English language are already 80%.

    In 1901, the Philippine Normal School and University of the Philippines were

established and the publication of English newspapers aided in the spread of English.

Filipino literary forms were not written until the 1930s and 1940s. Newspapers and

periodicals were first published during this period. The Philippines Herald, the Philippine

Education Magazine, was the first of its kind to be published in the Philippines. Paz Marquez

Benitez, Jose Garcia Villa, and Casiano Calalang's writings were later published in journals

and newspapers such as the Manila Tribune, the Graphic, and the Woman's Outlook. When

the Free Press began paying for published submissions in 1921 and rewarded P1,000 for

the finest tales, writers were given financial incentives. The Creative apprentice, posted by

the Writers Club, also encouraged literary creativity. Also, in 1939, politically oriented authors

formed the Philippine Writers League, continuing their battle with Villa's "art for art's sake"

school.

    In 1940, Manuel Quezon presented the inaugural Commonwealth Literary Awards,

and he presented awards to the champions of several literary competitions. Also, during the

Japanese occupation, when Tagalog was the preferred language of the Japanese military,

English writing was put on hold. However, after the war, it resurfaced and reclaimed the

fundamental drive for greatness that it has retained. Writers in English in the postwar period

polished their understanding of craft and skills against a backdrop of political upheaval and

government fights with Hukbalahap insurgents.

    All of the playwrights were anti-American. Plays in the style of Spain's zarzuela were

famous. Wilfredo Maria Guerrero's one-person plays were well-known before World War II

broke. Poems, fiction, and novels critical of the US government were also discovered.

Bulalakaw ng Pag-asa by Ishmael Amado, published in 1909, was one of the first books to

address the issue of American imperialism in the Philippines. The novel, on the other hand,

was not published until 1916. During the American period, poetry in all languages also

flourished in all parts of the country. The Tagalogs created the balagtasan in honor of

Francisco F. Balagtas, the country's best poet. The balagtasan is a poetic joust performed

practically spontaneously between characters who discuss the merits and drawbacks.

    During the American period, different but simultaneous developments of Philippine

literature in English, Tagalog, and other archipelago languages only indicate that literature

and writing, in any language and environment, may persist primarily through the active

imagination of authors. However, the amount of English works produced during this time is

irrefutable, demonstrating that Philippine writing in English has become a tradition, signaling

a new era in Philippine literature.

3.2. Discuss the significant developments of the following periods (30 points) - a, b, c

    Filipinos have demonstrated excellent writing talents since the beginning of Philippine

literature. Despite the challenges of creating works during the colonial period, Filipinos

battled for the freedom to write and study. Exceptional Filipino authors earned a name for

themselves among the burgeoning Spanish and American writers, finally ensuring the

survival of Philippine literature.

    Filipinos had their own alphabet and literary works that conveyed their thoughts and

other elements of their existence before the colonial period. Poems, melodies, riddles,

proverbs, and lyrics are just a few of the literary genres they created throughout this time

period. Despite the fact that they were only able to pass it on orally to subsequent

generations, transcriptions of these works allowed them to be preserved till the present day.

Songs were the most famous and popular form of Philippine literature in the early years, and

they were found in every corner of the country. Weddings, courtships, wakes, and other

events are commemorated with songs. Some people utilized proverbs to teach others vital

life lessons, while others employed riddles for enjoyment. Other short stories were written

during this time period, most of which spoke of a hero who saved others from danger. Even

though the plots of the stories were similar, the readers loved reading them. Today's

youngsters have at least once read and heard of these literary styles because they are part

of history. These are primarily taught in schools and other places.

