History of Philippine Literature

Summary

This video script explores the rich tapestry of Philippine literature through various historical periods, from pre-colonial oral and written traditions to the influences of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonization. It highlights significant literary works, styles, and themes, such as the alibata script, Christian doctrine, and nationalistic expressions. The script also touches on the evolution of literary forms, from traditional chants to modern writings, reflecting the country's cultural and political shifts over time.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the history of Philippine literature, covering different periods including pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese occupation, and contemporary periods.
• 🌊 The pre-colonial period's literature was based on oral traditions and customs, with the first Filipino alphabet, Alibata, and written literature on materials like bamboo and tree bark.
• 📜 Pre-colonial literature was divided into written literature, such as riddles and poems, and oral literature, including chants and debates in verse.
• 🏰 The Spanish colonial period introduced Christian doctrine and the first book printed in the Philippines, with Filipino writers like Marcelo del Pilar using literature to awaken the spirit of freedom among Filipinos.
• 📖 The American colonial period saw the introduction of English language in literature, with the founding of poetry in English and the influence of English drama on Filipino theater.
• 🇯🇵 During the Japanese occupation, the use of English in literature was halted, leading to the rise of literature in Filipino, with themes of nationalism, love of country, and faith.
• 🎭 The contemporary period, from 1946 to present, is marked by different phases of activism, new society, third republic, and rebirth of freedom, with varying impacts on literature and its forms.
• 📰 The period of activism saw young people using campus newspapers and films to express their values and emotions, often rebelling against societal norms.
• 🎬 The new society period under Marcos focused on the development and progress of the country, with literature reflecting patience, regard for native culture, and revival of old plays and dramas.
• 📈 The third republic period from 1981 to 1985 was characterized by a variety of literary forms, including poetry, songs, and films that addressed themes of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, and love of God.
• 🌐 The rebirth of freedom period was marked by the rise of opposition newspapers and books that focused on realization and the body and spirit, reflecting the People Power movement's impact on literature.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the history of Philippine literature, including its development through various periods such as pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese period, and contemporary period.

What is the significance of the quote by Theodore Roosevelt mentioned in the script?

The quote by Theodore Roosevelt emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to be better prepared for the future, which sets the stage for the discussion of Philippine literature's historical development.

What were the primary means of communication and living during the pre-colonial period in the Philippines?

During the pre-colonial period, the primary means of communication and living included using indigenous materials, streams, rivers, forests, caves, and other fertile areas, as well as the belief systems of the tribal groups.

What is 'Alibata' mentioned in the script?

Alibata is the first Filipino alphabet discovered during the pre-colonial period, which was used in indigenous Philippine literature.

How were ancient literatures written during the pre-colonial period?

Ancient literatures were written on appreciable materials like dried leaves, bamboo cylinders, and bark of trees.

What are the two forms of pre-colonial literature mentioned in the script?

The two forms of pre-colonial literature are written literature, which includes riddles and poems, and oral literature, which includes chants, debates in verses, and other spoken forms.

What impact did the Spanish colonization have on Philippine literature?

Spanish colonization led to the deprivation of indigenous Philippine literature and the monopolization of themes by religious orders, introducing European culture and the Christian doctrine into Philippine literature.

Which famous Filipino writers emerged during the Spanish colonial period?

Famous Filipino writers during the Spanish colonial period include Marcelo del Pilar, Jose Pasqual Poblete, and Francisco Balagtas, who wrote to awaken the spirit of Filipinos to fight for their freedom.

How did the American colonial period influence the writing styles and themes in Philippine literature?

The American colonial period introduced English as a language for writing, leading to the foundation of poetry in English and the overpowering of traditional Filipino drama by English drama. Themes of revolution, patriotism, and reform became prevalent.

What was the impact of the Japanese colonization on Philippine literature?

During the Japanese colonization, the use of English in literature came to a halt, and Filipinos began writing more in the Filipino language. The literature from this period focused on nationalism, love of country, life in the barrios, faith, and religion.

