21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD 1

INTRODUCTION

21ST CENTURY A learning Module in 21st Century Literature from the Philippine
and the World for Grade 11 Students is an interactive module
designed to meet the needs of the 21st century learners. It is anchored
on a

LITERATURE FROM holistic approach in developing the basic learning competencies of the
K-12 Basic Education Curriculum. The lessons per quarter aim to
engage students in appreciation and critical study of 21st Century

THE PHILIPPINES
Literature from the Philippines and the World encompassing their
various dimensions, genres, elements, structures, contexts, and
traditions.

AND THE WORLD Critical thinking is a 21st century skill that the contemporary learner
has to develop. This means, among other things, that the learner
should not take “knowledge” at face value or, worse, accept it blindly

For Senior High School and completely as the “truth.” Instead, he/she should point out both
its positive and negative aspects, and evaluate them accordingly,
figuring out how such details may be deemed relevant – to the
individual, to society, and the world at large.

The author’s intent with this module is not to set a definitive reading
FIRST UNIT MODULE list that “represents” the era, because the era is still evolving but to
offer a way of viewing 21st century literature – one of many, of course –
and, through this module, the teacher as well as the learner will create
a learning experience together that embraces the standards of true
Prepared by : Ma’am Sky literacy and humanity.

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21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD 2

MELC/s:
I. PRE-TEST
 Identify geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of
DIRECTIONS: Using the given answer sheet, darken the circle correspond
Philippine literary history from precolonial to the contemporary, ing to the letter of the best answer for each item.
1. Jose Rizal’s works such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were
The use of this module requires every learner to demonstrate understanding of written to awake the mind of our countrymen.
transformation in the Philippine literature through times. Through this, each A. Spanish Period
learner will experience how language, ethnic and geographic dimensions B. American Period
contribute and are influenced by changes in the government. C. Pre-Spanish Period
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to: D. Period of Enlightenment
 2. The Philippines had literature such as legends, folktakes, folksongs, and
 Identify various dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the like.
contemporary; A. Spanish Period
 B. Japanese Period
 Enumerate differences between and among periods of Philippine C. Pre-Spanish Period
literature as presented by geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions; D. Period of Enlightenment
 3. In this period, religious books were written such as Doctrina Cristiana
 Show appreciation of the early and contemporary forms of Philippine and Urbana and Felisa to support or contradict the Catholic Church.
literature A. Spanish Period
B. American Period
C. 21st Century Period
D. Period of Enlightenment
4. Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting,
poetry, stories plays, essays, and novels which clearly depicted their love
of country and their longings for independence.
A. Edsa I Period
B. American Period
C. Pre-Spanish Period
D. The 3rd Republic Period
5. Filipino literature was given a break during this period for the Filipino
literature was prohibited to use. Many wrote plays, poems short stories,
etc. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.
A. Japanese Period
B. American Period
C. Pre-Spanish Period
D. The 3rd Republic Period

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21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD 3

II. CONTENT FOLK SONGS. Folk songs are one of the oldest forms of Philippine
literature that emerged in the pre-Spanish period. These songs mirrored the
Do you know that our forefathers already had their own literature which was
early forms of culture.
reflected in their customs and traditions? They had their own alphabet even
Many of these have 12 syllables.
before they were colonized. Their alphabet was burned by the Spanish
Examples of which are Kundiman, Kumintang o Tagumpay, Ang Dalit o Imno,
friars in the belief that they were works of the devil or were written on
Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana, Soliraning and Talindaw
materials that easily perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves and 
bamboo cylinders which could not have remained undestroyed even if Other forms of Pre-Spanish Poetry
efforts were made to preserve them. Other records that remained showed 
folk songs that proved existence of a native culture truly our own. Some of Epigrams (Salawikain) is oldest form of Philippine literature that emerged
these were passed on by word of mouth till they reached the hands of some in the pre-Spanish period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture.
publishers or printers who took interest in printing the manuscripts of the 
ancient Filipinos. Our unique geographic location is the reason or having Riddles (Bugtong) or Palaisipan are made up of one or more measured
rich lines with rhyme and may consist of four to 12 syllables. It is known as tigmo
and varied. in Cebuano, paktaton in Ilongo and patototdon in Bicol.


