Philippine Literature - Spanish Period

Summary

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines from 1565 to 1898 significantly influenced Filipino culture, religion, and literature. The period saw the adoption of the Roman alphabet, Christian teachings, and Spanish language. It also introduced new forms of entertainment like cockfights, horse races, and theater. The script highlights key cultural practices, the impact of Spanish rule on Filipino society, and the rise of nationalism, exemplified by figures like Jose Rizal, who championed reforms and inspired the Propaganda Movement.

Takeaways

• 🇪🇸 The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1565 under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, introducing significant cultural and religious changes.
• 📚 Literature flourished during the Spanish period, with the Filipino alphabet 'Alibata' being replaced by the Roman alphabet and the Spanish language becoming the literary medium.
• ⛪ The Catholic religion was widely embraced, leading to changes in Filipino lifestyles, including the construction of stone and brick houses and the adoption of European furniture and utensils.
• 🚣‍♂️ Transportation evolved with the use of carriages, trains, and boats, while cockfights and horse races became popular forms of recreation.
• 🏛 The Spanish period saw the rise of different social classes, including the rich and landlords, and the establishment of many schools for higher education in fields like medicine and law.
• 📖 'Ang Doctrina Christiana', printed in 1593, was the first book in the Philippines, containing Christian prayers and teachings in Tagalog and Spanish.
• 🎭 Recreational activities during the Spanish period included various dramatic performances and plays that were often in poetic form, reflecting religious and social themes.
• 🎵 Zarzuelas, a form of musical comedy or melodrama, were popular and dealt with human passions, emotions, and social issues.
• 💡 The period of enlightenment in the late 19th century saw a resurgence of Filipino spirit, with a demand for reforms and changes in government and church, led by intellectuals like Jose Rizal.
• 📜 Jose Rizal, a prominent Filipino intellectual, wrote influential novels and essays, including 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo', which criticized Spanish rule and inspired nationalism.

Q & A

When did the Spanish colonization of the Philippines begin?

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began in 1565 during the time of Miguel López de Legazpi, the first Spanish Governor-General in the Philippines.

What significant event marked the decline of Spanish influence in the Philippines?

The decline of Spanish influence was marked by the Cavite Revolt in 1872.

How did the Spanish colonization affect the Filipino lifestyle?

Spanish colonization led to Filipinos embracing the Catholic religion, changing their names, and adopting new lifestyles such as building houses made of stones and bricks, using beautiful furniture and utensils, and utilizing carriages, trains, and boats for travel.

What were some of the recreational activities during the Spanish period in the Philippines?

Recreational activities included cockfights, horse races, and theater performances. They also held fiestas to honor saints, the Pope, and the Governor.

What was the impact of Spanish colonization on Filipino literature?

Spanish colonization influenced Filipino literature by replacing the Filipino alphabet with the Roman alphabet, making Spanish the literary language, and introducing European legends and traditions into local songs and narratives.

What is 'Doctrina Cristiana' and why is it significant?

Doctrina Cristiana is the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593. It was written by Father Juan de Plasencia and Father Domingo Nieva and contains Christian prayers and teachings, including the Ten Commandments of God and the commandments of the Catholic Church.

Can you describe the 'Tibag' ritual mentioned in the script?

Tibag is a dramatic performance that commemorates Saint Helena's search for the cross on which Jesus died. It is usually performed without a raised stage during May time festivals and involves a cross being buried and later 'discovered' during the play.

What is the 'Salubong' and how is it celebrated?

Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the risen Christ and his mother. It is still presented in many Philippine towns with two processions converging at a designated place, where an image of the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary meet.

What is the significance of the 'Propaganda Movement' in the context of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines?

The Propaganda Movement was a reformist movement led by Filipino intellectuals who sought changes in governance and church practices. It aimed to achieve equal treatment for Filipinos, restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortez, and grant Filipinos freedom of speech, press, assembly, and redress of grievances.

Who were the three principal leaders of the Propaganda Movement?

The three principal leaders of the Propaganda Movement were José Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano López Jaena.

What was José Rizal's contribution to Philippine literature and nationalism?

José Rizal was a prominent Filipino intellectual and writer who contributed significantly to Philippine literature with his novels and essays. His works, such as 'Noli Me Tángere' and 'El Filibusterismo,' as well as his advocacy for reforms, played a crucial role in awakening the Filipino spirit of nationalism.