Philippine Literature: Propaganda & Revolution

• Study notes on Philippine Literature in the Propaganda Movement and Revolution.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the goals of the Propaganda Movement.
• Enumerate the heroes who formed the Propaganda Movement during the Revolution.
• Summarize selected works of heroes during the Spanish era.

History

• Native literature was influenced by Spanish religious culture.
• Literature gave rise to feelings of opposition and nationalistic spirit.

Propaganda

• Propaganda publications for Filipinos became common both within and outside the country.
• Diariong Tagalog in Manila, La Solidaridad in Spain, and La Liga Filipina are examples of propaganda publications.
• Street and stage plays like shadow shows, karilyo, sarsuwela, and balagtasan promoted nationalistic themes, valuing freedom and national rights.
• Censura Permanente was a commission that reviewed literary works to ensure no opposition to the Spanish government.

Propaganda Writers

• The following are writers
  • Padre Mariano Gomez
  • Padre Jose Burgos
  • Padre Jacinto Zamora
• The mentioned Filipino priests revolted against the Spaniards through writing subversive works, in violation of the Spanish laws. They were sentenced to death by “garrote”.

Characteristics and Objectives

• The nature of literature stayed in poetic and prose forms, changing only the works and topics raised in any literary piece.
• The writings were drafted during the Spanish Colonial Era using Tagalog and Spanish languages.
• The aim was to fully awaken Filipinos to the truth.
• The aim was to expose abuses by foreign colonizers on the Philippines and dispel false religious beliefs promoted by leaders.
• Writings sought to instill patriotism and genuine love for others and God in all aspects of life.
• The Republic of the Philippines was established in Malolos on January 21, 1899.
  • The nation achieved freedom and became an independent state, free from foreign influence.

Propaganda Movement

• A movement in Barcelona, Spain, that occurred from 1872 to 1892.

Key Figures

• The propaganda movement was composed of the following key figures which are considered pillars of the propaganda movement
  • Jose Rizal
  • Marcelo H. del Pilar
  • Graciano Lopez-Jaena

Other Propagandist

• Other members involved in the movent

  • Padre Jose Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora
  • Antonio Luna
  • Pedro Paterno
  • Emillio Jacinto
  • Andres Bonifacio
  • Apolinario Mabini

Jose Rizal

• Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna. Died on December 30, 1896.
• Parents: Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonso y Realonda
• The seventh of eleven siblings.
• Learned to read the alphabet at three, speak Spanish at five, write poetry at eight, and honed skills in poetry, painting, and sculpting by fifteen.
• Pen names are Dimasalang, Laong-Laan, P. Jacinto, and Pepe.

Selected Works by Jose Rizal

• Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
  • The source of the nom de plume Dimasalang (Berlin, 1887).
  • A novel about the events in the Philippines during the Spanish rule.
  • It exposes themes like poverty, abuse by friars, and injustice in the society.
• El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed)
  • Dedicated to the martyred priests Gomburza (Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora).
  • A sequel to Noli Me Tangere.
  • Ibarra returns as Simoun, seeking revenge.
  • He wants to get back at those who oppressed him and the government.
• Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell, 1896)
  • A poem about his final farewell to his loved ones and homeland.
  • Rizal did not title the poem.
  • Penned on a small piece of paper 15-1/2 by 9-1/2 centimeters, according to Mauro Garcia.
• Sobre La Indolencia de Los Filipinos (On the Indolence of the Filipinos)
  • An essay analyzing the reasons for the Filipinos' supposed laziness.
  • First published in Madrid.
• Filipinas Dentro de Cien Anos (The Philippines a Century Hence)
  • Predicts declining European interest in the Philippines and increasing US influence.
  • First printed in La Solidaridad in Madrid from September 30, 1889, to February 1, 1890.
• A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)
  • Written at 18, it conveys Rizal's literary skills.
  • He shared his vision of strengthening the youth's self-confidence for the country's future.
  • Written during his studies at Sto. Tomas in 1879 and won a literary contest written in Spanish language.
• El consejo de los Dioses, 1810 (The council of the Gods)
  • Written when Rizal was 19 and presents the humanistic education in the Philippines.
  • His response to scholasticism.
  • A play that expresses admiration for Cervantes.

