All about Philippine Culture

Brief History

Due to its strategic geographical location, the Philippines has served as a gateway for explorers venturing into Asia and beyond.

One of the first colonizers of the country was Spain. Spanish colonization in the Philippines lasted for many years, significantly shaping Filipino culture and tradition in various aspects, such as food, clothing, religion, and language.

It’s no surprise that in the Philippines, you can witness age-old traditions intermingling with influences from Spain, America, and neighboring Asian countries (“Filipino History — Purdue Filipino Association” n.d.).

For centuries, these diverse interconnections have blended to create a unique and flavorful cultural identity. This identity is proudly celebrated by Filipinos both within their island paradise and by vibrant Filipino communities around the world.

A Taste of Filipino Cuisine

Food culture in the Philippines is a flavorful journey through various regional specialties and culinary traditions. Here are some popular dishes that have become associated with Filipino culture:

1. ADOBO

   Often considered the national dish, adobo is made with pork or chicken, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection. This dish showcases the Filipino ability to create delicious meals with simple ingredients.

2. SINIGANG

   A sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and various vegetables, often featuring pork, shrimp, or fish. Sinigang’s tangy flavor is a comfort food for many Filipinos, especially during the rainy season.

3. LECHON

   A festive dish, lechon is a whole roasted pig, known for its crispy skin and tender meat. It’s a staple in many celebrations in the Philippines. From birthdays to fiestas and weddings, lechon is almost always on the table.

4. HALO-HALO

   A refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, and fruits, and topped with leche flan and ube (purple yam) ice cream. This dessert reflects the Filipino love for vibrant and diverse flavors. It is a favorite during the summer season.

5. BALUT

   Balut is one of the most popular exotic street foods in the Philippines. It’s made from a fertilized duck egg, incubated for 14 to 21 days, and then steamed. This food may not be as appetizing as it looks, but it certainly has a rich taste that many Filipinos love.

Exploring Filipino Language and Communication Style

The Philippines is a multilingual nation with about 186 languages spoken across the archipelago. The two official languages, however, are Filipino and English, according to The Manila Times (Borlongan 2023).

Filipino is the national language and is used in government, education, and media. English, also an official language, is widely spoken and serves as a medium of instruction in schools, as well as in business and legal settings.

Consequently, the laws of the land have both Filipino and English versions. In recent times, Filipinos have developed “Taglish,” a mix of Filipino and English, commonly used among the young generation.

Besides Filipino and English, regional languages like Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon are also widely spoken, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the Philippines.

The numerous languages and dialects of the country have been influenced by other languages throughout its history, including Spanish and Chinese.

In terms of communication style, it is often shaped by a unique cultural perspective. Filipinos tend to express themselves with humility, especially towards elders or those of higher social standing.

They aren’t confrontational and would rather speak with humility. However, their tone of voice can vary depending on the language or dialect of the region they originated (Scroope 2017).

Respect is paramount, which is noticeable in their use of “po” and “opo” when they talk to elders or those of higher status, as well as the gesture of placing an elder’s hand on their forehead while saying “Mano Po.”

The concept of “hiya” (to avoid causing shame or offense) is a powerful force in Filipino interactions. This is partly due to the cultural value placed on maintaining social harmony (Scroope 2017).

As a result, Filipinos often go out of their way to be accommodating and avoid direct refusals, which can sometimes lead to miscommunication.

Despite the many languages and communication styles, the shared cultural traits create a sense of unity among Filipinos. Their culturally diverse language and communication style is a reflection of the country’s vibrant history, which is a mixture of indigenous traditions and foreign influences, all of which contribute to the unique identity of the Filipino people.

Celebrating Filipino Festivals

Filipinos love to celebrate, and their festivals, known as “fiestas,” are filled with music, dancing, and vibrant costumes. Some notable festivals include:

1. SINULOG FESTIVAL

   Held in Cebu City every January, this festival honors the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) with a grand parade, street dancing, and religious processions. The rhythmic Sinulog dance is a highlight of this event.

2. ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

   Known as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals,” this event in Kalibo, Aklan celebrates the Santo Niño with colorful costumes as well, with face paint and rhythmic dances that mimic the movements of the indigenous Ati people, who were the earlier inhabitants of Panay Island in Aklan.

3. PAHIYAS FESTIVAL

   Celebrated in Lucban, Quezon, this festival honors San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, with houses decorated in vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, and rice. This tradition showcases the Filipinos’ creativity and gratitude for bountiful harvests.

4. PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL

   Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, this event showcases the blooming season with a grand parade of flower floats and street dancing. It celebrates the beauty and abundance of flowers in Baguio City.

5. DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

   Similar to Cebu’s Sinulog and Aklan’s Ati-Atihan Festival, this grand event is celebrated to honor the Santo Niño. The festival is said to have originated back in the 1960s when a replica of the Child Jesus was brought from Cebu to Iloilo. It showcases the culture of the Ilonggo people with a vibrant display of colorful costumes, dances, and music.

Filipino Beliefs

The Philippines’ beliefs and traditions are a blend of indigenous, Christian, and folk traditions.

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country and religious practices and observances are integral to the daily lives of many Filipinos. Major events like Holy Week and Christmas are deeply celebrated, with various rituals such as the “Simbang Gabi” (night masses) during the Christmas season.

Holy Week is observed through processions, re-enactments of the Passion of Christ, and other rituals demonstrating faith and penance.

Filipinos also have various superstitions to bring good fortune or to show respect for unseen forces and a desire to maintain harmony with the spiritual world. Common beliefs include:

• Not sweeping the floor at night to avoid bad luck
• Saying “tabi-tabi” to avoid bumping into any unseen entities
• Banging pots and pans and setting off firecrackers during New Year’s Eve to scare away bad spirits
• Practicing “pagpag” after attending a funeral to prevent spirits from following you home

These superstitions are often passed down through generations and reflect a deep respect for unseen forces.

In some rural areas, ancestral and nature spirits called anitos are still revered, with rituals and offerings to seek protection and blessings. These spirits are believed to inhibit the natural world, such as in trees, mountains, and rivers. This practice connects Filipinos to their pre-colonial past and their reverence for nature.

Filipinos incorporate their beliefs into everyday practices, such as blessing a new house or vehicle with a priest’s prayer or placing religious icons and images in their homes and workplaces.

Filipino Music & Arts

Just like its history, Philippine arts is diverse and expressive, encompassing various forms, such as visual arts, music, dance, and literature.

Filipino artists are known for their unique styles and use of local materials. The works of local artists like Fernando Amorsolo and Juan Luna are celebrated for their depiction of Filipino life and history.

Music is also a big part of Philippine culture. Traditional Filipino music includes indigenous tribal songs, Spanish-influenced folk music, and modern pop and rock.

The use of traditional instruments adds to the rich musical heritage of the country.

Filipinos are also widely known for having some of the best singers in the world. This is thanks to karaoke, a favorite pastime of many Filipinos, which is played almost every day in a regular household.

Filipino dance forms range from the traditional “tinikling,” which involves dancers skillfully skipping between bamboo poles, to modern hip-hop and contemporary dance styles.

Dressing Up Filipino Style

Traditional Filipino clothing reflects the country’s history and cultural diversity.

The “Barong Tagalog” is a national attire for Filipino men, often worn during formal occasions. It’s a lightweight, embroidered shirt made from pineapple or abaca fibers.

For women, the “Baro’t Saya” (blouse and skirt) is a traditional dress ensemble with distinctive butterfly sleeves. It’s a mix of early native Filipino and Spanish clothing styles. This cultural dress of the Philippines is a representation of Filipinas and an expression of their confidence and grace.

Both men’s and women’s cultural attires have played a significant role in Philippine culture and tradition.

In recent times, Filipinos have adopted different clothing styles, but the national costumes are still used until now, especially during special occasions.

