The Filipino Culture
The culture of the Philippines is a vibrant account of the country's long history. People's religion, unity with others, affinity with nature, and celebration of life are all reflected in their customs.
The attractiveness of the Filipino rests in their smiles, in the myriad religious festivals that honor nature, the Divine, and life's cycles, and in the characteristic of pakikipag-kapwa tao, which values connections between friends and strangers. The Filipino spirit is built on the notion of kapwa (others). The delight of his existence, according to a Filipino scholar, is in being among others. The diversity of life across the archipelago, the vibrant hues of its folk arts, and the constant stream of foreign influences that have made their way into Filipino languages, customs, and traditions are all part of the country's allure.
So there are the colorful Santa Cruzan celebrations in May, which have pagan beginnings but depict strong Christian symbols, as well as a long-running relationship with Christmas in December. The dances of the plains of Luzon have strong Hispanic tempos, exquisite Muslim dances for battles and weddings from Mindanao, and old indigenous music from the highlands. The nation boasts picturesque town squares that remind visitors of its colonial history, light airy cottages with bougainvillea-decked walls along country roads, enormous malls, high-rises, and hectic metropolitan avenues, stone houses on typhoon-strewn islands in the north, and residences on stilts in the south.
In their churches and mosques, Filipinos pray fervently. They can sing and can tell when someone is skilled at singing. They grin at strangers and newborns, and they smile their way through lines, rainstorms, and gridlock. They mingle in parties, discos, marketplaces, and community dances. Food, lambanog (coconut wine), and text messaging are used to form and maintain friendships. They are emotional and family-oriented. They have a deep regard for elders and treat visitors with humility. They speak nearly a hundred different dialects and languages, the most common of which being Tagalog-based Filipino, as well as English with a heavy accent. Basketball is their sport. They enjoy international movies and dramas on television. They are passengers in the popular jeepney and walkers who converse while strolling. They like giggling about themselves, politics, and game shows. Their perspectives are global, but their beliefs are anchored in their faith, family, and community.
The mood of the Filipinos is as warm and consistent as their sunshine. Their culture is rich, diversified, and deeply ingrained. They work well with people and have an engagingly daring attitude toward the world. They are the Philippines' 73 million people.
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