Philippine Literature Example #2 Essay Example

abundant in trees, lovely flowers, and a river with flowing clear waters. The young men were drawn not only to the picturesque surroundings but also to a stunning nymph-like maiden. This maiden, named Maria, had numerous suitors who traveled from distant places to compete for her affection. However, Maria remained indifferent and highly selective. Despite her suitors' persistence, Maria remained unfazed and decided to devise a plan.

She gathered all the men together and informed them, "It is difficult for me to select one among you because you are all good and kind. I propose a test to make the decision. I will marry the first man who can bring me a large, live, and powerful serpent," Maria jokingly said. The young men were shocked and speechless. After some time, Ilog broke the silence by saying, "I promise you that I will bring it to you, Maria. Even if I have to risk my life, I will obtain what you desire." Ilog was known for his bravery. Without hesitation, he immediately set off to fulfill his pledge. The other men whispered amongst themselves, believing that Ilog would never be able to return. They waited for a long time, but Ilog did not come back. Even Maria felt sorrowful because she had lost a man as courageous and accommodating as Ilog.

After a long absence, Ilog returned, causing a crowd to gather in anticipation of his display of bravery. To their surprise, Ilog appeared holding a large snake by its nape and tail. While the onlookers were captivated by this spectacle, two Spaniards happened to pass by. Rather than being intrigued by Ilog's feat,

their attention was immediately drawn to the beauty of Maria. In a heroic gesture, Ilog called out to Maria, presenting her with the serpent she had desired. Curious about their location, the Spaniards asked those nearby, but no one paid them any mind as all focus was on the snake and Maria.

When Maria noticed that the snake was still struggling, she called out, "Taga, Ilog! Taga, Ilog!" (Cut, Ilog! Cut, Ilog!) to request Ilog to cut the snake once more. The collection consists of tales revolving around various themes such as life, adventure, love, horror, and humor. These stories offer valuable lessons about life and enable us to appreciate our surroundings, assess our character traits, and enhance our outlook on life. For instance:

In ancient times, the sun had star children that resembled the moon. These children were yellow in color, exceptionally bright, and very hot. On the other hand, the moon had star children that were reddish and had a cool temperature. The moon was afraid that if these star children played with the sun's offspring, they would wither and perish. The moon proposed to the sun that they eliminate their excessively numerous children who were filling up the sky. After the sun eliminated her children, the moon simply concealed itself behind the clouds. However, as night fell and the clouds dissipated, the stars of the moon became visible once again.

The sun became angry and pursued the moon, resulting in eclipses when he catches up to it. Every morning, the captured moon stars are killed. Despite this ongoing chase, the moon continues to give birth to stars, so these moon stars

still exist. EPICs are lengthy narrative poems that focus on a hero's heroic achievements or events. It is difficult to determine the oldest epics because they have been translated from various languages, including English and Spanish.

Namongan and Don Juan have recently gotten married, and soon after, Namongan becomes pregnant. Don Juan takes on the responsibilities necessary for the upcoming birth, including preparing for a fight with the checkered Igorots. Eventually, Namongan gives birth to a baby boy who can already speak and asks to be named Lam-ang. At the age of nine months, Lam-ang realizes that his father is missing and goes on a quest to find him. Along his journey, Lam-ang carries magical stones and weapons.

Eventually, Lam-ang discovers that his father was killed and his head severed when he encounters an Igorot gathering. He then engages in battle and triumphs over the Igorots from different towns and villages. After returning home, Lam-ang accomplishes various tasks like cleaning the barn, washing his hair, and defeating a crocodile. He decides to court Dona Ines Kannoyan of Kalanutian, who is described as a "perfect" woman with many suitors. Dona Ines Kannoyan is the daughter of Unnayon.

Despite his mother's objections, Lam-ang defies her wishes and embarks on a journey to Kalanutian in order to meet Kannoyan. Along the way, he encounters two individuals: Sumarang, a man who shared Lam-ang's mission and is ultimately killed by him, and Saridaadan, a woman whom Lam-ang chooses to disregard. Upon reaching Kalanutian, Lam-ang takes note of the various suitors vying for Kannoyan's affections. It is through the commotion caused by the animals accompanying Lam-ang that

he is able to capture Kannoyan's attention. To his delight, Lam-ang discovers that Kannoyan has been anticipating his arrival, leading him to seek the approval of her parents for their marriage.

Kannoyan's parents give their permission only if Lam-ang can demonstrate the same prosperity as their family. Lam-ang successfully proves his wealth, leading to a planned wedding. He travels back home with his mother, townspeople, and wedding supplies to prepare for the ceremony. At Kalanutian, Lam-ang and Kannoyan exchange vows in a church on a Monday, followed by a joyous celebration. Both the townspeople and family members of the couple board Lam-ang's two ships and journey to his hometown for further festivities.

Afterwards, Kannoyan's parents leave her to live with Lam-ang as a married couple, and they start their new lives together. The town head assigns Lam-ang a task to catch raring fish. Lam-ang has a vision of being consumed by a monster fish called berkakan. The vision also foretells a dancing staircase and the kasuuran breaking into pieces as an omen. Without a doubt, the vision and omen come true, and Lam-ang is swallowed by a berkakan. Kannoyan witnesses the omen and searches for a diver to find her husband's bones.

Kannoyan resurrected Lam-ang with the assistance of the animals from Lam-ang, namely the white rooster, hen, and hairy dog. They performed a ritual on his bones, which successfully brought him back to life. F Folk songs, which date back to the Pre-Spanish period, are among the oldest forms of Philippine literature. These songs provide a glimpse into the early culture of the Philippines. Many of these songs have a structure

of 12 syllables, as illustrated in the following example: Noong unang panahon nung ako ay bata pa, Natisod mo na ay di pa alintana, Nang ako ay lumaki at maging dalaga,Tila sa Wari ko y may pagbabanta pa.

I will not accept your love for me
Because I am hesitant and insecure
I am poor, and even ugly in appearance
Mansilatan and Badla will descend
Bringing strength and power
Baylans will dance
Baylans will surround (Proverb) - These have been traditionally used and served as laws or rules on good behavior by our ancestors. Some view them as allegories or parables that teach lessons to the young (Bugtong or Palaisipan). They are composed of one or more measured lines with rhyme and can have 4 to 12 syllables.