PHILIPPINE CULTURE, BELIEFS AND TRADITIONS

Presented to:

DR. JULIO H. CUETO

Professor, College of Teacher Education

Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirement to the Subject

“Social Dimensions of Education (SocDimEd)”

JUSAY, MIKAELA

BSED IV-ENGLISH

MAY 2020
 The Philippines: Culture, Beliefs and Tradition
Cultural practices and traditional beliefs are an integral part of any identity. Most
of these practices are preserved for different reasons among different tribes. Some of
them are the key in shaping the society and inculcating the true virtues of the member
of one’s community in her sons and daughters. These practices range from initiation
rites, festivals, child outdooring and marital ceremonies, to entombment of chiefs and
funerals. Our different traditions and superstitious beliefs are relevant in differentiating
us from people of other geographical orientations. In preserving and practicing these
customs and rites, we ensure continuity and protection of our rich heritage.

Each society in the world has its own cultural traditions that identify their heritage
and makes them uniquely different. But some people, especially those new to a foreign
country expect the locals to act and behave as they do. Cultural beliefs and traditions
identify a person’s heritage. Cultural traditions and customs are ingrained in a person.
They are practices and beliefs that are learned since birth. Thus, people from another
country should not think that what they consider sensible and polite behavior, facial
expressions, hand gestures and cultural practices in their country are perceived
similarly in another.

Culture, beliefs and traditions hold values and beliefs that are passed down from
one generation to the next. Traditions help children feel a sense of belonging and
consistency in their family. Identity is often found in the traditions and values of our
families. These traditions can be very simple, such as eating dinner together at the table
or watching a movie together every Friday. They are activities that take place in a
consistent manner and show the importance of togetherness.

Culture, beliefs and traditions help bond families together, as they link
generations. Children that have traditions implemented into their lives are found to be
more resilient and well-adjusted. Traditions can teach children values about religion,
heritage, and culture.

Consistency of culture, beliefs and traditions is especially important during

challenging times, such as moving to a new area, parents’ divorce, or the loss of a loved
one. Grief is often a time when families bond through rituals, such as taking flowers or
special items to the burial grounds or planting trees or flowers in memory of their loved
one. Creating a traditional way to remember those who have passed away can help in
the grieving process.

Culture, beliefs and traditions represent a critical piece of our culture. They help
form the structure and foundation of our families and our society. They remind us that
we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are
likely to become. Once we ignore the meaning of our traditions, we’re in danger of
damaging the underpinning of our identity.

Filipino people are known as

settlers in many parts of the world. They
are like the chameleon who easily adapts
to different environments. They thrive to
survive. Survival of the fittest is their
banner.

The Republic of the Philippines was

named to honor King Philip II of Spain in
1543. Filipinos are originally from the
southern part of Asia. People from
countries like China, India, the United
States and Spain married Filipinos
resulting in a great deal of stock blending.
79 indigenous ethnic groups compose the
Filipino people. According to Wikipedia, the last five hundred years of eventful history of
the country added an impact to the cultural blend of the Asian and Western population.
The colonial reign of the Spaniards in 1570-1898 as well as the Americans in 1903-
1946, resulted in the expansion of Christian values, which gave an identity to every
Filipino. And the interaction with other countries’ cultures, like the ones from China,
India, Indonesia and Malaysia, gave a specific Asian touch to the cultural heritage of the
Philippines.

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.

Let’s review some of the popular Filipino traditions and find the similarities that
bind Filipinos to each other.

First on the list is Mano Po.

When children or young people greet or
say goodbye to their elders they
typically do so by taking the right hand
of the elder with their right hand and
touch the back the elder's hand lightly
on their forehead. It is a way of giving
respect to the elders and I believe that
is also a way of receiving blessing to
the elders.
Mano is a Spanish word for “hand” while Po is used in the end of the sentence
when addressing elders or superiors.

