Philippine Literature

No question, Philippines is a country rich in diversity and language heritage. That’s why there is no wonder why our country is also well-off when it comes to literature. And eventually, our literature was more enhanced through the influence of different invaders and their cultures as well.

During pre-colonial times, there has been widespread evidence that the ancient Filipinos display a culture rich with traditions. Folk speeches, folk songs and indigenous rituals are part of their daily lives. The blend of such elements represents a lifestyle deeply embedded in the locals. I find this particular idea exciting. Of course, I would really want to get a glimpse of what they call “indigenous Philippine literature” during the pre-colonial period. An understanding on the history of Philippine literature will allow us to appreciate the literary riches of this nation. Taken as a whole, these literature are truly a source of Filipino pride because these interesting stories provide us an overview of the rich literature, folklore and culture of pre-Hispanic Filipinos.

16th Century was the start of the deprivation of the indigenous Philippine literature. Spanish colonial government finally got in the scene. They were able to manipulate literature by monopolizing it under the religious orders.  Literature evolves mainly on the themes of Spanish/ European culture and of course, the Roman Catholic religion. The colonization by Spain did not subject literature development to a halt. Rather, it breathed a different kind of life into the local literary works.

Much later, Spain brought about liberal ideas and a sense of internationalism to the people of Philippines. Similar to the period of renaissance, it has substantial influence on local intellectuals. They start to question and portray the meanings of "liberty and freedom" in their works. I think this stage is a notable era in the history of Philippines literature because it is the awakening stage of the Filipino writers to fight for the freedom through literature. Thus, literature became the catalyst for the achievement of the aspired freedom. This realization brought about a reformation movement which eventually led to the downfall of the Spanish colonial.

The history of Philippine literature was once again marked by a change when English was introduced. The introduction of English language led to the slow demise of Spanish, and subsequently literature written in Spanish. The sustaining use of English language birthed some of the well known English poems, short stories and once again enriched the local literature in a unique way.

Philippine literature is a uniting element among its people, and will continue to evolve as enriched by modern changes. And now, we are in the modern time, and I believe that Philippine literature is also in the stage of modernity whereas the themes and topics are centered to timely and contemporary issues nowadays. The advancement of technology today also gives way to the innovations in our literature. The Internet also became an avenue among writers to spread their works. The homogenization effect that globalization poses is the biggest challenge not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well: the preservation of literature which is the precursor of culture, making it relevant and significant in our present age of postmodernism.

The literature of the Philippines is just one of the many aspects that will prove how rich our country is.  Indeed, this beautiful country unified by more than 7000 islands is a home of many intellectual people. I may not be one of those writers creating names through their writings, but I believe that I can show my support on our own literature by reading their works as well as sharing these to other people.

“Literature, is definitely, much more than its literary meaning, which defines it as 'an acquaintance to letters'. It, in fact, lays the foundation of an enriched life; it adds 'life' to 'living'… “                                  

-Anonymous