Chapter 3 The Spanish Period (1565-1898)

Historical Background
It is an accepted belief that the Spanish colonization of the Philippines started in 1565 during the
time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first Spanish governor-general in the Philippines. Literature
started to flourish during his time. This spurt continued unabated until the Cavite Revolt in 1872
The Spaniards colonized the Philippines for more than three centuries.
During these times, many changes occurred in the lives of Filipinos. They embraced the Catholic
religion, changed their names, and were baptized. Their lifestyles changed to. They built houses
made of stones and bricks, used beautiful furniture like the piano and used kitchen utensils.
Carriages, trains and boats were used as means of travel. They held fiestas to honor the saints,
the pope and the governors. They had cockfights, horse races and the theater as means of
recreation,
This gave rise to the formation of the different classes of society like the rich and the landlords.
Some Filipinos finished courses like medicine, law, agriculture and teaching. Many Filipinos
finished their schooling in the Philippines because many schools already had been established.

A. SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Due to the long period of colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards, they have exerted a
strong influence on our literature.
1. The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was by the Roman alphabet.
2. The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis religious practices.
3. The Spanish language which became the literary language during this time lent many of its
words to our language
4. European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and
moro-moros.
5. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects,
6. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan.
7. Our periodicals during these times gained a religious tone.

B. THE FIRST BOOKS

1. ANG DOCTRINA CRISTIANA (THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE): This was the first book printed
in the Philippines in 1593 in xylography. It was written by Fr. Juan de Placencia and Fr. Domingo
Nieva, in Tagalog and Spanish. It contained the Pater Noster (Our Father), Ave Maria (Hail Mary),
Regina Coeli (Hail Holy Queen), the Ten Commandments of God, the Commandments of the
Catholic Church, the Seven Mortal Sins. How to Confess, and the Cathecism. Three old original
copies of this book can still be found at the Vatican, at the Madrid Museum and at the US
Congress. It contains only 87 pages but costs $5,000.00
2. Nuestra Señora del Rosario: the second book printed in the Philippines was written by Fr.
Blancas de San Jose in 1602, and printed at the UST Printing Press with the help of Juan de
Vera, a Chinese mestizo. It contains the biographies of saints, novenas, and questions and
answers on religion.
3. Libro de los Cuatro Postprimeras de Hombre in Spanish and Tagalog). This is the first book
printed in typography,
4. Ang Barlaan at Josephat: This is a Biblical story printed in the Philippines and translated to
Tagalog from Greek by Fr. Antonio de Borja. It is believed to be the first Tagalog novel published
in the Philippines even if it is only a translation. The printed translation has only 556 pages. The
Ilocano translation in poetry was done by Fr. Agustin Mejia,
5. The Pasion: This is a book about the life and sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is read only during
Lent. There were 4 versions of this in Tagalog and each version is according to the name of the
writer. These are the Pilapil version by Mariano Pilapil of Bulacan, 1814), the de Belen version
(by Gaspar Aquino de Belen of Bat, in 1704), the de la Merced by Aniceto de la Merced of
Norzagaray, Bulacan in 1856) and the de Guia version (by Luis de Guia in 1750). Critics are not
agreed whether it is the Pilapil or the de la Merced version which is the most popular.

The dela Merced version is in octosyllabic verse with 5 verses to the stanza.

O Diyos sa kalangitan
Hari ng Sangkalupaan Ikaw na Amang Tumobos
Diyos na walang kapantay Na nangungulilang lubos
Mabait, lubhang maalam Amang di matapus-tapos
at puno ng karunungan. Maawai't mapagkupkop Sa taong lupa't
O God in Heaven alabok.

King of earth God unequaled God the Father Almighty Of all the
abandoned Father everlasting Kind and
Good, kind and full of wisdom. generous to of earth and dust

God of Mercy
Iyong itulot sa amin Please grant us
Diyos Amang maawain, God of mercy
Mangyaring aming dalitin Grant appeasement
Hirap, sakit at hilahil From sufferings and we of your beloved child
Ng Anak mong ginigiliw

Chanters may take 2-4 nights singing the Pasion chanters taking turns in shills of 3-4 hours each.
It has been translated into every principal dialect Ilocano, Ibanag, Pampango, Bicol, and Visayan
version.

5. Urbana at Felisa: a book by Modesto de Castro the so called Father of Classic Prose in Tagalog
These are letters between two sisters Urbana at Felisa and has influenced greatly the behavior
of people in society because the letters dealth with good behavior
6. Ang Mga Dalit kay Maria (Psalms for Mary): a collection of songs praising the Virgin Mary. Fr.
Mariano Sevilla, a Filipino priest, wrote this in 1865 and it was popular especially during the
Maytime "Flores de Mayo" festival,
Foll region mounta

C. LITERARY COMPOSITIONS

1. Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala: (Art and ruler of the Tagalog language) written by Fr.
Blancas de San Jose and translated to Tagalog by Tomas Pinpin in 1610.
2. Compendio de la Lengua Tagala (Understanding the Tagalog language), written by Fr. Gaspar
de San Agustin in 1703
3. Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala (Tagalog vocabulary): the first Tagalog dictionary written by
Fr. Pedro de San Buenaventura in 1613.
4. Vocabulario de la Lengua Pampanga (Pampang vocabulary); the first book in Pampango
written by Fr. Diego in 1732
5. Vocabulario de la Lengua Bisaya (Bisayan vocabulary): the best language book in Visayan by
Mateo Sanchez in 1711.
6. Arte de la Lengua Ilokana (The Art of the Ilocano language): the first llocano grammar book by
Francisco Lopez,
7. Arte de la Lengua Bicolana (The Art of the Bicol language): the first book in the Bicol language
and written by Fr. Marcos Lisbon in 1754.

