Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the richness of Philippine literature, which existed even before colonization, evidenced by an alphabet that was later destroyed by Spanish friars. It then outlines the learning objectives: to delve into the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to contemporary times.
A quick activity challenges viewers to complete a literary timeline. The periods covered include Pre-Colonial (before 1565), Spanish (1566-1871), Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898), American influence (1898-1941), period for Filipino literature in English (1946-1970), Period of Activism and New Society (1970-1980), New Freedom Era (1981-1985), Post-EDSA (1986-1999), and the 21st Century (2001-present).
Before foreign influence, Philippine literature was characterized by folktales, epic age, and songs. Folktales were stories of life, adventure, love, horror, and humor, often conveying moral lessons. Epics were long narrative poems about heroic achievements, with examples like 'Biag ni Lam-ang' and 'Hinilawod'. Folk songs, such as 'Kundiman', reflected early forms of culture.
The arrival of the Spanish introduced religious and secular prose and poetry, replacing the indigenous 'Alibata' with the Roman alphabet. European legends and traditions influenced Filipino songs and plays. The Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898) saw Filipino intellectuals like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena using literature to call for freedom and national identity against colonization.
The American regime (1898-1944) encouraged writing in English, with Jose Garcia Villa becoming famous for his free verse. However, Tagalog writers continued to express their love for the native tongue and lament the country's condition. The Japanese period (1941-1945) interrupted literature development; Philippine literature in English halted, while themes of faith, religion, nationalism, and life in barrios were prominent in poetry, including forms like Haiku and Tanaga.
During the Japanese occupation, Philippine literature in English suffered, while Tagalog literature revived with themes of Japanese brutality, poverty, and guerrilla exploits. The Period of Activism (1970-1972) saw youth activism driven by societal ills, influencing literature that sought reforms.
The Period of New Society (1972-1980) saw continued literary excellence, with the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature maintaining its prestige. After martial law was lifted in 1981, a new Philippine Republic emerged, and poems reflected themes of romance, revolution, grief, poverty, and aspirations for freedom. The Post-EDSA 1 Revolution (1986-1995) marked a regained independence, with new songs, newspapers (like the Inquirer and Malaya), speeches, and TV programs undergoing massive changes.
The 21st-century period introduces new trends and innovations, requiring learners to be ICT-savvy and adapt to new writing styles and formats. The video concludes by reiterating that Philippine literature, from pre-colonial to contemporary times, demonstrates the nation's resilience and its people's prolific creativity and expressiveness, forming an essential part of the Filipino identity. The next episode will explore representative texts from the region.