Pre-Spanish and Spanish Era Literature 2 Pre-Spanish and... · Biag ni Lam-Ang One of the epics...

21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World Pre-Spanish and Spanish Era Literature

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Course Module

Pre-Spanish Period

This lesson focuses on the literature that occurred in the Philippines before the Spanish colonization.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Discuss the customs of Filipino ancestors in Pre-Spanish period through

folk stories, old plays and short stories

2. Understand the different forms of literature that have existed during the

Pre-Spanish Period, from the epic stories to the poems and folk songs

3. Learn Philippine Mythology and folklore through selected stories

Philippines before Spanish Colonization

Philippines was a prosperous land that consists of small political units called barangays. In the pre-Spanish period, Philippines was thalassocratic. Thalassocracy refers to a type of government with primarily maritime realms. As it was surrounded by huge bodies of water, it was only natural that the Philippines thrived in maritime trade, particularly with fellow Southeast Asian kingdoms, China, and Japan. In fact, it was recognized as a major center of trade, with merchants coming from different parts of Asia and visiting the King of Sugbu (now Cebu) to seek permission to trade in their waters.

The Filipino society back then consists of three distinct social classes: the maharlika (nobles), the timawa (freemen) and the alipin (slaves), which can either be namamahay (household slaves that are granted homes and can own property) or saguiguilid (slaves that do not have the right to own property). These social classes are hereditary, but can be shifted by means of certain circumstances. For instance, a timawa can turn into an alipin as a punishment for committing a crime. The alipin can also become a freeman by means of marriage, repayment through labor, or being set free by their own masters.

This alone proves that there have been a lot of misconceptions on Filipinos that are now plaguing history books which are sadly being used by students nowadays. The Spanish, and other colonists thought of Filipinos and other colonized groups as barbaric and illiterate people.

Unlike what the Spanish and other foreigners who colonized the Philippines had assumed, Filipinos were not barbaric people; if anything, they were already civilized long before the colonization. In fact, they have already established a centralized government, have their own legal system, and most importantly, their own alphabet, which is called baybayin.

Baybayin (from the Tagalog word baybay meaning “to spell”) was the writing system used by Filipinos in the Pre-Spanish period. It is derived from Brahmic scripts of India. It was one of the writing systems used in Southeast Asia.

A lot of people incorrectly name the ancient writing system Alibata, but that was a term coined by Paul Rodriguez Verzosa after the arrangement of letters of the Arabic alphabet (alif, ba, ta, “f” having been eliminated for easier pronunciation).

Baybayin, the Filipino Writing System before Spanish Colonization.

Source: (IndioBravo.tumblr.com)


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The Philippine Literature in the Pre-Spanish Period

Long before the Spaniards landed on Philippine shores, the Filipinos have already been fond of poetry, songs, stories, riddles, and proverbs. Simply put, they already have their own form of literature even before the Spanish colonization. Unfortunately, when the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines the Spanish missionary tried to obliterate the previous cultural records, and so only the orally transmitted literature survived today.

And contrary to the mindset of their colonizers, Filipinos have a rich collection of literature. From folk songs to epic tales, there is a number of remarkable works that showcase the rich culture of the Philippines in the pre-Spanish period. Moreover, it is not just the Tagalogs who have come up with their contributions to Philippine Literature: from the Ilocanos to the T’boli, every cultural group have their own stories to share.

The Myth

It was only natural that among the rich collection of oral and written literature from the Pre-Spanish period of the Philippines were the myths, traditional or legendary stories which featured one or more deities or

An art depicting Lam-ang, the hero of one of the great epics from Pre-Spanish Period that are still known today.

Source: (http://avrotor.blogspot.com/2012/11/life-of-lam-ang-biag-ni-lam-ang-anatomy.html)

demigods and explain some kind of practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature. With the exception of Muslims, Filipinos during pre-colonial times believed in a lot of different deities.

The Tagalogs, for instance, believe in the supreme deity called Bathala being the creator of heaven and earth, and all living things. Under Bathala are a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The good deities are divided into three generations:

First Generation:

Amanikable: the Tagalog god of the sea, he was originally the god of hunters.

Idiyanale: the goddess of labor and good deeds. Lakapati: the goddess of fertility Mapulon: the god of seasons and husband of Lakapati

Second Generation:

Mayari: the goddess of the moon and one of the three daughters of Bathala by a mortal woman.

Tala: the goddess of the stars and sister of Mayari Hanan: the goddess of the morning; sister of Mayari and Tala Dumakulem: The son of Idiyanale, he’s the strong and agile

guardian of the mountains Anitun Tabu: the goddess of wind and rain, she was the sister

of Dumakulem Anagolay: the goddess of lost things and wife of Dumakulem

Third Generation:

Apolaki: the god of sun, he is the chief patron of warriors. Diyan Masalanta: the goddess of love, conception and

childbirth. She’s the youngest of all deities.


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Other groups have their own pantheon of gods and goddesses. The Visayans call their supreme god Kaptan or Captan. The Bikolanos believe in their supreme god called Gugurang. The myths revolve around these deities, from creation stories to how certain being came into being. There were various creation stories from various groups in the Philippines.

You may view some of these creation stories here: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/creation-phil.html.

Malakas at Maganda

One of the famous creation myths in the Philippines was the story of the origin of man, the story of Malakas (The Strong One) and Maganda (The Beautiful One).

When the world first began there was no land; there was only the Sea and the Sky, and between them flew a huge and beautiful Kite (a bird). One day, the Kite grew tired of flying about, and sought for a place to rest. The bird became frustrated because there was nowhere to land.

