Philippine Culture and Geography

Philippine Culture Overview

• Philippine culture is a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic influences, with contributions from America and Asia.
• Filipinos are typically family-oriented, religious, and appreciate art, fashion, music, and food.

Introduction to the Philippines

• The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia, located in the Western Pacific Ocean.
• It is an archipelago comprising 7,641 islands, making it the world's fifth largest island country.
• The Philippines is about 500 miles (800 km) from Vietnam.
• Manila is the capital city.
• Quezon City is the most populous city; both are part of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) on Luzon Island.
• Mindanao is the second-largest island, located in the southeast

Origin of the Name

• The Philippines is named after Philip II, the ruler of Spain during the Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
• The Philippines has social affinities with the West, having been under Spanish standards for a long time and under U.S. tutelage for 48 years.
• After India, the Philippines is the second most crowded Asian nation, with English as an official language.
• The Philippines and East Timor are the only overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nations in Asia.
• Filipinos are Asian in consciousness and aspiration, despite Anglo-European social attributes.

Political and Economic Context

• The Philippines experienced political strife in the late 20th century.
• The People Power Revolution in 1986 ousted Pres. Ferdinand Marcos and restored democratic government.
• There is both extreme wealth and poverty.
• The country is rich in resources and has the potential for a strong industrial economy but remains largely agricultural.
• There was rapid industrial expansion toward the end of the 20th century due to domestic and foreign investment.
• Growth contributed to severe environmental degradation.
• The Philippines emerged as a regional education leader in the late 20th century.
• By the early 21st century, the country had one of the highest literacy rates in Asia.

Cultural Diversity and Social Beliefs

• Philippine culture explores historical influences, social beliefs, and customs.
• It aims to understand the traditions, values, and practices that shape the Filipino identity.

Cultural Diversity in the Philippines

• The Philippines is composed of over 7,000 islands, each with its distinct culture and traditions.
• The country's rich cultural landscape is shaped by indigenous communities, Spanish colonial influence, and Americanization.
• Filipinos have warmth, hospitality, and a strong sense of community.
• Geographic isolation fostered a unique blend of customs and beliefs passed down through generations.

Religious Diversity

• Christianity is the most prevalent denomination; Catholicism, introduced by Spanish colonization, influences culture and society.
• Islam has a long history, especially in Mindanao, adding to religious diversity.
• Indigenous beliefs and practices continue to influence Filipino spirituality.
• Syncretism blends religious beliefs, integrating traditional beliefs into Christian practices.
• Religious groups include Protestants, Buddhists, and those practicing animistic beliefs, enriching Philippine culture.

Family Ties

• Grandparents provide wisdom, guidance, and emotional support, and are respected.
• Parents are highly respected by children, who are expected to be obedient.
• Children are cherished and expected to be respectful and obedient to parents and elders.
• The extended family includes close relatives, providing a strong support system and sense of belonging.

Core Principles of Life

• Bayanihan is the spirit of community cooperation.
• Hiya is a sense of shame, influencing politeness and modesty.
• Utang na Loob is a sense of gratitude, emphasizing reciprocity and respect.
• Pakikisama emphasizes relationships and social conformity.

Pillars of Social Interaction

• Filipinos are known for their hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms, food, and offerings.
• Respect for elders is a core value.
• Children show respect to older family and community members, reflecting tradition and wisdom.
• Politeness and courtesy are valued, with honorifics used when addressing elders.

Etiquette and Dress Codes

• Dress codes depend on the occasion.
• Traditional attire includes the "barong tagalog" for men and the "terno" for women in formal settings.
• Table manners emphasize food sharing and respect.

Gender Roles

• Traditionally, Filipino society had matrilineal influences, with women playing roles in decision-making and property ownership.
• Gender roles are evolving, with women taking on roles in education, business, and politics.
• Gender equality is a growing concern, addressing discrimination and promoting women's empowerment.