What are some of the literary forms that emerged in the contemporary period of Philippine literature?

In the contemporary period, various literary forms emerged, including free verse, haiku, tanaga, chiclet, mobile phone textula, speculative fiction, flash fiction, blogs, and hyper poetry.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Introduction to Philippine Literature History

The video script begins with a warm welcome to the channel and an introduction to the topic of Philippine literature. The host references a quote by Tudor Roosevelt to emphasize the importance of understanding the past to prepare for the future. The script outlines the structure of the video, which will cover the history of Philippine literature through various periods: pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese occupation, and contemporary periods. The first focus is on the pre-colonial period, describing the simple life and communication methods of the inhabitants of the Philippine archipelagos, including the use of indigenous materials and belief systems. The script also mentions the discovery of the first Filipino alphabet, the Baybayin, and how literature was based on traditions and customs, written on materials like dried leaves and bamboo.

05:01

🌐 Pre-Colonial Literature and Spanish Colonial Influence

This section delves deeper into the pre-colonial period, discussing the types of literature, including written forms like riddles and poems, and oral literature such as chants and debates in verse. The script then transitions to the Spanish colonial period, highlighting the impact of Spanish colonization on Philippine literature, including the introduction of Christian doctrine and the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593. It mentions significant Filipino writers of the time who aimed to awaken the spirit of Filipinos to fight for their freedom, and the shift in literature themes towards religion and romanticism.

10:01

🇺🇸 American Colonial Period and Japanese Occupation

The script moves on to the American colonial period, discussing the influence of American culture on Philippine literature, with a focus on revolution, patriotism, and reform. The period saw the introduction of the English language in literature, with the founding of English poetry and drama. The Thomasites, who taught English in the Philippines, are credited with this linguistic shift. The script then addresses the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945, detailing the halt of English literature and the emergence of literature in the Filipino language, with themes of nationalism, love of country, and faith. Notable writers from this period are mentioned, along with the types of literature that flourished, such as haikus and Filipino dramas.

15:02

📚 Contemporary Philippine Literature and Its Evolution

The final section of the script covers the contemporary period of Philippine literature, from 1946 to the present. It outlines the different phases within this period, including the period of activism, the new society, the third republic, and the rebirth of freedom. Each phase is characterized by specific themes and developments in literature, such as activism and social change, economic progress, and the revival of traditional arts. The script also mentions the impact of media on literature, with the rise of campus journalism, films, and the use of new writing forms like flash fiction and hyper poetry. The host concludes by summarizing the evolution of literary forms and invites viewers to follow for more content on language and literature.

Keywords

💡Philippine Literature

Philippine Literature refers to the body of literary works produced in the Philippines, encompassing a rich history and diverse cultural influences. It is the main theme of the video, exploring the evolution of literature in the country through various historical periods. The script discusses different eras, such as the pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese occupation, and contemporary periods, each with unique contributions to Philippine Literature.

💡Pre-colonial Period

The Pre-colonial Period refers to the era before foreign colonization, characterized by indigenous forms of literature, primarily oral traditions and written works on natural materials. In the script, it is mentioned that life was simple during this time, with literature reflecting the traditions and customs of particular areas, such as the use of alibata, an indigenous Philippine alphabet, and the creation of written literature on dried leaves, bamboo, and tree bark.

💡Oral Literature

Oral Literature is a form of literature that is transmitted verbally, without the use of a written text. It is a key concept in the script, illustrating how stories, chants, and debates were communicated in pre-colonial Philippines. The script mentions that oral literature evolved into written stories, with examples of this transformation being evident in the way ancient tales were later transcribed into paragraph form.

💡Spanish Colonial Period

The Spanish Colonial Period marks the era of Spanish influence in the Philippines, which had a significant impact on Philippine Literature. The script describes how Christian doctrine and European cultural themes began to dominate, with the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593 and the introduction of works like 'Libro de la Lengua Tagala' reflecting the Spanish context of Christianity.

