CULTURE
People
The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling
of Chinese, American, Spanish, and Arab blood. The
Philippines has a population of 76.5 million as of
May 2000, and it is hard to distinguish accurately
the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western
colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants
and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of
east and west, both in appearance and culture.
The Filipino character is actually a little bit of
all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit
of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous
for is said to be taken from Malay forefathers. The
close family relations are said to have been inherited
from the Chinese. The piousness comes from the Spaniards
who introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Hospitality
is a common denominator in the Filipino character
and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos
are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient
Oriental people today. Pilipino is the official national
language, with English considered as the country's
unofficial one.
The Filipinos are divided geographically and culturally
into regions, and each regional group is recognizable
by distinct traits and dialects - the sturdy and frugal
llocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalogs of
the central plains, the carefree Visayans from the
central islands, and the colorful tribesmen and religious
Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities can be found
scattered across the archipelago. The Philippines
has more than 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions
of these basic regional and cultural groups.
Some 80% of the population is Catholic, Spain's lasting
legacy. About 15% is Moslem and these people can be
found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population
is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations
and Buddhist.
The country is marked by a true blend of cultures;
truly in the Philippines, East meets West. The background
of the people is Indonesian and Malay. There are Chinese
and Spanish elements as well. The history of American
rule and contact with merchants and traders culminated
in a unique blend of East and West, both in the appearance
and culture of the Filipinos, or people of the Philippines.
Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino,
makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Seldom
can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the
company of their Western visitors. Perhaps due to
their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional
and passionate about life in a way that seems more
Latin than Asian.
The Spaniards introduced Christianity (the Roman Catholic
faith) and succeeded in converting the overwhelming
majority of Filipinos. At least 80% of the total population
belongs to the Roman Catholic faith.
The American occupation was responsible for teaching
the Filipino people the English language. The Philippines
is currently the third-largest English speaking country
in the world.
Ethnic Groups:
91.5% Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay ,1.5% Chinese,
and 3% other.
Culture and Arts
The major cultural agencies of government are the
Cultural
Center of the Philippines, the National Historical
Institute, the National Museum, The
National Library, the Records Management and Archives
Office, and the Commission
on the Filipino Language. The Heads of these cultural
agencies are all ex-officio members of the NCCA Board
and all except the Commission on the Filipino Language
are together under the National
Commission on Culture and Arts.
Useful Words or Phrases
EVERYDAY GREETINGS
Tagalog speakers in the Philippines have
many ways of greeting other people. It is common also
to hear them say "Hi" or "Hello"
as a form of greeting, especially among close friends.
There are no Tagalog translations for these English
greetings because they are basically borrowed terms,
and any English-speaking person will be readily understood
by Filipinos in general (Yes, Virginia and Joe, English
is widely spoken in the Philippines, a former colony
of the US of A for nearly 50 years!). Below are a
few Tagalog greetings that are importart to learn
if one wants to endear himself/herself to Filipinos.
Magandang umaga po. (formal/polite) - Good morning
Magandang umaga. (informal) - Good morning
Magandang tanghali po. (formal/polite) - Good noon
Magandang tanghali. (informal) - Good noon
Magandang hapon po. (formal/polite) - Good afternoon
Magandang hapon. (informal) - Good afternoon
Magandang gabi po. (formal/polite) - Good evening
Magandang gabi. (informal) - Good evening
Kumusta po kayo? (formal/polite) - How are you?
Kumusta ka? (informal) - How are you?
Mabuti po naman. (formal/polite) - I'm fine
Mabuti naman. (informal) - I'm fine
Tuloy po kayo. (formal/polite) - Please, come in
Tuloy. (informal) - Please, come in
Salamat po. (formal/polite) - Thank you
Salamat. (informal) - Thank you
Maraming salamat po. (formal/polite) - Thank you very
much
Maraming salamat. (informal) - Thank you very much
Wala pong anuman. (formal/polite) - You are welcome
Walang anuman. (informal) - You are welcome
Opo/ oho. (formal/polite) - Yes
Oo (informal) - Yes
Hindi po/ho (formal/polite) - No
Hindi (informal) - No
Hindi ko po/ho alam. (formal/polite) - I don't know
Hindi ko alam. (informal) - I don't know
Anong oras na po? (formal/polite) - What time is it?
Anong oras na? (informal) - What time is it?