Filipinos are also one of the

most HOSPITABLE people you may
find anywhere. Foreign visitors in the
country are treated with the utmost
respect. This trait is usually seen
during fiestas and holidays where
many Filipinos are giving their best to
entertain their visitors well.

It is amazing to see that even

the simplest home along the road
opens their home to a stranger. For
Filipinos, to be able to serve others gives them honor of showing true friendship. Filipino
Hospitality is a trait you can't take away from them.

Having Close Family
Ties is also one of their unique
traits. It is one of the outstanding
cultural values that Filipinos have.
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 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. As Filipinos, we are blessed to have been brought up with strong family ties.

Bayanihan
Have you ever experienced the
BAYANIHAN in our country?  It is the spirit
of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. A famous example of this is
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
We Filipinos are very romantic when it
comes to heart affairs. Serenading or Harana in
Tagalog is one of the most popular forms of
courtship to show that a man is very serious with
his intentions to a woman. A serenade would
require the young man to sing a love song in front
of the young lady's house. Normally, he is
accompanied by his male friends who act as
back-up singers. The man himself or his friend
played the instrument, usually a guitar, which
provides the background music to his song.

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
The majority of Filipino people practice the
Christian religion. Spain highly influenced the people
to the extent that the Philippines became one of the
two predominantly Christian nations in the Asia
Pacific, the other being East Timor.

According to Wikipedia, Christianity is the

religion of about 80% of the Philippine population
(mostly Catholics) while Islam is the religion of 11%,
and other religions and beliefs comprise the 9% of the
rest of the population Their habit of going to church
and often praying reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to
religion. They are very devoted to religions that sometimes many take the risk of their
lives just to touch the Black Nazarine (in Quiapo Manila). For many, it is just a choice
between their faith and fears.

Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion may lead to a better life and their
guidance to face everyday life.

Superstition
In the Philippines, superstitious
beliefs have grown throughout the country.
These beliefs have come from the different
sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that
aim to prevent danger from happening or to
make a person refrain from doing
something in particular.

These beliefs are part of our 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. Some are
practiced primarily because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will
comply with these beliefs.

Many Filipinos are really superstitious. No matter how young and modern you
are, your superstitious blood still flows in your veins. Growing up in a family with so
many mythical beliefs is grueling. Maraming bawal! Sometimes you get surprised
because lola will scold you for doing something you didn’t know was wrong.

You may find a few of them here in our list of Philippines native beliefs:

Sweeping the floor at night will

drive away incoming blessings.
One of the popular Filipino
superstitions our lolo and lola tell us is not
to sweep the floor at night—no matter
how dugyot it is because it’s malas. Our
ancestors may have forgotten that having allergies, cold, and dirty feet we can get from
dirt and dust aren’t blessings.

Singing while cooking will make you single for the

rest of your life. However, a few says you’d end up
with a much older spouse.
To all single ladies and gents, DON’T YOU DARE sing
while cooking, or else you’ll never find your fated love or you’d
marry someone way older. At least, those are what
our mapamahiing grandparents say.

Groupfie of 3? The person in the middle will be

the first to die.
This most common Filipino superstitions scared
teenagers in the ‘90s. Admit it, once in your life you included an
“extra friend” in the groupfie, so none among the three of you
will die. “Apat dapat,” as what they say.

Don’t sleep with your hair wet;

otherwise, you’ll lose your
mind.
We’ve been
discussing pamahiin for a long
time. Sometimes, even if we’re really
sleepy, we stay up late just to dry our
hair. In fact sleeping with your hair wet is
bad—for it is in its weakest state.
Therefore, when you neglect to dry your hair before going to bed, it can lead to hair
damage and breakage.

 Don’t trim your fingernails and toenails at night

because it will bring you bad luck.
Our ancestors may have issues with cleaning at night.
It could be, too, they’re just like us who make such
a pamahiin to skip doing household chores and go straight to
bed. Sleep the pain, my friend. Your ingrown toenail can wait
‘til the morning.

