Written Report in

Philippine Literature






Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1863)










Introduction

Spain established the first settlement in the Philippines in 1565 led by Ferdinand
Magellan. Spanish colonial strategy was to undermine the native oral tradition. They introduced
the Roman Catholic Religion. They use the religion to substitute the existing tradition and faith
in one God.
When it comes in Literature, Spanish Colonization Period has two distinct classifications:
Religion and Secular Literature.

Religion Literature
Religious lyrics written by ladino poets or those versed in both Spanish and Tagalog were
included in early catechism and were used to teach Filipinos the Spanish language.
The Dominicans were the first to set up a printing press, and Doctrina Christiana
(Christian Doctrine 1593), the first book or prayer book ever published in the Philippines, was
their output.
Reading, writing and arithmetic were taught in catechetical school which was usually the
farthest the Filipino of the time could go in education. Of course, the main purpose of schooling
during that time was to impart the fundamentals of Christian doctrine to the children who would,
in time, take over from the adults as loyal subjects of the monarch and devoted flock of the
church.
Pasyon is a long narrative poem about the passion and death of Christ. The most popular
was Ang Mahal na Passion ni J esu Cristong Panginoon Natin by Gaspar Aquino de Belen.
Senakulo is dramatization of the pasyon, it shows the passion and death of Christ.
Both the pasyon and senakulo were performed during Lenten season, and this endowed
them with ritual significance that left a deep impression on the consciousness of generations
upon generations of Christian Filipinos who at the given times in their history alternately saw
Christ as a model of humility and submissiveness to religious and secular authority, and as a
rebel with the zeal and reckless daring of a visionary preparing the way for the ideal society.
The Panunuluyan literally, seeking entrance, the Tagalog version of the Mexican Las
Posadas. Held on the eve of Christmas, it dramatizes Joseph's and Mary's search for Bethlehem.
Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of Risen Christ and His Mother.
Moriones it refers to the participants dressed roman soldiers, their identities hidden
behind colorful, sometimes grotesque, wooden masks.
The Santacruzan performed during the month of May which has the devotion for the
Holy Cross. It depicts St. Elena's search for the cross on which Christ died. Pangangaluwa is an
interesting socio-religious practice on All Saints Day which literally means for The Soul. These
were generally held during the nine nights of vigil and prayers after someone's death, on the first
death anniversary when the family members put away their mourning clothes.

Secular or non- religious Literature
Secular means of relating to worldly things as distinguished from things relating to
church and religion.
Awit is a colorful tales of chivalry made for singing and chanting. Example: Ibong
Adarna.
Korido a metrical tale written in octosyllabic quatrains Example: Florante at Laura by
Francisco Baltazar.
Prose Narratives are written to prescribe proper decorum. The example of prose
narratives are Dialogo, Manual de Urbanidad, Ejemplo and Tratado. Examples: Modesto de
Castros Pagsusulatan ng Dalawang Binibini na si Urbana at si Feliza and Joaquin Tuasons
Ang Bagong Robinson (The New Robinson) in 1879.
Folk songs is a song originating among the people of a country or area, passed by oral
tradition from one singer or generation to the next, often existing in several versions, and marked
generally by simple, modal melody and stanzaic, narrative verse. Examples of folk songs that
contribute by the Spanish are Leron-Leron Sinta (TAGALOG), Pamulinawen (ILOKO),
Dandansoy(BISAYA), Sarong Banggi (BICOL) and Atin Cu Pung
Singsing(KAPAMPANGAN).

Propaganda Period
Propaganda movement is a peaceful crusade or campaign for reforms. It was organized
and participated by the illustrados. Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez
Jaena are the leaders of the said movement. It began in 1872, when Fathers Mariano Gomez,
Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora were executed at the Luneta. Aggressively but peacefully, by
means of writing and speeches, they crusaded for reforms to rectify the evils of the Spanish
colonial system.
Political Essays satires, editorials and news articles were written to attack and expose the
evils of Spanish rule.

Diariong Tagalog founded by Marcelo del Pilar

La Solidaridad is a newspaper published not only articles and essays about
the economic, cultural, political, and social conditions of the country, but
also current news, both local and foreign, and speeches of prominent
Spanish leaders about the Philippines. The editor-in-chief of La
Solidaridad is Graciano Lopez-Jaena.

Political Novels

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo - Jose Rizals masterpieces that
paved the way to the revolution. Works which created an impact on the
national consciousness and love for ones country against the abusive
government of the Spaniards.

Revolutionary Literature
More propagandistic than literary as it is more violent in nature and demanded
complete independence for the country.

Political Essays helped inflame the spirit of revolution.

Kalayaan newspaper of the society, edited by Emilio Jacinto.

Poetry
True Decalogue Apolinario Mabini
Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas Andres Bonifacio
Liwanag at Dilim Emilio Jacinto