Colonial Influences on Philippine Literature

Philippine literature had been polished by colonial experiences of Filipinos during Spanish Period, American Period, and Japanese Period. Moreover, foreign encounters with neighboring countries were also significant parts of Filipinos' lives. All of these Eastern (Asia and Middle East) and Western influences (Europe and North America) have uniquely shaped the geopolitical, as well as economic conditions of the Philippines. Eastern culture is more conservative and traditions, while Western culture is liberal, open, and blunt. Great consideration and respect for the elders is emphasized among Asian countries. On the other hand, Europeans and North Americans are quite expressive and have high regards for one's own decision-making. An emphasis on Christian doctrine was manifested through various types of texts which replaced stories about heroes and animated creatures to Biblical characters and saints as evidenced by novenas, prayer books, and other printed materials. This makes literature during the Early Spanish Period didactic or intended for teaching morality and conduct for good behavior. Other than books, plays and dramas emerged for recreational purposes. These were mostly poetic in nature and were intended for public performances. When few privileged Filipino men from middle class families were given access to education, they also became fluent in Spanish language which paved the way to production of literary texts by our own natives. Eventually, this led to reforms in the government through underground newspapers and revolts. Threatened by the presence of other colonizers, the transition between Spanish Period and American Period was not smooth due to resistance among Emilio Aguinaldo who was the appointed president at that time and our fellow countrymen. As compared to Spanish regime, American colonizers used democratic approach as manifested by allowing a Filipino to lead the country through elections where Manuel Quezon won over Aguinaldo. Public education was then emphasized during this period where the English language was introduced and embraced by many Filipinos resulting in various literary works in English which were mostly imitative at first. Some notable Filipino writers later on adapted and developed their own theme, styles, and conventions making their works recognizable both nationally and internationally. Watching foreign films replaced the popularity of theatrical shows and novels. The cruelty of the Japanese occupation was evidenced by strong resistance among the majority of Filipino people. The attempt to erase Western influences was shown when they tried to ban the use of English language during their reign. Freedom of the press and of expression was also suppressed. The Tagalog language was favored by the Japanese which made Tagalog stories and dramas flourish at the time. Love for music was evident through exposure to opera and classical music. Life struggles, nationalism, and patriotism were the common themes and subjects but were secretly published. Only those Filipinos who were living abroad could freely write and express their opinions.