In an act of infuriation, the Kite stirred up the Sky in a quarrel against the Sea. The Sky threw rain, thunder, and lightning that reached the Sea, who rose up and hurled waves and hurricanes in retaliation. Then the Sky

The gods and goddesses of Ancient Tagalogs.

Source: The Aswang Project

showered a multitude of massive boulders down upon the Sea, which formed the Philippines.

The islands prevented the waters from rising any more. The Sky ordered the Kite to land on one of the newly-formed islands to build her nest. This the Kite did, and the Sea and the Sky are finally in peace.

At the same time, the Land Breeze and the Sea Breeze were married, and had a child named Bamboo. One day, when Bamboo was floating against the sea, it struck the feet of the Kite, angering the bird. The Kite furiously pecked at the bamboo until it split in half. Out of one section came a golden-bronze colored man, named Malakas, and from the other half a similarly-hued woman, called Maganda.

The two got married, with the encouragement of all the animals on earth, sea, and sky. They eventually had many children, and from them eventually came all the different races of people.

They had so many children that the couple could no longer enjoy peace. Malakas and Maganda wished to be rid of them, but they knew of no other place to send them off to. One day, in an act of desperation, Malakas seized a stick and began beating his children on all sides. This act frightened the children that they all fled into different directions. Some ran into the hidden rooms in the house, while some concealed themselves within the actual walls. Some children hid in the fireplace, while some ran outside. And then there were children who fled out to the sea.

The children who went into the hidden rooms of the house became the chiefs of the islands (Maharlikas), while those who concealed themselves became the slaves (Alipins). The children who hid in the fireplace became the Negritos and the Aetas, and those who ran outside became the Timawas or freemen. Lastly, the children who fled to the sea were gone many years, and when they returned they became the foreigners.

The Epic

The epic refers to a long narrative poem which tells of heroic deeds or events. It also edify religious tales, animal stories, or philosophical and moral theories.

The Philippines has a wide range of epics from different regions. Each have their own marvelous tales of heroes and their adventures, which reflect their culture.

Biag ni Lam-Ang

One of the epics that were able to survive with the help of oral transmission was Biag ni Lam-Ang (Life of Lam-Ang). It was said to be a composite work of various poets who passed it from generation to generation, and was first transcribed around 1640 by a blind Ilocano bard named Pedro Bucaneg.


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The Ilocano epic consists of 1477 lines and 206 stanzas (this is the Llanes version of the epic; Leopoldo Yabes’s version consists of 305 stanzas) revolved around the main character named Lam-ang, who was blessed with the gift of speech the moment he was born. He grew up with supernatural strength and has a pet cock and a dog.

The epic was divided into four parts:

Prologue: The Birth of Lam-ang (line 5-108) The Quest for the Father (lines 109-192): Lam-ang’s quest to find

the Igorots who murdered his father and seek revenge The Quest for a Wife (line 455-1300): The story of Lam-ang and his

love interest Ines Cannoyan, as well as Lam-ang’s encounter with Sumarang and Saridandan, and the wedding

Epilogue: The Death and Restoration of the Hero (lines 1301-1477): tells the death and resurrection of Lam-ang.

You can read the summary of the epic here: http://avrotor.blogspot.com/2012/11/life-of-lam-ang-biag-ni-lam-ang-anatomy.html

Aliguyon

This Ifugao epic follows the adventure of the hero Aliguyon, who fought an epic battle with his arch-enemy Pumbakhayon. This epic is in the form of a hudhud, which is a long tale that revolves around the heroes of native Ifugao people, and is typically sung on special occasions. The story of Aliguyon is traditionally sung at harvest time.

You can read the summary of this epic in Filipino: http://all-about-filipino.blogspot.com/2010/10/hudhud-hi-aliguyon.html

Labaw-Donggon

This Visayan epic follows the adventures of Labaw Donggon, the son of the goddess Alunsina and Datu Paubari, a mortal. His adventures include slaying a giant with a hundred arms and facing the Lord of Darkness – all in order to win various maidens.

You may read the Filipino and English version the epic here: http://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines/bilingual-tagalog-english-version-of-epics-mga-epiko-labaw-donggon-a-visayan-epic-bilingual-tagalog-english-version_793.html

The Agyu

This is a Manobo/Ilianon tale, which was divided into three parts. It follows the adventures of a hero whose people had been driven out of their land. They go on a journey to Nalandangan, a sort of utopia where there are no oppressors.

You may view the summary of the story here: http://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines/bilingual-tagalog-english-version-of-epics-mga-epiko-agyu-an-ilianon-epic-bilingual-tagalog-english-version_795.html

Folk Songs

Folk songs originated in traditional popular culture or have been written in such style. They are one of the oldest forms of literature in the Philippines, and have been an important part of the Filipino culture since the ancient times.

They have a wide range of folk songs, for a variety of occasions. Examples of these are Kundiman (love song), Diana (wedding song), Oyayi or Hele (Lullaby), and Kumintang o Tagumpay (war song).

Examples:

KUNDIMAN

Noong unang panahon nung ako ay bata pa, Natisod mo na ay di pa alintana, Nang ako ay lumaki at maging dalaga, Tila sa Wari ko’y may pagbabanta pa. Pagsinta mo sa akin ay di ko tatanggapin Pagka’t akong ito ay alangan sa tingin, Ako ay mahirap, pangit pa sa tingin.

DIANA

Umawit tayo at ipagdiwang Ang dalawang pusong ngayon ay ikakasal Ang daraanan nilang landas Sabuyan natin ng bigas.

