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Spanish Colonization Period
1565 - 1863
1565, the accepted year that the Spaniards colonized the Philippines under the government of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. At this time, literature developed vigorously and was also influenced by the changes wanted by the Spaniards motivated by Catholicism.
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The changes brought about to Philippine literature were the replacement of Alibata, native Filipino alphabet, with the Roman alphabets, teaching Christian doctrine as a religious practice, Spanish words lent to Filipino language, periodicals were written with religious tone, European stories and tradition were assimilated into our literary works, and lastly, ancient literature were translated to Tagalog and other Filipino dialects.
Popular Literary Works
Ang Doctrina Cristiana
A book that thought how to teach and understand the Catholic scriptures.
Arte y Reglas dela Lengua Tagala
Considered one of the most comprehensive book that teaches Tagalog.
Cenaculo
A play first conducted in Pasay on 1902. It was based on Gaspar Aquino de Belen’s “Pasyon” written in 1703.
Leron, Leron Sinta
A folk song that depicts two couples picking fruit from a papaya and a tamarind tree. Was often used as a work song, especially to those field workers who harvest fruits.
