Spanish Cultural Influences in the Philippines

Study Notes

Change of Filipino Names: Filipinos had no surnames before the Spanish colonization; they were based on physical characteristics or locations; the Spanish authorities introduced the Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos to standardize surnames.
Intermarriages: Limited intermarriages between Spanish men and Filipino women resulted in an improved racial stock, with children called Spanish mestizos or mestizas.
Clothing: Traditional Filipino clothing (baro and saya) was modified by the Spanish; men were influenced to wear Americana (coats) and town officials adopted European-style clothing.
Position of Women: Women's roles were diminished under Spanish rule, with an emphasis on obedience to husbands and domesticity.
Influence of Spanish Language: Filipinos learned Spanish language through interaction with Spanish administrators and friar-curates, leading to incorporation of Spanish words into Philippine languages like Tagalog, Hiligaynon, and others.
Amusement: Spanish introduced fiestas, games like panggingge and monte, and theatrical performances like comedia and zarzuela.
Common Religion: Catholicism was introduced by the Spanish and widely accepted by Filipinos, leading to a geographically unified country.
Education: Limited education was provided to Filipinos, with primary and secondary schools opened in the 19th century, leading to Filipinos studying law, medicine, pharmacy, and surveying.

Democratic Partnership: Americans introduced a democratic government, with Filipinos as partners in self-rule, emphasizing honesty, cooperation, civic consciousness, and mutual help.
Education and School System: Americans introduced a public school system, with an emphasis on honesty, cooperation, and civic consciousness, leading to rapid improvement in education and literacy.
Public Health and Welfare: Americans improved public health and sanitation, controlling diseases, and teaching hygiene and nutrition, leading to a decrease in mortality rates.
Improvement in Trade Industry: Free trade relationship between the Philippines and the US led to increased exports, establishment of industries like coconut oil mills, cigar factories, and mining.
Transportation and Communication: Americans improved transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways, and introduced modern communication systems.
Individual Freedoms: Americans recognized equality before the law, and the right to freedoms like religion, press, speech, and assembly.
Political Consciousness: Americans introduced institutions like political parties, elections, and a bill of rights, leading to the development of a party system in the Philippines.

Cultural Revamp: Japanese occupation led to a revamp of school curricula to emphasize Filipino culture and language, rather than American influences.
Anti-American Sentiment: Japanese encouraged Filipinos to resist American cultural and economic dominance, promoting strong moral and political ideals.
Economic Dependency: Japanese criticized the Philippines' economic dependency on the US, encouraging self-sufficiency and nationalism.