How do you describe the culture of the Philippines?

Datu Ulap

 · 

Following

Filipino lifestyle Updated Jul 12

I can best summarize it with the following quote:

“The Philippines is the Philippines. Southeast Asian but not too Indianized, a former Spanish colony but not too Hispanicized, centuries of Chinese influence but not part of the Sinosphere. The country was a sponge for these cultural influences but it retained its own Austronesian heritage.”

The main cultural element of the Philippines is Austronesian. Here are a couple of examples:

• Austronesian languages that belong to the Malayo-Polynesian language group. This includes Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Maranao, Bikol, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, etc. Unlike most former Spanish colonies, the local languages thrive and are spoken by the vast majority of Filipinos. Malayo-Polynesian languages include languages of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Timor-Leste, and Austronesian peoples of Vietnam. 

• Outrigger boats, most common being the banca. Other varieties include the paraw, most commonly seen in the Visayas and the vinta, known for their colorful sails found in Mindanao.

• Raised floor architecture. Traditional architecture dictates that homes are built on stilts. The bahay kubo and other forms of vernacular architecture follow this plan. From the traditional homes of the Ifugao to the sea-faring Sama Bajau people, this type of architecture is ubiquitous. It is even seen among royal houses such as the torogan of the Maranao.

• Tattooing culture. While now mostly relegated to indigenous peoples such as the Kalinga, the practice was once widespread throughout the islands, with the Visayans known for their elaborate tattoos.

• Animism. While most Filipinos are Catholic, with a large Muslim minority, animist beliefs still prevail in Filipino society. Respect for spirits out in nature is still widely practiced, as is the belief that specific spots like an ancient balete tree are believed to be homes of spirits. “Tabi-tabi po” is one such example of the respect Filipinos have for nature spirits. Indigenous peoples still build spirit houses for those nature spirits.

• Gong ensembles are a unique Austronesian feature, common among Maritime Southeast Asia. Kulintang is one such example of a gong ensemble, found among the many ethnolinguistic peoples of Mindanao.

Can you give some examples of ancient Filipino culture that have survived until now?

https://www.quora.com/Can-you-give-some-examples-of-ancient-Filipino-culture-that-have-survived-until-now

The Philippines shares many aspects of its culture with the rest of Southeast Asia as well. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Domestication of water buffalo. The carabao is so important in an agricultural society, it's considered the national animal. Like the Philippines, Vietnam considers the water buffalo to be its national animal. The water buffalo is also a huge part of Minangkabau identity in Indonesia.

• Many forms of folk dance, include but are not limited to: bamboo stick dances, dancing with lanterns, fan dances, and long fingernail dances. 

• Transparent and translucent traditional clothing reflects the tropical nature of the region, from the Barong Tagalog to the Kebaya of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

• A rich textile heritage.

• Respect for elders. The act of pagmamano, or “mano”, is a common gesture of respect for elders in nearby Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

• Many ingredients used in Filipino cooking are also common in the rest of the region: coconut milk, rice, fish sauce, shrimp paste, pandan, native fruits, kangkong, lemongrass, soy sauce, etc.

It is important to note that, the neighboring countries have experienced a lot more Indianization in the culture, while the Philippines has historically received more secondhand influence. Indianization was more prevalent in the pre-colonial era, particularly in places like Butuan, Cebu, Sulu, and Manila. Many visible aspects of this Indianization are mostly seen in the Bangsamoro region, where Islam is the largest religion.

Being a former Spanish colony, the Philippines retains plenty of Hispanic elements as well.

• Catholicism is the largest religion in the country and is the most visible example of the legacy of the Spanish era with centuries-old churches, fiestas celebrating patron saints, and the celebration of Christmas and Semana Santa.

• The consumption of foods such as pan de sal, leche flan, longannisa, mechado, and empanadas.

• Spanish last names are the most common surnames in the country.
• Rondalla musical ensemble uses many Western-style stringed lutes.

Its also important to note that like Indian influence, much of the Spanish influence was also secondhand influence, as the Philippines was ruled indirectly through Mexico for most of the colonial era. Many Hispanic elements of the Philippines came from contact with Mexico, which included Nahuatl influence as well.

Datu Ulap

 · 8mo

Do Filipinos feel any cultural connection to Latin America, or vice versa?

