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National Artist Bienvenido "Bien" Lumbera (seated) and his wife Cynthia "Shayne" Nograles Lumbera (seated), together with Freeway head Sheree Roxas Chua Gotuaco (left) and writer Neni Sta. Romana Cruz (right)

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Dr. Bienvenido "Bien" Lumbera (Apr. 11, 1932 - Sept. 28, 2021) was an esteemed writer, poet, critic, dramatist, mentor, scholar, political prisoner, and activist, celebrated for his significant contributions to Philippine literature. Bien is deemed as an icon in the literary world -- a literary giant. His literary works focused on themes of history, activism, freedom, truth, and nationalism, reflecting his deep commitment to social relevance. Dr. Lumbera has also taught Literature, Philippine Studies, and Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Sto. Tomas (his alma mater). Throughout his career, he garnered numerous awards such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism and the National Artist for Literature in 2006, recognizing his profound impact on Philippine literature and arts. His legacy continues to inspire as a beacon of intellectual rigor, artistic excellence, and advocacy for the Filipino identity.

Cynthia "Shayne" Nograles Lumbera (1946 - 2022), spouse of National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, was a Filipino editor, writer, and teacher. She was an English major from St. Scholastica's College and, later on, in 1992, she became the chair of the English department at Ateneo de Manila University. Together with her husband, she co-authored and co-edited "Literature: A History and Anthology Further", one of her most notable works to date. Further, in 1983, she co-edited a book entitled "Rediscovery: Essays in Philippine Life and Culture" with Teresita Gimenez Maceda. Like Bienvenido Lumbera, she was committed to promoting social awareness through her writings, addressing themes such as political issues, dialectical materialism, and false consciousness.

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The section of the book discusses the rich oral tradition of precolonial Philippine literature, providing examples of riddles, proverbs, and short poems from different indigenous groups in the Philippines such as the Aeta, Bagobo, Isneg, Subanun, and Tagbanua.

The authors gave historical context, emphasizing the long history and rich culture of early Filipinos, dating back to around 50,000 years ago. Despite colonization, many traditions survived through oral literature. These oral traditions were passed down through generations, preserving cultural heritage and influencing modern Filipino literature.

The riddles from different ethnic groups show the everyday experiences and objects familiar to precolonial Filipinos. On the other hand, the proverbs shown reflect the wisdom and values of the community and use metaphors to convey the message. Lastly, the short poems contain moral lessons, cultural values, and social observations that reflect the way of life of the pre-colonial Filipino people.

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Communal Experiences

caring for one another

sharing wisdom

Cultural Preservation

Strong connection with nature

Oral Transmission of Traditions

likeliness of nature and human experiences

Nature as metaphors of life

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1. What aspects of early Filipino society and daily life are reflected in the riddles found in precolonial Philippine literature that can be seen today?

2. Analyze how nature is portrayed in proverbs, short poems, and riddles from precolonial times. In what ways do these literary styles express the interaction between the indigenous Filipino people and their natural environment?

3. What lessons can be learned about contemporary Filipino society from the themes and ideals contained in precolonial Philippine riddles, proverbs, and short poems?

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"Precolonial Riddles ands Proverbs and Short poems" is a text that explores the orla literature traditions of the Philippines. It delves into the cultural heritage of the Philippines, their importance in transmitting knowledge, values, and traditions, and their precolonial roots. The text also highlights the communal authorship and transmission of these works.

The literary works at the end of the text are set on the precolonial times, passed down traditionally from the tribes of Aeta, Bagobo, Isneg, Subanun, and Tagbanwa.

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Aeta

Ajar tangapakking nga niuk

Awayya ipagalliuk. (Danum)

Kapaghiniwa mo,

Naghihilom nang walang pilat. (Tubis)

Bagobo

Atukaru

Sekkaw warad tavod du. (Buyyag)

Hulaan kung sino

ang hindi magiging ganoon kung walang

sinturon (Magulang)

Isneg

Appel iggat

Awan na di mamilgat.

Sa hita ni Iggat

Lahat ay kumakaskas .

( Pulot pukyutan)

Subanun

Mogulang poglunip

poktua'da ok pusod non.

Pag sumisid si Tanda,

Nakalitaw ang pusod. (Kawil sa pangingisda)

Tagbanwa

Tinigbas kung sanggiring,

ega maglaya-laya', (Bu'uk)

Ako'y punong sanggiring,

Hindi namamatay kahit putulin.

(Buhok)

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1. Mayaman ka man sa sabi

dukha ka rin sa sarili.

Through words,

you may make others believe

you are rich;

but the fact remains that

you are poor.

2. Kung ga kawaya'y tunglan

kung ga tugi banlugan.

If it had been a bamboo,

it has too many nodes;

if it had been a yam,

much of it is tough and inedible.

3. Natutuwa kung pasalop

kung singili'y napopoot.

Full of good cheer while

borrowing a measure of rice,

Full of wrath when you ask him

to pay it back.

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1. Katitibay, Ka Tulos,

sakaling datnang agos

ako'y mumunting lumot

sa iyo'y pupulupot.

Standfirm, FriendPole,

in case a sudden rush of water

comes,

I, a tiny bit of moss

will cling to you.

2. Ang sugat ay kung tinanggap

di daramdamin ang antak

ang aayaw at di mayag

galos lamang magnanaknak.

When one submits himself

to wounding,

The intencest pain is bearable;

when one is unwilling,

even the merest scratch

can fester.