💡American Colonial Period

The American Colonial Period denotes the time when the United States governed the Philippines, introducing English as a medium for literature. The script explains that this period saw the rise of English-language poetry and drama, with Filipino writers embracing the new language to express sentiments of patriotism and reform.

💡Japanese Occupation

The Japanese Occupation refers to the years of Japanese rule in the Philippines from 1941 to 1945. The script notes that during this period, Philippine Literature in English was halted, but it also spurred the creation of literature in the Filipino language, with themes of nationalism, love of country, and faith becoming prevalent.

💡Contemporary Period

The Contemporary Period in the script represents the post-World War II era to the present, characterized by a resurgence and diversification of literary forms and themes. It is divided into several sub-periods, each with its own focus, such as activism, new society, third republic, and rebirth of freedom, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the country.

💡Lingua Franca

Lingua Franca is a common language used for communication between people who do not share a native language. In the context of the script, it refers to the Filipino language, which emerged as a medium for literature during the Japanese Occupation, allowing for a more accessible and nationalistic form of expression.

💡Haiku

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. The script mentions the emergence of Haiku as a literary form during the Japanese Occupation, reflecting the influence of Japanese culture on Philippine Literature at the time.

💡Campus Journalism

Campus Journalism refers to the practice of reporting news and creating content within an academic setting, often by students. The script highlights the role of campus journalism in the period of activism, where young people used it as a platform to express their values, emotions, and irreverence towards societal issues.

💡Bomba Films

Bomba Films, as mentioned in the script, are a type of Philippine movie characterized by sexual content. They became popular during the period of activism, reflecting a certain aspect of the cultural expression and the freedom of expression in the country at that time.

Highlights

Introduction to the nature of literature and Philippine literature.

Emphasizing the importance of understanding the past for preparing for the future, as quoted by Theodore Roosevelt.

Exploration of the traces of Philippine literature throughout history.

Discussion of the types of writing and styles prevalent in early Philippine literature.

Introduction to the pre-colonial period of Philippine literature, focusing on indigenous materials and communication methods.

Mention of the first Filipino alphabet, Alibata, discovered during the pre-colonial period.

Differentiation between written and oral literature in the pre-colonial period.

Transition to the Spanish colonial period and its impact on Philippine literature.

The introduction of Christian doctrine and the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593.

The awakening of Filipino spirit to fight for freedom through literature during the Spanish period.

Shift to the American colonial period and the influence of English language on Philippine literature.

The impact of Thomasites on the adoption of English in Philippine writing.

Japanese colonization period and its effect on halting English literature and promoting the use of Filipino language.

Emergence of nationalistic themes and the use of Filipino lingua franca during the Japanese period.

Contemporary period of Philippine literature from 1946 to present, marked by different phases of societal change.

The period of activism and its influence on youth and campus journalism.

Evolution of literary forms from traditional to modern, including free verse, haiku, and digital forms like textula and hyper poetry.

Outlook on future episodes discussing 21st-century literature and its dimensions.

Transcripts

[Music]