KUMINTANG O TAGUMPAY

Ang nuno nating lahat Sa kulog di nasisindak,


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Sa labanan di naaawat, Pinupuhunang buhay, hirap, Upang tayong mga anak, Mabuhay ng mapanatag.

OYAYI/ HELE

Matulog ka na bunsos Ang tatay mo ay malayo Hindi nya tayo masundo Pagkat ang daa’y maputik at mabalaho.

Epigrams (Salawikain)

An epigram is a rhetorical device, a witty, ingenious, or pointed saying that is tersely expressed. They are memorable, brief, interesting, and in the Philippines, they served as laws or rules on good behavior by ancient Filipinos. They are an expression of truths, ethics, and good morals.

Examples:

Ang tao nga tamaran Waay isulod sa pinggan. Ang patulog na tao Sa kalan ito’y walang mailuto. Kahit itago dahil apoy Kikintab lalo.

Riddles (Bugtong)

The riddle is a mystifying, misleading or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed. It is rhythmic and parable.

Riddles were a form of entertainment among Filipinos during Pre-Spanish period, and even until today. They do not just serve to amuse the Filipinos. Riddles also improves quick thinking, and it also helped in broadening the vocabulary. It is usually done during special occasions, be it harvest time or a funeral.

Examples:

Isang supot ng uling Naroo’t bibitin-bitin. (ANSWER: DUHAT) Hindi hayop, hindi tao Walang gulong tumatakbo. (ANSWER: AGOS NG TUBIG)

References:

Teodoro A. Agoncillo, (1990). History of the Filipino People. (8th Edition) Quezon City: Garotech Publishing Company.

Villafuerte, Patrocinio V., & Bernales, Rolando A. (2009). Panitikan ng Pilipinas: Historikal at Antolohikal na Pagtatalakay. Mutya Publishing House, Inc.

Dr. Abe V. Rotor (2012). Life of Lam-ang (Biag ni Lam-Ang) – Anatomy of an Ilocano Epic. Retrieved from: http://avrotor.blogspot.com/2012/11/life-of-lam-ang-biag-ni-lam-ang-anatomy.html

Revolvy. Retrieved from: http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Aliping%20namamahay&item_type=topic

Godinez-Ortega, Christine F. The Literary Forms in Philippine Literature. Retrieved from: http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/literature/literary_forms_in_philippine_lit.htm

The Aswang Project. Ancient Tagalog Deities in Philippine Mythology. Retrieved from: http://www.aswangproject.com/ancient-tagalog-deities-in-philippine-mythology/

Philippine Literature Pre-Spanish Period. Retrieved from: https://www.scribd.com/doc/26364271/Philippine-Literature-Pre-Spanish-Period


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Course Module

Spanish Colonialism

At the end of this module, the student is expected to:

1. Identify the variety of literature during the time of Spanish colonialism, the Propaganda movement and the revolution

2. Analyze the similar theme of literature during the particular period

Spanish Occupation

The Philippines is under Spanish colonialism for three hundred years. The literature made during the Spanish occupation were closely related to the events of history in this particular period.

With the long duration of the Spanish occupation, there has been significant influences in terms of the Philippine culture as seen in clothes, arts, music, literature and attitude of both Filipinos and Spanish during that time. Some of the big changes, affecting Philippine Literature while under the Spanish rule are the following (Villafuerte, 2009):

1. The Roman alphabet became widely used over Alibata. 2. Doctrina Cristiana has become the foundation of all activities related to

religion 3. There are many Spanish words that were integrated into our own

language 4. The myths and traditions of Europe became a part of Philippine literature

Doctrina Cristiana

One of the greatest contributions of the Spaniards to the Philippines is the Roman Catholic religion and this objective inspired the creation of different literature relating to religion.

Doctrina Cristiana is the first religious book published in the Philippines on July 15, 1593. The book was written by Fr. Domingo Nieva and Fr. Juan De Palencia. Written in two languages, namely Spanish and Tagalog, this is also the first book written in Alibata. The format was arranged with the Spanish text on the left column and its translation in Tagalog on the right. It resembles a prayer book with 87 pages and a size of 5” and 7”.

The book contains the prayers and the regulations of Christianity. There are only three original copies left and they are in various locations in the world. One is in Vatican, the other in a museum in Madrid and the last copy in the United States Congress.

The following are the contents of the book:

The Ten Commandments of the Lord

1. I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.

2. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

3. Remember to keep holy the LORD'S Day.

4. Honor your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill.

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

The Seven Mortal Sins 1. Greed 2. Envy 3. Gluttony 4. Lust 5. Anger 6. Pride 7. Sloth

Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen) Credo Dios Te Salva Maria (Ave Maria) Pater Noster (Our Father)

Nuestra Senora Del Rosario

The second book published in the Philippines written by Father Blancas de San Jose in 1602. This contains the biographies of various saints, novenas, and some common questions and answers regarding the religion.

Barlaan at Josaphat

Father Antonio de Borja wrote the third book published in the country in Tagalog, from the original work that was in Greek. This was deemed as the first ever novel published in the Philippines. Barlaan at Josaphat was translated to Iloko in poetry form by Fr. Agustin Mejia.

Urbana and Feliza

With the original title, Ang Pagsusulatan ng Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at si Feliza, this is one of the novels during the Spanish period. It was written by Father Modesto de Castro who was from Laguna. The story revolves around two sisters exchanging letters and telling each other stories about their lives, as Urbana is in Manila and Feliza is in Bulacan. The young Feliza asks for advice from her older sister residing in Manila, regarding proper conduct in different situations.

