Philippine Popular Culture PDF

## Chapter 1: Perspective in Philippine Popular Culture: Nature and Definitions of Popular Culture - **CULTURE** - refers to the pattern of human activity and the symbols that give significance to them. - The word "culture" derives from a French term, which in turn derives from the Latin "coler...

## Chapter 1: Perspective in Philippine Popular Culture: Nature and Definitions of Popular Culture - **CULTURE** - refers to the pattern of human activity and the symbols that give significance to them. - The word "culture" derives from a French term, which in turn derives from the Latin "colere," which means "to tend to the earth and grow," or "cultivation and nurture" - refers to the pattern of human activity and the symbols that give significance to them. - systems of knowledge shared by a relatively large group of people - a way of life of a group of people - communication ### Forms of Culture - **POP CULTURE** - popular culture is simply culture that is widely favored or well-liked by many people: it has no negative connotations. - Popular culture can be understood as a set of cultural products, practices, beliefs, and objects dominating society. - It affects and influences the people it comes across towards these sets of objects or beliefs. - It encompasses everything that is believed and consumed by the majority of people in any society. - Music - Fashion - Dance - TV and Radio - **MASS CULTURE** - means technology that is intended to reach a mass audience. It is the primary means of communication used to reach the vast majority of the general public. - Examples include mass-media entertainment - films, television programs, popular books, newspapers, magazines, popular music, leisure goods, household items, clothing, and mechanically-reproduced art. - **FOLK CULTURE** - refers to a culture traditionally practiced by small, rural groups living in relative isolation from other groups. - The field of folk culture includes creative activities based on national traditions, traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage, research, preservation and recording of national and local cultural traditions, public cultural events and folk cultural activities, training and continuing education. - Traditional Dance - Oral Folklore - Pagan Religions - Traditional Clothing and Dress - Traditional Ceremonies - Localized Christmas Traditions - Regional Food Dishes - **INDIGENOUS CULTURE** - The word "indigenous" refers to the notion of a place-based human ethnic culture that has not migrated from its homeland, and is not a settler or colonial population. - Most well-known of these indigenous people are the Igorot, a group that includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao and Kalinga. They inhabit the Central Cordillera Mountain Range on North Luzon. - **CULTURAL PRESERVATION** - Cultural heritage is central to protecting our sense of who we are. It gives us an irrefutable connection to the past - to certain social values, beliefs, customs and traditions - allowing us to identify ourselves with others and deepen our sense of unity, belonging and national pride. - **PARTICIPATING IN TRADITIONS** - Share your culture's art and technology. - Attend or organize major events. - Cook family recipes. - Speak your ancestral language. - **RECORDING YOUR CULTURE** - Choose a focus. - Conduct interviews. - Use your records to fight for your culture. - Accept change. "To remain relevant, learn from the past, live in the present with an eye on the future." - AFTAB AHMED "The identity of the Filipino today is of a person asking what is his identity." - Nick Joaquin ## Chapter 2: Foreign Influences on Filipino Culture - It is said that the colonizers were the influencers in the Filipino culture. | INFLUENCERS | INFLUENCES | |---|---| | **SPANISH** | LANGUAGE - The Filipino language, derived from the Tagalog language, which is the national language today, was even influenced by Spanish. <br>RELIGION - When the Spanish took over, they brought their long tradition of Catholicism with them. It was part of the Spanish conquest to convert all the natives to Christ through their Catholic tradition. <br>SIMBANG GABI - A devotional nine-day series of Masses. Held daily from December 16-24. <br>FIESTAS - refers to a large feast, festival, or very extravagant party. <br>SEMANA SANTA - HOLY WEEK <br>CUISINE - afritada, caldereta, dulce