Much of the prose and poetry produced during the extended rule of Spain (1572- 1898) were written in the 19th century. With the exception of the works of our nationalists who wrote much in Europe, our insular writing were chiefly composed to enhance the Christian religion and morality, and above all, to give color to the Filipino’s daily life. This body, which is religious and moral in writing is, in the strict sense, church literature; nevertheless, it is an important Filipino heritage. Several types of prose and verses, written by both priests and laymen, succeeded in gracing Philippine writing.
Among these were the vocabularies and grammar books. These were followed by epistolary novels, instructional guidebooks, religious histories, and prayer books. Writers and Collectors of Religious Guidebooks Father Modesto de Castro He is from Binan, Laguna and was an important vernacular writer in the 19th century. Little is known of him beyond the works he left and the priestly profession he had embraced. He was an extremely learned and vigorous man, and one gifted with marked literary grace.
His famous work is Pagsusulatan ng Dalawang Binibini na sina Urbana at Felisa (1863). Father Antonio de Borja Father Antonio de Borja distinguished himself by translating freely the novel, Barlaan and Josaphat, unto Tagalog. This narrative was based on the Greek writing of San Juan Damasceno. This literary work enjoyed considerable popularity because the translation was published in 1708 and again in 1712.
Ang Gunga sa Kalisud Bunga Kalipay Pedro Bukaneg As we all know, he is a man of letters and is reputed to have written for Augustinians. His famous translated work was Biag ni Lam-ang. With his extensive knowledge of the Spanish and Ilocano language, he co-authored the IlocanoSpanish grammar book and dictionary. Father Felipe Torres Torralba He immortalized himself by collecting and preserving religious songs. His works issued in Panay are known as Coleccion de Cantos Religiosos and Canticos para Noche Buena. Religious Guidebooks: Designed to help the faithful in overcoming evil and in preparing life before death. se (sisters) False False (Paombong, Bulacan).
