SHS

GRADE
11/12

st
21 Century Literature
from the Philippines and
the World
Quarter 1 Module 1: Week 1
Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic
Dimensions of Philippine Literary
History from Pre-Colonial to the
Contemporary

Name:_____________________________________________
Grade level & Section: ________________________________
Subject Teacher: ____________________________________
 Lesson 1: Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic
Dimensions of Philippine Literary History
from Pre-Colonial to the Contemporary

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

Henry James, considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the
English language, once said that “it takes a great deal of history to produce a little
literature.” Indeed, literature and history are inarguably intertwined, for literature is
not only a piece of writing that contains an author’s thoughts and emotions about a
certain idea. It may also be a writer’s reaction and opinion about a particular societal
event, a citizen’s feelings about his fellowmen and leaders, or a country’s collective
hopes and dreams for its citizens.
As a twenty first century learner, you should be able to familiarize yourself
with the history of Philippine literature and identify a literary work’s geographic,
linguistic, and ethnic dimension. You must understand, too, our respected
Filipino writers’ works to be able to appreciate our literary history as Filipinos. It is
essential that we make this understanding deeper so that we shall be able to express
our concern for these literary works and give value to our rich literary heritage.
This module provides meaningful activities and discussions for you to be able to:

 Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of

Philippine literary history from pre-colonial to the contemporary; and
 Take to heart these aspects and develop a genuine love for
Philippineliterature.

1. What do you know about the different Literary Periods in Philippine

Literature?
2. What are the essential elements of the literary pieces under different periods
of literature?

2
 PRE-TEST

Activity 1: Matching Literary Works and Literary Periods

Read the items under column A and column B. Then match them by writing the
letters of your answers in a separate sheet of paper. One literary period may match
more than one literary work.

Column A Column B
1. Ang Doctrina Cristiana A. Pre-colonial (BC to 1564)
2. I Saw the Fall of the Philippines
B. Spanish Colonial (1565 to 1898)
3. Biag-Ni-Lam-Ang
C. Japanese Occupation (1941 to 1945)
4. Dead Stars
D. Contemporary (1970 to present)
______5. Kundiman
E. American Colonial Period (1898 to1941)
6. Pres. Aquino’s Speech before
F. Nationalistic Period (1864 – 1896) the US
7. Pasyon
Congress
8. Myths
9. Footnote to Youth
10. Korido

Was it easy for you to match the given literary works with the periods they were written?
Why? Why not? Do you think that sometimes, the title of a literary piece alone can give
us a clue to the period that it was written? Explain.

LESSON PROPER

INTRODUCTION
Our forefathers already had their literature, which reflected in their customs and
traditions. They had their alphabet even before they had been colonized. The Spanish friars
burned their alphabet in the belief that they were works of the devil or were written on
materials that quickly perished, like the barks of trees, dried leaves, and bamboo cylinders,
which could not have remained firm even if efforts were made to preserve them. Our unique
geographic location is the reason why we are rich.

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 PRE-SPANISH LITERATURE
- is characterized by:
• Folk tales
These are made up of stories about life, adventure, love, horror, and humor
where one can derive lessons. 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.
• Folk Songs
These are one of the oldest forms of Philippine literature that emerged in the
pre-Spanish period. These songs mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these
have 12 syllables. Examples of which are Kundiman, Kumintang o Tagumpay, Ang
Dalit o Imno, Ang Oyayi o Hele, Diana, Soliraning and Talindaw

UNDERSTANDING LITERARY HISTORY

Literature in this period may be classified as religious prose and poetry and secular
prose and poetry.

• Spanish Influences On Philippine Literature

The first Filipino alphabet, called ALIBATA, was replaced by the Roman alphabet.
Also, the teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious practices.
European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs,
corridos, and moro-moros.
• Folk Songs
It manifests the artistic feelings of the Filipinos and shows their innate appreciation
for and love of beauty. The examples are Leron-Leron Sinta, Pamulinawen, Dandan-
soy, Sarong Banggi, and Atin Cu Pung Sing-sing.
• Recreational Plays
There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish
times. Almost all of them were in a poetic form such Cenaculo, Panunuluyan, Salu-
bong and Zarzuela.