Marcelo H. del Pilar

• Born on August 30, 1850, in Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan.
• Son of Julian H. Del Pilar, a Tagalog writer, and Gng. Biasa Gatmaitan.
• Used pen names Piping Dilat, Plaridel, Pupdoh, and Dolores Manapat.
• Established Diariong Tagalog in 1882 to publish criticisms against the Spanish government's mismanagement.
• Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love for the Native Land)
  • A Tagalog translation of Jose Rizal's Spanish poem Amor Patrio.
• Ca-iingat Kayo! (Be Careful!)
  • He wrote this to defend Rizal's Noli Me Tangere from the attacks of Padre Jose Rodriguez.
  • He compared priests to slippery eels.
• Dasalan at Tocsuan*
  • A work written in 1888.
  • Pilar used the pen name Dolores Manaksak or Manapat for this piece.
• Ang Cadaquilaan ng Dios (The Greatness of God)
  • An essay that criticizes Spanish friars and expresses his philosophy.
  • Showcases admiration for the beauty of nature.
• Writings make fun of the contradictions between friars' actions and their sermons to Filipinos.
• Sagot ng Espanya sa Hibik ng Pilipinas (Spain's Reply to the Cry of the Philippines)
  • A Tagalog poem responding to Hermenegildo Flores' poem, Hibik ng Pilipinas Sa Inang Espanya (A Cry of the Philippines to Mother Spain).
• Dupluhan...Dalit...Bugtong (Malolos, 1970)
  • A collection of short poems and rhymes.
  • Published in the Life of Marcelo del Pilar by Cagingin.

Graciano Lopez-Jaena

• Born on December 18, 1856, and died on January 20, 1896.
• He was one of the Philippines' greatest heroes and geniuses.
• The esteemed son of Jaro, Iloilo.
• Recognized as a writer and speaker and noted for his work during the "Golden Age of Literature" and of public speaking specifically.
• Authored around 100 speeches.
• Pen names: Bolivar and Diego Laura.
• Best known for his work in La Solidaridad and Fray Botod.
  • "Botod" in Hiligaynon means "kabag," slang for "tabatsoy".
• El Bandolerismo en Pilipinas
  • A novel explaining why Filipinos are not bandits.
• Fray Botod
  • A satirical novel criticizing greedy and obese friars.
• Mga Kahirapan sa Pilipinas
  • Addresses educational and administrative issues in the Philippines.
• Sa Mga Pilipino (1891)
  • A speech aimed at improving the welfare of Filipinos to be free, progressive, and with rights.
• Talumpating Pagunita kay Columbus (1891)
  • A speech delivered at the Teatro de Madrid.
• En Honor del Presidente Morayta de la Association Hispano Filipino (1884)
  • A speech focused on praising Hon. Morayta's equality.
• En Honor de los Artistas Luna y Resurrection Hidalgo (1884)
  • Tribute to Filipino artists held captive under Spanish rule.

Pedro Paterno

• (1857-1911).
• Regarded the first propagandist in Spain. Used influence and literature for his homeland. Successfully removed the tobacco monopoly in the Philippines. Allowed using his home for meetings in Madrid.
• Ninay
  • A novel depicting customs and traditions of his land.
• El Cristianismo y La Antigua Civilizacion Tagala
  • It reviews the influence of Christianity on Tagalog civilization.
• Sampaguita y Poesias Varias
  • This showcases poems by Pedro Paterno with a melodious tersismo.
• Sandugan Panaginip
  • This is the first opera written by a Filipino in Tagalog.
• Los Amores de Antipolo
  • A short book discussing legends.