Urbana lectures Feliza about their activities and responsibilities relating to serving God in their every day life. Feliza, on the other hand, tells her sister about Honesto, their youngest, and his behavior as a son, a kid, and as a


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religious person. Urbana also requests Feliza to teach Honesto about the proper attitude in engaging in a conversation.

The characters’ names also portray their attitude. Urbana symbolizes urbanization and the ideal attitude in forging human relationships. Feliza’s name came from the Spanish word “feliz” or happiness which represents the happiness which stems from goodness. Meanwhile, the name Honesto implies sincerity and truthfulness of heart.

Some of the important morals from Urbana are:

Do not impose superiority over other people through cruelty in hopes to gain respect.

Exhibit compassion towards the poor Success comes with a price Avoid mocking other people Remember to say a prayer of gratitude before leaving the house

You may read the work in its entirety Tagalog through the following link: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15980/15980-h/15980-h.htm.

Secular Poetry

Along with religious prose and poetry, secular literature is also at the forefront of literature in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. Poets who could write in both Spanish and Tagalog impart their knowledge of the Spanish language through the use of literary works.

The Pasyon – is an example of an epic poem which tells the story of Jesus Christ’s life, trials, and sufferings. This is usually sung during Holy Week and its recitation is called Pabasa (Reading) which could go on for a few days. Each stanza is composed of five lines with eight syllables each. There are four known versions of pasyon: the one by Don Luis Guian (1750), P. Mariano Pilapil (1814), P. Aniceto dela Merced (1856) and Gaspar Aquino de Belen (1704). The first version was de Belen’s, which was called Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong Panginoon Natin na Tola (The poem of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ). On the other hand, the most famous Tagalog version is the Casaysayan nang Pasiong Mahal ni Jesucristong Panginoon Natin na Sucat Ipag-alab nang Puso nang Sinomang Babasa (The History of the Passion of Jesus Christ Our Lord that Surely Shall Ignite the Heart of Whosoever Readeth) also known as Pasyong Genesis by Mariano Pilapil and is still printed in the present with the new title, Pasiong Mahal.

Awit – a narrative type of poem with 4 lines per stanza and dodecasyllabic with 12 syllables per line and a pause after the sixth syllable. The rhyming format is AAAA. One of the most famous works

using this type of poetry is Florante at Laura by Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.

Some of the famous religious songs during this period are the following:

Pagpuri kay Mariang Birhen

Purihin natin si Maria Bituing lagging dakila Mag-alay tayo sa kanya Bulaklak na masasanghaya

Halikayong mga binyagan Halikayo kay Maria Halikayo at ating alayan Ng rosal at asusena

Ang mga bulaklak sa Mayo sa kapatagan ng mga huwerta dulot ay ganap na lugod sa puso ni Maria

Narito na, kami ay narito O Inang pinipintuho Tanawin mo kami’t malasin narito sa iyong harapan

Mga bulaklak na pumpon aming dala-dala ngayon dulot na aming alay at handog sa mapamihag mong alindog

Sa pumpon ng mga bulaklak kalakip ang aming mga puso yaring aming pagmamahal sa iyo ay itinatanghal

Tanggapin, O Ina tanggapin tanggapin an gaming handog at ang matamis mong paglingap sana’y iyong ihayag.

Iligtas mo kami, O Maria Sa pagiging gaham sa yaman iligtas sa kasamaan sa lahat ng kapahamakan.

Huwag mo Inang itulot huwag mo, Mariang hayaan ang iyong mga deboto na malinlang ng mga demonyo

Kami’y hatiran ng tanglaw sa ganitong kadiliman nang kami’y di magalaw sa landas ng kabanalan


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Pasiglahin nang lubusan yaring aming mga puso upang aming makamtan ang buhay kaluwalhatian

Sana’y iyong naibigan Nawa’y pahalagahan ang munti naming nakayanan Itong mga Flores de Mayo.

Kinds of Dramas/Plays

1. Senakulo – is the traditional depiction of the events before and after Jesus Christ was crucified. The story of this passion play was based on the bible and is usually done on the streets or in churches.

2. Duplo – aims to entertain the bereaved family members after their loss. This is usually done around 9 in the evening after the late member of the family was laid to rest.

3. Moro-moro – a type of drama/play that tells a story full of adventures and wars. The comedy is about the battle between the Spaniards and the moros, who invaded Spain once. The story of the play is always the same but the setting and the characters change from time to time. The first moro-moro shown in the Philippines is the Guerras Piracticas de Filipina by Fr. Jeronimo Perez on 1637. Another famous work is the one called Comedia which was done in celebration of the sultan of Sulu, Ali-Mundin’s transition to Christianity. This event spurred the fame of moro-more in the land.

4. Santacruzan – a ritual pageant/procession held on the last day of Flores de Mayo throughout the country. This religious/historical pageant depicts the search for the Holy Cross of Queen Helena and her son, Emperor Constantine.

5. Carillo – is a shadow play using puppets made from cardboard. The narrator hiding behind the screen stirs the story to life.

6. Panunuluyan – the Philippine version of a Mexican tradition. The term translates to “looking for lodging,” usually done on Christmas Eve. In this event, the images of Mary and Joseph from the church are brought around town, accompanied by two singers. They would journey to three or four houses, serving as inns, and sing to request for shelter. The choir, playing the innkeepers, would refuse the two, declaring that the inns are full. The panunuluyan ends when the images return to the church, ensuing the celebration.

7. Sarsuela – a comedy/melodrama, accompanied by music with 3 parts, and mostly conveys the intense and passionate feelings of love, revenge, jealousy and loathing.

Works related to Language

Arte y Regalas de la Lengua Tagala – written by Fr. Blancas de San Jose and translated into Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin on 1610.

