“ The Philippine culture"
Every nation is different from the rest of the world, but what is it about the Philippines that really makes it stand out among others? It’s the Philippine culture, for one thing.
The Pearl of the Orient Seas is not only renowned for its stunning islands, but also for the world’s Filipino culture and values. Here’s what you need to know about the Philippines, from Filipino standards to Philippine cultural traditions, and more!
Language
There are around 76 to 78 major language groups in the Philippines, with over 500 dialects.
Spanish was the official language under Spanish rule in the country for over 300 years. In the early 20th century, 60 percent of the population spoke Spanish as either a first, second or third language. But the use of Spanish started to decline after the American occupation in the early 1900s. In 1935, English and Spanish were declared official languages by the Constitution of the Philippines.The Tagalog language was designated as the national language in 1939. In 1959, it was renamed 'Pilipino' and in 1973, eventually, 'Filipino.' Filipino and English are named as joint official languages in the present Constitution.
Food
The food culture of the Philippines varies significantly from that of the culture of the West. Filipinos are large eaters, and they enjoy eating rice. Rice is a staple of any Filipino meal on a regular basis. Unless that person is on a strict diet, it’s very impossible to see a Filipino who does not eat rice. There are currently a number of restaurants that also sell "unlimited rice." This is how big the passion of Filipinos for rice is.
In the food culture in the Philippines, foreign influences have also played a huge role. Paella, morcon, burgers, pies, noodles, samgyupsal, and more are some popular Filipino foods influenced by other nations. You should try adobo, sinigang na baboy, lechon, and halo-halo while the proud-Pinoy food you can try.
Culture
The Filipino culture, originating primarily from the culture of Spain and America, has varied influences from previous colonization. From architecture to cultural traditions in the Philippines, you can easily note this. The ancient Asian Filipino culture has been preserved and is clearly seen in their way of life, traditional values in the Philippines, Filipino customs and rituals, amid all these foreign influences. The Filipino culture and ideals are very apparent everywhere you go and have been widely admired and even applauded in many parts of the world.
Value
Filipino culture and ideals are just some of the positive qualities that many people from all over the world admire. Family is loved very much in the Philippines. Kids, before they are married, live with their parents. The Filipino family culture, since Filipinos respect family time so much, is something that many people applaud.
Music, Arts and Literature
Music, arts, and literature, since Filipinos are very artistic, play a major role in Philippine culture and arts. They use materials, usually raw, to produce sound when it comes to music. This is just one of the many examples in the Philippines of indigenous traditions.
Filipinos are also fond of mythology, which was inspired by Spanish literature and the early church. In the Philippines, myths are very common, especially in the provinces. And Filipino culture never disappoints when it comes to literature. Even Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is famous for his literature and novels about the independence of the Philippines. As for Philippine Pop Culture, many musicians, including Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, and Julie Anne San Jose, are world-renowned.
Philippine folk arts
From Luzon folk dance to Filipino cultural rituals, here are some examples of Filipino culture.
- Architecture (Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut), Bale (Ifugao House), Ivatan House, Torogan (Marano House), Badjao’s Stilt Houses and Houseboats, Vinta (A traditional colorful boat in Mindanao)
- Weaving and Clothing (Piña Fabric, T’Nalak Woven Cloth, Tapis, Yakan, Barong Tagalog, Baro at Saya)
- Philippine and Luzon folk dance (Carinosa, Tinikling, Itik-Itik, Sayaw sa Bangko, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Maglalatik)
Religion
About 80 percent of the population is Catholic, the enduring heritage of Spain. Around 15 percent are Muslim, and you will find these individuals in Mindanao. With the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century. The first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries who came with the American soldiers in 1899 initiated Protestantism. The majority of the population is largely made up of smaller Christian and Buddhist denominations.
Clothing
Before that, when it comes to clothes, the cultural traditions in the Philippines were wearing baro’t saya for women and barong tagalog for men. Baro’t saya consists of a blouse and a long "panuelo" skirt. The Barong Tagalog was almost a see-through polo, but the Barong Tagalog has developed through the years. There were added buttons and collars, as well as intricate patterns on its pina fabric and laces. The Camisa de Chino, a type of shirt typically in white that is said to have originated from the Chinese, is underneath the transparent Barong Tagalog.
Over the years, the Filipino clothing has grown with the popularity of the hippie and Philippine pop culture, transformed into a more casual and laidback wear.
Celebration
The fact that Filipinos enjoy celebrations is another wonderful thing to know about the Philippine culture! May it be a simple event such as a grade school going up, birthdays, work promotions, or a patron saint’s celebration, no reason not to celebrate is too small. Philippine Festivals are also one of the most notable cultural events in the Philippines, where Filipinos give anything to celebrate the festival of the province or region.
Places to visit to explore the culture of the Philippines
Ifugao
One of the best places to experience traditional Filipino culture is the northern part of the Philippines, especially the Ifugao Province. Ifugao is something you should not miss in order to experience true Filipino culture, from the Filipino cultural heritage and arts to the cultural traditions in the Philippines.
Cebu
Cebu is renowned for its beaches and electrifying festivals such as Sinulog, not only in the Philippines but throughout the world. Be sure to attend either of these festivals in Cebu if you want to party like a Filipino.
Davao
In the Philippines, another fantastic place to see various cultures is Davao. And you should not miss the Kadayawan Festival while you are in Davao.
Metro Manila
Metro Manila is the location where modern Filipino culture can be encountered. Any of the newest trends in popular culture in the Philippines, such as fashion, food, and architecture, can be found here.
Zamboanga
Maybe Zamboanga exhibits the most vibrant music, literature, architecture, and Filipino beliefs and values of Philippine culture and tradition.