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 PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT (1972- 1898)
In 19th Century, Filipino intellectuals educated in Europe called Ilustrados
began to write about the hitch of colonization.
The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896)
This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like
Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar; Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce,
Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro Paterno.
o Some of Rizal’s writings:
-Noli Me Tangere, Mi Ultimo Adios,
-Sobre La Indolencia Delos Filipinos and Filipinas Dentro De Cien Aňos.
o Some of Del Pilar’s writings:
-Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of Country),
-Kaingat Kayo (Be Careful),
-and Dasalan at Tocsohan (Prayers and Jokes).
o Some of Jaena’s writings:
-Ang Fray Botod, La Hija Del Fraile (The Child of the Friar),
-and Everything Is Hambug (Everything is mere show), Sa Mga Pilipino... 1891),
-and Talumpating Pagunita Kay Kolumbus (An Oration to Commemorate
Columbus)

THE AMERICAN REGIME (1898-1944)

Linguistically, Americans influenced Filipino writers to write using English
language. Jose Garcia Villa became famous for his free verse.

Characteristics of Literature during this period:

The languages used in writing were Spanish and Tagalog and the dialects of
the different regions. But the writers in Tagalog, continued in their lamentations on
the conditions of the country and their attempts to arouse love for one’s native
tongue and the writers in English imitated the themes and methods of the
Americans.
 THE JAPANESE PERIOD (1941-1945)
Philippine Literature was interrupted in its development when another foreign
country, Japan, conquered the Philippines between1941-1945. Philippine literature in
English came to a halt. This led to all newspapers not to be circulated in the com-
munity except for TRIBUNE and PHILIPPINE REVIEW.

o Filipino Poetry during this period

The common theme of most poems during the Japanese occupation was na-
tionalism, country, love, and life in the barrios, faith, religion, and the arts.
o Three types of poems emerged during this period:
a. Haiku- a poem of free verse that the Japanese like. It was made up of 17
syllables divided into three lines and
b. Tanaga – like the Haiku, is short, but it had measure and rhyme.
c. Karaniwang Anyo (Usual Form)

PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (1941-1945)

Because of the strict prohibitions imposed by the Japanese in the writing and
publishing of works in English, Philippine literature in English experienced a dark
period. For the first twenty years, many books were published both in Filipino and in
English. In the New Filipino Literature, Philippine literature in Tagalog was revived
during this period. Most themes in the writings dealt with Japanese brutalities, the
poverty of life under the Japanese government, and the brave guerilla exploits.

PERIOD OF ACTIVISM (1970-1972)

According to Ponciano Pineda, youth activism in 1970-72 was due to domestic
and worldwide causes. Because of the ills of society, the youth moved to seek
reforms.

The Literary Revolution

The youth became vocal with their sentiments. They demanded a change in the
government. It was manifested in the bloody demonstrations and the sidewalk
expressions and also in literature.
PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY (1972- 1980)
The period of the New Society started on September 21, 1972. The Carlos
Palanca Awards continued to give annual awards. Poems dealt with patience, regard
for native culture, customs, and the beauties of nature and surroundings.
Newspapers
donned new forms. News on economic progress, discipline, culture, tourism, and the
like were favored more than the sensationalized reporting of killings, rape, and
robberies. Filipinos before were hooked in reading magazines and comics.

PERIOD OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC (1981-1985)

After ten years of military rule and some changes in the life of the Filipino,
which
started under the New Society, Martial Rule was at last lifted on January 2, 1981.
The Philippines became a new nation, and this, former President Marcos called “The
New Republic of the Philippines.” Poems during this period of the Third Republic
were romantic and revolutionary. Many Filipino songs dealt with themes that were
true-to-life like those of grief, poverty, aspirations for freedom, love of God, of country
and fellowmen.

POST-EDSA 1 REVOLUTION (1986-1995)

History took another twist. Once more, the Filipino people regained their
independence, which they lost twenty years ago. In four days from February 21-25,
1986, the so-called People Power (Lakas ng Bayan) prevailed. In the short span of
the existence of the real Republic of the Philippines, several changes already
became evident. It was noticed in the new Filipino songs, newspapers, speeches,10
and even in the television programs. The now crony newspapers that enjoyed an
overnight increase in circulation were THE INQUIRER, MALAYA, and the PEOPLE’S
JOURNAL.
21st CENTURY PERIOD
The new trends have been used and introduced to meet the needs and tastes
of the new generation. 21st Century learners are demanded to be ICT inclined to
compete with the style and format of writing as well. New codes or lingos are used to
add flavor in the literary pieces produced nowadays.

