Philippine Culture and History

Lesson 1: Introduction to Philippine Culture and History

• Culture plays a vital role in sustainable development.
• The 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize preserving cultural and natural heritage amidst urban congestion.
• Sociology focuses on society, while anthropology focuses on culture.
• Culture consists of beliefs, values, behavior, and material objects that shape a people's way of life.

Types of Culture

• Material culture includes physical objects like tools, clothing, and artifacts.
• Non-material culture encompasses beliefs, traditions, language, and social norms.
• Cultural systems are the interconnected elements that make up a society's way of life.

Filipino Culture: A Mix of Indigenous and Foreign Influence

• The Filipino belief system is a mix of indigenous spirituality, Catholicism, and Islam.
• The value system guides behavior and decision-making, including bayanihan (cooperation), respect for elders (pagmamano), and family-centered decision-making.

Predominant Filipino Values

• Utang na Loob is a debt of gratitude, often emotional rather than financial.
• Pakikisama involves social harmony and compromise.
• Hiya is shame or embarrassment that controls behavior.
• Bahala Na is a fatalistic attitude, a reliance on fate or divine will.
• Authoritarianism is dependence on authority figures such as family elders, employers, and the government.
• Amor Propio means protecting personal honor and dignity.
• Ningas Cogon is strong enthusiasm at first but fading quickly.
• Crab Mentality involves pulling others down when they succeed.

State of Philippine Culture

• The Philippines has rich traditions in oral storytelling, weaving, and woodcarving.
• Challenges include overpopulation, poverty, ethnic and religious conflicts, colonial influence shaping identity, and media and technology influencing cultural practices.

Key Influences on Philippine Culture

• Colonization by the Spanish and Americans shaped language, religion, and governance.
• Western ideas have infiltrated Filipino culture through media.
• Technology has increased interaction with foreign cultures.
• There is import dependence, referring to the preference for imported goods over local products.

Lesson 2: Pre-Hispanic Culture

• Theories on the Origin of the Philippines
• Creationism is a religious belief that God created everything.
• The Out of Africa Theory suggests humanity originated in Africa and migrated worldwide.
• The Lemuria (Mu) Theory proposes a lost Pacific continent that included the Philippines.
• The Volcanic Origin Theory states the Philippines was formed by volcanic activity.
• The Continental Drift Theory suggests Earth's landmasses moved over time.
• The Out of Taiwan Theory states early Filipinos migrated from Taiwan via sea routes.
• The Nusantao Theory suggests Filipinos came from Southeast Asia through trade and cultural exchange.

Prehistoric Communities

• Cagayan Man existed from 500,000–250,000 BCE, representing the earliest evidence of human activity.
• Tabon Man, dating back to 22,000 BCE, is known from a skull cap found in Palawan.
• Otley Beyer believed peopling of the Philippines migrated from south to north.
• Felipe Landa Jocano believed in local evolution.
• Peter Bellwood believes Migration came from north to south.

Pre-Colonial Society

• The barangay system was the basic political unit led by a Datu
• Social Classes:
  • Nobility (Maharlika) was the ruling class.
  • Freemen (Timawa) were commoners, warriors, and traders.
  • There were two types of slaves: Aliping Namamahay, who lived separately and worked for their master, and Aliping Saguiguilid, who lived in the master's house with no property rights.

Roles in Society

• The Datu was the chief of the barangay and a political and military leader.
• Bagani were warriors who protected the barangay.
• Panday were skilled blacksmiths and craftsmen.
• Babaylan were spiritual leaders, often women, responsible for rituals and healing.

Pre-Colonial Culture and Daily Life

• Clothing:
  • Men wore Kangan (jacket) and bahag (loincloth).
  • Women wore Saya (skirt) and tapis (wrap).
• Hygiene:
  • Daily baths were common, with pumice used for scrubbing.
  • Coconut oil and mangrove bark were used for hair care.
• Healing Practices:
  • Herbal medicine, hilot (massage therapy), and animal-based remedies were used.
• Ornaments:
  • Gold jewelry and tattoos (Pintados culture) were common.