D. FOLK SONGS

Folk songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each region had its national song from the
lowlands to the mountains of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Folk songs truly manifest the artistic feelings of the Filipinos. They show the Filipinos' innate
appreciation for and love of beauty. Here is an example:

Leron-Leron Sinta
Tagalog
Leron-leron Sinta, buto ng papaya Dala-dala'y buslo, sisidlan ng sinta Pagdating sa dulo'y
nabali ang sanga Kapos kapalaran, humanap ng iba.
ading rustin
Ako'y ibigin mo, lalaking matapang Ang sundang ko'y pito, ang baril ko'y siyam Ang lalakarin
ko'y sampu ng din ulang Isang pinggang pansit, ang aking kalaban.
 PAMULINAWEN
(Iloko)
Pamulinawen Pusok imdengamman Toy umas-asog agrayo ita sadiam Panunotemman, agrayo
ita sadiam.
Essem ti diak kalipatan Ta nasudi unay a nagan Uray sadin ti aya, disso sadino man No
malagipka, pusok i mabang-aran.

DANDANSOY
(Bisaya)
Dadansoy, bayaan ta ikaw, pa-uli ako sa payaw
Ugaling kon ikaw hidlawon, ang payaw imo lang lantawon
Dandansoy, kon imo apason, Bisan tubig di magbalon Igaling kon ikaw uhawon, Sa dalan
magbobon-bobon

The Filiping in poetry

SARONG BANGGI
(Bicol)
Sarong bangui sa higdaan Nakadangong ako, hinuni nin sarong gamgam Sa loba ko,
katorogam Bako kundi simong voces iyo palan
Dagos ako bangon si sakuyang mata iminuklat Sa tahaw nin kadikluman ako nangangalagkalag
Si sakuyang mata ipinasiring ko sa itaas Simong laog nahiling ko maluhaan.
Duman sa inaaya bantog buayahon Lumangoy si nooy sa kalipong awon Dai mahiling niya ang
saiyang kailusyon.

ATIN CU PUNG SINGSING

(Kapampangan)
Atin cu pung singsing Etong yang timpucan Amana que iti Cang indung ibatan Sangcan queng
sininup Quing metong acaban Mewala ya iti Ecu camalayan

E. RECREATIONAL PLAYS

There were many recreational plays performed by Filipinos during the Spanish times Almost all
of them were in poetic form. Here are examples
1. Tibag - The word tibag means to excavate. This ritual was brought here by the Spaniards to
remind the people about the search of St. Helena for the Cross on which Jesus died
A dramatic performance is usually done even without a raised stage and held during Maytime
festivals. A cross is buried in a clearing or mound in a yard near a church. Before the town fiesta,
St. Helena, with King Constantine and some soldiers start to look for the cross. She digs on the
mounds, while a dialogue ensues as the search continues. Upon reaching the third mound where
the Cross is found, there is great jubilation around and then the Cross is borne in a procession to
the church where a priest performs the religious rites
2. Lagaylay - This is a special occasion for the Pilareños of Sorsogon during Maytime to get
together. As early as April the participating ladies are chosen and sometimes, mothers volunteer
their girls in order to fulfill a vow made during an illness or for a favor received. In some parts of
Bicol, a different presentation is made but the objective is the same - praise, respect and offering
of love to the Blessed Cross by St. Helena on the mound she had dug in.
3. The Cenaculo - This is a dramatic performance to commemorate the passion and death of
Jesus Christ. There are two kinds: the Cantada and the Hablada. In the Hablada

the lines are spoken in a more deliberate manner showin rhythmic measure of each verse and
the rhyming i stanza and is more dignified in theme; the Cantada chanted like the Pasion.
The Cenaculo is written in octosyllabic verse, with 8 vere to the stanza. The full length versions
take about 3 night staging. Performers come in costumes with wigs
Vigs and performers are carefully chosen for their virtuous life. O performs the role of Jesus Christ
and another the role of the Virgin Mary. Many famous Cenaculo players come from the Tagalog
regions although there are also those from the Nocos Pampanga, Bicol and both Sibulanon and
Hiligaynon.
4. Panunuluyan - This is presented before 12:00 on Christmas eve. This is a presentation of the
search of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an inn wherein to deliver the baby Jesus.
5. The Salubong (or Panubong)
The Salubong is an Easter play that dramatizes the meeting of the Risen Christ and his mother.
It is still! presented in many Philippine towns.
Two processions are held by the church at early dawn. One is made up of men bearing on their
shoulders the image of the Risen Christ, the other, women carrying the heavily veiled image of
the Blessed Virgin. The processions converge at an appointed place usually under a flower - like
canopy constructed at the church patio or town plaza. At a signal, the petals of the "Flower" open
and a little girl dressed like an angel is slowly lowered by a pulley. Singing "Regina Coen laetare,
she removes the Virgin's mourning veil and showers her with fresh flowers. The church bells ring
at th point. Then together the two images are carried back" procession to the church.
In
6. Carillo (Shadow Play) - This is a form of dram entertainment performed on a moonless night
during & fiesta or on dark nights after a harvest. This shadow pla made by projecting cardboard
figures before a lamp against white sheet. The figures are moved like marionnettes whose
dialogues are produced by some experts. The dialogues are drawn from a Corrido or Awit or
some religious play interspersed with songs. These are called by various names in different
places: Carillo in Manila, Rizal and Batangas and Laguna; TITRES in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan,
Bataan, Capiz and Negros; TITIRI in Zambales; GAGALO or KIKIMUT in Pampanga and Tarlac;
and ALIALA in La Union.
7. The Zarzuela: Considered the father of the drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama in
three acts which dealt with man's passions and emotions like love, hate, revenge, cruelty, avarice
or some social or political problem.
These were originally performed by traveling dramatic troupes organized by royal mandate of
Governor Narciso Claveria to stimulate dramatic performances.
8. The Sainete: This was a short musical comedy popular during the 18th century. They were
exaggerated comedies shown between acts of long plays and were mostly performed by
characters from the lower classes. Themes were taken from everyday life scenarios.
F. THE MORO-MORO: Like the Cenaculo, the Moro-moro is presented also on a special stage.
This is performed during town fiestas to entertain the people and to remind them of their Christian
religion. The plot is usually the same that of a Christian princess or a nobleman's daughter who
is captured by the Mohammedans. The father organizes a rescue party where fighting between
the Moros and the Christians ensue. The Mohammedans are defeated by some miracle or Divine
Intercession and the Mohammedans are converted to Christianity. In some instances, the whole
kingdom is baptized and converted,