Saan po kayo papunta? (formal/polite) - Where are
you going?
Saan ka papunta? (informal) - Where are you going?
Saan po kayo galing? (formal/polite) - Where did you
come from?
Saan ka galing? (informal) - Where did you come from?
Ano po ang pangalan nila? (formal/polite) - What is
your name?
Anong pangalan mo? (informal) - What is your name?
Ako po si ________ (formal/polite) - I am ______ (name).
Ako si _________ (informal) - I am ______ (name).
Ilang taon na po kayo? (formal/polite) - How old are
you?
Ilang taon ka na? (informal) - How old are you?
Ako po ay _______ gulang na. (formal/polite) - I am
_______ years old.
Ako ay _______ gulang na. (informal) - I am _______
years old.
Saan po kayo nakatira? (formal/polite) - Where do
you live?
Saan ka nakatira? (informal) - Where do you live?
Taga saan po sila? (formal/polite) - Where are you
from?
Taga saan ka? (informal) - Where are you from?
Kumain na po ba sila? (formal/polite) - Have you eaten
yet?
Kumain ka na ba? (informal) - Have you eaten yet?
DIRECTIONS
Below is a list of Tagalog words and phrases used
in giving or asking for directions.
deretso - straight ahead
(sa) kanan - on the right
(sa) kaliwa - on the left
umikot - turn around
(sa) harap - in front
(sa) likod/likuran - at the back/behind
hilaga - north
silangan - east
kanluran - west
timog - south
(sa) itaas - on top
(sa) ibaba - below/at the bottom
(sa) ilalim - at the bottom
(sa) loob - inside
(sa) labas - outside
There are a number of Tagalog words and phrases which
are rather vague in terms of specific distance but
signify "nearness" or "farness"
of a particular object, thing, or place from the speaker.
These are:
doon - yonder (over there)
diyan lang po sa tabi - there, on that side
sa banda po doon - over on that side
QUESTION WORDS
Below is a list of Tagalog question words
with their corresponding meanings and examples in
English.
Ano? - What?
Alin? - Which?
Sino? - Who?
Saan? - Where?
Bakit? - Why?
Kailan? - When?
Paano?/Papaano? - How?
Magkano? - How much? (money)
Nasaan? - Where? (to look for something/somebody)
Religion
83% Roman Catholic, 9% Protestant, 5% Muslim, 3% Buddhist
and other.
Historically, the Filipinos have embraced two of the
great religions of the world - Islam and Christianity.
Islam was introduced during the 14th century shortly
after the expansion of Arab commercial ventures in
Southeast Asia. Today, it is limited to the southern
region of the country.
Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century
with the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian
and Methodist missionaries who arrived with the American
soldiers in 1899.
Two Filipino independent churches were organized at
the turn of the century and are prominent today. These
are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and
the Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ) founded in
1902 and 1914, respectively. Recently the Aglipay
signed a covenant with the Anglican Church. The Iglesia
ni Kristo has expanded its membership considerably.
Its churches, with their unique towering architecture,
are landmarks in almost all important towns, provincial
capitals, and major cities.
Food
What is Filipino Food?
By Doreen Fernandez
(Excerpted from The
Food of the Philippines: Authentic Recipes from the
Pearl of the Orient. Text and recipes by Reynaldo
G. Alejandro. Introductory articles by Doreen G. Fernandez,
Corazon S. Alvina, and Millie Reyes.)
The Philippines country culture starts in a tropical
climate divided into rainy and dry seasons and an
archipelago with 7,000 islands.These isles contain
the Cordillera mountains; Luzon’s central plains;
Palawan’s coral reefs; seas touching the world’s
longest discontinuous coastline; and a multitude of
lakes, rivers, springs, and brooks.
The population—120 different ethnic groups and
the mainstream communities of Tagalog/Ilocano/Pampango/Pangasinan
and Visayan lowlanders—worked within a gentle
but lush environment. In it they shaped their own
lifeways: building houses, weaving cloth, telling
and writing stories, ornamenting and decorating, preparing
food.
The Chinese who came to trade sometimes stayed on.
Perhaps they cooked the noodles of home; certainly
they used local condiments; surely they taught their
Filipino wives their dishes, and thus Filipino-Chinese
food came to be. The names identify them: pansit (Hokkien
for something quickly cooked) are noodles; lumpia
are vegetables rolled in edible wrappers; siopao are
steamed, filled buns; siomai are dumplings.
