Spanish Colonization and Early Philippine Literature

• The literary history during Spanish colonization reflects the conflict between Christian beliefs and the spirit of nationalism in the Philippines.

Historical Context

• 1565 marks the beginning of Spanish colonization in the Philippines.
• The Spanish monarchy and Catholicism are introduced, significantly influencing Filipino culture.
• Filipinos were divided into two groups:
  • Taga-bayan, who were close to the church and colonial government and considered "civilized."
  • Taga-bukid/Taga-bundok, who were not yet integrated into the colonial system and sometimes seen as "savage."
• The term "Filipino" initially referred only to Spaniards born in the Philippines, while natives were called "Indio."

Impact of the Church on Literature

• Priests were key representatives of Spain in communities.
• The first book in the Philippines was religious:
  • "Doctrina Christiana" (1593), printed by Dominicans, taught Christianity in Spanish and Tagalog.
  • "May Bagyo Ma't May Rilim" (1605), the first Tagalog poem printed, included in a book by Fr. Francisco Blancas de San Jose.

Fusion of Two Cultures

• "Christianization" of Literature: Spaniards used literature to make their religion and culture more acceptable to Filipinos.
• Major religious works included:
  • Pasyon, a narrative poem about the life of Jesus Christ.
  • Sinakulo, a play staged during Holy Week about the Passion of Christ.
  • Ancient literary forms (e.g., riddles, poems) were used to introduce Christianity.

Early Filipino Writers

• Pedro Bukaneg: Father of Ilokano literature, associated with the epic "Biag ni Lam-ang."
• Tomas Pinpin: Author of "Ang Librong Pag-aaralan ng mga Tagalog ng Wikang Kastila" (1610).
• Fernando Bagongbanta: Renowned poet who wrote poems in Tagalog and Spanish.
• Gaspar Aquino de Belen: Wrote "Ang Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong Panginoon Natin" (1704).

Emergence of Filipino Plays

• Komedya: Plays about the battles between Christians and Muslims.
• Awit at Korido: Narrative poems about heroism, such as:
  • "Florante at Laura" (Balagtas, 1838), which used the form to depict the situation in the Philippines under Spanish rule.
  • Ibong Adarna

Rise of National Consciousness in Literature

• Florante at Laura is an allegory of Spanish colonization.
• Orosman at Zafira is a literary play showing political and love conflicts.
• Pagsusulatan ni Urbana at Feliza is a work on Filipino etiquette and morality.

Rise of Education and the Propaganda Movement

• In 1863, the education system was implemented in the Philippines.
• Pedro Paterno wrote the first Filipino novel, "Ninay" (1885).
• Jose Rizal is the author of "Noli Me Tangere" (1887) and "El Filibusterismo" (1891).

La Solidaridad and the Role of the Essay

• La Solidaridad (1889-1895): a newspaper of the Propaganda Movement.
• Marcelo H. del Pilar's work, "Sagot ng Espanya sa Hibik ng Pilipinas"
• Jose Rizal wrote "Su Excelencia, Señor Don Vicente Barrantes." Andres Bonifacio penned "Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog."

Revolution and Nationalistic Literature

• Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas is a poem by Bonifacio renouncing Spain.
• Liwanag at Dilim is a collection of essays by Emilio Jacinto.
• Apolinario Mabini: La Revolución Filipina offered analysis of the revolution's errors.
• Leona Florentino was the first female poet in Ilocos.
• Gregoria de Jesus authored a poem for Andres Bonifacio.
• Urbana at Feliza showcased the role of women in social morality.

Conclusion: Advancement of Filipino Literature

• Transition from religious to nationalistic themes
• Shift from oral to printed literature
• From supporting Spain to fighting for freedom

The Denial of Peter

• "From the Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong Panginoon Natin"
• By Gaspar Aquino de Belen, 1704
  • It is a literary work written during Spanish colonization in the Philippines
  • It is an epic poem describing the life, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ
  • Gaspar Aquino de Belen wrote it in 1704 to spread Christianity through literature.
  • It used the pasyon form, a traditional poem recited or sung during Holy Week.

The Context of Work: Peter's Denial of Jesus

• It is part of the Mahal na Passion, describing how Saint Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.
• This work serves as an example of didactic literature, aiming to teach readers a moral lesson.
• The use of poetry allows for easy memorization and transmission.
• The work is a reminder of faith, repentance, and forgiveness.

Pedro, I Refuse You

• It Illustrates Peter's betrayal of Jesus and shows human weakness in the face of danger and fear
• It Reveals Peter's remorse

Theme Style

• Faith and trust in God
• Repudiation and regret
• Teaching of the Christian Faith
• Style
  • Utilizes poetic form (songs) to facilitate recitation and memorization
  • Employs deep symbolism, such as the “Pupil” as a thread of regret
• Effect
  • The work promoted Christianity and was used to strengthen faith among the Filipino people.

From Florante at Laura - Francisco Baltazar, 1838

• Written by Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas) in 1838 while he was in prison
  • A significant literary piece during the colonial era; tackles societal and political issues
  • A narrative poem that uses allegory to portray the corruption, injustice, and abuse in society

Analysis

• The initial portion depicts the nation's state under corruption and evil
• Symbolizes foreign occupation and the dominance of wicked leaders.

Themes and messages

• Denunciation of Corruption and Injustice: highlights the absence of justice and how evil prospers.
• The Poem is a reflection of its era, filled with oppression and corruption Critical Overview of Florante at Laura
• it highlights the harsh situation of Filipinos and the unfair system if governance.
• Albany is used as a symbol for the Philippines, Count Adolf for oppressive colonists, and Florette for oppressed citizens
  • Teaches that evil must not triumph, highlighting that justice should be championed

The Effect

• The work is a literary weapon that fosters patriotism and the spirit of resistance against oppression.

Conclusion of Florante at laura

• Reflects the complaints of a nation against corruption and injustice, and contains a prevailing message about morality

Urbana at Feliza

• Written by Modesto de Castro in 1864 and used as a guide on family and social ethics
  • Intended to teach morality and etiquette to the youth
    • The author, Modesto de Castro (a catholic priest) was named "father of classical prose in Philippine literature"

The Structure of Urbana at Feliza include

• The Composition of letter/ a series of letters between siblings in order to teach good manners and morals to young people

It aims to

• Establish good and proper behavior in society and guides proper attitude and conduct in gatherings. True honor lies in a good demeanor.

Primera and Segunda

• Proper outlook in leadership, emphasizes the significance of trustworthiness
• Current examples include a leader who values responsibility rather than seeking power
• Segunda - Teaches proper behavior and respect for family
• Modern examples include social gatherings, and a reflection of conduct
  • Themes include morality and social behavior
    • Emphasize the importance of character and moral principles in modern society

Effect

- Was a popular book of morality and ethics during spanish rule, used in school in ethics

El Filibusterismo

• Authored by José Rizal with chapter XXXIX as the final chapter where a Padre shared truths of freedom
  • The location was near a quiet home in the sea with Father Florentino and Simoun present
  • Simoun was formerly Crisóstomo Ibarria and he asked for a blessing from Father

Lihim Rebellion

     - Simoun was a wealthy jeweler with plans to overthrow the Philippines

• The government ordered for his capture and to avoid revealing his secrets he chose to poison himself.

Padre Confession

- Padre said evil can come from anything, true freedom doesn't happen though violence, and a country not ready for freedom is worst than invaders

Simuon said

- “God, why have you forsaken me’

Then the Kayamanan box was his greed to bribe government officials