Example:
PRINSIPE RODANTE
Ngayo'y dumating na itong takdang araw Dakilang Torneo sa plasang kalakhan May
kabalyerong dito'y daratal Ang magpapamalas ng dangal at tapang.

O mahal kong anak, Prinsesa Flerida Sabihin sa aki't sa ina mong Reyna Kung ang iyong loob
ay handang-han Sa larong torneo na magiging bunga

The day has arrived when the good Tornero wil arrive at the plaza and men will show their
bravery and skill)
My dear child, Princess Flerida
Tell me and to your Queen Mother
If you are fully ready
For the torneo play

G. KARAGATAN
Poetic vehicle of a socio-religious natura celebrated during the death of a person. In this contest,
mom or less formal, a ritual is performed based on a legend abo princess who dropped her ring
into the middle of the sea and who offered her hand in marriage to anyone who can retrieve it. A
leader starts off with an extemporaneous poem announcing the purpose. He then spins a "lumbo"
or "tabo" marked with a white line. Whoever comes in the direction of the white line when the
spinning stops gets his turn to "go into the sea to look for the ring." This means a girl will ask him
a riddle and if he is able to answer, he will offer the ring to the girl. Thus:

Girl: Ikaw nga ang unang pinili ng Diyos

Sumisid sa singsing na aking hinulog Subalit hindi upang siyang maging irog Kungdi idaan lang
muna sa pagsubok.
Kaya't sisirin mo ang tanong kong ito At singsing kong ito ay nang maangkin mo Sa singsing na
liso at walang pabato Turan mong simula at ang dulot nito.
Boy: Karagatang ito'y kahit na malalim Pangangahasan kong aking lulusungin Hustong bait ninyo
ang titimbulanin Na inaasahang sasagip sa akin.
Translation:
Girl: You're the first choice of God
To dive for the ring I dropped Not to be my sweetheart But only to pass a test,
That's why, try for this question And this ring you'll own This plain ring without a stone Start
answering and this you'll own.

Boy: This sea, though very deep I'll hazard to dive Your kindness will see me thru.
This sea, though shallow, is difficult To dive, for an amateur, So if I should fail Your helping hand
I await.

H. Dulpo
The Duplo replaced the Karagatan. This is a poetic joust in speaking and reasoning. The roles
are taken from the Bible and from proverbs and sayings. It is usually played during wakes for the
dead.

Example:
Hari: Yamang sa tuos ko ngayo'y natalastas at ang isinakdal dito'y nahaharap ang unang bigkas
sa naritong dilag
siyang tinutukoy na di nagbabayad.
Bilyako: Bilyaka, mangyaring sumagot ka ngayon
Kung inaamin mo ang sinabing sumbong Saging na nalugok, dahon may kaluntoy Bayaran ang
dapat sa takdang panahon.
Bilyaka: Hari naming giliw na kagalang-galang
Punong sinusunod nitong kalakatan Ang kamunting tutol ay iyong pakinggan Niring walang sala't
wala namang utang.
Hiwagang malaki ang paratan Sapul magkaisip ay di nakilala Saging na nasabing hindi kina At di
nangungutang kahit isang pera
Bilyoko: O Himalang dilag na mapagpasakit
Sa bayaning pusong laong umiibig ano't yaong utang at wawaling-tikis at ikakaila yaring pag-
uusig.
Dito po ay taglay yaong katunayan bilang paghahabol sa naturang utang may dalawang saksi
akong ililitaw na inilagak mo sa pagpapatibay.