All, of course, came to be indigenized—Filipinized
by the ingredients and by local tastes. Today, for
example, Pansit Malabon has oysters and squid, since
Malabon is a fishing center; and Pansit Marilao is
sprinkled with rice crisps, because the town is within
the Luzon rice bowl.
When restaurants were established in the 19th century,
Chinese food became a staple of the pansiterias, with
the food given Spanish names for the ease of the clientele:
this comida China (Chinese food) includes arroz caldo
(rice and chicken gruel); and morisqueta tostada (fried
rice).
When the Spaniards came, the food influences they
brought were from both Spain and Mexico, as it was
through the vice-royalty of Mexico that the Philippines
were governed. This meant the production of food for
an elite, nonfood-producing class, and a food for
which many ingredients were not locally available.
Fil-Hispanic food had new flavors and ingredients—olive
oil, paprika, saffron, ham, cheese, cured sausages—and
new names. Paella, the dish cooked in the fields by
Spanish workers, came to be a festive dish combining
pork, chicken, seafood, ham, sausages and vegetables,
a luxurious mix of the local and the foreign. Relleno,
the process of stuffing festive capons and turkeys
for Christmas, was applied to chickens, and even to
bangus, the silvery milkfish. Christmas, a new feast
for Filipinos that coincided with the rice harvest,
came to feature not only the myriad native rice cakes,
but also ensaymadas (brioche-like cakes buttered,
sugared and cheese-sprinkled) to dip in hot thick
chocolate, and the apples, oranges, chestnuts and
walnuts of European Christmases. Even the Mexican
corn tamal turned Filipino, becoming rice-based tamales
wrapped in banana leaves. The Americans introduced
to the Philippine cuisine the ways of convenience:
pressure-cooking, freezing, pre-cooking, sandwiches
and salads; hamburgers, fried chicken and steaks.
Add to the above other cuisines found in the country
along with other global influences: French, Italian,
Middle Eastern, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese. They grow
familiar, but remain “imported” and not
yet indigenized.
On a buffet table today one might find, for example,
kinilaw na tanguingue, mackerel dressed with vinegar,
ginger, onions, hot peppers, perhaps coconut milk;
also grilled tiger shrimp, and maybe sinigang na baboy,
pork and vegetables in a broth soured with tamarind,
all from the native repertoire. Alongside there would
almost certainly be pansit, noodles once Chinese,
now Filipino, still in a sweet-sour sauce. Spanish
festive fare like morcon (beef rolls), embutido (pork
rolls), fish escabeche and stuffed chicken or turkey
might be there too. The centerpiece would probably
be lechon, spit-roasted pig, which may be Chinese
or Polynesian in influence, but bears a Spanish name,
and may therefore derive from cochinillo asado. Vegetable
dishes could include an American salad and a pinakbet
(vegetables and shrimp paste). The dessert table would
surely be richly Spanish: leche flan (caramel custard),
natilla, yemas, dulces de naranja, membrillo, torta
del rey, etc., but also include local fruits in syrup
(coconut, santol, guavas) and American cakes and pies.
The global village may be reflected in shawarma and
pasta. The buffet table and Filipino food today is
thus a gastronomic telling of Philippine history.
What really is Philippine food, then? Indigenous food
from land and sea, field and forest. Also and of course:
dishes and culinary procedures from China, Spain,
Mexico, and the United States, and more recently from
further abroad.
What makes them Philippine? The history and society
that introduced and adapted them; the people who turned
them to their tastes and accepted them into their
homes and restaurants, and especially the harmonizing
culture that combined them into contemporary Filipino
fare.
Festivals and Fiestas
The fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino culture.
Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must
go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local
festival of its own, usually on the feast of its patron
saint, so that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere
in the country. But the biggest and most elaborate
festival of all is Christmas, a season celebrated
with all the pomp and pageantry the fun-loving Filipino
can manage.
ATI-ATIHAN
Kalibo, Aklan
13-19 January
The Ati-Atihan Festival commemorates the 13th century
land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains
and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors
the town patron, the infant Sto. Niño.
The ceaseless, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you,
and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling
your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands -
and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed
revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless merriment.
A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst
all this confusion you remember where you are: Kalibo,
Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Niño!"
