Module 3 : Cultural Elements and Practices in Philippine Popular Culture

3.1.Religion
3.2. Filipino Lifestyles
3.3 Language and communication
3.4. Music and dance
3.5. Fashion and clothing
3.6. Filipino Cuisine
3.7. Visual arts and crafts
3.8. Sports

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of module, the students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Trace the origin of the native Filipino language and how it affect with modernization
2. Distinguish the art forms and the development of Philippine Art
3. Integrate ability to design, implement, and evaluate services in recreation, sport and
tourism venues in the Philippines
4. Acquire knowledge on the culinary arts of the Philippines and its origin
5. Explain how globalization affects religious practices and beliefs
6. Create a matrix of common Filipino values and practices that existed in the past and still
practiced today

Uncover: Introduction to Philippine Popular Culture

Hello, dear students! Welcome to our exciting journey into the vibrant world of Philippine
Popular Culture. In this module, we will embark on a fascinating exploration of the traditions,
customs, and unique characteristics that define the cultural essence of the Philippines.

BUZZ BREAK: Cultural Connections Challenge

Activity Overview:
Get ready for an interactive and fun group activity called the "Cultural Connections
Challenge." In this activity, we'll explore your existing knowledge of Philippine popular culture
and see how much you already know. Don't worry if you're new to the topic; this is a great
opportunity to learn from your peers!

Materials Needed:
Flipchart paper or whiteboard
Markers
Sticky notes or index cards
Timer
Instructions:
Round 1: Cultural Snapshot
1. Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. Provide each group with a flipchart paper or whiteboard, markers, and sticky notes or
index cards.
3. Each group selects a scribe to write down their responses.
4. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
5. In this round, each group is given a different cultural element or practice related to the
Philippines (e.g., traditional Filipino clothing, Filipino cuisine, religious festivals, famous
Filipino artists, etc.).
6. You can choose these topics in advance or use a random selection method.
7. Groups brainstorm and list as many facts, descriptions, or associations they can think
of related to their assigned cultural element.
8. After 10 minutes, each group presents their findings to the class, and the class
discusses and shares their initial impressions.

Round 2: Cultural Connections

1. Keep the same small groups as in Round 1.
2. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
3. In this round, each group rotates to another station (another group's topic).
4. At the new station, the group reads the previous group's findings and adds any
additional information or insights.
5. Continue this rotation until each group has visited every station.
6. Encourage discussions and questions at each station to foster learning and exchange
of knowledge.

Round 3: Group Reflection

1. Bring the class back together.
2. Each group briefly presents what they learned during the rotation.
3. Open the floor for questions and discussions, allowing students to share interesting
discoveries or ask for clarifications.

Conclusion of the "BUZZ BREAK" Activity:

The "Cultural Connections Challenge" has allowed us to tap into your existing
knowledge and explore different facets of Philippine popular culture. We've also laid the
foundation for our upcoming discussions on specific cultural elements. Remember, learning is
a journey, and we're here to learn and grow together!

This group activity promotes active engagement, collaboration, and peer learning,
making it an excellent way to kickstart the module. It also provides an opportunity for
students to share their initial impressions and understanding of Philippine popular
culture.
 BRAINSTORM:

The Philippines boasts a rich and multifaceted popular culture that draws from a blend of
indigenous traditions, colonial legacies, and contemporary influences. This cultural tapestry is
a testament to the country's diverse history and the resilience of its people. Here are some
key points to consider:

Cultural Diversity: The Philippines is an archipelago comprising thousands of islands, each

with its own unique culture and traditions. This diversity is reflected in the way Filipinos
celebrate festivals, practice their religion, and express themselves through art, music, and
dance.

Colonial Influences: Centuries of colonization by Spain and the United States have left
indelible marks on Philippine culture. Spanish influences are seen in the predominant Catholic
religion, while American influences can be observed in aspects like language (English as a
second language) and the popularity of Western music and films.

Resilience and Adaptation: Filipinos have a remarkable ability to adapt and assimilate foreign
elements into their culture while preserving their own. This is evident in the fusion of
indigenous and Western styles in music, fashion, and art.

Cultural Celebrations: Festivals like Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, and Panagbenga showcase the
vibrancy of Filipino culture. These celebrations are marked by colorful parades, traditional
dances, and religious processions that bring communities together.

Traditional vs. Modern: The Philippines is a country of contrasts, with rural areas preserving
traditional ways of life, while urban centers embrace modernity. This dichotomy is reflected in
everything from clothing choices to family structures.

