A Look at Philippine Popular Culture and Customs: a Unique Filipino Identity

Introduction: Philippine popular culture

Introduction: Filipino culture is a big reflection of its great and complex history. After reading the philippine popular culture essay, you will learn a lot about this place. For example, the Philippines is in an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands. The history of the country revolves around immigration and occupation. It is influenced by most of the people they have interacted with. Background: A blend of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence from Chinese, Indian Arabs, and other Asian cultures really contributes to the customs and traditions of the Filipinos. Filipino culture is unique compared to other Asian countries, and beliefs apply every day in the life of the Filipinos and reveal how rich and blessed the culture the people have. There is a value system that Filipinos or Pinoy as they are affectionally known that they have held true and dear to their identity and culture. This code is a compilation of ideologies, moral compass, ethical practices, etiquette, and even personal values that have been carried or handed down for generations. These values, for the most part, are centered on social harmony and a strong desire to be accepted. Words such as Hiya (Dignity), Pakikisama (companionship) and Utang na loob (Gratitude) are just the tips of the ‘iceberg’ when it comes to their value system. Family, humor, adaptability, faith, ability to survive, and hospitality are among some of the top values that contribute to the make-up of the Philippine culture and customs. One can easily see while researching or studying the Philippines, that they have deep Christian values similar to those of Europe, democratic values that mimic America, namely the United States, and deep spiritual values found in Asia.

One thing that is also very notable and very unlike other Asian countries. Women occupy a high status and share equality with Filipino men. Unlike Western counterparts, Filipino women do not have to march to be heard, they command respect and are highly respected. They can drive, study, walk alone and even be president. Another interesting fact is their love of giving and going to parties, they like to celebrate just about anything, from getting the first job, passing an exam, or recovering from a sickness. These are all enough reasons for them to throw a party. Every country has its unique values and cultural compass and the Filipinos are no exception.

Thesis statement: This essay discusses some of the popular Filipino traditions and examines the similarities that bind Filipinos to each other.

Filipino traditions

Mano Po

Topic sentence: First is Mano Po. Known as “Mano Po” (Tagalog) or “Amen” (Bisaya), this gesture is a sign of respect and is used to ask to receive the blessing of an elder. This is a special greeting to show veneration, 'mano,' whereby you take the hand of an elderly person and place it on your forehead as if receiving his blessing. It is one of the outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. When it comes to blessing there is nothing “Strange” about it at all! I think it is beautiful! Yes, I think we should respect one and other, especially our elders. It is a way of giving respect to the elders and I believe that is also a way of receiving blessings from the elders. Mano is a Spanish word for “hand” while Po is used in the end of the sentence when addressing elders or superiors.

Topic sentence: Filipinos are known to be one of the most hospitable people that anyone can find anywhere. Evidence & citing: Tourists and foreigners that are in the country are treated with the utmost respect. This trait is particularly more evident during what is known as fiestas and holidays where many Filipinos give their best to entertain and treat their visitors well. Even the simplest home along the road will open their home to a stranger. For Filipinos, to be able to serve others gives them great honor and it is a showing of true friendship. Filipino Hospitality is a trait that is embedded in them and cannot be taken away.

Bayanihan

Topic sentence: Close family ties are also one of their unique traits. Family bonds are very important to Filipinos. The elderly are honored and respected and children are taught to say 'po' and 'apo,' showing respect to their grandparents, from an early age. The family takes care of each other and is taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. This is one of the unique characteristics of Filipinos. Having a fondness for family reunions during secular and religious holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s eve, All Saints’ Day, Holy Week, Fiestas, homecomings, birthdays, weddings, graduations, baptisms, funerals, etc. is evidence that Filipino people valued not only our cultural tradition but the spirit of our family. Filipinos are blessed to have been brought up with strong family ties. Evidence & citing: There is a word “Bayanihan “ which is especially interesting in the Philippines. The Bayanihan is a Filipino custom derived from the Filipino word “bayan”, which means nation, town, or community. The term Bayanihan itself literally means “being in a bayan”, which refers to the spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. There is a famous example in Art that shows the neighbors carrying a hut or house to a new location. People nowadays use it to describe an outpouring of community spirit-as people give their all to the common good, without expecting recognition or personal gain. Courtship. Living with Parents Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything. Adult children living with their parents are another FILIPINO tradition that makes them exceptional. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home after finishing high school or college, many Filipinos continue living with parents until they get married.

Harana

Topic sentence: Filipinos are also known to be very romantic when it comes to matters of the heart. Evidence & citing: The tradition of Harana, musical serenading outside someone’s window, is a popular event, the most common practice is for suitors to woo their sweetheart through romantic song. A man wishing to court the woman he loved would arrange for a group of friends to help him serenade her with guitar and singing. They would stand outside her window and play love songs in order to attract the woman’s attention. Watching from her house, the woman, along with all the family members present, would enjoy the romantic performance and courageous display of affection. This was a chance for the young man to court not only his lover but her family as well. They would have to wait until the young lady opened a window to listen. It would be up to her if she wanted to invite them in for some refreshment and to chat after the song. Even if they had been asked to come in, the suitor would not expect that he could have the chance of a private moment with his object of affection. It was highly likely that the parents would also be there to entertain the man and his friends.

