Embodiment of Ideals:
* Bayanihan: The concept of community cooperation and mutual assistance is often depicted in poems like "The Legend of the Pineapple," emphasizing shared responsibility and collective effort.
* Pagkamagalang: Respect for elders, authority figures, and guests is consistently portrayed, as seen in "The Song of the Pilandok," showcasing politeness and deference.
* Pakikipagkapwa-tao: The spirit of human interconnectedness and empathy shines through in poems like "The Ballad of the Blind Man," highlighting compassion and understanding towards others.
Reflection of Feelings:
* Love: Poems like "The Song of the Manong" explore various facets of love – romantic, familial, and societal – expressing affection, longing, and devotion.
* Grief: The lamentations of "The Song of the Widow" highlight the profound impact of loss, showcasing the depth of emotion and acceptance of life's impermanence.
* Joy: Festive poems like "The Song of the Harvest" express exuberance and celebration, reflecting the joy of community gatherings and successful ventures.
Transmission of Beliefs:
* Anito worship: Poems like "The Legend of the Rice God" reflect the belief in nature spirits and the importance of honoring them for good harvests and well-being.
* Ancestor veneration: The concept of honoring ancestors, like in "The Song of the Deceased," reinforces the interconnectedness between the living and the departed, emphasizing respect and remembrance.
* Filipino values: Poems like "The Song of the Warrior" illustrate core values like courage, honor, and loyalty, shaping the ideals of a righteous warrior and leader.
Expression of Aspirations:
* Prosperity: Poems like "The Song of the Fisherman" depict aspirations for a bountiful harvest and a fulfilling life, reflecting the desire for material security and well-being.
* Peace and harmony: Poems like "The Song of the Dove" express the longing for peaceful coexistence and the resolution of conflicts through diplomacy and understanding.
* Social justice: While less overt, some poems may subtly hint at the desire for fairness and equity, suggesting a yearning for a just and equitable society.
Fulfillment of Functions:
* Oral tradition: Ancient Filipino poetry served as a vital tool for passing down knowledge, history, beliefs, and cultural values through generations.
* Entertainment: Poems like "The Song of the Bamboo Flute" provided entertainment and amusement during gatherings, fostering community bonding and cultural expression.
* Education: Through storytelling and metaphors, poems served as a means of teaching children about values, morals, and social etiquette.
* Ritualistic purposes: Poems were often employed in rituals and ceremonies, like "The Song of the Harvest," ensuring a successful harvest and the favor of ancestral spirits.
In conclusion, ancient Filipino poetry was more than just words; it was a living embodiment of the Filipino soul. It reflected the ideals, feelings, beliefs, aspirations, and functions of the society it served. Through its rich tapestry of narratives, metaphors, and symbolism, it captured the essence of what it meant to be Filipino long before the advent of written language.