ASSESSMENT

Activity 3. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. During this period, Jose Rizal’s works such as Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo were written to awaken the mind of our countrymen.
a. Spanish Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. American Period d. Period of Enlightenment

2. The Philippines had literature such as legends, folktakes, folksongs, and the like.
a. Spanish Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. Japanese Period 9 d. Period of Enlightenment
3. In this period, religious books were written, such as Doctrina Cristiana and Urbana
and Felisa, to support or contradict the Catholic Church.
a. Spanish Period c. 21st Century Period
b. American Period d. Period of Enlightenment
4. Filipino writers went into all forms of literature like news, reporting, poetry,
stories play, essays, and novels which clearly depicted their love of country
and their longings for independence.
a. Edsa I Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. American Period d. The 3rd Republic Period
5. Filipino literature was given a break during this period for the Filipino
literature was prohibited from using. Many wrote plays, poems, short
stories, etc. Topics and themes were often about life in the provinces.
a. Japanese Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. American Period d. American Period
6. Haiku and Tanaga were influenced by what period?
a. Spanish Period c. 21st Century Period
b. Japanese Period d. Period of Enlightenment
7. This period presented new trends in writing using modern technology.
a. Edsa I Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. 21st Century Period d. The 3rd Republic Period
8. This literary period witnessed newspapers which were once branded crony
newspapers become instant opposition papers.
a. Japanese Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. American Period d. Edsa I Period
9. Poetry during this period were during this period were romantic and
revolutionary.
a. The 3rd Republic Period c. 21st Century Period
b. Edsa I Period d. Pre-Spanish Period
10. Poetry during this period were dealt with patience, regard for native culture
and customs.
a. The 3rd Republic Period c. Edsa I Period
b. 21st Century Period d. New Society Period
11. Philippine regional literature can be BEST described as ___________.
a. Dynamic c. Spoken
b. Outdated d. Traditional

12. Imagery in poetry pertains to _____________.

a. Mental pictures
b. Unique drawings
4
c. Vague resemblances
d. Word creation
13. The use of the vernacular in regional literature is ___________
a. discouraged because many people do not understand a piece not
written in either English or Tagalog
b. encouraged so that the culture and tradition of a people are upheld
despite effects of modernity
c. opposed for the reason that it constraints the expression of thoughts,
feelings, and ideas of a writer
d. affirmed by many for it allows free flow of feelings and in-sights not
understandable to readers
14. A valid observation of literary development in the Philippines is that _______.
a. History is recorded only in the oral tradition of the country.
b. No literature could reflect the richness of our country's experiences.
c. Literary masterpieces are written by great persons with great remembrances.
d. Literature developed alongside Philippine history.
15. Because of the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, its geographical
features, and the presence of various ethno-linguistic groups in the country,
regional literature has become ____________.
a. Anti-modern and traditional
b. Short yet vivid
c. Rich and varied
d. Nationalistic
 SHS
GRADE
11/12

st
21 Century Literature
from the Philippines
and the World
Quarter 1 Module 2: Week 2
Geographic, Linguistic and Ethnic
Dimensions of Philippine Literary
History from Pre-Colonial to the
Contemporary

Name:_____________________________________________
Grade level & Section: ________________________________
Subject Teacher: ____________________________________
 Lesson 2:

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

We have learned from the first lesson of the richness of Philippine Literature
from the Pre-colonial Period to Contemporary Period. Indeed, we can say that the
Philippine literature has come a long way. In this lesson, we will examine a literary
text and analyze its geographic, linguistic and ethnic dimensions.

To understand literature, it is necessary that you ask yourself certain

questions, such as “Why does the author use this particular type of imagery, “Why
does the author choose such words? To develop your critical analysis skills, you
have to observe the author's style and intent carefully. Aside from reading the literary
text, we also want you to think about it, react and give meaning to it.

This module provides various activities and discussion for you to:
1.) Identify the geographic, ethnic and linguistic dimensions of literary text;
2.) Analyze a literary text using the formalist approach; and
3.) Appreciate the various dimensions by examining the geographic, ethnic and
linguistic dimension of literary text.

1. What are the different Literary Periods in Philippine Literature?

2. What are the basic elements of the literary pieces under the Japanese Regime?
American Period? Spanish Period?
3. What are changes in Literature during the 21st Century?
 PRE-TEST

Activity 1: Read the poem below and answer the following question.

