Culture
The Philippines is a culture in which East meets West. The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through influence from Chinease traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers. Filipino people tend to be very hospitable, especially to Western visitors (1). Because of their strong ties to Spanish culture, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian (1). This is easily seen in the works of comporary artists such as Rody Herrera in his painting Unahan Sa Duluhan.
The family is the basic and most important aspect of Filipino culture. Divorce is prohibited and annulments are rare (2). The family is the safety net for indivuduals, especially older people, during difficult economic times. Children will often stay with their parents into adulthood, only leaving when they get married (2). Political and business ties are often influenced by family relationships (2).
Two traits that many foreign visitors often have a difficult time understanding are Pakikisama and Utang na Loob. Pakikisama roughly means "getting along" and requires individuals overlook slight improprieties or indiscretions for the sake of preserving peace within the family, personal, or business relationship. Utang na Loob refers to the custom of paying back one favor with another (2). These traits emphasize the importance that Filipino people place on maintaining pleasant interpersonal relationships and puting the needs of the group ahead of the individual.
More than 80% of the population of the Philippines is Roman Catholic. Fiestas in honor of the patron saint of a town are quite common. Criticism of the Catholic church is not taken lightly - and should be avoided (2).
In the Philippines, people greet each other with a handshake. A smile or raised eyebrows can mean "Hello" or "Yes". Someone can be summoned with a downward wave of the hand (3).
Tourism
Anyone with a valid passport (from a country in which the Philippines has diplomatic relations) may enter the Philippines for up to 21 days without a visa. All travelers should keep in mind, however, that is costs P500 to leave the country.
The Philippines has much to offer tourists and sight-seerers: mountains, beaches, caves, and markets filled with exotic goods. Hotels range in price from about $50.00 per night to several hundred dollars per night. A tax of 15% is added to the cost of each room.
End Notes
- http://www.bridgestravel.com/philippines/philippines.htm
- http://www.febtc.com/000001do/000115so.htm
- http://www.sino.net/asean/philippn.html
- http://www.tourism.gov.ph/
FAQs
The Philippines is a culture in which East meets West. The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through influence from Chinease traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers.
What can you say about the Philippines culture? ›
The Philippines is a country full of love, light, laughter, and food. With a slight influence from America and some parts of Asia, the culture of the Philippines is mainly a blend of Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions. They have a good eye for fashion and art, and their festivals are to die for.
Where does Mano Po originate? ›
The phrase “mano po” meaning “may I have your hand” is spoken by the younger individual asking for the hand while the response “kaawaan ka ng Diyos” or “God bless you” is uttered by the elderly. According to historians, this tradition began during the Spanish occupation in the country.
How would you describe the Philippines? ›
The Philippines is called Asia's pearl of the orient for the richness of its culture and the beauty of its landscape. It is home to centuries old churches, turn of the century mansions, ancient forts and modern museums. The Philippines is an archipelago comprising 7,100 islands.
What is the Filipino family culture? ›
The foundation of Filipino family values is deeply entrenched in a rich history of close-knit relationships, respect for elders, and unwavering religious faith. These core values serve as guiding principles, shaping the very essence of familial interactions and individual behaviors.
What is the importance of Philippine popular culture? ›
Popular culture in the Philippines is seen as a manifestation of creativity, resilience, and the Filipino spirit, expressed through music, cinema, literature, and social practices that both strengthens and challenges society by reflecting its complexities and influencing layers of Filipino consciousness and identity.
Why Philippine culture are unique? ›
Philippine society is a unique blend of diversity and hom*ogeneity. Although geographically part of Southeast Asia, the country is culturally strongly Euro-American.
What do Filipinos value in respect? ›
Filipinos place a strong cultural value on respect for age and for the elderly. Young people are expected to show respect to the elderly as well as older members of the family. Older adults should be addressed in polite language, preferably with appropriate titles of respect.
What are Filipinos mixed with? ›
European criollos, mestizos and Portuguese, French and Mexican descent from the Americas, mostly from Latin America came in contact with the Filipinos. Japanese, Indian and Cambodian Christians who fled from religious persecutions and killing fields also settled in the Philippines during the 17th until the 19th ...
How do Filipinos greet each other? ›
A respectful greeting could include a smile and a slight bow of the head. Filipino people also greet each other by making eye contact while raising and lowering their eyebrows. Filipino women may exchange kisses on the cheeks when they greet one another.
The use of "po" is prevalent in both spoken and written forms of Filipino communication. It is often inserted in sentences to show deference to someone older or in a position of authority. For instance, the simple greeting "Magandang araw" (Good day) becomes "Magandang araw po" when addressing someone with respect.
What is the blessing in Filipino culture? ›
Mano (Tagalog: pagmamano) is an "honouring-gesture" used in Filipino culture performed as a sign of respect to elders and as a way of requesting a blessing from the elder. Similar to hand-kissing, the person giving the greeting bows towards the hand of the elder and presses their forehead on the elder's hand.
What food is Philippines known for? ›
Popular dishes include lechón (whole roasted pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa (cured beef), torta (omelette), adobo (vinegar and soy sauce-based stew ), kaldereta (meat stewed in tomato sauce and liver paste), mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato sauce), pochero (beef and bananas in tomato sauce), afritada ...
What is the Philippines most famous for? ›
A collection of around 7000 islands, the Philippines is known for its extensive forests, beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife and majestic volcanoes. It is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas.
What is the Philippines' nickname? ›
Pearl of the Orient/Pearl of the Orient Seas (Spanish: Perla de oriente/Perla del mar de oriente) is the sobriquet of the Philippines. The term originated from the idea of Spanish Jesuit missionary Fr. Juan J. Delgado in 1751.
What is the cultural diversity of the Philippines? ›
The culture in the Philippines is very diverse due to influences from countries that colonized it like Spain, America, Japan, China, and Arab states. This diversity is reflected in the 80 major ethnic groups across the 7,107 islands divided into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
What is culture and tradition? ›
The main difference between culture and tradition is that traditions describe a group's beliefs and behaviors that are passed down from one generation to another. Culture describes the shared characteristics of the entire group, which has been amassed throughout its history.