Youth and Pop Culture: Filipino youth play a significant role in shaping contemporary pop
culture. They are active consumers of international music, fashion, and trends, often putting
their unique Filipino twist on these global influences.

Understanding the intricate cultural elements and practices in the Philippines provides insight
into the country's identity and values. It's important to recognize that Philippine popular culture
is a dynamic entity that continues to evolve, reflecting both its rich heritage and its openness
to external influences.
3.1. Religion:

CHRISTIANITY
–Is the most widely practiced religion in the world. Christians are monotheistic, they believe
there’s only one God, and he created the heavens and earth.

Folk Catholicism
—Refers to the beliefs and practices of indigenous origin that are woven into Christian
practices.

Rituals is a set or form of worships. Rituals involve symbolic physical actions; some
examples are the genuflecting before entering a pew, making the sign of the cross, and
lifting aloft the host during the catholic mass.

BAPTISM
—Is the ritual player action through which a person becomes a member of the Christian
community, the church.

EUCHARIST (Thanks giving in Greek)—It is celebrated every Sunday, the first day of the
week.

RECONCILIATION (THE RECONCILIATION OF SINNERS, OFTEN CALLED

“CONFESSION”)—Is the sacramental ritual celebration by which sinners, especially those
who have committed very serious sins(offenses) against God or against human being.

Marriage
—The foundation of Christian marriage are found in the book of genesis, the first book of the
Christian bible. Catholic and orthodox believe that God’s original human marriage is the
marriage of one man and one woman.

ESPIRITISTA (SPIRITUALIST)
A psychic or astral surgeons who claim to cut incisions with their fingers and perform other
miracles of para-science.

ANTING ANTING
A belief that everyday items and handcrafted amulets etched with symbols can heal, bring
prosperity, protect and strengthen through ritual and prayer.

MOST COMMON FILIPINO FOLK BELIEFS

*Get rid of a hiccup by placing a short thread wet with saliva on the forehead
*By showing fondness or affection when meeting a baby for the first time, you may cause the
baby to feel uneasy or make the baby cry non-stop which is commonly refer to as “na-usog”.
*Hitting the sack right after a shower is believed to cause blindness and insanity.
*washing sweaty hands can lead to spasmodic hands or pasma
*Stepping over a child will stunt his or her growth.
*Sweeping at night is bad or “malas”.
*When you bite your toungue; someone is thinking of you.
*Serve pancit at celebrations especially birthdays.
*Blaming your missing things on elves.
*An itch on your palm means incoming wealth.
*Jumping on new year’s eve.

• Folk beliefs, Otherwise known as "superstitious beliefs", form part of a people's value
system and culture. They basically reflect the customs, traditions, and mores of a
group, which may be based on religious beliefs, opinions, old or popular practices.
They also tell of how a people view the unknown and the means to appease the gods
that control the future.
• The Tagalog terms for folk beliefs and superstitions are: paniniwala (beliefs),
kasabihan ng mga matatanda (what the old people say), and pamahiin
(superstitions).

● In the Philippines, religion plays a central role in the lives of many. Catholicism is the
predominant religion, brought by Spanish colonization, and it influences everything
from festivals to family life.
● Key religious practices include attending Mass, observing Holy Week traditions, and
participating in fiestas dedicated to patron saints.

3.2. Filipino Lifestyles:

● Filipino lifestyles encompass a broad spectrum, from rural to urban and traditional to
modern.
● Traditional rural lifestyles often emphasize close-knit communities, while urban living
tends to be fast-paced and influenced by globalization.
● The concept of "Bayanihan" or community unity is a fundamental aspect of Filipino
lifestyle.
● The cultural heritage of the Philippines is traceable to the different influences, the
result of the interplay and interpretations of diverse natural influences brought about
by contact with the different cultures of the neighboring countries.
● Philippine culture and their strength has survive up to the present in spite of the later
Western incursions into the lives of the Filipino people.

● Filipino Traits and Values

● Warm, Friendly and Intimate People
● Caring and Sharing People
● Family- Centered People
● Highly Spiritual People
● Amor Propio
● Pakikisama
● Pagsasarili
● Sensitivity to Personal Affront
 ● Euphemism
● Cleanliness
● Propensity to Gambling
● Extravagance

3.3. Language and Communication:

● The Philippines is a linguistically diverse country with over 170 languages and
dialects spoken.
● Filipino (Tagalog) serves as the national language, while English is widely used for
business and education.
● The ancient Baybayin script, although not in common use today, reflects the
Philippines' pre-colonial writing system.
● Filipino and English is the major language spoken in the Philippines.
● English is the language used as a medium of instruction in school and in
government.
● The Philippines is the 3rd major speaker of English in the world.
● Taglish is the term use to denote combination of English and Filipino words.

