1. What is Philippine Culture?

According to sociologists and anthropologists, Philippine culture mirrors the

convoluted history of this Third World nation. This statement was proven without
doubt, when historian had found out that the culture of the Philippines was a
conglomeration of other cultures of the Malayo-Polynesian, Hispanic and
Chinese cultures. Primarily, the urbanity of the Filipinos was greatly influenced by
the Mealanesians. From these early people, the traditional type of culture was
passed on to the Filipino generation up to this very day, soon after they left the
Philippines. Then, came the Austronesians or the Malayo-Polynesians who had
occupied the native territory of the Filipinos, as well. As far as their legendary
contributions to the Filipino culture, the latter group of settlers had paved the way
for Philippine ethnicity, language, choice of food, arts and music among others.

2. What forms part of the Philippine Culture?

The culture of the Philippines is a combination of Eastern and Western

culture. It is highly influenced by history and the blending of foreign influences
and its indigenous civilization. The Philippines has been colonized by Spain for
over three centuries. Hispanic influences are dominant for over in the Philippine’s
folk music, foods, art, religion, languages, and folk dances.

3. What makes Philippine Culture different?

This is the one thing that seperates us from the rest of the world – our
colorful and lively culture that makes us distinctly Filipino. Its richness in culture
makes it highly different and more prominent from other countries. The
Philippines have diverse cultural heritage, arts, traditions and spoken languages.
The country has innumerable museums that take account to the wide historical
and cultural evolution of its nation with churches, museums and galleries
available throughout the Philippine Islands and are found in the different key
cities of its provinces. Each province has its own cultural folk dances showcasing
the elegant styles of Filipino dances and the beauty of its people. They also
follow their own unique traditions and have a way of celebrating their cultural
practices through fiestas and events. The Filipinos naturally love arts and they
can depict certain historical events through paintings, poems, songs and writings.
4. Choose atleast six examples of Philippine Culture. Explain each.

 Feast – each town celebrates feast as a dedication to the Patrons. A

parade of patrons will be held a day before the event as well as other
activities such as basketball league and singing contests or beauty
pageants. Indicators of a town feast are the ‘banderitas’. It is hung up
above the roads tied to light posts. People prepare months before the
celebration. The pre-celebration is called ‘desperas’ and the actual day of
celebration is called ‘fiesta’. It is a disappointment to not be able to
prepare food for unexpected visitors even if they are not invited to your
home formally. It is not mandatory to celebrate a feast. Expect to hear
loud music until midnight during the days of the feast especially if you are
near the town’s auditorium.
 Dance Festivals – provinces & certain cities have variety of festivals
dedicated to the saints and patrons of the Roman Catholic church. For
example, Cebu has Sinulog Festival & Bacolod has Mascara festival. The
dance festival contestants perform street dances with beautiful ethnic,
traditional or mix modern music and costumes.
 Birthday, wedding and other occasions are a big deal in the
Philippines. Special occasions are expected to have food on the table.
Usually, lots of friends, co-workers, family and even random friends of
friends are invited.
 Respect to Elders- Children sometimes use the words "mama," "opo,"
"po" and "papa" to show respect to their elders, and they may often take
care of their parents when they age. Some other folk beliefs are that
paying debts at night will lead to poverty, having an itchy palm means
money is coming and using a coin found on the road leads to a shortage
of money. It's also common for women to not use medications during
childbirth due to a belief that pain comes from god, and for the father to
take care of both mother and child for a month after delivery.
 Bayanihan- the creation of association with neighbors and the helping
attitude wherever one is in disastrous need. Oftentimes, the Bayanihan
spirit in action can be seen when a bus gets a flat tire. The by standing or
surrounding Filipinos would help the bus driver in whatever actions to get
the bus back on going.