Revolutionary period

Welcome to our topic Revolutionary Period! Revolutionary period in our Philippine literary journey marked a drastic period of inflamed emotions and fiery rhetoric on the account of achieving freedom from the shackles of tyranny. Revolutionary period likewise saw various literary masterpieces written as ammunition and shield in the ever-changing tide of war to independence. Periodicals and magazines were likewise continued to flourish as both avenue for idea propagation and vehicle for literary initiatives. So, hang on as we explore this very significant revolutionary period of our nation’s history and literary tradition.

Intended learning outcomes

At the time of completion of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Identify significant writers during the revolutionary period;
2. Discuss the theme/ message of the literary text;
3. Recognize notable selections during the revolutionary periods.

Historical background

• The Filipinos did not get the reforms demanded by the propagandists.
• The government turned deaf ears to the oppression and abuses of the colonial officials.
• The good intention of Mother Spain was reversed by the friars.
• Many Filipinos affiliated with Rizal’s La Liga Filipina (The Filipino League).
• Events which triggered the outbreak of Revolution include:
  1. The Banishment of Rizal to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte;
  2. The establishment of the then secret society KKK (Katipunan);
  3. The execution of Jose Rizal; and
  4. The discovery of Katipunan and arrest of its members.

Revolutionary writers

Andres Bonifacio

• He was deemed as the “Father of Philippine Revolution.”
• He was called the Great Plebeian.
• He was recognized as the “Supremo” of “Katipunan” or Kataas-taasan, kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).
• He was greatly inspired by the Noli and Fili of Rizal.
• Initially, he joined Rizal’s La Liga Filipina but established Katipunan when Rizal was banished in Dapitan, Zamboanga.
• He used Agapito Bagumbayan as his nom de guerre (pen name).
• After the Tejeros Convention, he was charged with sedition and was executed by Aguinaldo’s men in Maragondon, Cavite on May 10, 1897.
• His major written works include:
  1. Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog (What the Tagalogs should Know) – an essay outlining the basic tenets of Bonifacio’s ideas on nationalism.
  2. Katungkulang Gagawin ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Obligations of our Countrymen) – an outline of obligations just like the Ten Commandments, hence, it is likewise called Ang Dekalogo.
  3. Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (Love of One’s Native Land) – a poem describing love of one’s country considered as his poetic masterpiece
  4. Huling Paalam (Last Farewell) – his translation of Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios from Spanish into Tagalog tongue.

Emilio Jacinto

• He was deemed as “The Brains of the Katipunan.”
• He was the adviser of Bonifacio and the secretary of the Katipunan.
• He served as editor of Kalayaan (Freedom), the official newspaper of Katipunan.
• He used Dimas-Ilaw as pen name.
• After the death of Bonifacio, he led the fight independently of Aguinaldo in his hometown in Laguna.
• He became a general of the revolution and he died due to bullet wounds in Majayjay, Laguna.
• His major works include:
  1. Ang Kartilya ng Katipunan (A Primer Book of Katipunan) – this served as the charter of the Katipunan which is required to be read by all members.
  2. Liwanag at Dilim (Light and Darkness) – a collection of essays on different subjects like freedom, work, faith, government and love of country.
  3. A Mi Madre (To my Mother) – a touching ode to his mother, Marina Dizon.
  4. A La Patria (To my County) – an ode he composed believed as his poetic masterpiece.

Apolinario Mabini

• He was deeded as “The Sublime Paralytic.”
• He was regarded as The Brains of the Revolution.
• Due to sensitive and political inclination of his job as Aguinaldo’s adviser, he was called Aguinaldo’s Dark Cabinet.
• He was a working honor student despite his handicap and finished his law degree.
• He wrote several works about government, society, philosophy and politics.
• His major works include:
  1. El Verdadero Decalogo (The True Decalogue) – this is considered as his literary masterpiece which aims to propagate nationalism
  2. El Desarollo y Caida de la Republica Filipina (The Rise and Fall of the Philippine Republic) – this essay highlights the establishment of the Philippine republic and its subsequent doom due to disunity among the Filipinos
  3. Sa Bayang Pilipino (To the Filipino Nation)
  4. Pahayag (News)

Jose Palma

• He was a poet, a writer and a revolutionary soldier.
• He wrote the lyrics of the Himno Nacional Filipino (The Philippine National Anthem) composed by Julian Felipe which was originally entitled, Marcha Magdalo.
• He was born in Tondo, Manila, together with his brother Rafael Palma who later became President of UP Diliman, Quezon City.
• He joined the fight against the Americans together with Gen. Gregorio del Pilar.
• His major works include:
  1. Himno Nacional Filipino (Philippine National Anthem) – his poem which became the lyrics of our national anthem, which was composed by Julian Felipe.
  2. Melancolias (Melancholies) – his collection of poems.
  3. De Mi Jardin (In my Garden) – a poem expressing one’s desire for his sweetheart.

Publications during the Revolutionary period

1. El Heraldo de la Revolucion (Herald of the Revolution) – printed the decrees of the Revolutionary Government, news and works in Tagalog that aroused nationalism. This is the Official Newspaper of the Revolutionary Government of Aguinaldo.
2. La Independencia (Independence) – an independent newspaper founded and edited by General Antonio Luna.
3. La Republica Filipina (The Philippine Republic) – a private newspaper edited by Pedro Paterno.
4. La Libertad (Liberty) – another private newspaper edited by Clemente Zulueta.

References

• Soriano-Baldonado, Rizza. (2013). Readings from World Literatures:  Understanding People’s Culture, Traditions and Beliefs:  A Task-Based Approach.  Quezon City: Great Books Publishing.
• Vinuya, Remedios V. (2012). Philippine Literature:  A Statement of Ourselves. Metro Manila: Grandbooks Publishing, Inc.
• Kahayon, Alicia & Zulueta, Erlinda. (2009) Philippine Literature Through the Years. Manila: National Book Store.