Philippine Literature

A. How My Brother Leon Brought Home A Wife by Manuel E. Arguilla

1. Who are the characters in the story? What type of character are they? Explain
each briefly.

LEON/NOEL- Round character because his perspective, character and personality change. For
an instance when he changes his name from Leon to Noel.

MARIA- Static character because she did not undergo any significant change in her character,
personality or perspective.

BALDO- Static character because he did not undergo any significant change in her character,
personality or perspective.

LEON AND BALDO’S FATHER- Round character because his perspective, character and
personality change.

LEON AND BALDO’S MOTHER, AURELIA AND LABANG- Plot characters because their
characters were summed up in just a few lines.

2. What are the symbols presented in the story? Explain each symbolism.

CARRATELA- symbolizes the rural life or life in the province.

LABANG- symbolizes that the work of the people in the rural areas are blue collared job which
are mostly farming or agriculture.

LEON- the name of Leon backwards which is Noel, symbolizes as culture change. For instance,
Noel represent the city and Leon represents the rural.

3. How will the story end?

Leon’s father accepted Maria as his son’s wife. Also, his perspective on Maria changed as soon
as he met her and get to know her more.

B. The Witch by Edilberto K. Tiempo

We Filipinos, believe that witches are people thought to have powers, especially evil ones.
Witches can curse people. They practice witchcraft, perform sacred rituals and magic spells.

2. What is the theme of the story? The mood?

Mystery is the theme of the story because it left the protagonist and the reader questioning
whether to believe witches or not and if Minggay Awok is one. While the mood of the story is
scary and fearful because as the protagonist narrates the story about the witch in Libas, it is full
of fear, causing the reader to be scared.

3. Who is Minggay Awok? Describe her characteristics.

Minggay Awok is described in the story as an old lady that is known as being a witch, even
beyond Libas. People believed that she has the power to curse people and owns mystical
creatures like wakwak and sigbin. However, she is just an ordinary person who lives alone in a
hut near the creek. Minggay Awok looked kind, small old woman about two or three inches
below five feet and her mouth is a thin line just above her little skin.

C. We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers by Alejandro Roces

1. Do you agree with the author that the Filipinos are mild drinkers? Explain your
answer.

No. Actually, Filipinos are the heaviest drinkers of alcoholic beverages in the Southeast Asia
according to the study of DOH. Drinking in the Philippines isn’t just a way to catch up with
friends, it’s also a vital part of Filipino culture. Alcohol is consumed during celebrations, special
occasions, in fiestas and also ceremonies. Liquor can even be consumed without an occasion,
just simply drinking while talking to some friends.

2. What unique characteristics do the Filipino possess?

D. The Summer Solstice by Nick Joaquin

1. Summarize based on your own understanding giving emphasis on the highlights

The Summer Solstice is a short story written by Nick Joaquin. The book tells the story of a
ritual performed by women to call upon the gods to grant fertility. The ritual they perform is to
dance around a century-old Balete tree. The ritual was known as Tatarin and lasted for three
days during the summer months.

The Tatarin, or the Tadtarin, was a three-day festival that celebrated as a ritual of fertility
done by women. Men did not like the idea of extravagant dances and plays surrounding the
ritual. “Summer Solstice” took place during the three-day St. John’s festival. Lupeng is married
to Paeng, who is no doubt loyal to her. They have three boys and live a wealthy life. Guido is a
cousin of Paeng who came back to the Philippines after he studied in Europe. The story started
when the family is celebrating the days of the St. John’s festival until Guido makes suggestive
comments to Dona Lupeng, and even bending down to kiss her feet. This had her leave shortly
and have a discussion with her husband in the evening. Dona Lupeng secretly found herself
intrigued by the attention of Guido, she felt that he was correct in saying that women should be
adored by men. This caused her to participate in the last night of the festival, which is the
Tatarin or Tadtarin ritual. Paeng goes with her and tries to drag her back once the dancing
started but she runs away from him to go to the women. He tries to take her back but the
women in the crowd beat him out, leaving him stranded. As they return home, Paeng says he
must whip his wife because he loves her and feels that she needs to be put in her place.
Because of this, she shouts and says she wants to be adored, not respected and orders him to
kiss her feet.

The Summer Solstice was classed as controversial because of the mix of Pagan ritual and
Christian rites of passage. Story was later adapted into a play and this was itself adapted into a
film.

2. Identify who are the characters and the type of character. Explain them briefly.
DONA LUPE- Round character. Her perception and views change. Her views about women that
they should not only be respected but also should be adored by men. She is the wife of Don
Paeng.

DON PAENG- Round character. His characteristics, personality and views change. For an
instance, during an argument with Dona Lupe, he admitted that a woman should be adored by
men.

GUIDO- Flat character. Guido’s can be seen in a few lines.

DONA LUPE AND DON PAENG’S CHILDREN, ENTOY, NURSE MAID, AND AMADA- Flat
characters. Their characters can also be seen in few lines.

E. Stay Home Filipino by Conception A. Isla

1. What impression is being given by the title?

The impression given by the title of the essay is that through it, readers are able to tell that
the essay is all about Filipinos working in foreign land instead of staying and working in the
country.

2. What is the author trying to tell the Filipinos? In what way is he saying it?

The author is trying to convince Filipinos to work here in the Philippines instead of leaving
the country to find a job in a foreign land. Also, the author is trying to tell readers that finding a
job in foreign countries is difficult.

3. Explain the line “There is no place like home”.

“There is no place like home’’ is to say that the home is the best place no matter what.

Home is something incomparable. A safe place.

F. The Best Advice I Ever Had by Carlos P. Romulo

It means that the more power a person possesses, the more the person should be humble.
You need to be humble even though you're a very successful person.

2. In what way the President Manuel Quezon won the admiration of Carlos P.
Romulo?

When President Manuel L. Quezon went to Carlos P. Romulo’s office to apologize for what
he said at the party.

3. What message was conveyed in the essay?

Being humble is a very important attitude a person should possess because it brings in
people’s hearts and mind. In being humble, though, because they place less importance on the
self, exhibit higher self-control in many situations. Humble people handle stress more effectively
and report higher levels of physical and mental well-being and they also show greater
generosity, helpfulness, and gratitude—all things that can only serve to draw us closer to others.