Compendio de la Lengua Tagala – written by Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin on 1703.

Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala – the first book on the Tagalog vocabulary written by Fr. Pedro de San Buenaventura on 1613.

Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampango – the first language book on Kapampangan, written by Fr. Diego Bergano on 1732.

Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya – dubbed the “best language book” in Bisaya, written by Mateo Sanchez on 1711.

Arte de la Lengua Bicolana – the first language book in Bicol written by Fr. Marcos Lisboa on 1754.

Arte de la Iloka – the very first book on Ilokano grammar written by Francisco Lopez.

Propaganda Movement

The Filipino propagandists during this era were known to possess the spirit of nationalism, courage, intelligence, as most of them were born from families who can afford to send their kids to renowned universities.

Jose Rizal

It is common knowledge that Jose Rizal has influenced people through his literary works such as the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. With the amount of recorded works of Rizal, he is considered a prolific writer as his list of literary works stretches.

Some of the notable examples of his contributions to Philippine Literature are the following:

Memories of My Town

When I recall the days That saw my childhood of yore Beside the verdant shore Of a murmuring lagoon; When I remember the sighs Of the breeze that on my brow Sweet and caressing did blow With coolness full of delight; When I look at the lily white Fills up with air violent And the stormy element On the sand doth meekly sleep; When sweet 'toxicating scent From the flowers I inhale Which at the dawn they exhale When at us it begins to peep;


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I sadly recall your face, Oh precious infancy, That a mother lovingly Did succeed to embellish. I remember a simple town; My cradle, joy and boon, Beside the cool lagoon The seat of all my wish. Oh, yes! With uncertain pace I trod your forest lands, And on your river banks A pleasant fun I found; At your rustic temple I prayed With a little boy's simple faith And your aura's flawless breath Filled my heart with joy profound. Saw I God in the grandeur Of your woods which for centuries stand; Never did I understand In your bosom what sorrows were; While I gazed on your azure sky Neither love nor tenderness Failed me, 'cause my happiness In the heart of nature rests there. Tender childhood, beautiful town, Rich fountain of happiness, Of harmonious melodies, That drive away my sorrow! Return thee to my heart, Bring back my gentle hours As do the birds when the flow'rs Would again begin to blow! But, alas, adieu! E'er watch For your peace, joy and repose, Genius of good who kindly dispose Of his blessings with amour; It's for thee my fervent pray'rs, It's for thee my constant desire Knowledge ever to acquire And may God keep your candour!

Kundiman

Truly hushed today Are my tongue and heart Harm is discerned by love And joy flies away, 'Cause the Country was Vanquished and did yield Through the negligence Of the one who led.

But the sun will return to dawn; In spite of everything Subdued people Will be liberated; The Filipino name Will return perhaps And again become In vogue in the world.

We shall shed Blood and it shall flood Only to emancipate The native land; While the designated time Does not come, Love will rest And anxiety will sleep.

Works and Writings

Rizal’s works have mostly been written in Spanish, as this is the lingua franca in the country during the Spanish colonialism. However, some were in Tagalog. These works are the following:

Novels and essays

Noli Me Tángere, novel, 1887 (literally Spanish for 'touch me not', from John 20:17)

El Filibusterismo, (novel, 1891), sequel to Noli Me Tángere Alin Mang Lahi" ("Whate'er the Race"), a Kundiman attributed to Dr.

José Rizal The Friars and the Filipinos (Unfinished) Toast to Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo (Speech, 1884), given at

Restaurante Ingles, Madrid The Diaries of José Rizal Rizal's Letters is a compendium of Dr. Jose Rizal's letters to his family

members, Blumentritt, Fr. Pablo Pastells and other reformers "Come se gobiernan las Filipinas" (Governing the Philippine islands) Filipinas dentro de cien años essay, 1889–90 (The Philippines a Century

Hence) La Indolencia de los Filipinos, essay, 1890 (The indolence of Filipinos) Makamisa unfinished novel


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Sa Mga Kababaihang Taga Malolos, essay, 1889, To the Young Women of Malolos

Annotations to Antonio de Moragas, Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (essay, 1889, Events in the Philippine Islands)

Poetry

A La Juventud Filipina El Canto Del Viajero Briayle Crismarl Canto Del Viajero Canto de María Clara Dalit sa Paggawa Felicitación Kundiman (Tagalog) Me Piden Versos Mi primera inspiracion Mi Retiro Mi Ultimo Adiós Por La Educación (Recibe Lustre La Patria) Sa Sanggol na si Jesus To My Muse (A Mi Musa) Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo A Man in Dapitan

Plays

El Consejo de los Dioses (The council of Gods) Junto Al Pasig (Along the Pasig) San Euistaquio, Mártyr (Saint Eustache, the martyr)

Marcelo H. Del Pilar

Dubbed as the Great Propagandist, Marcelo H. Del Pilar is one of the notable people during the Spanish imperialism. He was popularly known as Plaridel, the editor and co-publisher of La Solidaridad.

While Rizal was known to be well-versed in Spanish, Del Pilar was a master in the use of his native language, Tagalog. He aroused awareness in the Filipino people about the discrimination, bigotry and hypocrisy under the rule of Spanish tyrants. He founded the newspaper called Diariong Tagalog in 1882, aiming to spread the “democratic liberal ideas” to farmers and peasants.

He took over as editor of La Solidaridad in December 1889. One of his strategies is promoting the objectives of the paper to Spaniards

Dasalan at Tocsohan by Marcelo H. Del Pilar

Ang Tanda

Ang tanda ang cara-e-cruz mo sa aming Panginoon naming Frayle sa manga ama namin, sa ngalan nang cara-e-cruz at sa mga frayle nang Espiritu santo sya naua.