de leche, dinuguan, empanada, ensaymada, menudo, mechado, longaniza, polvorón <br>PATRIARCHAL POLITICS AND CULTURE [MATRIARCHAL (WOMEN)] - The Philippine government was dominated by male servants. Men are portrayed as stronger than women as if the women can never exceed the capacity of men. <br>SIESTA - AFTERNOON NAP <br>TOXIC MASCULINITY - It is a belief or idea that men are more privileged and powerful than women. <br>SUPERIORITY COMPLEX - CRAB MENTALITY - It is an ideology that one is more powerful than anyone else. <br>INFERIORITY COMPLEX - It is a lowly treatment for other people who are in the underclass of society. <br>RELIGIOUS FANATICISM - It refers to the extreme and fanatic agreement and belief of a religious doctrine. <br>MAÑANA HABIT - "MAMAYA NA" - to do a certain thing in a later time. <br>SABONG - Bloody fight of two cocks to death. | | **AMERICANS** | EDUCATION - Government- Executive, Legislative, Judicial <br>RELIGIOUS FREEDOM - When the United States took over the Philippines, the people began to be free to join whatever religion they wanted. <br>CLOTHING - belts, suspenders, polo shirts, Tennis shoes, short skirts/dresses, bonnets/hats, high heels, and make-up <br>FOOD - hamburgers, sandwiches, oatmeal, ketchup, chewing gum, apple pie, mayonnaise, hot dogs, steak, ice cream, corn flakes <br>REMOVING OF SLIPPERS - It has become a Filipino practice to remove the slippers from one's feet before entering the house. This is in fact an Asian custom that the Filipinos learned from the Japanese - they were the only Asian colonizers of the Philippines. | | **JAPANESE** | MARTIAL ARTS - SPORTS - any of several arts of combat and self-defense (such as karate and judo) that are widely practiced as sport, morning exercises. <br>CALLISTHENICS - MENTAL MEDITATION - Radio calisthenics refer to the broadcasting of exercise music through radio stations early in the morning in order to encourage exercise. <br>KITE FLYING - kite flying is now considered part of a Filipino's childhood. <br>CURFEW - a regulation requiring people to remain indoors between specified hours, typically at night. | | **CHINESE** | - China has already been interacting with Filipinos ever since the 9th century. - Chinese traders went to Philippine shores to have a barter. (kalakalan) - In Spanish times, the Chinese people migrated and flourished in other areas of the country such as Binondo. (China Town) - Overtime, the Chinese married Filipinos and they were called mestizo de sangley. <br>LANGUAGE: MANDARIN <br>RELIGION: BUDDHISM AND TAOISM <br>BELIEF: FENG SHUI - It refers to the Chinese system of positioning a building and the objects within a building that agrees on spirits. <br>FRUGALITY - It is the practice of careful spending of money or other resources. <br>THE LOVE FOR BARGAIN (Tawad) - pancit, shanghai <br>FIREWORKS OR FIRECRACKERS <br>GIVING CASH AS GIFTS <br>FRUIT GRAFTING <br>SETTING UP 12 ROUND FRUITS DURING NEW YEAR, WEARING RED OR SOMETHING BRIGHT ON CELEBRATIONS | | **SOUTH KOREANS** | KOREAN DIASPORA - refers to the migration of Koreans in the Philippines. <br>REASONS: - World war II and war with North Korea. - English education is affordable - Warm climate - Easy living <br>KOREAN WAVE: - The greatest influence of Koreans in terms of pop music and television drama. <br>CUISINES: - KIMCHI, BIBIMBAP, SAMGYEOPSAL, RAMYEON. <br>FASHION: - FASHIONABLE CLOTHING AND COSMETICS | ## Chapter 3: Forms of Popular Culture: Music, Art and Literature - **Values** - Important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what is good or bad and desirable or undesirable. ### Positive Values of Filipinos 1. **BAYANIHAN** - system or spirit of kinship and camaraderie - A Filipino community spirit and cooperation wherein a group of individuals extends a helping hand without expecting any remuneration. 2. **DAMAYAN SYSTEM** - sympathy for people who lost their loved ones. 3. **CLOSE FAMILY RELATIONS** - a Filipino trait of giving highest importance to family above other things. 4. **FUN-LOVING TRAIT** - a trait found in most Filipinos, a trait that makes them unique that even in times of calamities and other challenges in life, they always have something to be happy about, a reason to celebrate. 5. **HOSPITALITY** - a Filipino trait of being receptive and generous to guests. 6. **COMPASSIONATE** - a Filipino trait of being sympathetic to others even if the person is a stranger. 