Philippine Literature

Philippine Literature is the literature associated with the Philippines and includes the
legends of prehistory, and the colonial legacy of the Philippines. Pre-Hispanic
Philippine literature were actually epics passed on from generation to generation
originally through oral tradition.
Importance of the Study of Philippine Literature

To trace our rich heritage of ideas handed down to us from our forefathers
For appreciation of our heritage
To understand that we have noble traditions which can serve as the means to
assimilate other cultures

Nature of Philippine Literature

Literature and history are closely interrelated. In discovering history of a race, a
country, we basically understand their own culture and traditions, hence the written
customs and traditions of a country, the dreams and aspiration of its people is
called Literature. History can also be written down and this too, is literature. History
therefore is an integral part of literature.
Standards of Good Literature
1. Artistry
This is a quality which appeals to our sense of beauty
The literature should be well written and appeal to our creative sides
with beautifully crafted phrases and sentences. Sentences such as
these are often memorized and can become famous phrases
2. Intellectual Value
A literary work stimulates though. It enriches our mental life by making
us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature
Literary work will usually inform us about our past, our present, or the
world around us. It may not be in the form of facts and figures but it
will help us understand our lives and realize truths about humanity and
life in general
3. Suggestive Value
This is the quality associated with the emotional power of literature
Literature should carry many associations that lead beyond the surface
meaning. Underlying suggestions usually carry an enormous amount of
emotional power, often because it is not directly mentioned but hinted
at through associations that can often be more powerful
4. Spiritual Value
Literature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which make
us better persons

 Great works of literature are often thought to have an underlying moral

message that can potentially make us better people. Moral values are
often written between the lines and can help us become better people
5. Permanence
A great work of literature endures
Classic literature such as Dickens is still enjoyed by readers today,
generations after it was originally written and in a completely different
world to the one it was intended for. This is extremely important
because if a work of literature is not enjoyed 20 years after publication,
it will simply be forgotten
6. Universality
Great literature is timeless and timely
Literature must appeal to a range of people across different age
groups, nationalities, cultures, and beliefs
7. Style
This is the peculiar way in which a writer sees life, forms his ideas and
expresses them
Forms of Philippine Literature

Awit
Bugtong
Ambahan
Salawikain or sawikain
Philippine epics