Translation:
King: Inasmuch as I have discovered That the accused is here present The first thing that this
lady said Refers to a debt unpaid.
Bilyako: Bilyaka, please answer, If you accept the accusation The rotten banana whose peelings
are crumpled You have to pay at a certain time.
Bilyaka:Beloved and honorable King
Head obeyed by all Our feeble protest please hear Of one who is sinless and with no debt.
A big mystery is their accusation Since I was born I never knew The banana mentioned which I
never got Never owed anybody a single cent.
Bilyoko:
O mysterious and cruel beauty
In my heroic heart I've long loved Why ignore the debt and deny the accusation?
Here I carry the proof By way of following up this debt Til present two witness That I'll bring to
show proof

I. THE BALAGTASAN:
This is a poetic joust or a contest of skills in debate on Darticular topic or sue This replaced the
DUPLO and is held to honor Prancisco "Balagtas" Baltazar
J. THE DUNG-AW: This is a chant in free verse by a bereaved person or his representative beside
the corpse of the dead. No definite meter or rhyming scheme is used. The person chanting it
freely recites in poetic rhythm according to his feelings, emotions and thoughts. It is personalized
and usually deal with the life, sufferings and sacrifices of the dead and includes apologies for his
misdeeds,

The Ilocanos and the Igorots of eastern Benguet use this traditional poem for their dead and is a
counterpart of the TAGHOY or PANAMBITAN of the Tagalogs
Here is a reproduction by Fr. Alphonse Calerhoudt.
"Have pity on me, o my brother You have left for the unknown Your body is dead, my brother
What of me that you have deserted. What of me, what is to become of me! I shall forever miss
you, my brother, For I love you, I love you much Like a baby loves its mother My eyes are wells
of tears... My poor life floats in a sea of tears... For I know that in your grave I cannot bring you
comfort As I have always brought you comfort While you were alive My heart almost melts by my
sufferings... My sobs dissolve my hopes. Whatever task in the future I my do
I shall seek your help as of old If it's something to be lifted Live with me, o my brother Help me
scatter the grains When feeding the pig in its pen. Help me keep the pig away From the feeding
trough Until all the feed are ready for it Help me cook the daily food Help me wash the dishes in
the kitchen I shall look for you, my brother In everything that I may have to do And if I do not find
you beside me To help me do what I have to do My life shall be ashes to my despair!

K. THE AWIT and the CORRIDO

Some use these two interchangeably because the distinction is not clear. For purposes of
comparison, we distinguish the two this way:
The Corrido is in octosyllabic verse. The Awit is in dodecasyllabic verse. The Corridos were
usually on legends or stories from
European countries like France, Spain, Italy and
Greece.
The AWITS are fabricated stories from writers' imagination although the setting and characters
are European.
The CORRIDO refers to narration.
The AWIT refers to chanting.
The CORRIDO and the awit are both referred to as narrative poetry.

An Example of an AWIT is
FLORANTE AT LAURA (by Francisco Balagtas)
NASAAN SI LAURA (An excerpt from the whole AWIT)
Kung siya mong ibig na ako'y magdusa Langit na mataas aking mababata Isagi mo lamang sa
puso ni Laura ako'y minsan-minsang mapag-alala.
"At dito sa laot ng dusa't hinagpis malawak na lubhang aking tinatawid gunita ni Laura sa naabang
ibig Siya ko na lamang ligaya sa dibdib,
"Munting gunamgunam ng sinta ko't mutya nang dahil sa aki'y dakila kong tuwa higit sa malaking
hirap at dalita parusa nang taong lilo't walang awa.
"Sa pagkagapos ko'y kung gunigunihin malamig mang bangkay akong nahihimbing at
tinatangisan ng sula ko't giliw ang pagkabuhay ko'y walang hangga mandin.
"Kung apuhapin ko sa sariling isip and suyuan namin ng pili kong ibig ang pagluha niya kung
ako'y may hapis nagiging ligaya yaring madlang sakit.
An example of the CORRIDO is IBONG ADARNA by Jose de la Cruz (Huseng Sisiw). Herein is
an example of the poetic techniques of Jose de la Cruz from the selection HISTORIA FAMOSA
ni Bernardo Carpio.
"Matay ko man yatang pigili't pigilin ang sintang sa puso'y tumiim tumiim, na sinta'y kung aking
pawiin, pawiin ay tantong kamatayan ko rin.
Ikamamatay ko'y nasa iyong kama sa kamay mo sana manaw yaring buhay buhay ko'y malagot
sa iyong harapan sa harap mo lamang luwalhati't kamtam
e sinta ko't malaking pag-ibig pagibig sa iyong kabutuha't dikit, dikit mo'y namahay tumiim sa
dibdib. sa dibdib ko'y di na ibig na maalis,
Pawiin sa puso ko'y mamamatay mamamatay ako kung limutin naman, limuti't alisi'y tantong
kahirapan, kahirapang ito'y saan pa hahanggan?

Chapter 4 The Period of Enlightenment (1872-1898)

Historical Background
After 300 years of passivity under Spanish rule, the Filipino spirit reawakened when the 3 priests
Gomez, Burgos and Zamora were guillotined without sufficient evidence of guilt. This occurred on
the 17th of February. This was buttressed with the spirit of liberalism when the Philippines opened
its doors to world trade and with the coming of a liberal leader in the person of Governor Carlos
Maria de la Torre.
The Spaniards were unable to suppress the tide of rebellion among the Filipinos. The once
religious spirit transformed itself into one of nationalism and the Filipinos demanded changes in
the government and in the church.
A. The Propaganda Movement (1872-1896)
This movement was spearheaded mostly by the intellectual middle-class like Jose Rizal, Marcelo
del Pilar. Graciano Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna, Mariano Ponce, Jose Ma. Panganiban, and Pedro
Paterno. The objectives of this movement were to seek reforms and changes like the following:
1. To get equal treatment for the Filipino and the Spaniards under the law.
2. To make the Phililippines a colony of Spain
3. To restore Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes.
4. To Filipinize the parishes.
5. To give the Filipinos freedom of speech, of the pre-assembly and for redress of grievances

B. Highlights of the Propaganda Movement

There were three principal leaders of the propaganda movement.
They were Jose P. Rizal, Marcelo Graciano Lpoez Jaena. Here are highlights about they have done
for our country:

DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Alonzo y Realonda was on June 19, 1861 at Calamba, Laguna. His
first teacher his mother Teodora Alonzo. He studied at the Ateneo de Man started medicine at
UST and finished at the Universi Central of Madrid. He also studied at the University of Berlin
Leipzig and Heidelberg. He died by musketry in the hands the Spaniards on December 30, 1896
on charges of sed and rebellion against the Spaniards. His pen-name Laong Laan and
Dimasalang.