Religion and beliefs

Topic sentence: As far as Religion is concerned the Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic. Evidence & citing: In fact, research shows the Philippines as being the only Christian nation in Asia, with more than 86 percent of the population being Roman Catholic. Filipinos have historically had a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion and it is shown by their insatiable habit of going to church and praying which is still true today. Filipinos are very devoted to religions and there are samples of many of them taking risk of their lives just to touch the Black Nazarene which is a life-sized image of a dark-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the Cross enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in the Quiapo district of the City of Manila, Philippines. Commentary: In the Philippines religion is foundational. Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion may lead to a better life and their guidance to face everyday life.

Topic sentence: Philippine beliefs and superstitions have grown in number throughout the various regions and provinces in the country. Evidence & citing: These beliefs have come from the different sayings and superstitions of their ancestors that aim to prevent danger from happening or to make a person refrain from doing something in particular. Some are practiced primarily because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will comply with these beliefs. Commentary: These beliefs are part of their culture, for one derives their beliefs from the influences of what their customs, traditions, and culture have dictated to explain certain phenomena or to scare people.

Topic sentence: In the Philippines, close-knit relationships between relatives and friends mean that young people often marry others already known to their families. Whether this is the case or not it is traditional that 'pamanhikan' occurs, and the suitor's parents visit the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage. From this point on the prospective groom expects to make himself as useful as possible to his fiancé’s family. Filipinos are also known for long engagements, marriage is a serious affair and engagements often last for several years while the couple work, save for a home, and if necessary, pay for siblings' education. Friends and relatives may help sponsor the marriage which cuts expenses. There are various kinds of weddings according to family wishes, religion, and whether the geographical location is rural or urban. Over the last century, it has become fashionable for brides to wear white, imitating the Western style of dress, however, if a couple has a tribal wedding, they will wear traditional attire. In the Filipino culture, the everlasting quality of commitment to God infuses a truly blessed marriage. This bond of marriage is a pledge between two who love each other in God and with God. The act of getting married carries additional weight in that by joining in holy matrimony this becomes an expression of the yearning of each to love and serve God together.

As it is with marriage, death in the Philippines is also considered one of the most important occasions in family life. For many Filipinos, the death of relatives is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the Family. Paying respect is to honor the relationship to the deceased. When a Filipino passes, long-lost friends, family members, and even those leaving thousands of miles away in foreign lands will reunite to pay respect. The Philippines are not without some of the most interesting and unique rituals which are partly founded on religious beliefs but also superstition. As with many other cultures, mourning and lamentation are still present, but newer generations are now celebrating death is a happy and welcoming light that would usually encase the place to help the deceased on his journey to heaven. Filipinos have what is called the novena which is a nine-day period of praying and Masses offered for the deceased. Another period follows death, the 40-day mourning period. One would know if a Family or family member is mourning because they will wear a small, black rectangular plastic pin on their left breast or breast pocket area. Lastly, a ceremonial mass is held at the end of this 40-day period. It is Filipinos' common belief that the soul goes to Heaven after these 40 days, following the belief that Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven after the same period of days.

Holidays

Topic sentence: Christmas in the Philippines is considered as one of the biggest holidays. They have earned the distinction of celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, or the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú on the third Sunday of January. In one’s article, Archbishop Cruz told in his Christmas message that 'the essence of Christmas is God made flesh, God who has come among us' in an act of love 'that joins humankind to the Living God through our Lord Jesus Christ'. For many Filipinos, the true essence of Christmas for is not gift-giving but sharing this special holy day with family.

In the Philippines, every town and city has fiestas of its own; whatever time of the year it is, there's sure to be a fiesta going on somewhere. Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint. It is an integral part of the Filipino culture through good times and bad times, it must go on. Christmas is by far the biggest fiesta of all. It is a season celebrated with all the splendor and ritual where the whole country breaks out in celebrations that can begin long before December. For individual Filipinos, fiestas can be a way of appealing to the heavens or making amends for past wrongs. It is a way to celebrate their blessings, commemorate their past and observe solemn religious rituals. Celebrations include music, dancing, eating, beauty contests, balls, processions, sports challenges, or a host of other events. The Spanish influence is very evident in the elaborate masks, makeup, headdresses, and costumes worn by the celebrators. These outfits often take months of preparation.

Conclusion

Conclusion paragraph: Filipinos do indeed have a rich cultural tradition with unique customs. They are indeed the melting pot of western and eastern cultures. Filipino identity was forged primarily as a result of pre-colonial cultures, colonial influences, and foreign traders intermixing together; gradually evolving into a uniquely Filipino identity. In that colonial mentality, most Filipinos even the poor ones are very fond of Brand name goods. Filipinos think anything Western-made is superior while anything made locally is inferior. Filipinos also have a worker bee mentality, they are very hard working but most lack the entrepreneur mentality. These are some of the traits of the Filipino culture and there are lots more, but these stood out in my research about the Philippines.

References

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