Turn your plate when someone leaves

in the middle of a meal.
When sitting at the dining table for a meal
and someone gets up to leave before the rest of
the group finishes, everybody left at the table
should turn their plates to ensure safe travels for
the person leaving. Another meal superstition
(though more loosely believed) is that the table should not start being cleared while
people are still eating. If this is done, it is believed that the last person left dining will live
a lonely life.

Don’t go straight home after attending a wake.

This superstition is called “pagpag” (the shaking off
of dirt). In the context of a wake, it means going elsewhere
after attending the wake before heading home to shake off
the spirit of the deceased lest it follows you home.
Superstitions surrounding wakes are among the most
widely practiced by Filipinos still today. Another is that the
family of the deceased should not drop off visitors at the
door upon saying goodbye as it symbolizes dropping them
off at their own deaths. And, as for serving food at wakes
(be it heavy meals or light snacks) at Filipino wakes is
customary, visitors should not make the mistake of taking
any home with them (be it a small piece of candy), as it
signifies inviting misfortune into your home.
 Siblings should not marry within the same
year.
This superstition is called “sukob” and advises
against siblings marrying within the same year as it is
said to divide the luck between the two marriages.
Another type of sukob advises against marriages within
the same year as the death of an immediate family
member. Pushing to do so is considered bad luck.

Another wedding-related superstition is that the

bride should never try on her dress before the big day.
This is said to bring bad luck and cause the cancellation
of the union.

Serve pancit (noodles) at celebrations,

especially birthdays
This ever-present dish
at Filipino gatherings is believed to represent
long life. And while Filipinos today may joke and
laugh about actually believing that this noodle
dish is served for long life, it remains a staple at
nearly every birthday feast.

Respect the elementals

Filipino folklore is rich with a
variety of elementals, from giants
smoking tobacco, to small, grumpy, old
men living in anthills. Stories of these
creatures fill the childho ods of many
Filipino children, inciting both intrigue
and fear. Many superstitions still
surround the beliefs in such creatures
today. Among the most practiced is the
saying of “tabi tabi po” (excuse me) when passing through places where elementals are
likely to dwell. These places are usually outdoors, such as anthills and Balete trees.
Failure to do so and disturbing such creatures may lead to unexplained sickness that
can only be cured by an albularyo (folk healer).

Be careful when showing

fondness over babies.
It’s difficult to restrain from
playing with cute babies or
complimenting their parents on their
adorable features, but doing so in the
Philippines is believed by some, to be
a potential cause of illness. Referred
to as either “usog” or “bati”, this superstition says that when a person with strong energy
greets a child, the child may soon after suffer from unexplainable discomfort. This is
why, especially in the countryside, older people know to say “pwera usog” when
showing fondness over children. This is meant to counter any usog that may have
happened otherwise. If this isn’t said, and parents attribute certain maladies of their
children to usog, they may ask the greeter to smear their saliva on the suffering child’s
forehead as a cure.

Blame your missing things on elves

In the Philippines, there is an assumption that when
items around the house go missing and reappear,
this is caused by dwendes or playfu l elves. While
mischievous, these little creatures are believed to
be mostly harmless – aside from the type that take
small children.
Cuisine

The Philippines is considered the melting pot of Asia. The rich medley of
Chinese, Malay, Spanish, Mexican, American, and Indian cooking are noticed in
Philippine cuisine.  Eating out is one of the favorite Filipino pasttimes. A typical Pinoy
diet consists at most of six meals a day; breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, and
again a midnight snack before going to sleep.

Rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, and is usually eaten

together with other dishes. Filipinos regularly use spoons
together with forks and knives. Some also eat with their
hands, especially in informal settings, and when eating
seafood.