Somewhat. Though its usually just for Mexico for the most part. I usually like to say the Philippines is what happens when you combine Southeast Asia and Latin America, though the Southeast Asian and Austronesian heritage definitely has a much bigger presence. I would argue Mexico is Top 5 in terms of closest cultures to the Philippines, but Indonesia and Malaysia is closer. At times, the Hispanic influence feels like a “facade” since many Filipino values and cultural traits are pretty much in line with the rest of Asian cultures. Catholic traditions, some Spanish and Nahuatl loanwords, some folk dances, and even some foods, some instruments and colonial era structures are present that give that connection to Mexico. * Miag-ao Church, Miagao, Iloilo. This church was built in 1787 in the Earthquake Baroque style as the Philippines is known for its destructive earthquakes. This church also has a fortress-like appearance as a way to serve as protection for townspeople against Moro pirates. * Paoay Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte - Some indigenous Mexicans helped build this church, hence the sun motif on the facade * Iglesia de Los Remedios, Cholula * Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, built atop the Aztec pyramids. * Iglesia de la Merced in Antigua, Guatemala Christmas traditions * Parol lanterns of the Philippines. They have been around for centuries in more simple shapes and took on their iconic star shape in the early 20th century. They are made of papel de japon as well as capiz shell. Parols are a common sight around Christmas in the Philippines. * Lubenas is a unique lantern tradition in Pampanga. * The Philippines has a unique Christmas tradition called Simbang Gabi, a 9-day event from 16 December to 24 December in the early morning hours, usually 04:00 or 05:00. Outside the church, vendors traditionally sold bibingka or puto bumbong. * Belen, or nativity scenes. Another common Christmas decoration that is also seen in other Catholic traditions. Mexico The Philippines and Mexico have important Marian statues that are venerated. * La Naval de Manila in Quezon City, Philippines. Pious believers claim that with the help of the virgin, the Spanish were able to defeat the invading Dutch forces in Manila in 1646. * Our Lady de Guadalupe in Mexico City, Mexico. This is the most popular and venerated religious symbol in Mexico and serves as an important symbol of Catholicism. Traditional dances in both the Philippines and Mexico share some overlap. * La Jota Manilena, a local adaptation of Castillian Jota that uses bamboo castanets. * Folklorico in Mexico takes on many forms depending on the region or state, involving pointed toes and exaggerated movements where the skirt is lifted up and twirled around a dancer. Traditional instrument ensembles have some things in common as well. * Rondalla in Mexico * Rondalla in the Philippines, where instruments like the bandurria, laud, and octavina make up an orchestra. These instruments are made from indigenous wood. There are also some things in common when talking about the culinary scene. * Empanada in Mexico, corn masa is filled with cheese, beef, or chicken. * Vigan Empanada, a specialty in Vigan, Philippines. The recipe uses rice flour, unripe papaya, longganisa, eggs, garlic, and onions. * Leche flan is present in Mexico and the Philippines. Interestingly enough, leche flan is found all over Latin America and even in India, Japan, and Vietnam often due to trade or colonial influence in these areas. * Tocino, cured pork belly. In the Philippines, this would be served with a fried egg and garlic fried rice as breakfast. Not to mention, some New World crops like pineapples, corn, and cacao beans have made their way to the Philippines. Fiestas are definitely a thing here and revolve around Catholic holidays and feasts. Note: Many of these similarities refer to Mexico because the Philippines was indirectly ruled from the Viceroyalty of Mexico starting in 1565 to 1821, so many Latin American cultural influence in the Philippines came directly from Mexico. The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade is the main source of contact between these two sides of the Pacific Ocean, connecting Asia to the New World. In conclusion, a commenter on Quora once said, “The Philippines is the Philippines. Southeast Asian but not too Indianized, a former Spanish colony but not too Hispanized. The country was a sponge for these cultural influences but it retained its own Austronesian heritage.” This is a very important point. If you enjoyed this answer, please feel free to read my other answers on Quora. Datu Ulap's answer to What are the similarities of the Philippines and Indonesia in terms of culture, tradition, and belief? Datu Ulap's answer to What are some cultural similarities between Vietnam and the Philippines? What are the similarities of traditions in the Philippines and Thailand? What are the similarities of Malaysia's culture and the Philippines? Datu Ulap's answer to What are some cuisines and foods that are found in the Philippines but also exist in other nations in Southeast Asia?

What are some Nahuatl loan words in the Filipino language?

https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-Nahuatl-loan-words-in-the-Filipino-language

The Chinese influence is also seen in the country as well. From food to siopao, pancit, and lumpia, to beliefs and traditions such as round fruits on New Year and eating noodles on birthdays for long life, Chinese culture has left its mark in the Philippines.