UNDERSTANDING

CULTURE, SOCIETY AND

POLITICS IN THE
PHILIPPINES

Submitted to:

Submitted by:
 Jose Rizal

Medicine Art
Traditional Arts

Singkil
Ethnomedicine

Carving Folk Performing Arts Weaving

Ethnomedicine
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda; (June Non-Traditional Arts
Ethnomedicine is one of the oldest traditional arts in the
19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer
Philippines. These arts possess traditions (and objects associated
and polymath during the tail end of the Spanish colonial period of
with it) which are performed by medical artisans and shamans,
the Philippines. He is considered as the national hero (pambansang
ranging from the babaylan, the manghihilot, and the albularyo.
bayani) of the Philippines.An ophthalmologist by profession, Rizal
The practices, grounded on the principles of the physical elements,
became a writer and a key member of the Filipino Propaganda
is both an ancient science and art known to the natives. Herbal
Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under
remedies, complemented with mental, emotional, and spiritual
Spain.
techniques, are inherently part of many of the traditions as well.
MasteryHe over
waspsycho-spiritual
executed by the practices
Spanishare also notable
colonial in some
government for Film and broadcast
ethnomedicine
the arts in the
crime of rebellion Philippines.
after T
the Philippine Revolution, inspired in Music
part by his writings, broke out. Though he was not actively
Later emerged folk doctors and the training and deployment arts
involved in its planning or conduct, he ultimately approved of its Dance
of true medical practitioners as can be seen in the progression of
goals which eventually led to Philippine independence. Arts in the Philippines refer to all the various forms of the
Philippine history.
arts that have developed and accumulated in the Philippines from
He is widely considered one of the greatest heroes of the the beginning of civilization in the country up to the present era.
At present, medical personnel trained based on Western
Philippines and has been recommended to be so honored by an They reflect the range of artistic influences on the country's
medicine - such as Filipino nurses, physicians, physical therapists,
officially empaneled National Heroes Committee. culture, including indigenous forms of the arts, and how these
pharmacists, surgeons among others - coexists with the still
thrivingHegroup of traditional
was the healers
author of the novelsthat
Nolido
Menot have and
Tángere formal
El influences have honed the country's arts. These arts are divided
education in scientific medicine who often cater
filibusterismo, and a number of poems and essays. to people living in into two distinct branches, namely, traditional art and non-
impoverished areas of the Philippines. traditional arts. Each branch is further divided into various
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Rizal categories with subcategories.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_in_the_Philippines
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_in_the_Philippines
 Superstition Architecture

Bahay Kubo
Siblings should not marry in the same year The architecture of the Philippines is a reflection of the
country’s historical and cultural heritage. Most prominent historic
Popularly known as "sukob", it is believed that siblings should structures in the archipelago are based on a mix of indigenous
schedule weddings at least a year apart to prevent a curse. The Austronesian, Chinese, Malay, American, and Spanish influences.
explanation is marital luck is divided between the siblings and will
therefore bring misfortunes. Bahay Kubo

Dreaming about losing teeth is a bad omen Houses were built in a more or less similar manner, in the
same way that the settlements were built beside rivers and
Apparently, losing one’s teeth is one of the most common dreams streams. The houses were built near rice fields and coconut groves
worldwide. In Philippine culture, it is usually a sign that a relative and orchards. The houses on posts raised above the ground.
will soon die.
The Paoay Church, is a Roman Catholic church in the
Don’t go home immediately after attending a wake or funeral Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in
Coined as "pagpag", taking a detour after attending a wake or a 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted
funeral is meant to shake off evil spirits from following you home. by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
It is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine
https://www.sableremit.com.au/blog/11-superstitious-beliefs- government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the
that-are-part-of-filipino-culture collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
https://www.hisour.com/architecture-of-the-philippines-31502/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paoay_Church
 Beliefs

x
If you grew up in the Philippines, then you’ve probably been
raised with certain Filipino beliefs that you have accepted as
"standard".

Saying ‘tabi-tabi po’ out loud in nature

‘Tabi tabi po’ roughly translates to excuse me or “step aside, sir”,

which is the respectful phrase to say out loud when chartering
uninhabited territory or abandoned property. This phrase is meant
for spirits, elements in nature or human ghosts. The reasoning
behind this is that elementals may be inhabiting the space and you
might be trespassing or causing harm when you walk.

Eating noodles during celebrations

This may be influenced by other Asian cultures, but Pinoys have
definitely made noodles or “pansit” a staple meal fit for various
occasions. Noodles are considered a must during birthdays and
Christmas as this usually signifies long life and good luck.