The Ati-Atihan celebration is echoed in many parts
of the country.
SINULOG
Cebu City
18-19 January
Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Characterized by its
peculiar two-steps-forward-and-one-step-backward shuffle,
thus simulating the Holy Child of the shores, the
Sinulog is a century-old tradition observed in the
part of Visayas region. The prayer-dance is synchronized
to the beat of drums and shouts of "Pit Señor!
Viva Sto. Niño!" Feel free to dance with
the best of them, grooving all the way to the grand
final presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center.
DINAGYANG
Iloilo City
25-26 January
Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this
weekend, when Ilonggos leave everything behind to
join in the fiesta of the year. All inhibitions are
dropped: boring everyday clothes are exchanged for
"Ati" warrior costumes and black body paint.
Shields and "weapons" are held amidst the
pounding rhythm of drums, the costumed Ilonggos put
their best feet forward in celebration of…..Dinagyang!
PANAGBENGA
Baguio Flower Festival
23 February - 3 March
It's flower season in the city of Pines - perfect
timing for an all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio
folk take a break on these days to revel in the cool
climate and the unique culture of the city. Multi-hued
costumes are worn, mimicking the various blooms of
the highland region (or any of its 11 ethnic tribes).
These are flowerbeds - disguised, of course, as the
Panagbenga parade floats.
KAAMULAN
Malaybalay, Bukidnon
28 February - 1 March
Expect the Bukidnon to go tribal from the first to
the second week of March, when the streets of Malaybalay
take on that familiar fiesta theme. Banners, banderitas,
and beer will be norm, as well as the sweet, haunting
sound of native music. An early morning pamuhat ritual
kicks off the festivities, to be followed by an ethnic
food fest, trade fairs, and a lot of native dancing.
MORIONES
Marinduque
13-20 February
The island of Marinduque prides itself in being the
"Lenten Capital of the Philippines", and
it is easy to understand why. Come the seven days
of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in
the age-old ritual of the "Moriones". Colorful
warrior costumes are worn, topped with finely carved
masks depicting the fierce Roman soldiers of Christ's
time. All these are done to depict the story of the
conversion of Longuinus, the centurion who pierced
Jesus' side - and his subsequent beheading.
CUTUD LENTEN RITES
San Fernando, Pampanga
16-18 April
Prayer of a different meaning during the Lenten season,
when villagers of San Pedro, Cutud, engage in the
act of self-flagellation. This ancient ritual is performed
in the morning of Good Friday during the Holy Week.
Backs, arms, and legs are cut and then struck with
burillo whips. The climax to this occasion happens
at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to
their waiting crosses.
PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN
Quezon
11-15 May
Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only
things flaunted during this merry month. Down south
in the town of Lucban, Quezon, there's also the kiping
- a colorful, translucent rice tortilla that serves
as an edible ornament of sorts. You will see lots
of these at the Pahiyas Festival, an annual celebration
held to usher in a bountiful harvest, and smashing
good times.
It's a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with
suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the center
of contention. It is also the grand prize, so feel
free to join the fray. Rest assured, whether you get
handfuls or just a mere mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas
will leave you wanting for more - suman, of course!
Sariaya's own version of the San Isidro festival showcases
the creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in their
craft and culinary tradition.
FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN
Nationwide
May
A parade of the town's loveliest ladies, depicting
the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen
Helena and Constantine.
MUDPACK FESTIVAL
Murcia, Negros Occidental
24 June
Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind
Murcia's annual mud-moving spectacle. Check on its
murky highlight - a lively street dancing parade with
the participant wearing nothing but mudpacks (well,
almost...). It's a surefire way to mix our ecological
concerns with good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure
to shower afterwards!
PINYAHAN SA DAET
Daet, Camarines Norte
15-24 June
Sweet, succulent pineapple is the fruit of choice
for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact,
they loved it so much that they made a festival in
its honor. Join the locals as they celebrate the Pineapple
Festival featuring a colorful street presentation
complemented by art exhibits, trade fair, cultural
dances, and sport events. Feel rich when you go for
a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and be acquainted
with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban
and Lucban.
PARADA NG LECHON
Balayan, Batangas
24 June
A different sight and flavor are introduced in June
with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, popularly known
as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These succulent
roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decked
out in their platforms with all kinds of décor.
Since the festival coincides with the feast of St.
John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people
observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism
- pouring water.