hi everyone welcome back to my channel

and welcome back to my blog

previously we have discussed the nature

of literature and also what is

philippine literature this time around

we're gonna be moving to another episode

but a continuation of the previous

lesson about it okay so before we move

on to

our episode for today uh let me let us

be guided with the following quote by

tudor roosevelt the more you know about

the past the better prepared you are for

the future so in short we're going to be

dealing with past okay so in short our

topic for today is about the traces of

philippine literature

in short we're going to be going back to

the history of the philippine literature

and we're going to be dealing with also

with

what are the types of writing the style

of writing and also what are the famous

literary uh you know literary works way

back then so let's start now so these

are the topics that we're going to deal

with the first one is the pre-colonial

period second spanish colonial period

third the american colonial period

fourth the japanese period and the fifth

one which is about the contemporary

period okay

so

let's start with the pre-colonial period

okay so the pre-colonial period as

you're gonna be looking into that um

life is so simple

so if you're going to be imagining the

life way back in the pre-colonial period

are the things that they use for

communication and also for living

which includes the philippine

archipelagos inhabitants uh like streams

rivers forests cave and other fertile

areas okay so if you're gonna be looking

into that also the type of plotting that

they have

came from the indigenous materials so

the indigenous forebears of today's

filipino people so from the baha'i

from the leaves that they used for

clothing way back before

here also native people's belief system

so they are more of

masala

um

superstitious beliefs so they are very

notable in many ethnic societies which

includes the tribal groups so

young

tribal from the visaya from the luzon

from the mindanao

they are

very i mean

can clearly be seen and young culture

nella here

a very

vivid and at the same time present

supreme colonial period

so here also at the pre-colonial period

uh

they have discovered the first filipino

alphabet which includes the alibata so

indigenous philippine literature was was

based on traditions and customs of

particular area so ancient literatures

were written on the appreciable

materials like dried lips bamboo

cylinder and bark of trees so way back

then um

the

i know your your lol your lolos and

lolas they try to communicate

you saying the dried leaves that indeed

i mean

the real paper

and also they tried to write love

letters

okay so

i know you have seen that also way back

in different movies

[Music]

or

you can see also into the netflix or you

can see that also into youtube okay

so

we have or

divided um the pre-colonial literature

or the pre-colonial period literature

into two forms um because they try to

communicate and they try to make their

own literary forms based on two first

one which is about the written

literature and the second one which is

about the oral literature so written

literature this is basically using um

letters using letters put it on a piece

of paper so the examples of this are the

riddles or

so i know you're very familiar with the

riddles or

um

which is

um written by different famous authors

or also poems that was written by your

ancestors

so next one is about the oral literature

oral literature is basically a

literature that is being spoken or

through sounds so the example of this

are like the chant and balance

witchcraft

another one is

a foreign filipina form of debate done

in verses so i know you're very familiar

with that

okay

so next one so these are the examples

into the pre-colonial period

[Music]

okay

so with the passage of time oral

literature

it becomes a story already it became a

story already

[Music]