    Although numerous works were written and made available to the public during the

Spanish colonial era, the Spanish colonial period also inspired the Propaganda Campaign, a

movement to modify the present administration via the use of books and other reading

materials. The Spanish Propaganda Movement's organ, La Solidaridad (1889-1895), was

the principal venue for 19th-century nationalist writings in Spanish. Following the end of

Spanish colonialism in 1898, a surge in Spanish literary works occurred. During this period,

Rizal authored and published his two well-known novels, Noli Me Tangere and its sequel El

Filibusterismo. These novels are thought to have sparked the Philippine Revolution. The late

nineteenth century was a watershed moment because of political, economic, and social

reforms that "opened up" the colony to the world. Journalism took off in the second part of

the nineteenth century. Printing was one of the most significant advances brought to the

island, yet the majority of the publications printed and circulated were Spanish works with

religious themes. Most literary forms published during this time focused on the Spanish

rulers' injustice and the Filipinos' experiences under Spanish rule. Although censorship was

widespread and enforced to the point that the colony barred the admission of books,

numerous notable works were produced during the Spanish colonial period.

    After the Spanish colonial period ended, the American period began. Everyone had

the opportunity to go to school. After their education, some had acquired sufficient

knowledge to enhance their social standing and join the country's middle class. English was

chosen as the teaching language when public education was founded. English writing was

also placed on hold during the Japanese occupation when Tagalog was the preferred

language of the Japanese military. After the war, it resurrected and restored the genuine and

unquenchable desire for greatness that it had always had. In the postwar period, English

writers honed their art and abilities against a backdrop of political turmoil and government

battles with Hukbalahap guerrillas. During this time, literary works were produced in broader

genres and themes. Some articles were about society, some about love, and others were

just short fiction written for fun. Filipinos also reported plays, novels, fantasy, and poetry.

    Even though Spain dominated the Philippines for a far more extended period than

the United States, Filipinos absorbed American culture, language, and way of life. Not many

people could speak, let alone understand, Spanish by the end of the Spanish colonial era,

yet several cultures and languages are derived from Spanish. The English language is more

familiar to Filipinos than the Spanish language. The influence of these two periods on the

country, though, is evident. These times contributed significantly to the country's growth.

3.3. How have these literary periods shaped our (a) ideological perspectives, (b)

societal values, (c) and political views? Discuss each. (30 points)

    Pre-colonial and colonial periods have influenced our literature in significant ways.

These two periods contributed significantly to the country's growth.

    In the Spanish period, they advocate Christianity in the country. Prior to the

nineteenth century, religious authors and Spanish missionaries were the only significant

Filipino writers who wrote in Spanish. To subdue Philippine literature at the time, the Spanish

used the story of Christ. They destroyed early Philippine literature by drawing analogies

between Christ and the superheroes of Filipino epics, and Filipinos began to adore Christ,

acquire Church ideas, and adopt a religion at this time. Islam was well established on

Mindanao and Sulu by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, with outposts on

Cebu and Luzon. The Muslim districts possessed the greatest and most politically integrated

civilization on the islands during the Spanish invasion. If given more time, it would have

united the whole archipelago. However, during the three centuries of Spanish administration

on Mindanao and Sulu, dominance over the Muslims was never attained (Miller, 2022). The

Spanish were primarily concerned with the philosophy of conquest and subjection

(“Ideologies of Colonization,” 2020).

    In addition, the literary periods laid the path for societal principles, particularly justice

and liberty. While under the Spanish and American governments, several books published

by Filipino writers attest to this. During this time, literary works were published on the

administration's injustices, inequity among Filipinos and their people, and freedom. Different

Filipino authors and writers give their best to tell the story about the injustice Filipinos get

from the colonizers. The United States finally awarded the Philippines independence after a

long struggle for independence from Spanish rule.

    The Spanish and American colonial policies and practices have strong roots in the

patterns of culture and poverty, reliance, and underdevelopment. During Spain's dictatorship,

the follower-leader system was ignored and destroyed, and leaders who dared to defy them

were punished. They also removed women from leadership posts, arguing that they were

incapable of doing so. The Americans established capitalism and formal elections in the

early twentieth century and other minor improvements and dubbed the country a

"democracy." Over the years, people learned that government, laws, and bureaucracy were

tools of tyranny, exploitation, and abuse. The land was taken, taxes were levied, and

tributes, including forced labor, were required by those in authority.

    Regardless of the negative experiences that Filipinos have had, the colonial period

has left an indelible mark on current culture, literature, and way of life. Despite the passage

of centuries, all literary works and periods are still regarded as necessary in Philippine

literature.