Pagsisisi

Panginoon kong Fraile, Dios na hindi totoo at labis nang pagkatuo gumaga at sumalakay sa akin: pinagsisihan kong masakit sa tanang loobang dilang pag-asa ko sa iyo, ikaw nga ang dugo ko. Panginoon ko at kaauay ko na inihihibik kong lalo sa lahat, nagtitika akong matibay na matibay na dina muli-muling mabubuyo sa iyo: at lalayuan ko na at pangingilagan ang balanang makababacla nang loob ko sa pag-asa sa iyo, macalilibat nang dating sakit nang manga bulsa ko, at nagtitika naman acong maglalathala nang dilang pagcadaya ko umaasa akong babambuhin ka rin, alang-alang sa mahal na panyion at pangangalakal mo nang Cruz, sa pag-ulol sa akin. Siya naua.

Ang Amain Namin

Amain naming sumasakumbento ka, sumpain ang ngalan mo, malayo sa amin ang kasakiman mo, kitlin ang leeg mo dito sa lupa para nang sa langit. Saulian mo kami ngayon nang aming kaning iyon inaraw-araw at patawanin mo kami sa iyong pag-ungal para nang pag papatawa mo kung kami nakukuwaltahan; at huwag mo kaming ipahintulot sa iyong manunukso at iadya mo kami sa masama mong dila.

Ang Aba Ginoong Barya

Aba ginoong Barya nakapupuno ka nang alkansya ang Fraile’I sumasainyo bukod ka niyang pinagpala’t pina higit sa lahat, pinagpala naman ang kaban mong mapasok. Santa Barya Ina nang Deretsos, ipanalangin mo kaming huwag anitan ngayon at kami ipapatay. Siya naua...

Ang Aba Po Santa Baria

Aba po Santa Bariang Hari, inagao nang Fraile, ikao ang kabuhayan at katamisan. Aba bunga nang aming pauis, ikaw ang pinagpaguran naming pinapanaw na tauong Anac ni Eva, ikaw nga ang ipinagbubuntong hininga namin sa aming pagtangis dito sa bayang pinakahapishapis. Ay aba pinakahanaphanap namin para sa aming manga anak, ilingon mo sa amin ang cara- i –cruz mo man lamang at saka bago matapos ang pagpanaw mo sa amin ay iparinig mo sa amin ang iyong kalasing Santa Baria ina nang deretsos, malakas at maalam, matunog na guinto kami ipanalangin mong huag magpatuloy sa aming ang manga banta nang Fraile. Amen.

Ang Mga Utos ng Prayle (Ang Sampung Utos ng Prayle)


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Sa makabagong pagbabaybay:

Ang mga utos nang Prayle ay sampu:

Ang nauna: Sambahin mo ang Prayle na lalo sa lahat.

Ang ikalaua: Huwag kang magpapahamak o manuba ng ngalang deretsos.

Ang ikatlo: Manalangin ka sa Prayle Linggo man at piyesta.

Ang ikapat: Isanla mo ang katauhan mo sa pagpapalibing sa ama't ina,

Ang ikalima: Huwag kang mamamatay kung wala pang salaping panlibing.

Ang ikanim: Huwag kang makiapid sa kanyang asawa.

Ang ikapito: Huwag kang makinakaw.

Ang ikaualo: Huwag mo silang pagbibintangan, kahit ka masinungalingan.

Ang ikasiyam: Huwag mong ipagkait ang iyong asawa.

Ang ikapulo: Huwag mong itangi ang iyong ari.

Itong sampong utos ng Prayle'y dalawa ang kinauuwian.

Ang isa: Sambahin mo ang Prayle lalo sa lahat.

Ang ikalawa: Ihain mo naman sa kaniya ang puri mo't kayamanan.

Siya nawa.

Ang mga kabuhungang asal, ang pangala'y tontogales ay tatlo.

Igalang mo …

Katakutan mo… Ang Prayle

At pagmanuhan mo ….

Sa orihinal na pagbabaybay:

Ang manga utos nang Fraile ay sampo:

Ang nauna: Sambahin mo ang Fraile na lalo sa lahat.

Ang ikalaua: Huag kang mag papahamak manuba nang ngalang deretsos.

Ang ikatlo: Mangilin ka sa Fraile lingo man at fiesta.

Ang ikapat: Isangla mo ang catauan mo sa pagpapalibing sa ama’t ina,

Ang ikalima: Huag kang mamamatay kung uala pang salaping pang libing.

Ang ikanim: Huag kang makiapid sa kanyang asaua.

Ang ikapito: Huag kang makinakaw.

Ang ikaualo: Huag mo silang pagbibintangan, kahit ka masinungalingan.

Ang ikasiyam: Huag mong ipagkait ang iyong asaua.

Ang ikapulo: Huag mong itangui ang iyong ari.

Itong sampong utos nang Fraile’I dalaua ang kinaoouian.

Ang isa: Sambahin mo ang Fraile lalo sa lahat.

Ang ikalaua: Ihayin mo naman sa kaniya ang puri mo’t kayamanan. Siya naua.

Ang manga kabohongang asal, ang pangala’i tontogales ay tatlo.

Igalang mo

Katakutan mo... Ang Fraile

At Pag Manuhan mo ….

Graciano Lopez-Jaena

Graciano Lopez-Jaena was hailed as a great genius in the country. Jaena was one of the most prominent staff members of the Spanish newspaper, Los Dos Mundos, where his written works are known to invoke and inspire his fellow Filipinos. With his dream to become a physician, he has come to meet a lot of people from his community in Iloilo from which he learned of the common injustices.

