Pre-Colonial Era (Before 1521):
* Oral Tradition: This is the primary source of pre-colonial literature. It encompasses:
* Epics: Like the "Biag ni Lam-ang" (Life of Lam-ang), "Hudhud epic of the Ifugao," and "Darangan" (Maranao epic). These stories reflect the values, beliefs, and history of different ethnic groups.
* Folk songs: Known as "kundiman" (love songs), "awit" (narrative songs), "dalit" (religious songs), and "bayok" (epic songs) – these expressed emotions, social issues, and historical events.
* Folk tales: Stories like "Alamat ng Pinya" (Legend of the Pineapple) and "Alamat ng Bayabas" (Legend of the Guava) – these conveyed lessons and explained natural phenomena.
* Riddles and proverbs: "Bugtong" and "Salawikain" – these tested wit and conveyed wisdom.
Colonial Period (1521-1898):
* Spanish Influence: The Spanish colonization significantly shaped Philippine literature.
* Religious Literature: Early writing focused on spreading Catholicism, such as "Pasion" (Passion of Christ) and "Doctrina Cristiana" (Christian Doctrine).
* Literary Forms: Spanish literary forms were introduced, including "novela" (novel), "poema" (poem), and "drama" (play).
* Notable Authors: Some notable authors include:
* Francisco Balagtas: Known for his epic poem "Florante at Laura."
* Jose Rizal: His novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" are considered masterpieces of Philippine literature and fueled the revolution against Spanish rule.
American Period (1898-1946):
* American Influence: American influence led to the adoption of English as a language of instruction and communication.
* Rise of English Literature: This period witnessed the emergence of English-language literature in the Philippines, with authors like:
* Jose Garcia Villa: Known for his modernist poetry.
* Nick Joaquin: A prolific writer known for his historical novels and short stories.
* Carlos Bulosan: Famous for his works depicting Filipino migrant experiences in America.
Post-Colonial Period (1946-Present):
* Philippine National Language: The development of Tagalog into Filipino as the national language has led to a surge in Filipino-language literature.
* Diverse Voices: This period has seen a flourishing of diverse voices and literary styles, including:
* Social Realism: Writers exploring the social and political realities of the Philippines.
* Experimental Writing: Authors experimenting with form and style.
* Contemporary Fiction: Novels and short stories dealing with contemporary issues and themes.
Modern Influences:
* Globalization: The Philippines has been influenced by global trends in literature.
* Technology: The internet and digital platforms have created new avenues for writers to reach audiences.
* Social Media: Social media has become a platform for sharing stories and poems, fostering a new generation of writers.
This is just a brief overview of the sources of Philippine literature. It's a rich and complex tradition that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times.