Pre-Hispanic Political System

• Oral and written laws governed barangays.
• Umalohokan announced new laws to the community.
• Trade was conducted through barter.
• Piloncito (gold coins) were used as currency.
• Foreign Influences:
• Chinese influenced porcelain, gongs, and arranged marriages.
• Indian influence on language, mythology, and religious practices.
• Islam was introduced by Arab traders (1240s) and spread in Mindanao.
• Religious Beliefs:
  • Bathalang Maykapal was the supreme being.
• Minor deities existed
• Idiyanale was the deity of agriculture.
• Sidapa was the deity of death.
• Mandarangan was the deity of war.
• Lalahon was the deity of harvest.
• Belief in the afterlife:
  • Use of burial jars like the Manunggul Jar.
  • Mourning practices varied by social class.

Women in Pre-Colonial Society

• Women held positions as Babaylan (priestesses).
• Women could inherit and own property.
• Women had the right to name children and choose marriage partners.

Marriage and Family Life

• Dowry (Bigay-Kaya) was given to the bride's family.
• Divorce was allowed under specific circumstances.

Summary of Pre-Hispanic Achievements

• An advanced writing system existed and was known as Baybayin (Alibata).
• The economic system involved trade with China, India, and the Middle East.
• The social system was based on barangay-based governance.
• Cultural practices included rich oral literature, tattooing, and spiritual beliefs.

Key Takeaways

• Filipino culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences.
• Pre-Hispanic society was structured, with a distinct social hierarchy.
• Trade and cultural exchanges shaped early Filipino civilization.
• Religion and beliefs played a crucial role in governance and daily life.
• Colonial influences significantly transformed Filipino identity and values.

The Peopling of the Philippines and Cultural Influences

• Peopling of the Philippines:
  • The period of initial migration and settlement occurred in the Philippines, with the Germinal period being the start.
• Periodization Framework:
  • Felipe Landa Jocano's framework categorizes community development into distinct periods: Germinal, Formative, Incipient, and Emergent.
• Cultural Influences:
• Asian Interactions:
• Prior to colonization, the Philippines had established relationships with various Asian countries, especially through trade and cultural exchange.
• Chinese Influence:
• There are long engagements with China to the Song and Ming dynasties, shaping practices and culture.
• Historical Accounts:
• Negative Perceptions:
  • Early Chinese accounts, like those by Chow Jukwa, referred to the Philippines as "Mayi," meaning "land of the barbarians,".
• Cultural Heritage:
  • Chinese culture is evident in family ties, mourning practices, and culinary traditions.

Religious and Cultural Practices

• Hindu Influence:
  • The Indus Valley civilization laid the groundwork for Hinduism, later influencing various Southeast Asian cultures, including the Philippines.
• Cultural Syncretism:
  • Filipino culture reflects a blend of indigenous, Chinese, and Hindu influences, creating a unique hybrid identity.

Trade and Economic Practices

• Barter and Currency:
  • Trade practices included both barter systems and the introduction of currency, influenced by Chinese commerce.

Social Structures

• Family Dynamics:
  • Close family ties in Filipino culture are mirrored in Chinese traditions, emphasizing support and community.
• Cultural Practices:
  • Cultural practices, such as wearing white for mourning, showcase the blending of Chinese and Filipino customs.

Pre-Hispanic Governance

• Barangay System:
  • Basic governance was the barangay, with 30-90 families.
  • Size varied depending on the ruler's ability to control other barangays.
• Leadership:
  • Leaders held titles like 'Datu', 'Raja', and 'Lakan', from Malayo-Polynesian languages.
  • The title 'Sultan' indicated a Muslim ruler with a larger territory.
  • While theoretically holding executive, legislative, and judicial power, leaders relied on councils for advice and support.
  • Agurang referred to the council of elders.
• Law and Order:
  • Laws were oral and passed down through generations.
  • Written sources are scarce, leaving oral history as a crucial source.
  • The Kalantiaw Code is considered a fabrication.
• Taxation:
  • Existed, though evidence is limited. Resources were crucial for protecting the community, and taxation was viewed as an investment.
• Blood Compact (Sanduguan):
  • Blood compacts sealed alliances and partnerships, reflecting physical fitness and strength in leadership.
  • The reasons for sanduguan were economic and political.
• Respect for Elders:
  • Elders were highly respected as symbols of wisdom, and their advice was valued.
• Vision and Leadership:
  • Having a long-term vision for leadership is emphasized, extending beyond personal terms.
  • Short-term vision is criticized.
• External Influences:
  • Indian and Chinese Influences:
  • Notes mention Indian and Chinese influences on Filipino culture and bloodlines.
  • Chinese influence is credited for strong family ties.
• Islamic Influence:
  • Islam is important to the Philippines, and the lecture says the potential of Islamic rule if the Spanish did not colonize.