One of his most prominent works is the short novel, Fray Botod, written when he was 18, which is about a priest who used religion to commit oppression, instead of being a role model to the Filipinos. He highlighted the bad deeds committed while the man was in power, such as gambling, showering students with threats, unfair treatment of workers and others. The Spaniards, especially the friars, were incensed upon reading this notable work while an inspiration to the Propaganda movement.

Some of his other works are the following (Villafuerte, et.al., 2009):

La Hija Del Fraile (Ang Anak ng Prayle) – a novel that dwells on the arrogance of the friars. This revealed the dire consequences tied to the marriage between the Spanish and Filipinos.

En Honor de los Filipinas (Ang Dangal ng Pilipinas) – a speech that honors the efforts and achievements of Juan Luna, Felix Ressureccion Hidalgo, and Joaquin Pardo de Tavera on the Paris exposition held on May 6, 1889.

Mga Kahirapan sa Pilipinas – this piece expresses Jaena’s objections to the rules and regulations set by the reigning country as well as the unjust education system in the Philippines.

Ang Lahat ay Pandaraya – an article about a Filipina who boasted about her future as a countess because she thinks she’ll marry a count from a rich Spanish family in Madrid. She eventually learns that the man’s father was a measly shoemaker.

The republic is coming

I will say with Christ: Estote parati in qua hora non putatis, filius hominis veniet. Be prepared, because when you least expect it, the Son of Man will come.


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Republicans! Be prepared because when you least expect it, the Republic will come.

The day of victory is approaching. These disasters that we see occurring everywhere, immorality enthroned in central and municipal spheres proclaim the downfall of the present state of things.

Puppets have no place in Spain. There mission was to conserve, but the conservative period is over; the vital cells are decrepit and death will not be long in coming.

It is agonizing!

Vile tricks, lies, malversations, the irregularities and vices of past administrations are exposed equally in Cuba, the Philippines, in the busy sectors of Tibidabo and Montserrat, in the snow cap peak of Sierra Monera, as well as in the regions washed by rachitic Manzanares and the heights of Moncayo: all these are the precursor of the death of the present administration.

Just as upon the coming of the Messiah in Jerusalem, everything was iniquity and sin, as the present time in this Jerusalem washed by the Mediterranean and the Cantabrian, everything is evil and inconsistency, confusion and disorder reigning within her borders.

In Messianic times there was Tiberious, the Roman emperor incompetent and of no account; under the present circumstances the institutions are vacilliating and weak; at that time Herod had no control of the government and was devoid of common sense; today Sagasta is impotent; made uneasy by his own followers and by those who are not; he has his Pilate in Cánovas, who is ruining him.

Everything sees to be conspiring in favour of the Republic.

Get ready, Republicans, to receive and greet the new era which is going to regenerate us.

Prepare your…throats, Spaniards, and let us trust in the future.

In the meantime, let us shout bravely:

Long live the Republic!

*An article published in El Pueblo Soberano, Barcelona, 1889.

Antonio Luna

Known for his pen name, Taga-ilog, Luna was known for his works criticizing the rule of the government and the church. His exceptional knowledge and skills in military landed him the job as the general.

Some of his notable works are the following (Villafuerte, et.al., 2009):

Noche Buena – a story about the tradition of Christmas in the Philippines, written to entertain and amuse the people from Madrid.

La Maestra de mi Pueblo - published when he was writing for La Solidaridad that tells the story of a teacher and the flaws of the education system for women.

Las Estrellas de mi Cielo (The Stars of My Sky) – Luna as a student, has been fairly interested in athletics, music and literature. This is a collection of love poems, written for the female students of La Concordia.

Impressiones – “a satirical observation of Spanish customs and idiosyncrasies” that Luna published on La Solidaridad when he was a student in Europe. The work drew the ire of Spaniards but Luna’s courage of standing up to them initiated the respect for indios.

Mariano Ponce

Known under the names, Tikbalang, Nanding and Kalipulako, Ponce is another ally of propagandists seeking for Philippine reforms. He was a regular contributor to the La Solidaridad, as co-founder, with his topics varying from history, politics, sociology to travel.

Some of his famous works are the following:

Mga Alamat ng Bulacan – hailing from Baliwag, Bulacan, Ponce wrote legends and folklores from his town.

Pagpugot kay Longino – a Tagalog play performed on a plaza in Malolos.

Sobre Filipinas – contains idealism for the the freedom of the country.

Jose Maria Panganiban

Panganiban wrote under his penname, Jomapa. He is known for possessing photographic memory.

Some of his written works are the following:

A Nuestro Obispo – a poem he submitted when he was in elementary Noche de Mambulao (Gabi ng Mambulao) - poem Ang Lupang Tinubuan - poem Sa Aking Buhay - poem El Pensamiento – La Solidaridad, March 1889 La Universidad de Manila Su Plan de Estudio Los Nuevos ay untamiento de Filipinas

Dr. Pedro Paterno

A poet, a novelist and a screenplay writer. Paterno was one of the first Filipino writers to break free from the strict rules imposed on literature during the Propaganda movement.

His most famous works are the following:

Ninay – the first novel written in Spanish by a Filipino. The story revolves around the life of Ninay who died of cholera. Before she died, Ninay’s misfortune became evident when she was separated from her


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lover, Carlos Mabagsik. This was composed of ten chapters: one for the introduction and the rest is the pasiyam for Ninay’s soul.

Sampaguita y Poesias Varias – a collection of poems published on Europe in the year 1880.