Characteristics of TAG-LISH

 Cardinal numbers are used for dates (November thirteen instead of thirteenth of
November)
 Old-fashioned phrases that are quite redundant, (e.g “at this point in time and “He’s
a friend of mine)
 In spoken English, consonant f and p and b and v are often interchanged
 Another pronunciation quirk: long and short vowels are not differentiated (e.g bit and
beat, hit and heat and fill and feel)
 Google is pronounced as “gugel” and handle is “handel”.
 The emphasis on the second syllable in words such as advocacy, category,
delicacy, and ceremony.
 The Filipino equivalent of turning devices on/off is opening/closing them.
 My watch is “advanced’ means the time of the watch is advance.
 Comfort Room (C.R) Filipino equivalent of bathroom/restroom

Body Language
 gestures are not something we are born with, it’s what we learn finally.
 It’s are the part of our life that our culture and values teaches us as we grow up.

Lip Pointing
 It is a gesture shown by them when asking one where an item is or where someone
is.
 can be easily misunderstood by anyone as a gesture of kiss.
Mouth Open
 In Filipino culture, the gesture of opening mouth means that the person didn’t quite
understand or didn’t hear you.
 Keeping a mouth open is a non-verbal way of asking ‘What did you say?’

Bill Please
 Raising hand and making an eye contact with a waiter when he/she is looking your
way is a good gesture.
 Making a rectangular sing in the air with both hands is a non-verbal gesture of asking
for a bill in Filipino culture.
 This will let the staffs know that the person is asking for the bill without saying a word.

Peace Sign
 The popular peace sign or the v sign made by the index and the middle finger is
usually looked as a sign of peace.
 It is a hand gesture that is done by people in case they want to apologize for
unintentionally putting someone in trouble.

Money
 A hand gesture that can be easily confused to mean ‘ok’ as this hand sign means so
in many countries.
 But, in Filipino culture a sign made by the thumb and the index finger creating a zero
mostly means money.

Lowering the head while arms extended downwards

 This is gesture in Filipino culture where you will not interrupt others conversation and
go in between them.
 Without saying anything, this gesture instantly indicates politeness and respect for
the two people conversing.

Silent Look
 Often occurs when parents give this fiery eyes silent look to their child.
 This is a gesture of saying the children to stop whatever he or she is doing in a non-
verbal language.
 It is one way of Filipino parents to warn or control their children in public without
negatively catching many people’s attention.

3.4. Music and Dance:

● Traditional Filipino music includes indigenous instruments like the kulintang and
bamboo instruments.
● Filipino dance forms are diverse, with traditional dances like tinikling and modern
interpretations like hip-hop dance.
● Music and dance are integral to Filipino celebrations and cultural expression.
3.5. Fashion and Clothing:

● Traditional Filipino attire includes the barong Tagalog for men and the Maria Clara
dress for women.
● Western fashion has influenced modern clothing choices, but traditional attire is still
worn on special occasions.
● The Philippines is known for its textile traditions, such as the intricate patterns of the
"malong."

3.6. Filipino Cuisine:

● Filipino cuisine is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences.

● Iconic dishes include adobo, sinigang, lechon (roast pig), and lumpia (spring rolls).
● The street food culture is vibrant, offering treats like balut (duck embryo) and isaw
(grilled chicken intestines).

3.7. Visual Arts and Crafts:

● Indigenous art forms include weaving, pottery, and carving.

● Filipino artists have made significant contributions to contemporary art, with names
like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo known internationally.
● Crafts like basketry and capiz shell products showcase Filipino creativity.

3.8. Sports:

● Traditional Filipino sports include sipa (kick volleyball) and arnis (martial arts).
● Basketball is immensely popular, with the Philippines often referred to as the
"Basketball Capital of Asia."
● Boxing has a strong following, with Filipino boxers like Manny Pacquiao achieving
global fame.

INSTILL: Explore and Define [Specific Subtopic] in Philippine Popular Culture

In this section, we're going to delve deeper into one of the key aspects of Philippine popular
culture. Understanding the essence of religion, filipino lifestyle, language communication,
music and dance, fashion and clothing, filipino cuisine, visual arts and drafts, and crafts is
crucial as it forms a fundamental element of the cultural tapestry in the Philippines.