Social Structures and Practices

• Family and Community:
  • Family was the fundamental social unit, with strong family ties. Filial piety was valued.
• Shipbuilding:
  • The Industry was significant for communication.
  • Balangay or barangay was a type of boat, also used to name communities.
  • Craftsmen (panday) played a vital role.

Pre-Hispanic Philippine Society: Roles and Social Structures

• Key Social Roles:
  • Elders: A community that listens to elders prospers, as they possess valuable unwritten knowledge passed down through generations.
  • Historians play a crucial role in reconstructing this knowledge.
  • Their experience and wisdom are highly valued, and their opinions are seriously considered.
• Umalohokan:
  • Announcers of new laws and events.
  • Disseminate information from those in power.
• Datu:
  • Chosen leader, who is skilled with people.
  • Effective leadership involved knowing when to respect elders and step back.
  • Leadership was earned through trust and often inherited.
  • The position of Datu was not always held by men, with the female counterpart being the Dayang.
• Bagani/Bayani:
  • Warriors and protectors of the community.
  • Often identified by their tattoos, signifying victories and accomplishments.
• Panday:
  • Blacksmiths and weapons makers, crucial for warfare and community development.
  • Often hereditary, and their role extended beyond weaponry to crafting everyday tools and materials.
• Babaylan:
  • Female spiritual leaders, healers, and mediators between the people and the gods.
  • Essential in decision-making and community well-being, expertise required experience and training.
  • Term "binabae" referred to men who took on the role of babaylan in the absence of a female successor.
• Social Stratification:
  • Pre-Hispanic Philippine society had a hierarchical structure, including the Maharlika, Timawa, and Alipin classes.
  • Alipin class divided into alipin sa gigilid (property) and alipin namamahay (with more autonomy).
  • Social mobility was possible, particularly through marriage into a higher class.
  • However, it was limited, and those in lower classes lacked rights and freedoms.
  • The concept of timawa did not mean freedom but also signify the poorest of the poor.
  • The term Maharlika meant nobility but also referred to free men.
• Cultural Influences:
  • Indian and Chinese cultures on Philippine society, particularly in social stratification and practices.
  • Color-coding in clothing is an example of Indian influence. Similarities between practices in the Philippines and Hindu practices.
• Spanish Colonization's Impact:
  • Significantly impacted pre-Hispanic social structures, leading to eradicating many roles and practices.
  • The role of the Datu was largely retained but under Spanish rule.
  • Effect on the role of women in society highlighting the suppression of the Babaylan's.

Pre-Hispanic Filipino Culture and Practices

• Clothing and Adornment:
  • Filipinos, women wore long hair as a form of covering. Additionally, women used gold ornaments.
  • The "bindi," a forehead decoration, indicated a married Hindu woman's social standing.
  • Also, men wore "bahag" (g-strings).
• Hygiene:
  • They were known for their frequent bathing habits, even multiple times a day.
  • Northern Filipinos used pumice and husk toothbrushes, women blackened their teeth, and Calamansi (Philippine lime) used for cleaning clothes and skin lightening.
• Medicine and Practices:
  • Spiritual leaders were the healers, using balms, oils, and natural remedies.
  • Garlic was used to induce fever, while vinegar was used to lower it.
  • Vinegar was also used to potentially avoid a positive COVID test (though this is not recommended) or remove paraffin from the skin.
• Tattoos:
  • Tattooing was a significant practice, often a test of manhood.
  • Painful areas included softer skin and areas near bones.
  • Getting a tattoo while intoxicated was discouraged.
• Housing:
  • Made of nipa, adapted to the climate.
  • Also, tree houses and boat houses were also common in certain regions.
• Writing System:
  • The Baybayin script, with 17 characters, was used.
• Different versions exist, with debates on which is more authentic.
• Oral Traditions:
  • Knowledge was passed down orally through sayings, proverbs, and epics.
  • Filipinos were generally literate.
• Religion and Beliefs:
  • They has a polytheistic religion influenced by Hinduism.
  • The Belief in an afterlife and the importance of good deeds were prevalent.
• Social Structure and Gender Roles:
  • The babaylan held a high social status.
  • There were different types of unmarried women.
  • In Muslim communities, the first wife held a special position, even in official state functions.