Pre-Spanish Literature is characterized by : Chant (Bulong) is used in witchcraft or enchantment.



LEGENDS. Legends are a form of prose the common theme of which is Maxims are rhyming couplets with verses of 5, 6 or 8 syllables, each line
about the origin of a thing, place, location or name. The events are having the same number of syllables.

imaginary, devoid of truth and unbelievable. Old Filipino customs are Sayings (Kasabihan) are often used in teasing or to comment on a
reflected in these legends. person’s actuation.


FOLK TALES. Folk tales are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, Sawikain (Sayings) are used to state lines with no hidden meaning.
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. An example of this is THE
MOON AND THE SUN.

THE EPIC AGE. Epics are long narrative poems in which a series of
heroic achievements or events, usually of a 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.


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 European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our

songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
 Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other
dialects.
 Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and
Visayan.
 Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.

 THE FIRST BOOKS

 ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE).
This was the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography.
 Nuestra Señora del Rosario. It contains the biographies of saints, novenas,
and questions and answers on religion.
 Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre (in Spanish and Tagalog).
This is the first book printed in typography.
 Ang Barlaan at Josephat. This is a Biblical story printed in the Philippines
and translated to Tagalog from Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borja.
Do you know that?  The Pasion. This is the book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It
During these times, many changes occurred in the lives of Filipinos: is read only during Lent. Urbana at Felisa.
 
 embraced the Catholic religion  FOLK SONGS.
 changed their names Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its
 were baptized. national song from the lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao. They truly manifest the artistic feelings of the Filipinos. They show
Literature in this period may be classified as religious prose and poetry and the Filipinos’ innate appreciation for and love of beauty. The examples are
secular prose and poetry. Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandansoy, Sarong Banggi and Atin Cu
 Pung Singsing.
 SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE 
  RECEREATIONAL PLAYS.
 The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the Roman There are many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the
alphabet. Spanish times. Almost all of them were in poetic form.
 The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious 
practices.  Tibag – The word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by
 The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time the Spaniard to remind the people about the search of St. Helena for the
lent many of its words to our language. Cross on which Jesus died.

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 Lagaylay – This is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during

Maytime to get together. In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called ilustrados
 The Cenaculo – This is a dramatic performance to commemorate the began to write about the hitch of colonization. The 300 years with Spaniards
passion and death of Jesus Christ. marked the longest colonial period in the Philippine history. Due to the need to
 Panunuluyan – This is presented before 12:00 on Christmas Eve. This is a see new hope in the midst of multitude, the Filipino spirit reawakened when the
presentation of the search of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn 3 priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient
wherein to deliver the baby Jesus. evidence of guilt.
 The Salubong (or Panubong) - The Salubong is an Easter play 
that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and his Mother. It is still  The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896)
presented in many Philippine towns. This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like
 Carillo (Shadow Play) – this is a form of dramatic entertainment performed Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano
on a moonless night during a town fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
 Zarzuela – considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or
melodrama three acts which dealt with man’s passions and emotions like
love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice or some social or political problems.
 Sainete – this was a short musical comedy popular during the 18 th 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.
 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.
 KARAGATAN. This is a poetic vehicle of a socio-religious nature celebrated
during the death of a person.
 DUPLO. The Duplo replaced the Karagatan. This is a poetic joust in
speaking and reasoning. The roles are taken from the Bible and from
proverbs and saying. It is usually played during wakes for the dead.
 BALAGTASAN. This is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate on a
particular topic or issue. This is replaced the DUPLO and is held to honor
Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar. Some of Marcelo Del Pilar’s writings :
 THE DUNG-AW. This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his 1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of Country). Translated from the
representative beside the corpse of the dead. No definite meter or rhyming Spanish AMOR PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong
scheme is used. Tagalog.
 AWIT and the CORRIDO. Some use these two interchangeably because
distinction is not clear. 2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful). A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to
----------Period of Enlightenment (1972- 1898)----------- Fr. Jose Rodriquez in the novel NOLI of Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1883.

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3. DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and Jokes). The active arousal in the field of literature started to be felt in the following
Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done against the parish priests, newspapers.
published in Barcelona in 1888.. 
 EL NUEVO DIA (The New Day). Established by Sergio Osmeña in 1900.
Some of Graciano Lopez Jaena’s writings The American censors twice banned this and threatened Osmeña with
1. ANG FRAY BOTOD (Friar Botod). One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in banishment because of his nationalistic writings.