7. **REGIONALISM** - a Filipino trait of giving more priority or preference in giving favors to his province mate before others. 8. **FRIENDLY** - a trait found in most Filipinos. They are sincere, loyal, kind and sociable people. 9. **FLEXIBLE** - the ability of Filipinos to ride on or adjust to the norms of other groups just to attain smooth and harmonious relationships. 10. **RELIGIOUS** - most Filipinos possess strong conformance of their religious belief in action and in words. 11. **RESPECT TO ELDERS** - a Filipino trait of being courteous both in words and in actions to the people of older people. 12. **REMEDYO ATTITUDE** - a Filipino trait of being creative and resourceful. The ability to do things that are next to impossible. 13. **MATIYAGA** - Filipinos are known for their tenacity and strong determination in every undertaking. 14. **UTANG NA LOOB** - a feeling of obligation to repay someone who extended assistance to another which may take place in undetermined time and in whatever way. ### Negative Values of Filipinos 1. **BAHALA NA ATTITUDE** - a Filipino trait characterized by retreating or withdrawal from certain undertakings and leaving everything to God to interfere and determine the outcome of his deeds. 2. **LOVE FOR GAMBLING** - a Filipino trait characterized by love and over use of betting or gambling. 3. **BLUE-SEAL MENTALITY** - a Filipino value of showing high admiration and preference to foreign produced goods over local ones. 4. **CRAB MENTALITY** - a Filipino attitude characterized by an attempt to "pull down" someone who has achieved success beyond the others. 5. **FILIPINO TIME** - a Filipino attitude of impreciseness towards time. 6. **GAYA GAYA ATTITUDE** - a Filipino attitude of imitating or copying other cultures. 7. **KAPALARAN VALUES** - a Filipino trait of accepting his fate by believing that everything is written in his palm. 8. **MAÑANA HABIT** - delaying or setting aside a certain task assigned on the next day although it can be done today. 9. **NINGAS-COGON** - being enthusiastic only during the start of new undertaking but ends dismally in accomplishing nothing. 10. **LACK OF SPORTSMANSHIP** - not accepting defeat in competitions. 11. **PAKIKISAMA** - submitting oneself to the will of the group for the sake of camaraderie and unity. 12. **TSAMBA LANG ATTITUDE** - simplicity by declaring that his/her accomplishments are results of luck and not from perseverance and ability. 13. **AMOR-PROPIO** - it means self-love, ego-defensiveness, or personal pride. ## Chapter 3.1: Filipino Mythical Creatures - **Filipino Mythical Creatures** - They refer to the monsters, beasts, and enchanted beings of the ethnic groups of the Philippines. | FILIPINO MYTHICAL CREATURES | DESCRIPTION | |---|---| | ASWANG | They are shapeshifters, believed to appear human-like by day but transform into different monstrous forms to harass and eat awake humans at night or day, especially pregnant women. | | BAKUNAWA | It refers to a mythical serpentine creature that is represented as a gigantic sea serpent. | | BERBEROKA | It ensnares victims by drinking enough water in a pond to cause fish to appear on the surface. When potential victims are attracted into the fishes, the Berberoka will drown them and finally swallow them. It is a one-eyed giant. | | BUNGISNGIS | It lives in forests and is described as a happy and playful cyclops. (From Sanskrit "devada" meaning gods) | | DIWATA | They are referred to as lesser gods or goddesses. They are colloquialized in modern times as fairies or enchantresses. | | DUWENDE | They are goblins, elves, or dwarves. They are little creatures who provide good or bad fortune to people and can even tell fortunes/fates. Because of them, Filipinos created the phrase, "tabi-tabi po" or "makikilabas po". | | ENGKANTO | They are coined as male diwatas. They are believed as physically-attractive, having light-colored hair and fangs. | | GARUDA | It is a mythical creature shared in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia. It is a large, birdlike creature, or humanoid bird with muscular upper body of a man, but contains the face and large wings of a great eagle. | | KAPRE | It is a filthy giant who likes to smoke huge rolls of cigars, and hide within, and atop large trees particularly, balete and acacia trees. If one is said to keep going in circles, it is said that they are being played by