His books and writings:

1. NOLI ME TANGERE: This was the novel that gave som the propaganda movement and paved
the way to revolution against Spain.
In this book, he courageously exposed the evils Spanish-run government in the Philippines. The
Spaniards prohibited the reading of this novel but a lot of translations were able to enter stealthily
in the country even death to those caught in possession of them.
The NOLI gave Philippine literat characters Maria Clara. Crisostomo Ibarra, Elisa
Pilaantung Tanin Dona Viimi kapitana Marin Basilio and Crispin, Rizal had a powerful pen in the
delineation of these characters.
2. El FILIBUSTERISMO This is a sequel to the NOLL While the NOLL exposed the evils in
society, the FILI exposed those in the government and in the church. However, the NOLI has
been dobbed the novel of society while that of FILI is that of politics

3. MIT ULTIMO ADION (My Last Farewell) this was a poem by Rizal
While he was incarcerated at Fort Santiago and is one that can compare favorably with the best
in the world. It was only after his death when his name was affixed to the poem
4. SOBRE LA INDOLENCIA DE LOS FILIPINOS (On the Indolence of the Filipinon): An essay on
the so-called Filipino indolence and an evaluation of the reasons for such allegations
6. FILIPINAS DENTRO DE CIEN ANOS (The Philippines within a Century) an essay predicting
the increasing influence of the US in the Philippines and the decreasing interent of Europe here.
Rizal predicted that if there is any other colonizer of the Philippines in the future, it would be the
US
6. A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA (To the Filipino Youth): A poem Rizal dedicated to the Filipino
youth studying at UST.
7. EL CONSEJO DE LOS DIOSES (The Council of the Gods): An allegorical play manifesting
admiration for Cervantes
8. JUNTO AL PASIG (Beside the Pasig River); written by Rizal when he was 14 years of age.
9. ME PIDEN VERSOS (You asked Me for Verses): 1882 and A LAS FLORES DE HEIDELBERG
(To the Flowers of Heidelberg) two poems manifesting Rizal's unusual depth of emotion.
10. NOTAN A LA OTRA SUCIOSOS DE LAS FILIPINAS EL DR. ANTONIO DE MORGA (Notes
on Philippine Dr. Antonio de Morga): 1889
11. P. JACINTO: MEMORIAS DE UN ESTUDIANTE MANILA ( Jacinto: Memoirs of a Student of
Manila) 1882
12. DIARIO DE VIAJE DE NORTE AMERICA (Diary of Voyage to North America)

MY LAST FAREWELL
(Jose Rizal's last work written in his cell at Bagumbayan)

Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun caress’d

Pearl of the Orient seas, our Eden lost!,
Gladly now I go to give thee this faded life’s best,
And were it brighter, fresher, or more blest
Still would I give it thee, nor count the cost.

On the field of battle, ‘mid the frenzy of fight,

Others have given their lives, without doubt or heed;
The place matters not-cypress or laurel or lily white,
Scaffold or open plain, combat or martyrdom’s plight,
‘Tis ever the same, to serve our home and country’s need.

I die just when I see the dawn break,

Through the gloom of night, to herald the day;
And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take,
Pour’d out at need for thy dear sake
To dye with its crimson the waking ray.

My dreams, when life first opened to me,

My dreams, when the hopes of youth beat high,
Were to see thy lov’d face, O gem of the Orient sea
From gloom and grief, from care and sorrow free;
No blush on thy brow, no tear in thine eye.

Dream of my life, my living and burning desire,

All hail ! cries the soul that is now to take flight;
All hail ! And sweet it is for thee to expire ;
To die for thy sake, that thou mayst aspire;
And sleep in thy bosom eternity’s long night.

If over my grave some day thou seest grow,

In the grassy sod, a humble flower,
Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so,
While I may feel on my brow in the cold tomb below
The touch of thy tenderness, thy breath’s warm power.

Let the moon beam over me soft and serene,

Let the dawn shed over me its radiant flashes,
Let the wind with sad lament over me keen ;
And if on my cross a bird should be seen,
Let it trill there its hymn of peace to my ashes.

Let the sun draw the vapors up to the sky,

And heavenward in purity bear my tardy protest
Let some kind soul o ‘er my untimely fate sigh,
And in the still evening a prayer be lifted on high
From thee, 0 my country, that in God I may rest.

Pray for all those that hapless have died,

For all who have suffered the unmeasured pain;
For our mothers that bitterly their woes have cried,
For widows and orphans, for captives by torture tried
And then for thyself that redemption thou mayst gain.

And when the dark night wraps the graveyard around

With only the dead in their vigil to see
Break not my repose or the mystery profound
And perchance thou mayst hear a sad hymn resound
‘Tis I, O my country, raising a song unto thee.

