Instead of a "literature of the Ilonggo tribe," we can talk about the literature of the Iloilo region (or "Ilonggo literature").
Here are some key points about Ilonggo literature:
* Oral Tradition: Ilonggo literature has a strong foundation in oral tradition. This includes epics, myths, legends, folktales, and songs passed down through generations.
* Pre-Colonial Literature: The pre-colonial period saw the development of oral literature, including the epic poem "Hinilawod," which tells the story of the mythical hero Labaw Donggon.
* Spanish Colonial Influence: During the Spanish colonial period (1565-1898), Spanish language and culture had a significant impact. This led to the emergence of written literature in both Spanish and Ilonggo, including:
* Religious texts: The Spanish introduced Christianity, and religious literature became a prominent genre.
* Poetry: Ilonggo poets like Severino Reyes (also known as "Lola Basyang") gained recognition for their work.
* Theater: "Sarswela" (Filipino musical dramas) became popular.
* Modern Ilonggo Literature: After the Philippine revolution and independence, modern Ilonggo literature flourished with a focus on:
* Nationalism and social consciousness: Writers explored themes of identity, social justice, and national development.
* Regionalism: They celebrated Ilonggo culture and traditions.
* Contemporary concerns: Modern Ilonggo literature addresses issues like globalization, technology, and environmental problems.
Notable Ilonggo Writers:
* Severino Reyes ("Lola Basyang")
* Magdalena Jalandoni
* Jose Rizal (though primarily a Tagalog writer, he wrote a significant part of *Noli Me Tangere* in Ilonggo)
* Ely Santiago
* John Iremil Teodoro
Ilonggo literature is a rich and vibrant part of Filipino literary tradition. It reflects the history, culture, and identity of the Iloilo region and its people.
If you're interested in learning more, you can explore:
* The University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo campus library has a collection of Ilonggo literary works.
* Online resources: You can find articles and essays on Ilonggo literature on websites like the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Philippine Literature website.
It's important to note that the term "Ilonggo" is not limited to the Iloilo region but also includes people from the nearby provinces of Antique, Capiz, and Aklan. So, when exploring Ilonggo literature, it's important to acknowledge the diverse voices and perspectives within this wider cultural group.