actually we have different versions of

this already wherein they write it

already into a paragraph form but before

it was written in a poem but this time

around um there are some writers that

try to translate it into paragraph form

okay

so we'll now be moving to the spanish

colonial period okay

so

after the pre we're down to spanish and

i know you're very familiar and you know

for a fact na

na cold night style for 300 plus years

so here at spanish period especially

specifically spanish colonized or the

spaniards colonized the philippines so

the deprivation of the indigenous

philippine literature monopolizing other

religious orders themes of spanish

european culture the romantic catholic

region and i know you're very familiar

also with the story of magellan that we

are colonized in terms of our religion

which is about the romantic

uh i mean the catholic okay

so here we do have this christian

doctrine this is the first book ever

printed in the philippines in 1593 by

the dominican press and we do have also

the libro libro de la lengua tagala and

also we do have also here the pashon

these are the spanish context of

christianity that talks about the

feeling of filipino mother towards a

suffering son

so

quarters filipino writers under spanish

period so more or less

not enceladin writers okay so marcelo

del pilar jose

pasqual poblete and francisco baltasar

um actually they tried to write not just

only for leisure for and but to awaken

the i mean the spirit of the filipinos

to fight for their freedom

okay

so we now be moving to after the

spaniards

we were sold to the american

and here the american colonial period so

american feud um this discussed about

the revolution and sentiments for

patriotism and reform so more of the

revolution and

uh

the thomasites were i mean

they taught us already the english

language so the literature was written

in english and

the filipino writers become anita uh

well i mean they already welcomed the

use of english language into writing so

poetry in english also was founded and

sarsawella was overpowered by english

drama so as well uh um if it's it's like

a moral moral the example of that is

moromoro wherein they try to use uh yuma

place and then with stories like that

but here we have already the english

drama under american period and now we

are trying to i mean use it i mean it's

still present at the contemporary period

so as what they have told you thomas

sites were the first english teachers

the filipino learned language using it

into writings so the freedom of

expression and the freedom of press were

not uh prohibited they're i mean they

have the free will to ride

so after that uh

there came the japanese so we were

colonized up by the japanese but the

for the year of 1941-1945

here we have three years of invasion and

there's bataan that march i know you're

very familiar with this one uh la luna

you have already

learned this one in your social studies

class

so we have the starving and sick

american and the philippine defense

defenders so women become prostitutes

and then there's a force filipino

laborers

so here at the japanese colonization

period philippine literature in english

came to halt so

meaning next top and use of english but

the benefit of that mind is that

the filipinos

tried to uh write their own literature

using our lingua franca which is about

filipino language so li wai wai to

ishiwara filipino wrote plays poem short

stories the common topic of this are the

nationalism country love of country

life in the barrios faith religion and

the arts

so these are the examples of literature

that emerged during that period during

the japanese period which are the haiku

we do have also the filipino drama

filipino short story and the philippine

literature in english

here these are the famous uh player

writers way back in the japanese we do

have um hernandez rodrigo del mundo

balmaseda

so we'll now be moving on to the next

one as

i have told you japanese period is still

under contemporary period okay

um as you look into the year but i tried

to

separate it

new young difference okay so here at the

contemporary period which is about from

1946 to present

they are divided into the different

period also we do have the period of

activism period of new society period of

the third republic and the report of

freedom

here at the period of activism young

people became activists to ask for

changes in the government national uh

list writers from youth um youth become

rebel use campus newspapers show their

values emotions the irreverence for the

poor rich speak during this period of

the mass revolution actually this is um

more of the time of where they seek

freedom especially for the that's why we

do have also here newspaper

um of the youth we do have the campus

journalism already and we do have also

the bomba films so bomba films are films

or sex films okay

so this uh is next one is a period of

the new society which is about the 1972

to

1980 here the writing deals with the

development or progress of the country

so there is a stop of pornography

but things of most palm deals with

patients regard for native culture and

they revive also the old place and

dramas which is about the tagalog

and the embayoka as you look into the

period of activism this uh

with the uh la i mean with a

recent discussion of the period of

activism

the uh it was like a year of marcos so

years of marcos going to the period of

this new society meaning uh

stop nayu marcus era so that's why

there is a more freedom with the period

of the new society

so next one is about at the uh

here also at the period of the new

society there is no more ban for the

regio and television the filipino films

and also comics magazines and other

publications were already presented so

which talks about economic progress

discipline culture tourism and the life

so the next one is the period of the

third republic this is between 1981 to

1985. so here at 1981 to 1985 filipino

poetry

filipino songs and then philippine films

so

as you look into this uh i mean era

marami dito among sexy stars because

filipinos way back then love for i mean

they have the love for sex films and for

the filipino songs i mean different

genre

of or different teams also which talks

about the grief the poverty and

aspirations for freedom and then love of

god

so next one is the rebirth of freedom so

people power prevailed here newspapers

which were branded and became instant

opposition papers overnight which is

about the bulletin today and the books

which is about the body and spirit

realization

so this is the summary of the whole

period

or the different eras of the philippine

literary history that talks about the

literary forms based on the different

era from the fox speeches

going to the free verse from the

american version american

colonialization period going to the

japanese the haiku tanaga and going to

the

modern forms of writing which is about

the chiclet the mobile phone textula the

speculative fiction the flash friction

the blog and the hyper poetry we're

going to anyway we're going to discuss

these literary forms or different

literary forms as we go on with the next

episode i mean for the next episodes of

this 21st century literature

so i think that would be all everyone

for this episode next episode we're

gonna be dealing with the dimensions of

literature bye bye everyone and don't

forget to like and subscribe to my

channel if you want

more content of

language classes

and literature classes bye bye everyone

[Music]

you