Social Customs

Indigenous and foreign influences on Filipino customs and culture are evident in various aspects of daily life, including family dynamics, social interactions, and community celebrations.

Here are some Filipino culture examples:

1. Family and Kinship

   Family is the cornerstone of Filipino society. Filipinos have strong familial ties, often extending beyond the nuclear family to include distant relatives, which is evident in different celebrations and gatherings.

2. Hospitality

   Filipinos are known to have warm and welcoming personalities, which makes the Philippines a great destination for foreigners. This hospitality may stem from their strong sense of community, which is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.

3. 

   There is a lot to admire about traditional Filipino customs and culture.

   Respect for Elders

   Filipinos have high respect for their elders. As mentioned, they use the terms “po” and “opo” and practice “Mano Po.” They are also mindful of their tone of voice when talking to elders, as it’s considered disrespectful when you talk to them in a high tone.

4. “Bayanihan”

   Another example of their strong sense of community is the “Bayanihan.” It’s helping their neighbors achieve a specific goal without expecting something in return. It’s a community effort to reduce the workload of others.

Filipino Dating Culture

Dating culture in the Philippines is a blend of tradition, modernity, and respect. Here’s a glimpse into what you might encounter:

1. “Harana” (Serenading)

   Harana is a dating tradition in the Philippines where the man serenades a woman he likes, either alone or with the help of his friends. The woman then will look through the window and listen to the guy singing.

2. “Ligaw” (Courtship)

   The traditional courtship or “ligaw” in the Philippines is a long process. The man has to wait for a few months or even years before he can get the “yes” of the woman he likes. It’s one way to show that he is serious about pursuing a relationship with her.

3. Courting the Family

   In the Philippines, the woman’s family and friends are involved in the courtship process. The man has to make an effort to get the approval of the woman’s family. Making a good impression on them is important, as their approval can influence the outcome of the relationship.

4. Modern Dating

   While some traditions remain, modern dating apps and online platforms have been gaining popularity. However, the Filipino emphasis on courtship traditions and getting to know someone on a deeper level still hold true in the digital world.

Filipina Beauty Influences

Filipina beauty standards are a mix of tradition and global influences. Historically, lighter skin was seen as more desirable, reflecting colonial-era preferences. However, this has changed over the years.

Modern Filipinas embrace their natural skin tone, celebrating the rich palette of brown and olive.

Filipinas come in all shapes and sizes. Their features are influenced by Spanish, American, and Chinese ancestry. This is what makes them so mesmerizing—each Filipina is a unique expression of beauty.

But Filipina beauty goes beyond the physical aspect. It’s their infectious spirit and unwavering resilience. Confidence and grace add another layer to their overall charm.

Perhaps this is why Filipinas have consistently stolen the spotlight on the international stage, consistently ranking high and claiming numerous crowns in prestigious beauty pageants.

Their beauty is a testament not just to their physical attributes, but also to the strength and spirit that define Filipinas.

The Real Beauty of Philippine Culture

Of all that’s been said, the true beauty of Philippine culture isn’t found in any single aspect, but rather in the way it weaves together warmth, resilience, and a vibrant spirit.

Filipinos are known for their welcoming smiles and open hearts, readily sharing meals and making you feel like family. Their strong sense of community creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Challenges are faced with a heartwarming spirit of cooperation, while their family ties create a sense of belonging and support. As mentioned, celebrations often involve extended families, reflecting the importance of these connections.

The Philippines’ culture is not perfect, but it’s the epitome of the resilience of Filipino people, from surviving colonizers to building a nation that promotes respect and unity.

In the end, the beauty of Philippine culture lies in the people’s ability to celebrate community and family, as well as finding joy in the simple things, all with a warm smile.

. . .

Good job on reaching the end of this article! Here are some more fun facts to know about Philippine culture.

There are many other cultural facts about the Philippines that can aid you in your travels or when interacting with the locals. It definitely helps to know the basics, so we hope this guide will serve as a good starting point for your journey to learning more about Philippine culture!