And even my grave is remembered no more

Unmark’d by never a cross nor a stone
Let the plow sweep through it, the spade turn it o’er
That my ashes may carpet earthly floor,
Before into nothingness at last they are blown.

Then will oblivion bring to me no care

As over thy vales and plains I sweep;
Throbbing and cleansed in thy space and air
With color and light, with song and lament I fare,
Ever repeating the faith that I keep.

My Fatherland ador’d, that sadness to my sorrow lends

Beloved Filipinas, hear now my last good-by!
I give thee all: parents and kindred and friends
For I go where no slave before the oppressor bends,
Where faith can never kill, and God reigns e’er on high!

Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away,

Friends of my childhood in the home dispossessed !
Give thanks that I rest from the wearisome day !
Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend that lightened my way;
Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest!

MARCELO H. DEL PILAR

Marcelo H. del Pilar is popularly known for his pen of Plaridel, Pupdoh, Piping Dilat and Dolores
Man was born at Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan on Aug 1850
His parents were Julian H. del Pilar, noted Filipino writer and Biasa Gatmaitan. His brother was
the priest Fr. Toribio del Pilar who was banished to Marianas in 1872. Because there were many
children in the family, Marcelo gave up his share of his inheritance for his other brothers and
sisters.
Marcelo started schooling at the school of Mr. Flores and then transferred to that of San Jose
before UST. His last year in law school was interrupted for 8 years after he h quarrel with the
parish priest during a baptism at Miguel, Manila in 1880.
He established the Diariong Tagalog in 1882 where exposed the evils of the Spanish government
in the Philippines and in order to avoid the false at him by the priests. To avoid banishment, he
travel to Spain in 1888.
He was assisted by Fr Serrano Laktaw in P different Cathecism and Passion Book wherein of the
priests. They also m and KAIINGAT KAYO ta snake fish caught in politics. They also made the
DALASAN AT TOCSOHAN and KAIINGAT TAYO taken from the word IGAT, a kind of snake fish
caught in politics.
Upon his arrival in Spain, he replaced Graciano Lopez Jaena as editor of LA SOLIDARIDAD, a
paper which became the vehicle thru which reforms in the government could be worked out. This
did not last long for he got sick and even when he was gravely ill and could hardly walk he
attempted to reach Hong Kong from where he could arouse his countrymen. He died of
tuberculosis in Spain but before he died, he asked his companions to tell his wife and children
that he was sorry he wasn't able to bid them goodbye; to tell others about the fate of our
countrymen and to continue helping the country,
Plaridel has truly earned a niche in the history of our nation. Even today, countless streets have
been named after him. The former Kingwa has been named Plaridel, the Malolos High School is
now Marcelo H. del Pilar High School and above all, his patriotism and bravery will remain alive
in our memories.

Writings of Marcelo H. del Pilar:

1. PAGIBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA: (Love of Country): Translated from the Spanish AMOR
PATRIA of Rizal, published on August 20, 1882, in Diariong Tagalog.
2. KAIINGAT KAYO (Be Careful): A humorous and sarcastic dig in answer to Fr. Jose Rodriquez
in the novel NOLI of Rizal, published in Barcelona in 1888. He used Dolores Manapat as pen-
name here.
3 DASALAN AT TOCSOHAN (Prayers and Jokes): Similar to a cathecism but sarcastically done
against the parish priests, published in Barcelona in 1888. Because of this, del Pilar was called a
"filibuster." Done in an admirable tone of supplication and excellent use of Tagalog.
4. ANG CADAQUILAAN NG DIOS (God's Goodness): Published in Barcelona, it was also like
a cathecism sarcastically aimed against the parish priests but also contains a philosophy of the
power and intelligence of God and an appreciation for and love for nature.
5. SAGOT SA ESPANYA SA HIBIK NG PILIPINAS (Answer to Spain on the Plea of the
Filipinos): A poem pleading for change from Spain but that Spain is already ola and weak to
grant any aid to the Philippines. This poem is in answer to that of Hermenigildo Flores' Hibik sa
Pilipinas (A Plea from the Philippines).
6. DUPLUHAN... DALIT .. MGA BUGTONG: (A poetical contest in narrative sequence,
psalms, riddles) - A compilation of poems on the oppression by the priests in the Philippines
7. LA SOBERANIA EN PILIPINAS ( Sovereignty in the Philippines): This shows the injustices
of the friars to the Pilipinos.
8. POR TELEFONO (By Telephone)
9. PASIONG DAPAT IPAG-ALAB NG PUSO NG TAONG BABASA (Passion that should
arouse the hearts of the readers)

GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA

(1856-1896)
A most notable hero and genius of the Philippines, Graciano Lopez Jaena was born on December
18, 1856 and died on January 20, 1896. The pride of Jaro, Iloilo, he won the admiration of the
Spaniards and Europeans. He is a known writer and orator in the Philippines. He wrote 100
speeches which was published by Remigio Garcia, former bookstore owner of Manila Filatica and
which are still read up to now by modern Filipinos.
Lopez Jaena left the Philippines in 1887 with the help of Don Claudio Lopez, a rich uncle, in order
to escape munishment from his enemies and arrived at Valencia, the Senter of the Republican
movement of the Spaniards. He gained the acquaintance of the high officials like Piy Margall,
Horayta. Moret, Castelar, and Salmeron. From Valencia, he
oved to Barcelona where he established the first magazine TA SOLIDARIDAD. This later became
the official voice of the
Associacion Hispano de Filipinas (a Filipino Spanish Association) composed of Filipinos and
Spaniards who worked for reforms in the Philippines. Because of this, Jaena successfully showed
the Spaniards and the people of the world how a newspaperman can introduce changes in law
and reforms towards a better life and progress
Jaena, although he didn't become a professor, was also a teacher in a sense to his friends and
relatives in the Philippines
Like Antonio Maria Regidor. Tomas G. del Rosario and Felipe Calderon, he stood for the
separation of church and state for free education, better government and schools, freedom of
worship and for an independent and free university
He sided with Rizal in the controversy between Rinal and del Pilar over who should head the
Associación Hispano de Filipinas in Madrid. He returned to the Philippines to ask for donations to
continue a new government called El Latigo Nacional or Pambansang Latigo. He sold the rights
of La Solidaridad to del Pilar who had become a lawyer and had brought in money from his sojourn
in Spain.