1876, six years after the Cavite Revolt attacking the friars in the Philippines. He
exposed how some of the friars were greedy, ambitious and immoral.  EL GRITO DEL PUEBLO (The Call of the Nation). Established by Pascual
2. LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (The Child of the Friar) and EVERYTING IS HAMBUG Poblete in 1900.

(Everything is mere show). Here Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a  EL RENACIMIENTO (The Rebirth). Founded by Rafael Palma in 1901.
Spaniard. 

3. SA MGA PILIPINO...1891) A speech which aimed to improve the condition

Plays written during the period

of the Filipinos to become free and progressive.  KAHAPON, NGAYON AT BUKAS (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow).
Written by Aurelio Tolentino depicting the suppression done by the
4. TALUMPATING PAGUNITA KAY KOLUMBUS (An Oration to Americans and their plan to colonize the Philippines.
Commemorate Columbus). A speech he delivered in Madrid on the 39 th 
anniversary of the discovery of American.  TANIKALANG GINTO of Juan Abad.
----------The American Regime (1898-1944)----------- 
 MALAYA by Tomas Remigio.
After having been colonized by the Spaniards, a new set of 
colonizers brought about new changes in Philippine literature.  WALANG SUGAT by Severino Reyes.

Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using
English language. English as medium of instruction was introduced in Characteristics of Literature during this period

the schools as intellectual language of education.
 During the first year of the American period, the languages used in writing
Jose Garcia Villa became famous for his free verse. were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of the different regions, but
Angela Manalang Gloria used free verse in writing her poetry about illicit Spanish and Tagalog predominated.
love. 
Alongside this development, writers in the provinces continued to  The writers in Tagalog continued in their lamentations on the conditions of
use vernacular language. Some of them are Lope K. Santos, Valeriano the country and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native tongue.
Hernandez Pena and Patricio Mariano. American’s influence was 
evident in the fusion of American pop cultures and romantic tradition  The writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the Americans.
such as Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan by F.P Boquecosa who also
penned Ang Palad ni Pepe after Charles Dicken’s David Copperfield.
------------The Japanese Period (1941-1945)-------------

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Between 1941-1945, Philippine Literature was interrupted in its The field of the short story widened during the Japanese Occupation. Many
development when the Philippines was again conquered by another foreign wrote short stories, among them were: Brigido Batungbakal, Macario
country, Japan. Philippine literature in English came to a halt. Pineda, Serafin Guinigindo, Liwayway Arceo, Narciso Ramos, NVM
Except for the TRIBUNE and the PHILIPPINE REVIEW, almost all newspapers Gonzales, Alicia Lopez Lim, Ligaya Perez, and Gloria Guzman.
in English were stopped by the Japanese. 
 PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (1941-1945)
 FILIPINO POETRY DURING THIS PERIOD 
The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was Because of the strict prohibitions imposed of the Japanese in the writing
nationalism, country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion and the arts. and publishing of works in English, Philippine literature in English
experienced a dark period.
Three types of poems emerged during this period. They were: 
 POETRY IN ENGLISH DURING THIS PERIOD
 Haiku – a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17 
syllables divided into three lines. The first line had 5 syllables, the second, For the first twenty years, many books were published both in Filipino and in
7 syllables, and the third, five. English.
The Haiku is allegorical in meaning, is short and covers a wide scope in 
meaning. THE NEW FILIPINO LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD
The moon in the water; 
Broken and broken again, Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived during this period. Most themes
Still it is there in the writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, of the poverty of life under the
Chōshū Japanese government and the brave guerilla exploits.
(Trans. R. H. Blyth)
 -------------Period of Activism (1970-1972)---------------
 Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short but it had measure and rhyme. Each line According to Pociano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to
had 17 syllables and it’s also allegorical in meaning. domestic and worldwide causes. Activism is connected with the history of our
SANGGOL Filipino youth. Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek reforms.
(Emelita Perez Baes) Some continued to believe that the democratic government is stable and that it
Pag ang sanggol ay ngumiti is only the people running the government who are at fault. Some believed that
nawawala ang pighati, socialism or communism should replace democracy. Some armed groups were
pag kalong mo’y sumisidhi formed to bring down the democratic form of government.
ang pangarap na punyagi. 
 THE LITERARY REVOLUTION
 Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form) The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded change in the
government. This was manifested in the bloody demonstrations and in the
THE FILIPINO SHORT STORY DURING THE JAPANESE PERIOD sidewalk expressions but also in literature. Campus newspapers were written

