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.

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.

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.

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?

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)