Graciano Lopez Jaena died in a charity hospital in Barcelona on January 20, 1896, eleven months
before his best friend Rizal was shot at the Luneta on December 30, 1896

The Works of Graciano Lopez Jaena:

1. ANG FRAY BOTOD (Friar Botod). One of his works written in Jaro, Iloilo in 1876, six years
after the Cavite Revolt attacking the friars in the Philippines. He exposed how some of the friars
were greedy, ambitious and immoral.

2. LA HIJA DEL FRAILE (The Child of the Friar) and EVERYTHING IS HAMBUG (Everything is
mere show) Here Jaena explains the tragedy of marrying a Spaniard.

3. SA MGA PILIPINO.... 1891. ... A speech which aimed to improve the condition of the Filipinos
to become free and progressive.
4. TALUMPATING PAGUNITA KAY KOLUMBUS (An Oration to Commemorate Columbus) - A
speech he delivered in Madrid on the 39th anniversary of the discovery of America. America.
5. EN HONOR DEL PRESIDENTE MORAYTA DE LA ASSOCIACION HISPANO FILIPINO
1884: Here he praised Gen. Morayta for his equal treatment of the Filipinos.
6. EN HONOR DE LOS ARTISTAS LUNA Y RESURRECCION HIDALGO 1884: A sincere
expression of praise for the paintings of Hidalgo on the condition of the Filipinos under the
Spaniards.
7. AMOR A ESPAÑA O A LAS JOVENES DE MALOLOS (Love for Spain or To the Youth of
Malolos) The thems is about how girls were taught Spanish in schools and whose teachers were
the governors-general of the place.
8. EL BANDOLERISMO EN PILIPINAS (Banditry in the Philippines): Jaena refuted the existence
of banditry in the Philippines and of how there should be laws on robbery and other reforms.
9. HONOR EN PILIPINAS (Honor in the Philippines): the triumphant exposition of Luna,
Resurrecion and Pardo de Tavera of the thesis that intellect or knowledge gives honor to the
Philippines.
10. PAG-ALIS SA BUWIS SA PILIPINAS (Abolition of Taxes in the Philippines.)
11.INSTITUCION NG PILIPINAS (Sufferings of the Philippines): Jaena refers here to the wrong
management of education in the Philippines 1887.

4. OTHER PROPAGANDISTS

ANTONIO LUNA
Antonio Luna was a pharmacist who was banished by the Spaniards to Spain. He joined the
Propaganda Movement and contributed his writings to LA SOLIDARIDAD. Most of his works dealt
with Filipino customs and others were accusations about how the Spaniards ran the government.
His pen name was Tagailog. He died at the age of 33 in June 1899. He was put to death by the
soldiers of Aguinaldo because of his instant rise to fame which became a threat to Aguinaldo.
Some of his works were:
1. NOCHE BUENA (Christmas Eve): It pictured true Filipino life.
2. SE DEVIERTEN (How They Diverted Themselves): A dig at a dance of the Spaniards where
the people were very crowded.
3. LA TERTULIA FILIPINA (A Filipino Conference or Feast): Depicts a Filipino custom which he
believed was much betterthan the Spanish.
4. POR MADRID (For Madrid): A denouncement of Spaniards who claim that the Philippines is a
colony of Spain but who think of Filipinos as foreigners when it comes to collecting taxes for
stamps.
5. LA CASA DE HUESPEDES (The Landlady's House): Depicts a landlady who looks for boarders
not for money but in order to get a husband for her child.

MARIANO PONCE
Mariano Ponce became an editor-in-chief, biographer and researcher of the Propaganda
Movement. He used Tikbalang, Kalipulako, and Naning as pennames. The common themes of
his works were the values of education. He also wrote about how the Filipinos were oppressed
by the foreigners and of the problems of his countrymen.
Among his writings were
1. MGA ALAMAT NG BULACAN (Legend of Bulacan Contains legends, and folklores of his native
town.
2. PAGPUGOT KAY LONGINOS (The Beheading of Longinus): A play shown at the plaza of
Malolos, Bulacan.
3. SOBRE FILIPINOS (About the Filipinos)
4. ANG MGA PILIPINO SA INDO-TSINA The Filipinos in Indo-China)