Gabu
By Carlos A. Angeles

The battering restlessness of

the sea
Insists a tidal fury upon the And neutral where the sea has
beach beached its brine,
At Gabu, and its pure Where the spilt salt of its heart
consistency lies
Havos the wasteland hard spread
within its Among the dark habiliments of
reach. Time.
Brutal the daylong bashing of The vital splendor misses. For
its heart here,
Against the seascape where, here
for miles At Gabu where the ageless
around, tide recurs
Farther than sight itself, the All things forfeited are most
rock loved and
stones part dear.
And drop into the elemental It is the sea pursues a habit of
wound. shores.
The waste of centuries is grey
and dead

1. What image does the poem, Gabu, try to create?

2. Which word or group of words from the poem help you form this image?
Draw this on a separate sheet of paper.

LESSON PROPER

Introduction
Imagery is a poetic element that tries to create a picture in the mind of the
reader or a mental image through the use of figural language. It represents objects,
places, ideas, or even actions that appeal to the senses of the readers.
 A Taste of Philippine Poetry
Located in the northwest of Luzon, the Ilocos Region or Region 1 is
comprised of four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and
Pangasinan. It is bordered to the west by the turbulent South China Sea, to the east
by the Cordillera Administrative Region, the northeast and southeast by Cagayan
Valley and the South by Central Luzon. Most of the inhabitants of the Ilocano
homeland are concentrated along a narrow coastal plain. Because of geographical
boundaries, these people often experience heavy rains and violent typhoons,
especially during rainy seasons.
The region, then, takes pride in long stretches of white sand and clear
waters alongside its rich cultural heritage. What you are about to read is a poem
written by a Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee in Poetry in 1964, Carlos A. Angeles.
His collection of poems entitled, Stun of Jewels, also bagged him the Republic
Cultural Heritage Award in Literature in the same year.

A Moment of Silence
Gabu depicts a coastline in Ilocos that is constantly experiencing the bat-
tering restlessness of the sea. The water that comes back to the shore seems
furious and ruthless with its daylong bashing, which havocs the wasteland. Being an
archipelagic country, the Philippines knows the importance of water and the sea.

A Taste of Tagalog Essay

More popularly known now as the CALABARZON referring to the provinces
of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, Region IV-A is home to Tagalog
speaking people in the Philippines. Recognized all over the country for their bravery
and fearlessness in battles, CALABARZON has participated actively in the country’s
fight for freedom and democracy. It is home to many Philippine heroes foremost, and
among them are Rizal of Laguna, Mabini of Batangas, and Aguinaldo of Cavite.

A Taste of Creative Nonfiction

The island of Visayas is one of the major geographical divisions in the
Philippines, the other two being Luzon and Mindanao. It is divided into Western,
Central, and Eastern Visayas. The Visayas region is comprised of several islands
circling the Visayan Sea. Its people, therefore, share a sea-based culture and
tradition that may be rooted in a strong religious foundation. The dwelling place of
many festivals such as the Ati-Atihan, Di-nagyang, Sinulog, Pintados, and Maskara,
the Visayas may indeed be considered as one of the cradles of Philippine
civilization.

ACTIVITY

Activity 2: Graphic Organizer

Directions: Delve deeper into the poem Gabu by Carlos A. Angeles using the gra-
phic organizer. You may re-read the poem to get the details that would complete the
organizer.
Title of the Text:
Author:

QUESTIONS RESPONSE
TOPIC
1. What is the text all about?
SITUATION
2. What is the setting
referred to or
described in the text?
CLIENT
3. Who is the target group of
readers of the text?
4. How would you describe
the group in terms of skills,
values, beliefs and
attitudes?
PURPOSE
5. Why was the text written?
6. What does it hope to
achieve
especially among its client?
PERSONA
7. Who is the voice behind
the text?
8. What is known about him
or her?
 ASSESSMENT

Activity 3: Reflect On Me
A. Direction: Read and answer the questions.

