11 Things You Should Know About Filipino Culture
What is it about the Philippines that makes it different from the rest of the world? Well, for one thing, it is all about their culture. Here are 11 things you should know about Filipino culture that sets them apart from any other nation on the planet.
Filipinos are very resilient
In times of calamities and catastrophes, always manage to rise above the challenge. Instead of wallowing, they manage to pick themselves up and smile.
Filipinos take pride in their families
In the Philippines, it is family first. So whether you are part of the immediate family or you belong to the third or fourth generation, you are treated as a family member. Sometimes, even the closest of friends are considered family, too.
Filipinos are very religious
In all corners of a Filipino house, you can find brazen images of crosses and other religious paraphernalia. They go to church every Sunday, or sometimes even twice or three times a week.
Santo Nino devotees attend mass by the thousands | © Jacob Maentz / Alamy Stock Photo
Filipinos are very respectful
From the moment they are born into this world, they are already taught how to be respectful by using these simple catchphrases—po and opo, words that end sentences when addressing elders. They have a culture of pagmamano, which is where they raise the backs of the hands of their elders to their foreheads as a sign of respect.
Filipinos help one another
More popularly known as bayanihan, Filipinos help one another—without expecting anything in return—so that undertaking their tasks and responsibilities become much easier. Sometimes this is called “community spirit.”
Filipinos value traditions and culture
For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their family are important. They usually set aside a specific day for a certain celebration like festivals, birthday parties, reunions, etc. And of course, every gathering is dedicated to keeping up with each other over sumptuous food.
Filipinos love to party
Yes, Filipinos love to hold celebrations and fiestas. Bacolod has its MassKara Festival, Davao has its Kadayawan Festival, and Marinduque has its Moriones Festival.
Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo, Philippines | © Kobby Dagan / VWPics / Alamy Stock Photo
Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations—ever
Even as early as August, you can hear Christmas songs and jingles being played in the malls or in the restaurants in the Philippines. The mood becomes festive, with many people shopping and in good spirits. Christmas celebrations last until around the first or second week of January.
Christmas display, Mactan International Airport, Cebu, Philippines | © Thomas Cockrem / Alamy Stock Photo
Filipinos love to eat
Aside from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Filipinos manage to squeeze in a little meal in between, too. Whether they eat every hour or every three hours, they savour every bite. Oh, and they do love going to buffets!
Filipinos love to sing
This is the reason why karaoke has become so prevalent. As part of their recreation, Filipinos spend some quality time with their families or friends singing or belting out new and old songs.
Filipinos love art and architecture
Just look at the massive and tall buildings everywhere. Filipinos have a penchant for bringing art and architecture to a whole new level. They love to design creatively, to think intuitively, and have a passion for anything different and unique.