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.
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.
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.