Other popular dishes brought from

Spanish and Southeast Asian influences
include afritada, asado, chorizo, empanadas,
mani (roasted peanuts), paksiw (fishor pork,
cooked in vinegar and water with some spices
like garlic and pepper), pan de sal (bread
rolls), pescado frito (fried or grilled fish), sisig,
torta(omelette), kare-kare (ox-tail stew),
kilawen, pinakbet (vegetable stew), pinapaitan,
and sinigang (tamarind soup with a variety of
pork, fish, or prawns).

Some delicacies eaten by some Filipinos may seem unappetizing to the Western
palate include balot (boiled egg with a fertilized duckling inside), longanisa (sweet
sausage), and dinuguan (soup made from pork blood).
 Popular snacks and desserts such as chicharon (deep fried pork or chicken skin),
halo-halo (crushed ice with evaporated milk, flan, and sliced tropical fruit),puto (white
rice cakes), bibingka (rice cake with butter or margarine and salted eggs), ensaymada
(sweet roll with grated cheese on top), polvoron (powder candy), and tsokolate
(chocolate) are usually eaten outside the three main meals. Popular Philippine
beverages include San Miguel Beer, Tanduay Rhum,coconut arrack, and tuba.
 Every province has its own specialty and tastes vary in each region. In Bicol, for
example, foods are generally spicier than elsewhere in the Philippines. Patis, suka,
toyo, bagoong, and banana catsup are the most common condiments found in Filipino
homes and restaurants. Western fast food chains such as McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC,
and Pizza Hut are a common sight in the country.

A roasted pig known as the Lechón, is one of the Philippines most popular
dishes. During special occasions like town’s big event in celebration of their saint’s
feast, a favorite food called “lechon”, a suckling pig that has been roasted until the skin
turns crusty is served.

Marriage and Wedding Customs

In the country, marriage is a sacred union of man and women after a period of
courtship and engagement. It is a sacrament between two people who love each other.
For many Filipinos, the eternal quality of dedication to God pervades a truly sacred
marriage.

A sacred marriage is a covenant between two who love each other in God and with
God, whose joining becomes an expression of the desire of each to love and serve God
together.

Filipino weddings are an impressive fusion of modern and historic

customs. Traditionally, these cultural weddings are a celebration of two families coming
together rather than just the two individuals. Alluring attire like the Barong and
Filipiniana, and traditional Tinikling folk dance are just a few unique Filipino wedding
customs.

There is an assortment of Filipino wedding traditions with a majority of them

being drawn from the Catholic religion. With roughly 80% of Filipinos being Catholic, it
has become customary for Filipino weddings to be held in a Catholic Church where
many rituals and readings take place. Each ritual signifies the important values of
marriage and the union of two individuals. This makes it the most intriguing and
sentimental part of a Filipino wedding.

Beyond the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the Filipino wedding includes many
more significant members that have been a part of the couple’s life. Filipino couples
often honor these important guests with the title of Principal Sponsor or Secondary
Sponsor. The number of sponsors can vary from a single couple to multiple couples.
During the ceremony, sponsors are invited to join the bride and groom in the prayers of
blessing.

Filipino Money Dance

The Money Dance is also known as The Dollar Dance or The Apron Dance. No matter
what you choose to call it, this tradition is a fun one that many cultures choose to
include during their reception. The DJ will ask the men and women to line up in
separate lines, grab a pin and wait their turn to dance with the bride and/or groom. The
money received during the dances is perceived as a sign of good fortune, while also
financial assistance as they begin their journey as husband and wife.
Language
There are 175 estimated languages
spoken in the Philippines.  Almost all are
classified as Malayo-Polynesian languages.
Among those languages, there are 13 indigenous
languages with nearly 1 million speakers.

For more than three centuries Spanish

was the official language under Spain’s colonial
rule.  It was spoken by 60% of the population as
either a first, second or third language in the
early 20th century.  However, the use of Spanish
began to decline after the United States
occupation in the early 1900’s.  In 1935 the
Constitution of the Philippines named English
and Spanish the official languages.  In 1939 the Tagalog language was named the
national language.  The language was renamed “Pilipino” in 1959 and finally “Filipino” in
1973.  The present Constitution names Filipino and English as joint official languages.

