21ST CENTURY LITERATURE FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD
INTRODUCTION
HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE POETRY
Poetry in the Philippines has a diverse and complex history that reflects the various
influences and cultural movements that have shaped the nation's literary traditions.
Pre-Colonial Period
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, indigenous Philippine communities had a rich
tradition of oral poetry and literature.
Indigenous poetic forms such as the "Ambahan" of the Mangyan people and the
"Dangdang-ay" of the Kalinga tribe were used for various purposes, including
entertainment, rituals, and passing down cultural knowledge.
Spanish Colonial Period
Spanish colonization introduced European literary forms such as the "corridos" and
"komedya" which influenced local poetic traditions.
Influential poets during this period include Francisco Balagtas, known for his epic poem
"Florante at Laura," which is considered a masterpiece of Philippine literature.
American Colonial Period
American colonization brought about the introduction of English as a literary language,
leading to the emergence of poets who wrote in English.
This period also saw the rise of nationalist poets who sought to express their resistance to
colonial rule through their poetry.
Contemporary Era
In the modern era, Philippine poetry continues to evolve, embracing diverse themes and
styles that reflect the experiences of the Filipino people.
Contemporary poets explore a wide range of subjects, including love, identity, social
issues, and the dias poric experience of Filipinos abroad.
PHILIPPINE POETRY
History
Poetry in the Philippines has a rich and diverse history, influenced by pre-colonial
indigenous traditions, Spanish colonization, and modern literary movements. It has evolved
through various periods, including the pre-colonial period, Spanish colonial period, American
colonial period, and contemporary era.
Key Terms
Hugot - Deeply emotional and relatable poetry often focused on love, heartbreak, and
personal experiences.
Balak - Traditional Filipino poetry often sung or recited during community gatherings and
special occasions.
Dalit - Indigenous Filipino poetry used in rituals and religious ceremonies.
Examples
"Sa Aking mga Kabata" by Jose Rizal
"Isang Dipang Langit" by Amado V. Hernandez
"Ang Guryon" by Amado V. Hernandez
"Ang Pag-ibig" by M. Evelina Galang
Notable Poets
Jose Rizal - National hero of the Philippines and a renowned poet.
Amado V. Hernandez - Influential poet and labor leader.
M. Evelina Galang - Contemporary poet known for her works on Filipino-American
experiences.
Notable Poetry in the Philippines
The Philippines boasts a rich tradition of poetry, with numerous notable works that have
left a lasting impact on its literary landscape. Here are a few examples of notable poetry in the
Philippines:
"Sa Aking mga Kabata" by Jose Rizal
Written by the national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal, this poem addresses the youth
and encourages them to uphold and cherish the Filipino language.
"Isang Dipang Langit" by Amado V. Hernandez
This poem, written by Amado V. Hernandez, reflects the hardships and struggles of the
Filipino peasants, highlighting themes of social justice and human resilience.
"Ang Guryon" by Amado V. Hernandez
Another powerful work by Amado V. Hernandez, "Ang Guryon" delves into the plight of the
marginalized and oppressed in Philippine society.
"Ang Pag-ibig" by M. Evelina Galang
M. Evelina Galang, a contemporary poet, explores themes of love, longing, and the
Filipino-American experience in her poignant and evocative poetry.
"To the Young Women of Malolos" by Jose Rizal
While not a traditional poem, this letter by Jose Rizal addresses the social issues faced by
women in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, advocating for their education
and empowerment.
Another Examples of Philippine Poetry
"Bayan Ko" by Jose Corazon de Jesus - This patriotic poem expresses love and
devotion for the country and calls for unity among Filipinos.
"Ang mga Kayamanan ng Tao" by Bienvenido Lumbera - Lumbera's poem reflects on
the importance of preserving and valuing Filipino cultural heritage amid societal changes.
"Ang Pagbabalik ni Rizal" by Rolando Tinio - Tinio's poem explores the impact of the
national hero's return to the Philippines and the significance of his ideals in contemporary
society.
"Kundiman ng Luha" by Jose Corazon de Jesus - This emotional poem addresses the
plight of the poor and marginalized, shedding light on the social and economic disparities
in the country.
"Ang Mga Biyahe ni Juan" by Joi Barrios - Barrios' poem delves into the experiences of
overseas Filipino workers, highlighting the sacrifices they make in pursuit of better
opportunities and livelihood.
"Minsan Isang Gamu-Gamo" by Virgilio Almario - Almario's poem reflects on the
fleeting nature of life and the transient beauty of human existence, touching on existential
and philosophical themes.
Poetry: Key Elements
Poetry (noun) - Literary form that uses rhythmic and imaginative language to express
ideas, emotions, or experiences. It often utilizes figurative language, symbolism, and
meter.
History (noun) - A record or study of past events, developments, or occurrences. In the
context of Philippine poetry, it refers to the timeline and evolution of poetry in the
Philippines.
Notable (adjective) - Worthy of attention, remarkable, or outstanding. In this context, it
refers to notable works or poets in Philippine poetry.
Poet (noun) - A person who writes poems. They use words to create rhythm, imagery, and
convey emotions or ideas.
Verse (noun) - A line of poetry that has a specific metrical pattern and rhythm.
Stanza (noun) - A group of lines in a poem, often separated from other stanzas by a blank
line or indentation.
Meter (noun) - The rhythmic structure or pattern in poetry. It involves the arrangement of
stressed and unstressed syllables.
Imagery (noun) - Language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental images or
sensory experiences for the reader.
Figurative Language (noun) - Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning
different from the literal interpretation. Examples include metaphors, similes,
personification, and hyperbole.
Symbolism (noun) - The use of symbols to represent or convey ideas, emotions, or
concepts. Symbols can be objects, actions, or images with deeper meanings.
Metaphor (noun) - A figure of speech that directly compares two things without using "as"
or "like." It suggests a resemblance or connection between the two things.
Simile (noun) - A figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as." It creates
a vivid or imaginative comparison.
Personification (noun) - A figure of speech in which human qualities or characteristics
are attributed to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts.
Hyperbole (noun) - A figure of speech that involves deliberate exaggeration for emphasis
or effect. It is not meant to be taken literally.