Pascual Poblete

• (1858-1921)
• Pascual H. Poblete first saw light in Naic, Cavite, on May 17, 1858.
• He was the editor of the newspaper El Resumen.
• He was courageous and vehemently critical of the abuses of the powerful Spaniards.
• He published the newspaper, "El Grito del Pueblo" and named it in Tagalog as "Ang Timog ng Bayan".
• Pascual Poblete was the first to translate Rizal's Noli Me Tangere into Tagalog.
• He was also among the two groups of writers in Spanish and Tagalog.
• These are few of his works:
  • Buhay ni San Isidro Labrador ni Franciso Butina
  • Ang Conde ni Monte Cristo ni Alejandro Dumas
  • Ang Kagila-gilalas na Buhay ni Juan Soldado
  • Lucrecia Triciptino
  • Patnubay ng Biyayang Kasaysayan mula sa Lalangin ang Sangkalibutan Hanggang sa Pasyong Mahal ng Poong Jesucristo na inihahandog sa Iglesia ng Filipinas Independiente. -Mga Manunulat sa Wikang Tagalog
  • Patnubay ng Pagsinta, Pantas ng mga Paraan at ang Matagumpay sa Pag-ibig
  • Noli Me Tangere ni Rizal

Mariano Ponce

• (1863-1918)
• Mariano Ponce, born in Baliwag, Bulacan, was a noted member of the Propagandists in Spain and a close aide to Rizal, del Pilar and Lopez- Jaena.
• He left two important literary works to the Philippines: "Pagpugot kay Langinos", a Tagalog play that was staged in the plaza of Malolos and believed to possess qualities equal to those of contemporary Spanish plays.
• Mariano Ponce wrote using the pseudonyms Tikbalang, Kalipulako, and Naning.
• These are few of his notable works:
  • Ang Pagpugot kay Longinos
  • Alamat ng Bulakan Notable Works:
  • Ang Mga Pilipino sa Indo-Tsina
  • Historical Study of the Philippines
  • The Literature of the Propaganda Movement
  • Sobre Filipinas

Jose Maria Panganiban

• (1865-1895)
• Jose Ma. Panganiban, born in Mambalaw, Camarines Norte, on the 19th Pere Panganiban was awarded the title of Bachelor of Science from Coleg de San Juan de Letran, and studied medicine at the University of Sto. Tomas until his third year.
• He distinguished himself in speech and journalism throughout his studies at Letran and Sto. Tomas.
• Jose Ma. Panganiban was a contemporary of Rizal.
• He was with almost all of the patriotic movements of the Filipina in Spain. He was also with "Memoria Fotografica" (Photographic Mind).
• He delivered many speeches defending the Filipino and the Philippines and said that his speeches rivaled the splendor of those of Lopez-Jaena.
• He wrote many essays and articles.
• He died on the 18th of August, 1895 in Barcelona, Spain. His early death was deeply regretted by Rizal who gave his speech.

Fernando Canon

• (1860)
• Fernando Canon was a classmate of Rizal at Ateneo Municipal de Manila and his poetry has an uncommon swing, music, and feeling to it.

Antonio Luna

• (October 29, 1866 – June 5, 1899)

• Antonio Luna (Antón yo Lúna) was the Filipino general who led the armed forces of the Filipino Revolution and second minister of war of the Malolos Republic. - Hailed as the best Filipino general of his time. - He established the country's first military academy. - Born on October 29, 1866 in Urbiztondo, Binondo, Manila, the youngest of the seven children of Joaquin Luna de San Pedro and Laureana Novicio-Ancheta. - He obtained a Bachelor's degree in arts from Ateneo Municipal de Manila and studied literature and chemistry at the University of

• Antonio Luna’s notable works: - Mga bituin ng aking lahi, isang inihandog niya sa mga dalagang nag-aral sa Coleg de Concordia - Dos Cuerpos Importantes de la Quemecas - Noche Buena, isang akdang naglarawan ng buhay Pilipino -Por Madrid, ito'y pagtuligsa sa mga Kastilang nagpapahayag na ang Pilipinas ay isang lalawigan ng Espanya, subalit kapag sila'y naniningil ng selvo ipinalalagay nilang banyaga - La Casa Hepedes, ito ay naglalarawan ng buhay ng isang estudyante sa isang pangangaseran. - ang kasera'y may anak na dalagang nais niyang mapangasawa. -Isang parmasyotikong at doctor'ng medisina si Antonio Luna.