Music, Arts and Literature

 Filipinos are very fond of
music. They use various materials to
create sound. They love performing
dances (Tiniking and Carinosa) and
group singing during festive
celebrations. Settlers from Spain
introduced to them a variety of
musical instruments like the ukulele,
trumpet, drums and violin. Most of
their music is contemporary and they
have also learned to write their own
songs based on real life events.
People are also fond of folklore, which was influenced by the early church and Spanish
literature.  Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, is famous for his literature and novels
inspired from the independence story of the country.

Celebrations
Filipinos love to get together for a good time. Hardly a day goes by without there
being a celebration somewhere in the country. Vibrant festivals characterized by lots of
creativity, artistry, and passion last anywhere from one day to a full month.

These celebrations are hugely cultural, displaying the fun-loving spirit of Filipinos
around the world. In these celebrations, the history, traditions, and spiritual side of the
Filipinos come to the forefront. Indeed, so grand are some of these celebrations that
they’ve birthed many of the entire region’s most popular festivals. If you happen to be
touring the Philippines any time this year, here are ten festivities that you can be a part
of.

Ati-Atihan Festival

Date: Third Sunday of January

Location: Aklan

The Ati-Atihan Festival is
regarded as the granddaddy of
all festivities in the Philippines,
and for a good reason. This
religious festivity is one of the
oldest Philippine celebrations
and is widely touted as the best
and biggest Mardi Gras in the
country. The celebration takes a whole week, reaching its peak on the third  Sunday of
the New Year. There’s usually a frenzied parade on the streets where celebrants with
colorfully painted faces and indigenous costumes come out for a fun-filled march along
the streets of Kalibo. The highlights of this popular celebration include mesmerizing
tribal dances, loud drum beats, and Catholic rituals. Even if you only prefer to watch the
proceedings from a distance, the experience is still truly memorable. It’s a mix of
ingenious drama and religious ritual that has no equal.

Sinulog Festival
Date: Third Sunday of January
Location: Cebu City

On the third weekend of

January, Cebu City serves its
own festival dish to rival any the
world over. This festival, fondly
known as Sinulog, brings
together gifted residents of the
city and the provinces beyond to
showcase their talent through
pageantry, street dancing, sports, and other acts. Millions of people from the Philippines
and the rest of the world attend this festival every year, putting it right there at the top
with the other most attended festivals in the world. Added to this kaleidoscope parade
are numerous concerts that host Philippines’ biggest and most exciting raves, making
Cebu a haven for fun-loving partygoers.

Dinagyang Festival
Date: Fourth Sunday of January
Location: Iloilo City
 On the fourth weekend of January, all roads lead to Iloilo City for an annual street
party that brings the whole city to a standstill. Streets are usually closed during this
festival, with bands playing in every corner and people enjoying endless food and
drinks. There are towering boom boxes everywhere. Different tribes come together in
this festival, with each making entertaining presentations. There are highly competitive
performances from different high schools, too. This festivity has become such a force
that it has received several awards in the past, one of them for Best Tourism Event of
the Philippines from Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.

Panagbenga Festival
Date: February 1 – March 4
Location: Baguio City

The Panagbenga Festival is

one of the most popular and well-
loved festivals in the country.

February ushers in the

“season of blooming.” This festival is
a treat by Baguio City, one whose charm especially lies in its flora and fauna theme.
Expect beautiful parades of floral floats in the city, as well as children adorned as flora
and fauna. Feast your eyes on Session Road in Bloom where the street is closed to
allow for gorgeous flower carts, beautiful street dancing, and outdoor cafes. It’s a
refreshing celebration for those coming from the frenzy of January celebrations.