A Mi Madre (For My Mother) – a poem conveying the pain and sorrow of losing a mother.

During the Revolution

The collective outrage of Filipinos for Spaniards became evident during the time of revolution. When freedom was not achieved through the peaceful means of literature used by the propagandists, the revolutionaries made use of weapons.

Their works oozed with persuasion and encouragement for Filipinos to stand up against the oppressive colonizers in order to achieve the freedom they are craving for.

Andres Bonifacio

Bonifacio established the Katipunan. This young man from Tondo, Manila, grew up as the eldest son of a poor family. At an early age, he was forced to take various jobs to keep his siblings in school.

Despite his situation, Bonifacio persevered to extend his knowledge about the world. Literature inspired him to form a revolt against the Spanish rule. He read Rizal’s famous works, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as the book on the Revolution of France.

Some of Bonifacio’s notable works are the following:

Decalogo ng Katipunan – Bonifacio wrote the orders for the members of the Katipunan. However, he had to set aside this copy to give way for Jacinto’s Kartilya ng Katipunan.

Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas – the words of the poem exude the hate and threats Bonifacio holds for the colonizers.

Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa – a complete opposite of the previous poem, this one conveys Bonifacio’s love for his country and his willingness to die to fight for freedom.

Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa

ni Andres Bonifacio

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya

sa pagka-dalisay at pagka-dakila

gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa?

Alin pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala.

Ulit-ulitin mang basahin ng isip

at isa-isahing talastasing pilit

ang salita’t buhay na limbag at titik

ng isang katauhan ito’y namamasid.

Banal na pag-ibig pag ikaw ang nukal

sa tapat na puso ng sino’t alinman,

imbit taong gubat, maralita’t mangmang

nagiging dakila at iginagalang.

Pagpuring lubos ang nagiging hangad

sa bayan ng taong may dangal na ingat,

umawit, tumula, kumatha’t sumulat,

kalakhan din nila’y isinisiwalat.

Walang mahalagang hindi inihandog

ng pusong mahal sa Bayang nagkupkop,

dugo, yaman, dunong, tiisa’t pagod,

buhay ma’y abuting magkalagot-lagot.

Bakit? Ano itong sakdal nang laki

na hinahandugan ng buong pag kasi

na sa lalong mahal kapangyayari

at ginugugulan ng buhay na iwi.

Ay! Ito’y ang Inang Bayang tinubuan,

siya’y ina’t tangi na kinamulatan

ng kawili-wiling liwanag ng araw

na nagbibigay init sa lunong katawan.

Sa kanya’y utang ang unang pagtanggol

ng simoy ng hanging nagbigay lunas,

sa inis na puso na sisinghap-singhap,


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sa balong malalim ng siphayo’t hirap.

Kalakip din nito’y pag-ibig sa Bayan

ang lahat ng lalong sa gunita’y mahal

mula sa masaya’t gasong kasanggulan.

hanggang sa katawan ay mapasa-libingan.

Emilio Jacinto

Jacinto wrote under the name Dimas-Ilaw and Pingkian. He was known as the “Utak ng Katipunan,” and was editor of the Katipunan’s publication, Ang Kalayaan. He is also the youngest among the members of the Katipunan.

He wrote the following works:

Ang Liwanag at Dilim – this became the code of revolution. Some of the essays included in this are Ningning at ang Liwanag, Ako’y Umaasa, Kalayaan, Ang Tao’y Magkapantay, Ang Pag-Ibig, Ang Gumawa, Maling Pananampalataya.

Mga Aral ng Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan – this is the kartilya that contains the orders and regulations of the members of Katipunan.

Apolinario Mabini

Mabini used the penname Katabay in writing about politics, the government and philosophy. He is popularly remembered as the Utak ng Himagsikan and the Dakilang Lumpo.

Some of his most famous works are the following (Villafuerte, et.al., 2009):

Programa Constitutional dele Republica Filipinas – this contains the intentions for the government and education system in the country.

El Desarollo Caida Dela Republica Filipina – this explains the rise and fall in the republic of the Philippines.

El Simil de Alejandro – this opposes the American government and emphasizes the importance of human rights. This was published on El Liberal.

El Verdadero Decalogo – written on May 1898, this piece describes the model nationalistic Filipino. This contains moral rules for the improvement of society.

References

The Literary Works of Jose Rizal. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26th, 2016, from http://reference.yourdictionary.com/books-literature/what-are-literary-works-jose-rizal.html

Read more at http://reference.yourdictionary.com/books-literature/what-are-literary-works-jose-rizal.html#LThSMcdYciMDoCYo.99

The Indolence of the Filipinos: Summary and Analysis. Retrieved from: http://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/08/indolence-of-filipinos-summary-and.html

Panitikan sa Panahon ng Kastila (2014). Retrieved on October 26, 2016 from: http://www.slideshare.net/GinoongGood/panitikan-sapanahonngkatila

Panunuluyan: A Mexican Christmas in the Philippines (2007). Retrieved on October 26, 2016 from: http://asianjournalusa.com/panunuluyan-a-mexican-christmas-in-the-philippines-p3833-67.htm

http://plaridel302.org/about-us/marcelo-h-del-pilar/

https://josemariapanganiban12.wordpress.com/2015/08/16/mariano-ponce/ http://www.academia.edu/4517281/Antonio_Luna

http://allschoolassignments.blogspot.com/2008/11/pag-ibig-sa-tinubuang-lupa-ni-andres.html

Pre-Spanish and Spanish Era Literature 2 Pre-Spanish and... · Biag ni Lam-Ang One of the epics...

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