Tinikling (Bamboo Pole Dance), 1956. Fernando Amorsolo.
Philippine Literature spans from the pre-colonial period to the present day. Lots of foreign influences shaped what we call our literature today, from our natives, to Spanish and American influence.
Even before the invaders came, the islands of what would be later called the Philippines already had a thriving literature. A wide range of classics, from epics, legends, tales, and songs containing the birth of their gods, the world, their rituals, their way of life, mighty heroes and many more to count. But as the Spaniards traversed and finally reached our coasts, they began to spread their religion and as they conquered the islands, they burned down the manuscripts depicting pagan beliefs which they believed were the works of the devil. Literature began to change its form as Christianity penetrated the hearts of the people. More Christian related works of literature were published to further the spread of Christianity as pre-colonial literature declined with indigenous revolts quelled. But as the oppression and abuses of Spaniards, some under the guise of the church’s “will” and their misrule continued, the people of the islands started uniting and creating organizations. One secret organization stood out from the rest, it was KKK or in short the Katipunan. They distributed anti-Spanish propaganda, depicting injustice under the Spanish rule. During that time, Rizal also published his most controversial books, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. By doing so, he was taken away by the authorities and later executed. Years passed, and the Philippines finally regained freedom, but unbeknownst to them, a trade happened. They were simply handed over to the Americans and 20 million dollars as the payment. Under the new rule, our literature again began to expand with English as its medium. Literature again flourished, with short stories popping up in many places, plays, poetry and many more. Filipinos started imitating British and American models, which made their works unnatural, lacking in vitality and spontaneity. But the time came as Filipinos finally acquired mastery of English writing, making novels and dramas to be loved by many.
As a Filipino, I think what I’ve written may be biased, but that’s how I truly feel. They may have helped shape what our country is today, but that doesn’t change the fact that they invaded, controlled and killed many of our people. Reading their works gave me a sense of identity, belonging and an urge to fight, as if I was there with them feeling the weight of what it truly meant to be a Filipino, fighting for my beloved country’s independence.