Moriones Festival

Date: April 2-7

Location: Marinduque Province

Come Holy Week in the

Philippines, people flock to
Marinduque for a weeklong celebration of St. Longinus. Scores of people wear helmets
to reenact the search of the saint by fellow centurions once he has converted to
Christianity. This is the same centurion who pierced Jesus’ side with a lance. The locals
reenact the hunt theatrically, with one of the locals playing the saint while the rest,
dressed as centurions, search for him.

Pahiyas Festival

Date: May 14-15

Location: Lucban Quezon

In May, Lucban treats people to a unique harvest festival known as the Pahiyas.
Residents of the area colorfully decorate their homes with farm produces. The display is
done competitively, which adds to the glamor of the affair. Come out with a basket and
pick the produce from the walls without paying if you wish. All those lush vegetables and
fruits mentioned on the Bahay Kubo song are usually on display, especially the
sigarilyas and talong.

Pintados Festival

Date: June 28- June 29

Location: Tacloban City, Leyte
 This festival is the highlight of June for residents of Tacloban City. It is the fourth
celebration in honor of Sto. Niño-the baby Jesus. Yes, the Filipinos love to remind
everyone to be childlike in their ways and treasure their children, placing their hopes in
them. This festival has been growing in popularity over the years as it sends a lot of
participants to the next festival in this list, the Aliwan Fiesta.

Aliwan Festival
Date: April 26-28
Location: CCP Complex Pasay City

The Aliwan Fiesta takes place in

the last week of April. This festival is one
of the newest in the country, having
started in 2003. However, its wild
popularity is rivaled by few others in the
country. Currently, the festival, which
takes place in Pasay City, is lauded as the mother of all festivities in the country. The
festival is meant to promote the different cultures in the country and brings together
thousands of young men and women to competitively showcase their cultures, with the
winner bagging a million pesos.

Kadayawan Festival
Date: Third Week of August
Location: Davao City

Well into the second half of the year,

Davao City brings together residents and
visitors in the biggest celebration hosted by
Mindanao. This festival takes place during
the third week of August and features floral
floats, beauty pageants, street dancing, and
fireworks displays. This festival has all the
hallmarks of a traditional Filipino festival.

Philippine International Hot Air

Balloon Fiesta
Dates: Every 2nd week of February
Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles
City, Pampanga

The Philippine International Hot Air

Balloon Fiesta is back and everyone is
excited about it. The 4-day festival, which previously held in Pampanga has a new
venue. The festival features activities to do with flying, skydiving, paragliding and
stunning hot air balloons among others. This festival is Asia’s longest-running event and
will bring together aviators and tourists from around the world.

Noche Buena
Christmas is one of the most
loved celebration by Filipinos. Families
and relatives gather on the 24th of
December, to celebrate food prepared
for “Noche Buena,” a Spanish term
which means “midnight meal” to greet
Christmas Day.

New Year
New Year is another
celebration that gathers the
Filipino families. Wearing dotted
clothes and preparing round fruits
on the table, which symbolize
prosperity, is one of the many
customs of the Filipinos.

With a major celebration happening somewhere in the country virtually every

month of the year, the Philippines is indeed the land of festivals. For the fun-loving
tourist looking for some unforgettable action, there’s always something on offer all year
round.
Sports
Filipinos are not only skilled when it comes to industry but also in sports. The
national sport of the Philippines is called arnis, a form of martial arts. Filipinos love
watching American games like basketball, football and recently boxing which made the
Philippines more famous all over the world.  Filipino sport star, Manny Pacquiao, has
been put on a pedestal due to his skill in boxing and more Filipinos have risen to
stardom in the sports arena.

Conclusion
The Philippines has a very unique culture due to the influences of colonization
and the surrounding countries. Filipino people are very hardworking and strive to make
life better for the next generation of their family.  The melting pot theory that is evident in
this culture makes this country a vibrant, exciting and diverse place to live and visit.

Resources:
https://www.globalizationpartners.com/2015/02/20/the-philippines-culture-and-tradition/

https://outoftownblog.com/festivals-to-look-out-for-in-the-philippines/