CHAPTER 1: The Foundations of Philippine Literature
I. The Nature of Early Filipino Literature
Before the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Ferdinand Magellan, the Philippine archipelago possessed a vibrant and sophisticated literary tradition. Ancient Philippine literature was communal and performance-based. Narratives were not kept in private libraries; they were chanted during harvests, sung during weddings, and recited around fires during mourning.
Because our ancestors primarily used an oral tradition, the "author" of a story was the community itself. Stories changed and grew over generations, adapting to the needs of the tribe. While they used the Baybayin script to record messages and poetry on bamboo (called Sulat-Paku), much of our written history was lost due to the humid climate or the intentional destruction by Spanish friars who viewed indigenous beliefs as "pagan."
II. Karunungang Bayan: Folk Wisdom with Examples
Folk speech represents the shortest but most intellectually demanding form of pre-colonial literature. It served as the "primary school" for ancient Filipinos.
A. Famous Bugtong (Riddles)
Riddles were tools for mental training, requiring the listener to observe metaphors in nature.
- "Maliit pa si nene, marunong nang manahi."
(Answer: Gagamba / Spider) — Teaches respect for the natural skills of small creatures.
- "Baka ko sa Maynila, abot hanggang dito ang unga."
(Answer: Kulog / Thunder) — Teaches the scale and power of nature.
- "Heto na si Kaka, bubuka-bukaka."
(Answer: Gunting / Scissors)
B. Famous Salawikain (Proverbs)
Proverbs served as the "Moral Compass" of the tribe, dictating social laws.
- "Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan."
Meaning: Success is meaningless without gratitude to one's roots (Pagtanaw ng utang na loob).
- "Habang maikli ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot."
Meaning: Resilience; one must adapt to their circumstances.
- "Pag may itinanim, may aanihin."
Meaning: Hard work always results in a future reward.
III. Awiting Bayan: The Songs of Our Ancestors
In ancient life, work was inseparable from music. Every daily task had a specific melody.
- Uyayi (Lullaby): Soft melodies sung by mothers to soothe children while expressing hopes for their future.
- Soliranin (Rowing Song): Rhythmic chants like "Hala gaod, pagod ay tiisin..." which ensured all rowers synchronized their paddles.
- Kumintang: Originally a fierce war song from Batangas, it eventually evolved into a song of courtship and love.
IV. Folk Narratives: Explaining the Universe
Famous Myth: The Story of Bathala (Tagalog)
Before the world was made, Bathala (the supreme creator) existed alongside other spirits. After a celestial battle, Bathala used the remains of his rivals to create the first coconut tree and eventually humans. This myth explains that life is born from sacrifice.
Famous Legend: Alamat ng Pinya (The Pineapple)
The story of Pina, a girl with "a thousand eyes," is the most famous pedagogical tool in Filipino households. It teaches children the value of initiative, obedience, and the consequences of laziness.
V. The Great Epics: The "Superheroes" of Ancient Times
Epics are long narrative poems that could take days to chant. They follow larger-than-life heroes with supernatural powers.
- Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocos): The story of a hero who spoke at birth, died in a quest, and was resurrected by magical pets.
- Hudhud hi Aliguyon (Ifugao): A rare epic that celebrates diplomacy; the hero and his rival end their war through peace and marriage.
- Hinilawod (Panay): One of the world's longest epics, following three demigod brothers through the underworld and heavens.
Scholarly References
- Eugenio, Damiana L. (2007). Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology. UP Press.
- Lumbera, Bienvenido. (2005). Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology. Anvil.
- Manuel, E. Arsenio. (1969). A Survey of Philippine Folk Epics. University of the Philippines.