Modernity

• Globalization has exposed Filipinos to diverse cultures, influencing social norms and lifestyles.
• Technology transformed society, changing communication and access to information.
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) contribute significantly to the economy but also lead to social and cultural changes.
• There is growing environmental awareness and promotion of sustainable practices.

Historical Influences

• Spain's 300-year colonial rule has lasting cultural impacts on language, religion, and architecture.
• The American occupation in the 20th century brought changes in education, technology, and government.
• Pre-colonial traditions continue to influence contemporary culture.
• Connections with Asian neighbors, especially China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are evident in cuisine, music, and arts.

Religion, Festivals, and Holidays

• The Philippines is one of the few Asian countries with a Christian majority (90.07%).
• Roman Catholics are 80.58% of the population.

Events of Religion

• The Feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated every January 9 at the heart of Manila-Quiapo.
• The Sinulog Festival is celebrated every second Sunday of January in Cebu City, honoring Santo Niño de Cebu.
• The Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.
• Dinagyang is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of January.
• Patunob Festival is a popular festival where devotees renew vows at the shrine of Birhen sa Lourdes.
• The Moriones Festival is a week-long celebration where penitents reenact the story of Longinus.
• The San Juan Festival honors St. John every June 24, with fluvial procession, parade, and water sports.
• The Silmugi Festival is a celebration offering honor to St. Sebastian Martyr with dances in Borbon, Cebu.

Music and Dance

• Music is influenced by all cultures in the country.
• Traditional folk songs are primarily inspired by indigenous customs.
• Lucio San Pedro was a National Artist known for his "creative nationalism".
• Antonio Buenaventura, was also named as a National Artist, and composed songs and ballads.
• Original Pinoy Music, or Philippine pop music, is targeted to the youth.
• The Manila sound flourished in the mid-1970s, influencing modern genres.
• OPM is a blend of traditional Filipino music with modern influences.

Folk Songs

• Examples include: Bahay Kubo, Leron, Leron Sinta, Sampung mga Daliri, and Sitsiritsit Magtanim ay 'Di Biro.
• The traditional dances include Tinikling, Pandanggo, Cariñosa, Subli, Maglalatik, Itik-itik, Kappa Malong-malong.

Literature and Arts

• Biag ni Lam-ang is an Ilocano epic, being the first Philippine folk epic recorded.
• Ibong Adarna' is a ‘koridong Tagalog’ written by an unknown author.
• Florante at Laura is a famous Filipino literary classic written by Francisco Balagtas in 1838.
• "Pintados" are early Visayans "painted their bodies profusely with tattoos.
• Pottery from 6000 BC found in Sanga-sanga Cave, Sulu and Laurente Cave, Cagayan marks the earliest pottery making.

Cuisine

• Filipino cuisine is is influenced by Chinese, Spanish, American, Japanese, British (with Indian workers), Mexican, and neighboring Southeast Asian countries' cuisines
• The Philippine's is an excellent way to portray the cultural diversity. Rice flour is used in pastries and sweets.
• Seafood, like tilapia, clams, mussels, cod, squid, and catfish is abundant and salted fried.

Clothing

• The Maria Clara is a traditional dress by women, named after a character in "Noli Me Tangere" by Jose Rizal.
• Baro't Saya is a collarless blouse and skirt.
• Barong Tagalog is an untucked shirt of delicate fabric, showing Chinese and Hindu influences.

Linguistic Affiliation

• Filipino, based on Tagalog with words from native languages, and English.
• Although only 55% speak Filipino fluently,English is used in colleges, universities, the courts, and the government.
• 70-80 dialects are derived from Malay languages: Cebuano, Ilocano, and Tagalog.

Climate

• November to February are the coolest months.
• March to May are hot and dry.
• June to October are rainy.
• The average temperature is 86 degrees or 30 degrees Celsius.

Summary of Culture

• Culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from Spain and America
• It has social fabric is built upon strong family ties with pakikisama and utang na loob.
• It boasts other religions.
• Its festivals and holidays have religious roots.
• Music and dance reflect nation's history.
• Its fusion in flavor and skill in display.
• Tropic climate influences cultural culture.