Aug 2009 by SIGLIWA

Salubungin ang (Bagong) Daluyong ng mga Agos sa Disyerto
SA PANAHONG tila natutuyuan ang mga linang ng panitikan noong gitnang
bahagi ng dekada ’60, dumaloy ang mga akda nina Efren R. Abueg,
Dominador B. Mirasol, Rogelio L. Ordo-ñez, Edgardo M. Reyes at Rogelio R.
Sikat, sa aklat katipunang Mga Agos sa Disyerto.
Unang buhos ng daluyong ay noong 1964 at isang dekada ang lumipas,
muling umalon at binasa ang namimitak na lupain ng panitikang Filipino nang
mailimbag ang ikalawang edisyon ng Mga Agos sa Disyerto noong 1974.
Huling sargo ng daluyong ng Agos ay 16 na taon ang nakararaan, nang
lumabas ang ikat-long edisyon nito noong 1993.
Ngayon, sa panahong sampu isang pera ang patakbuhing literaturang
patuloy na lumuluoy sa diwa at kaluluwa ng mga Pilipino, muling nagbabanta
ang pagbugso ng mga Agos sa Disyerto.

1. In what language was the text, Maga Agos sa Disyerto written?

2. What did the text aim to accomplish?

POST TEST

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Chant (Bulong) was used in witchcraft or enchantment especially in

remote places in the Visayas.
a. Japanese Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. Rebirth of Freedom d. Period of Enlightenment
2. Lagaylay was used in a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon
 during May time to get together.
a. Spanish Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. New Society Period d. Period of 3rd Republic
3. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA was translated from the Spanish
AMOR PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong
Tagalog.
a. Spanish Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. American Period d. Period of Enlightenment
4. Tagalog Zarzuela, Cenaculo and the Embayoka of the Muslims were
presented in the rebuilt Metropolitan Theater, the Folk Arts Theater and
the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
a. New Society Period c. 21st Century Period
b. American Period d. Period of 3rd Republic
5. Haiku, is short with a measure and rhyme consisting of 17 syllables
which had favorable diminishing effect on Tagalog literature.
a. New Society Period c. 21st Century Period
b. American Period d. Period of 3rd Republic
6. English as medium of instruction was introduced in the schools as
intellectual language of education in this period.
a. New Society Period c. 21st Century Period
b. American Period d. Period of 3rd Republic
7. This is the period wherein the youth
17 became vocal with their
sentiments and demanded change in the government.
a. Spanish Period c. Pre-Spanish Period
b. Period of Activism d. Period of 3rd Republic
8. Filipinos during this period were hooked in reading magazines and
comics.
a. New Society Period c. Period of 3rd Republic
b. American Period d. 21st Century Period
9. “Ang Bayan ko” was a song popularized in this period.

a. Period of 3rd Republic c. 21st Century Period

b. New Society Period d. Post-EDSA 1 Period
 10. This period is notable in the reawakening of the Filipino spirit when
the 3 priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without
sufficient evidence of guilt.
a. Post-EDSA 1 Period c. Period of Enlightenment

b. Period of 3rd Republic d. Period of Activism

11. A statement of fact about Philippine regional literature is .

• It mirrors the deeply ingrained Filipino values, culture and tradition even
when keeping up with the changing times.
• It reflects the conservatism of indigenous folks who have maintained a
backward expression style.
• It embraces only the written compilation of literary works in various
styles and genres.
• It depicts the influences of various colonizers that occupied the country
for more than three centuries.
12. An element in poetry that refers to the image or picture created in
the minds of readers that helps give light to the main idea is .
a. form c. rhythm
b. imagery d. sound pattern
13. Many Filipino authors, writers, or poets are encouraged to use
the mother tongue as the medium of expression in their craft
because .
a. Readers fail to comprehend a piece not written in either English or Tagalog.
b. Our people’s culture and tradition are upheld through this despite effects of
colonization or even modernity.
c. The expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas of a writer are emphasized
in the personalized codes that they use.
d. The continuous flow of feelings and insights are inhibited when a foreign
language is used instead.
14. The development of literature in the Philippines .
a. is given life only in the oral tradition of the country.
b. could reflect the richness of our country’s resources.
c. may be attributed to both local and foreign influences.
d. grew and prospered alongside the country’s history
15. Philippine regional literature has become rich and varied because of .
a. the contributions of numerous artists who patterned after the Western literary
masters.
b. the nationalistic fervor of texts written in various stages of our history as a
nation.
c. various topics used as themes by the writers and their alignment to world
events.
d. the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, its geographical features, and the
presence of various ethno-linguistic groups in the country.
4