A bride-to-be should never try on her dress

The belief is that trying on a dress will lead to the cancellation of

the wedding.
 Tradition

Etiquette Values

6 Truly Unique Filipino Traditions

 Pagmamano-Practiced as a sign of respect to elders

 Kamayan -Kamayan is the traditional way of dining using
Using “opo” & “po” when speaking to elders
one’s bare hands. What are Filipinos known for?
Basic Etiquette
 Fiesta Celebrations- in the Philippines, it would be the
 colorful
Filipinosfiestas
tend tohappening all-yearespecially
dress modestly, round. Celebrating fiesta
when in public. The family
is another influence of the Spanish colonizers and was
 It is expected
mainly done tothathonorthethe
elderly
patron and those of a higher social
saints. The family is at the center of the Filipino community.
 status arethe
Harana- treated with respect.
traditional Filipino courtship
 Pamamanhikan-Pamamanhikan is thesmall
formal act of a guy Humor and positivity
Given large family sizes and typically living quarters,
asking the girl’s family for her hand in marriage.
Filipinos are generally not demanding of privacy. Within oneIt usually
involves the guy’s family bringing over gifts to
and Optimism, humor, and positivity are valued traits in the
family, possessions are typically thought bediscussing
communal
the couple’s plans for marriage. Philippines.
and shared. Thus, it is expected to be open about one’s
 Bayanihan-bayanihan
possessions and space.meant your neighbors literally
carrying your entire kubo (native nipa hut) to your new Faith and religion
 Many location.
home Filipinos avoid blasphemy and cursing as it may
cause themselves to lose face. Spirituality is deeply ingrained in Filipinos.

 Filipinos typically have a relaxed approach towards Filipino hospitality

timekeeping and punctuality. It is common for Filipinos to
arrive an hour or two hours after the designated time. This Filipinos are naturally hospitable. Guests can be expected to
is commonly referred to as ‘Filipino time’. However, extend a warm welcome to their guests regardless of where they
Filipinos will observe punctuality in a formal context such come from, how well they know their host, and why they’re visiting
as important business meetings, appointments or when someone’s home.
visiting the doctor.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipino-culture/filipino-culture-etiquette https://www.sableremit.com.au/blog/11-superstitious-beliefs-that-are-part-of-
 Family Food

Filipino cuisine is a mesh between Chinese, Mexican,

Malay, Spanish, Indian, and American cooking.

It usually consists of 6 meals per day, including breakfast,

The concept of family setting in the Philippines is unique
snacks, lunch, brunch, dinner, and a final reach toward snacks to
from another country because of the way how parents raised their
end the day on a full stomach. Most Filipino dishes involve rice,
children. They teach the ancient culture, beliefs, ideals, and value
which is served alongside other edibles.
that passes through generation to generation. Filipino stay in the
family even if they are old enough and have their own family and Most Filipinos regularly use spoons, forks, and knives to
work. eat their food. But, sometimes hands come into play when seafood
is involved.
Filipino are family-oriented and devoted. The older
generation takes good care of the family they won’t let the younger Some of their most popular dishes include:
one comes home late at night. Filipino people, especially the older
generation, believe in marriage they let their children get married Chorizo,
before a marital relationship exists for the individual. They believe Lumpia,
that marriage is a lifetime relationship and should not be Paksiw (pork or fish in vinegar and other spices),
Kare-kare (a stew made of ox-tail),
separated. They don’t let a married couple file an annulment or
Sinigang (soup delicacy made of pork, prawns, or fish), and
divorce because here in the Philippines it’s not easy to file an
Longanisa (sweet sausage).
annulment or it’s difficult to file a divorce. While abroad they can
easily file annulment or divorce a person if they feel that they don’t On the other hand, some popular snacks are bibingka (rice
love the person or they could not work their marriage good. Filipino cake made with margarine or butter), polvoron (powder candy),
family teaches to obey to older one, not to lie to everyone, not to puto (rice cakes), and chocolate.
steal or hurt others, family teach also to honor their parents and
https://www.outsourceaccelerator.com/articles/filipino-
the older generation.
traits-and-values/
https://lookupgrade.com/en/blog/english-family-in-the-philippines-is-important
 History Languages

The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. It country in the world.
stretches from the south of China to the northern tip of Borneo.
The country has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of Two official languages — Filipino and English. Filipino,
foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture. which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also
Before the Spanish explorers came, Indo-Malays and widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.
Chinese merchants had settled here. In 1521, the Spaniards, led
by Ferdinand Magellan, discovered the islands. The Spanish Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos:
conquistadores established a colonial government in Cebu in 1565. Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicolano, Waray,
They transferred the seat of government to Manila in 1571 and Pampango, and Pangasinense.
proceeded to colonize the country. The Filipinos resisted and waged
Asia’s first nationalist revolution in 1896. On June 12, 1898, Filipino is that native language which is used nationally
Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines independent from Spain as the language of communication among ethnic groups. Like any
and proclaimed himself president. After ruling for 333 years, the living language, Filipino is in a process of development through
Spaniards finally left in 1898 and were replaced by the Americans loans from Philippine languages and non-native languages for
who stayed for 48 years. On July 4, 1946, the Americans various situations, among speakers of different social backgrounds,
recognized Philippine independence. and for topics for conversation and scholarly discourse. There are
Source:https://thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph/79-about-us/98-general- about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500
information dialects.
Source:https://thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph/79-about-us/98-general-
information