PEDRO PATERNO
Pedro Paterno was a scholar, dramatic, researcher and novelist of the Propaganda Movement.
He also joined the Confraternity of Masons and the Asociación Hispano-Pilipino in order to further
the aims of the Movement. He was the first Filipino writer who escaped censorship of the press
during the last day of the Spanish colonization.
The following were a few of his writings:
The gis the govern and to pre
1. NINAY: the first social novel in Spanish by a Filipino.
2. A MI MADRE (To My Mother): shows the importance of a mother especially in the home.
3. SAMPAGUITA Y POESIAS VARIAS (Sampaguitas and Varied Poems): a collection of his
poems.
 JOSE MA. PANGANIBAN
Jose Ma Panganiban hid his identity behind his penname JORMAPA. He was also known for having a
photographic mind. He was a member of a number of movements for the country.
Some
1. ANG LUPANG TINUBUAN (My Native Land)
2. ANG AKING BUHAY (My Life)
3. SU PLANO DE ESTUDIO (Your Study Plan) 4. EL PENSAMIENTO (The Thinking)

C. Period of Active Revolution (1896-1898)

Historical Background
The Filipinos did not get the reforms demanded by the propagandists. The government turned
deaf ears to these petitions; oppression continued and the church and the government became
even more oppressive to the Filipinos, The good intentions of Spain were reversed by the friars
who were lording it over in the Philippines.
Because of this, not a few of the Filipinos affiliated with the La Liga Filipina (a civic organization
suspected of being revolutionary and which triggered Rizal's banishment to Dapitan). Like Andres
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini, Jose Palma, and Pio Valenzuela decided that there
was no other way except to revolt.
The gist of literature contained mostly accusations against the government and were meant to
arouse the people to unite and to prepare for independence.

D. Highlights of the Active Revolution

The noted leaders of this period were Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Apolinario Mabini.
These are their contributions to our country.

ANDRES BONIFACIO
Andres Bonifacio is best known as the Father of Filipino Democracy, but more than others, as the
Father of the Katipunan because he led in establishing the Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangan
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).

Andres Bonifacio came from a poor family and it is a that what he learned he got from the school
of experience.
He was a veracious reader and among those he loved + read which aroused his revolutionary
spirit were the NOLI and the FILI of Rizal. He joined the La Liga Filipina founder by Hisal in 1892.
He established the Katipunan which triggered the spint of freedom especially when Rizal war
banished to Dapitan, Mindanao.
Bonifacio is better known as the great Revolutionary rather than a writer but he also wrote things
which paved the way for the revolution and which also became part of our literature. Among his
works were:
1. ANG DAPAT MABATID NG MGA TAGALOG (What the Tagalogs Should Know)
2 KATUNGKULANG GAGAWIN NG MGA ANAK NG BAYAN Obligatios of Our Countrymen) -
This is an outline of obligations just like the 10 commandments of God.
3 PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA (Love of One's Native Land): A poem with a title similar to
that of Marcelo H. del Pilar
4. HULING PAALAM (Last Farewell): A translation of Mi Ultimo Adios of Rizal in Tagalog

EMILIO JACINTO
Emilio Jacinto was the intelligent assistant of Andres Bonifacio in the establishment of the
Katipunan. He is called the Brains of the Katipunan. He edited Kalayaan (Freedom) Katipunan
newspaper. Bonifacio withdrew his writing of the Kartilya in deference to Jacinto's work as
secretary of the Katipunan. His Kartilya was the one followed by the members of the organization.
Here are few of his writings:

1. Kartilya ng Katipunan ( A primer book on the Katipunan).

2. Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness): A collection of essays on different subjects like freedom,
work, faith, government, love of country.
3. A MI MADRE (To My Mother): A touching ode to his mother.
4. A LA PATRIA (To My Country): His masterpiece.

APOLINARIO MABINI
Apolinario Mabini is known in literature and history as the Sublime Paralytic and the Brains of the
Revolution.
He was born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas on July 22, 1864. Because he was born of a poor
family he had to work in order to study. He became known to his professors and classmates at
Letran and the UST because of his sharp memory and the simple clothes he used to wear
throughout his schooling.
He became the right-hand of Emilio Aguinaldo when the latter founded his Republic in Malolos.
His contributions to literature were writings on government, society, philosophy and politics. Here
are some of his works:
1. EL VERDADERO DECALOGO The True Decalogue or Ten Commandments): This was his
masterpiece and his aim here was to propagate the spirit of nationalism.
2. EL DESAROLLO Y CAIDA DE LA REPUBLICA PILIPINA (The Rise and Fall of the Philippine
Republic)
3. SA BAYANG PILIPINO (To the Filipino Nation)
es ed
4. Pahayag (News)
OTHER REVOLUTIONISTS
JOSE PALMA
Jose Palma became popular because of his Himno Nacional Filipino (The Philippine National
Anthem) which was set to music by Julian Felipe
He was born in Tondo, Manila on June 6, 1876. His brother Rafael Palma became the president
of the UP.
He joined the revolution against the Americans together with Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest
Filipino general who died during the revolution

Aside from the National Anthem, here are his other works:
1. MELANCOLIAS (Melancholies) a collection of his poems,
2. DE MI JARDIN (In My Garden): a poem expressing one's longings for his sweetheart.

E. NEWSPAPERS DURING THE REVOLUTION

In the effort of the Revolutionists to spread to the world their longings for their country, many
newspapers were put up during the Revolutionary period. They were:
1. HERALDO DE LA REVOLUCION: printed the decrees of the Revolutiary Government, news
and works in Tagalog that aroused nationalism.
2. LA INDEPENDENCIA (Independence), edited by Antonio Luna and whose aim was for
Philippine Independence.
3. LA REPUBLICA PILIPINA (The Phil. Republie): established by Pedro Paterno in 1898.
4. LA LIBERTAD (Liberty): edited by Clemente Zulueta