Kapre. | | MAMBABARANG | They are witches who use insects and spirits to enter the body of the person they hate. They use elder dark magic to torture and later kill their victims. Came from the Filipino term "tanggal" which means remove. | | MANANANGGAL | It is an aswang that can fly after separating itself from the lower half of its body. It eats babies and fetuses from a mother's womb by passing their long tongue through the roof. | | MANGKUKULAM | They are also called bruha (witch). They are wizards or witches or sorcerers who cast evil spells to humans using dark magic. | | SIRENA/SIYOKOY | They are regarded as mermaids (female) and mermaans (males). They are sea creatures with a human upper body and a fish tail instead of lower extremities alike to humans. | | TIKBALANG OR TIGBALANG | They are usually demon horses that are depicted as a half-man, and half-horse. It travels at night to rape female humans. They are also believed to cause travelers to lose their way. It is said that when there's sunlight even in the presence of the rain, two tikbalangs are being wed. | ## Chapter 3.2: Superstitious Beliefs - **What is a superstition?** - It is a belief or a way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck. - It is a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck. - **Superstitious Beliefs** - They are sets of knowledge and customs concerning luck. **Examples:** 1. If you want to get rid of unwanted visitors, simply sprinkle salt around your home and they will soon leave. 2. Guests should not open the door while the family is having a meal because luck will escape outside the door if it happened. 3. When doves and pigeons are leaving, it is said that there are people nearby fighting or arguing. 4. If there is a fish bone stuck in your throat, don't tell anyone. Simply rotate your plate three times and it will be gone. 5. When three people are posing in a picture, the person who's in the center will be the first one to die. 6. A person with a colored-black gums is always jealous. 7. When a person breaks an egg and sees two egg yolks, that person will become rich. 8. On good Friday, do not take a bath or even use water. 9. When you hear a person outside of your house late at night but do not see anything, at all cost, do not open the door. 10. Gamblers will always lose when they see the number seven. ## Chapter 3.3: Dishes that Defined the Philippines - **ADOBO** - It is an ubiquitous dish in any Filipino households however, it's in Mexican origin. It is characterized by cooking pork/chicken with vinegar and soy sauce added with other spices. - **LECHON** - It is the most invited visitor in Filipino festivals. The entire dish consisted of a pig spit-roasted over coals, with the crisp, golden-browned skin served with liver sauce. - **SISIG** - In the culinary capital of Pampanga, they turn pork cheeks, head and liver into a sizzling dish called sisig. This crunchy appetizer is usually served with eggs and mayonnaise. - **CRISPY PATA** - This pork knuckle is simmered, drained and deep fried until crisp. The meat is tender and juicy on the inside, with a crisp, crackling exterior. - **CHICKEN INASAL** - It refers to grilled chicken. In Bacolod, the meat is marinated in calamansi, salt and pepper, garlic, and brushed with achuete (annatto seeds) with oil. Every part is grilled from drumstick (paa), breast (pecho), gizzard (baticulon), wings (pakpak), and heart (corazon). - **BULALO** - A dish served on broth with rich flavors seeped from beef after boiling for hours. - **KARE-KARE** - It is an oxtail stew made from ground roasted rice and crushed peanuts. It is eaten with steamed rice and bagoong or shrimp paste. - **SINIGANG** - It is a stew of fish, prawns, pork, beef, or chicken soured by fruits like tamarind, kamias, or tomatoes. It is often accompanied by vegetables like kangkong and string beans. - **LONGANIZA** - It is a pork sausage with different versions across the country and it may vary to garlicky to spicy. - **BALUT** - This 17-day-old duck embryo is boiled, served with rock salt or spicy vinegar. - **BIBINGKA** - They are rice cakes made from soaking the rice overnight, grinding it with mortar stone and mixing it with coconut milk and sugar. It is garnished with salted eggs, kesong puti and butter or sugar. - **HALO-HALO** - It is shaved ice drowned in milk and served with generous amounts of banana, pinipig, leche flan, ube, etc.