TACLOBAN PINTADOS FESTIVAL
Tacloban City
29 June
Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos signified
courage among the natives of Tacloban. These days
they symbolize a cultural revival, and a wild, wacky
fiesta called the Pintados. Join the town residents
as they deck themselves out in body paint, mimicking
the warriors of old while dancing to the frenetic
beat of drums.
SANDUGO FESTIVAL
Tagbilaran City
1-2 July
The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began
with a blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of
Bohol. This historic event is remembered today with
an all-out fiesta at the island's capital city. Check
out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring ten
colorfully-dressed groups dancing to the beat of drums.
There's also a traditional Filipino carnival, a martial
arts festival, and Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant,
among the dozen of other exciting activities.
KINABAYO FESTIVAL
Dapitan City
25 July
An exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish
wars, particularly the Battle of Covadonga where the
Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last
stand against Saracan. They were able to reverse the
tide through the miraculous apparition of St. James.
The addition of local color and innovation has made
this annual revelry a popular attraction which brings
thousands of visitors to the city.
KADAYAWAN SA DABAW
Davao City
20-24 August
Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dadaw promises
another weekend of fanfare and fun - tribal style.
Watch as the festivities reach a glorious climax on
Saturday morning: that's when the Kadayawan parade
is held, featuring colorful, orchid-bedecked floats
and more than a dozen "ethnic" groups dancing
to the beat of wooden drums.
BONOK-BONOK FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE
Surigao City
9 September
Behind Surigao's multi-faceted culture is its original
tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their
roots this month as they celebrate their heritage
with a loud, rowdy street dancing parade.
PEÑAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN
Naga City
20 September
Bicol Region's biggest celebration is an annual affair
that combines religion with culture and tradition,
packing it all in a 9-day fiesta of biblical proportions.
Stay until sundown for stirring climax: the fluvial
parade as it makes its way down the river, surrounded
by a sea of glowing candles - a fitting end of this
truly spiritual occasion.
ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL
Zamboanga City
10-12 October
All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City
of Flowers" celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa
Festival. The vintas, those colorful native sea boats,
once again make their appearance in a fast-paced,
race-till-you-drop regatta. There's also a wealth
of cultural and flower shows, art exhibits, and trade
fairs. It's an all-out celebration of life - Chavacano
style!
MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Bacolod City
14-21 October
The carnival spirit fills the air as masked participants
donning fabulous costumes dance there way around the
city's main thoroughfares. This annual event reflects
Bacolenos' love for fun and gaiety. Coinciding with
the city's character day celebration, the festival
features carnivals, fairs, and madri-gras style street
dancing.
LANZONES FESTIVAL
Camiguin
25-28 October
Camiguin Island's favorite fruit becomes the object
of adoration in this superb street dancing extravaganza.
Watch the streets of Mambajao become colorful, lively
stages as the Camiguinons strut their stuff; dressed
in the costumes of the Mindanao tribes, and carrying
bunches of sweet, sumptuous lanzones. Everyone is
welcome to join the fun - it is a come-as-you-are,
eat-all-you-can, and dance-till-you-can affair.
PINTA FLORES FESTIVAL
San Carlos City
3-5 November
This city in the sugar-producing island of Negros
Occidental honors its patron saint, San Carlos Borromeo,
with a pageant where participants with floral painted
bodies dance in rhythmic beat as they wind through
the major streets. The festival is inspired by the
tattooed Negrenses of pre-colonial times.
FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES
Angono, Rizal
23 November
A fiesta of "gigantic" proportions, this
one is highlighted by a grand procession featuring
the higantes, ten-feet papier-mâche puppets,
surrounded by a crowd of drenched, water-fighting
revelers. Better bring your squirt gun if you want
to join the fun. It is a water-logged event that is
sure to leave you wet n' wild - and wanting for more.
SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL
Cotabato City
15-19 December
Cotabato City's Moslem population celebrates the arrival
of Islam to the region with a series of fun-filled
activities. No need to go native to enjoy these -
there's a fluvial parade, an outrigger boat race,
as well as various musical and athletics events.
GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL
San Fernando, Pampanga
3 December
San Fernando makes the biggest, most spectacular lanterns,
at around 40 feet in diameter and bearing thousands
of light bulbs a piece. Watch them all in their twinkling,
blinking, flashing glory in this grand Christmas exhibit.
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