to show their protest. They held pens and wrote on placards in red paint the
equivalent of the word MAKIBAKA (To dare!)
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lets for writers to publish their works in the new society period.
----------Period of the New Society (1972- 1980)------------ -------Period of the Third Republic (1981-1985)---------
The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino
Palanca Awards continued to give annual awards. Almost all themes in most which started under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on
writings dealt with the development or progress of the country – like the Green January 2, 1981. The Philippines became a new nation and this; former
Revolution, family planning, proper nutrition, environment, drug addiction and President Marcos called “The New Republic of the Philippines.”
pollution. The New Society tried to stop pornography or those writings giving 
bad influences on the morals of the people. FILIPINO POETRY- Poems during this period of the Third
 Republic were romantic and revolutionary. Writers wrote
FILIPINO POETRY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY openly of their criticism against the government. The
supplications of the people were coached in fiery, colorful,
Poems dealt with patience, regard for native culture, customs and the beauties
violent, profane and insulting language.
of nature and surroundings. Those who wrote poetry during this period were: 
Ponciano Pineda, Aniceto Silvestre, Jose Garcia Revelo, Bienvenido Ramos, FILIPINO SONGS- Many Filipino songs dealt with themes
Vicente Dimasalang, Cir Lopez Francisco, and Pelagio Sulit Cruz. that were really true-to-life like those of grief, poverty,

 THE PLAY UNDER THE NEW SOCIETY
aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country and of
fellowmen.

In this period, old plays and dramas were revived like the Tagalog Zarzuela, CHILDREN’S BOOKS- Among the well-loved forms of
Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the Muslims which were presented in the
writing which abounded during this period were those of
rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and the Cultural Center of
children’s stories. The Children’s Communication Center
the Philippines.
 COMICS, MAGAZINES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(CCC) directed by poet and writer Virgilio S. Almario
already.
During this period of the New Society, newspapers donned new forms. News -------Post- Edsa I Revolution (1986-1995)---------
on economic progress, discipline, culture, tourism and the like were favored History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their
more than the sensationalized reporting of killings, rape and robberies. independence which they lost twenty years ago. In the span of four days from
Filipinos before were hooked in reading magazines and comics. Given below February 21-25, 1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed.
are some of the examples. Together, the people barricaded the streets petitioning the government for
changes and reforms. Freedom became a reality – won through a peaceful,
 Liwayway is a leading Tagalog weekly magazine published in the bloodless and God-blessed revolution.

Philippines since 1922. It contains Tagalog serialized novels, short stories,
poetry, serialized comics, essays, news features, entertainment news and THE STATE OF LITERATURE DURING THIS PERIOD:
articles, and many others. In fact, it is the oldest Tagalog magazine in the In the short span of the existence of the true Republic of the Philippines,
Philippine. Kislap is a well read ko in the ’50s, was a magazine of general several changes already became evident. This in noticed in the new Filipino
interest: Movie, song, radio, fiction, features. But its come-on was colored
movie ads which served as the magazine’s cover. The two became the out
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songs, in the newspapers, in the speeches, and even in the television

programs.

On Newspapers and other publications: Newspapers which were once branded
crony newspapers became instant opposition papers overnight. This was true
of
BULLETIN TODAY which became the opposition paper. The now crony
newspapers that enjoyed an overnight increase in circulation were THE
INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S JOURNAL.
---------------21st Century Period----------------
Filipino writers continue to write poetry, short stories, novellas, novels, and
essay whether these are socially committed, gender/ethnic related or are
personal in intention or not. Of course the Filipino writers have become more
conscious of their art with proliferation of writers workshop here and abroad
and the bulk of literature available to him via the mass media including internet.
The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the need and taste of
new generation. 21st Century learners are demanded to be ICT inclined to
compete globally so as the style and format of writing as well. New codes or
lingos are used to add flavor in the literary pieces produced nowadays.

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