Think, Pair, Share Activity:

Now, let's engage in a Think, Pair, Share activity. Find a partner, and together, explore specific
subtopics. Discuss its significance in the Philippines, its impact on daily life, and its
representation in contemporary culture.
Next, think about a current event, practice, or trend related to specific subtopics that you find
interesting or significant. Share this example with your partner.

Discussion and Reflection:

1. What is [Specific Subtopic], and how does it relate to Philippine popular culture?
2. What significance does [Specific Subtopic] hold in the Philippines, and how has it
evolved over time?
3. How does [Specific Subtopic] manifest in contemporary Philippine society, and why is
it relevant today?
4. How does the example you shared illustrate the ongoing influence of [Specific
Subtopic] on Filipino culture?

Repeat this pattern for each of the subtopics, such as Religion, Filipino Lifestyles,
Language and Communication, Music and Dance, Fashion and Clothing, Filipino
Cuisine, Visual Arts and Crafts, and Sports, to explore the unique cultural elements
and practices in each category within the context of Philippine popular culture.

APPLY

As we delve deeper into the various facets of Philippine popular culture, you'll have the
chance to engage in exciting word games and activities that will not only reinforce your
understanding but also make the learning experience enjoyable. These activities are
designed to challenge your memory, creativity, and critical thinking skills, all while exploring
the vibrant tapestry of Filipino traditions, lifestyle, language, arts, and more.

So, get ready to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of the Philippines as we embark on
this engaging journey of application. Let's dive in!

ACTIVITY: Print out the crossword puzzle, read the clues, fill in the answers based on the
clues, work individually or collaborate, and enjoy the challenge!
ANSWERS:

Across: Down:

1. Catholic 1. Maria
2. Bayanihan 2. Kulintang
3. Filipino 3. Malong
4. Tinikling 4. Arnis
5. Adobo 5. Urban
6. Sipa 6. Satay

NUTSHELL:

Well done! Before we conclude, let's summarize the essence of the cultural
elements and practices in Philippine popular culture we've explored in this
module.

Religion: Religion, primarily Catholicism, is deeply intertwined with Filipino life, influencing
traditions, festivals, and daily practices. It's a cornerstone of identity and spirituality for many.

Filipino Lifestyles: Filipino lifestyles span a spectrum from rural to urban, traditional to modern.
The concept of "Bayanihan" emphasizes community unity, regardless of the setting.

Language and Communication: The Philippines is linguistically diverse, with Filipino (Tagalog)
as the national language and English widely used. The ancient Baybayin script reflects pre-
colonial writing.

Music and Dance: Traditional Filipino music features indigenous instruments, while dance
includes a variety of forms like tinikling and modern interpretations like hip-hop.

Fashion and Clothing: Traditional attire like the barong Tagalog and Maria Clara dress coexists
with Western influences in modern fashion. Textile traditions, such as the "malong," showcase
creativity.

Filipino Cuisine: Filipino cuisine is a delightful fusion of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and
American influences. Iconic dishes like adobo and sinigang represent the diverse flavors.

Visual Arts and Crafts: Indigenous arts include weaving, pottery, and carving. Filipino artists
have made significant contributions to contemporary art, and crafts highlight creativity.
Sports: Traditional Filipino sports like sipa and arnis coexist with modern favorites like
basketball and boxing. Sports are a source of pride and unity.

Each of these cultural elements and practices contributes to the rich tapestry of
Philippine popular culture. They celebrate the past, enrich the present, and continue to evolve,
connecting Filipinos and sharing their heritage with the world. Thank you for exploring and
appreciating this colorful journey!

REFERENCES:

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southeast Asia to remote Oceania. The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology,
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Hogan, M. J. (2004). The “Next big thing”: . The future of diplomatic history in a global age.
Diplomatic History, 28(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7709.2004.00396.x

Labrador, R. N. (2022). “We can laugh at ourselves.” Pragmatics, 291–316.

https://doi.org/10.1075/prag.14.2-3.11lab

Macaranas, J. R. (2021). Understanding folk religiosity in the Philippines. Religions, 12(10),

800. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12100800

Susanne, & Knoblauch, H. (2022). Culturally patterned speaking practices - the analysis of
communicative genres. Pragmatics, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1075/prag.5.1.03gun