Introduction to Filipino culture

Where the Filipino culture originates

• The Philippines collectively are
called Filipinos.
• The ancestors of the vast majority of
the population were of Malay descent
and came from the Southeast Asian
mainland as well as from what is now
Indonesia.
• After the thirteenth century, Chinese
who had been trading with the Malays
began to settle in the islands.
• The history of the Philippines has much
to do with the social and political life
and development of the country.
The general culture of the country
• The culture of the Philippines comprises a
blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish
Catholic traditions, with influences from
America and other parts of Asia.
• The Filipinos are family oriented and often
religious with an appreciation for art,
fashion, music and food.
• Filipinos are also hospitable people who love
to have a good time. This often includes
getting together to sing, dance, and eat.
• The annual calendar is packed with festivals,
many of which combine costumes and rituals
from the nation’s pre-Christian past with the
Catholic beliefs and ideology of present day.
 The language of Philippines

• Different languages are spoken in different parts of the Philippines

• The language being taught all over the Philippines is Tagalog and English.
• There are 4 indigenous languages with approximately 9 million or more
native speakers:
Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano and Hiligaynon
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 items.
• They go to church every
Sunday, or sometimes even
twice or three times a week.
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 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 eat
 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.
Filipinos love to party

Filipinos love to hold festivals, celebrations and fiestas.

Your turn…
Think about the difference between Filipino
culture and other cultures
List some of the differences between Filipino culture and
other cultures?
Similarities Differences
 What is the
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What is Andy Mulligan’s opinion of Filipino culture and the

country…
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Answer here