The pre-hispanic Filipinos are rich in customs and traditions.

he Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions. Many of these are in

connection with their family life such as DATING, MARRIAGE and BURIAL,
RELIGIOUS and many more........

About Dating

Women during the Spanish regime were generally shy, refined and inhibited.
Their behavior was strictly monitored by the family to maintain their good
reputation. A girl was not seen alone with a man; he did not touch them, not
even her hands when talking to each other they were always an arm's length
apart. A man got to know a woman only by being a friend of the woman's
trusted friend who would help in case he wanted to have the opportunity to
see the girl of his dreams. He did not directly approach the woman; that was
impolite. On the other hand, the woman did not face a man alone; to
exchange glances with the man was unbecoming.

A man who had the courage to ask for a date had to pass several tests.
First, he got the permission of the girl's parents to visit their daughter. Once
he was permitted, his formal visit was in full attendance of the older
members of the family who also participated in the conversation. The
hardest test was how to convince the girl to say yes because the woman
played hard to get. She kept putting off her answer. When the man finally
succeeded, the girl was strictly chaperoned during their date so that he was
not even able to whisper romantic words.

About Marriage

MARRIAGE is a sacred to the Filipinos. One becomes the butt of jokes if he

or she remains single. A bachelorette is considered a potential competitor for
the attention of a husband.

Parents train their sons and daughters in the proper choice of a mate. Both
are reminded that if they marry, they had to get along well not just with one
another but with their in-laws as well.

Before marriage, the boy's parents seek the approval of the girl's parents for
MARRIAGE with their daughter. This called pamanhikan. The man's parents
often take along someone whom they believe is highly respected by the girls
parents. This was especially when they fear that the girl's parents would say
no. The grandparents of the man also join the pamanhikan. They first
engage into discussions regarding the latest happenings and when the
proper climate is established, the man's father states the purpose of their
visit, which is to ask for the girl's hand in marriage. The girl's parents are
not expected to agree immediately. They will first talk about the
shortcomings of their daughter. If the future in-laws persist the parents of
the bride give their consent. The details of their marriage are discussed and
agreed upon during the next visit of the future parents-in-law.

The wedding reception is held in the bride's home. Members of the

community volunteer to help bridegroom in one way or another by either
contributing some money or by offering their services in the preparation of
the wedding feats.

About the Art

Filipinos are lovers of art. Their art is reflected in the things they do and way
they believe in daily life. Our ancestors passed their time singing awaits,
corridos, and reading stories about the bravery of legendary heroes. For
stage dramas they performed the Zarzuela and the moro-moro, forms of art
which depicted the life of the people.

The best examples of architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth century

are the churches built by the Spaniards with the help of the Filipinos. They
are structures built in Baroque style with elaborate curved arches, altars and
images of saints.

Filipinos love music in any form. This is evident in the presence of various
string and wind musical instruments in almost all communities even before
the coming of the Spaniards, the skill of the Filipinos in playing musical
instruments can gauged when one listens to a number played by a rondalla.
A rondalla is composed of musicians that play stringed musical instruments
such as the guitar and the ukulele.

The idea of organizing a rondalla must have been born during the latter part
of Spanish rule in the Philippines when the guitar was introduced. Added to
the guitar was other string instruments that pre-Spanish Filipinos played and
nine other instrument that were added much later. All together these
instruments formed the nucleus of the rondalla. The rondalla was popular
entertainer in almost all sorts of gatherings like baptisms, wedding, fiesta,
and funerals. It also rendered accompaniment to vocals, violins and other
instruments, solos, and choral ensembles. The rodalla thus became an
essentials part of social gatherings.

The Filipinos also love to sing and dance. Their songs range from folk to pop;
classic kundiman to modern operas. They sing to their souls content. The
Philippines has contributed its share of the world famous opera singers such
as Jovita Fuente, Isang Tapales, Conchita Gaston, and Aurello Estanislao.
Dancing is the moving spirit among many Filipinos. Their skill on the dance
floor is superb. Early indigenous dances represented nature. Other Filipino
dances reflected Malay, Muslim, Spanish, and American influences.

Fifty years ago, every school program was a literary-musical program of

Filipino songs, dances, dramas, and poems. Now, with school programs
consisting of modern dances and plays, pop and jazz music, how can we
expect our youth to be proud of the Filipino culture? What can be done
before it is too late.

About the Games

Children of yesterdays played games that no longer familiar to the children

of today. Their games were played either indoors or outdoors in involving
little active participation.

Some games were imitations of what the elders did. The bahay-bahayan,
lutu-lutuan were imitations of mother's household activities which the girls
enjoyed playing. Other games were replicas of daily happening in the rural
areas.

A typical example was the game Pusa at Aso. In a circle, sticks, slippers, and
wooden shoes were placed to symbolized the bones of the dog' which was
IT. The CATS who were the other players tried to get into the circle to steal
the bones without being caught became the dog. This was repeated as many
times for as long as the players are not tired of the game.

A more exciting game called Juego de anillo involved knights on bicycles

trying their best to hook a ring dangling from a ribbon. Hulugang panyo
reminded one of the days when ladies dropped their hankies to call the
attention of the gentlemen.

A game popular to boys and adults is playing with the trumpo or top. The
trumpo is a conical-shaped wood made from guava branches with a pointed
nail at the tail of the cone. The trumpo spins on the iron-nail. In an outdoor
game called podigo, one players would try to split another boy's trumpo
placed in the middle of a drawn circle after spinning, he becomes the next
taya or it.

Luksong tinik and Piko are moderately active games which are usually
played by girls. Piko involves hopping on one or two legs through a series of
rectangle drawn on the ground. Luksong tinik is played by two player who
are seated facing each other and stretching their bare feet are in contact.

Touching the toes are their fingers, one above the other is spike form. The
other players jump over the feet; then over the feet and one hand, and so
on until all the hands are spread over the feet. A player may continue
playing as long as he does not touch any of the formal spikes; the moment
he touches them, he becomes the it.

Quite games at siesta time can either be the siklot or sungka. Siklot uses
sigay shells, sampaloc seeds, or pebbles. The player gently tosses the shells
and catches them back with her hand. The forefinger hits the shells that fall
to the floor one by one. When the player succeeds in catching and hitting
everything, he gets a prize. The game continues until all the shells have
been captured.

Sungka like siklot, also needs shells sigay or tamarind seeds. The game hole
carved in it. Each hole to begin should contain seven shells. One player
drops one shell onto each hole. He picks the other shells in the hole where
he drops his last shell, then continues dropping a shell in each hole. He
continues playing as long as he has shells to drop. Should he drop his last
shell into an empty hole, then his chance to play ends. It is now the other
player turn.

THE FILIPINO RELIGION

Before the introduction of Christianity, the Filipinos were mostly pagans.

They worshipped spirits which they believed dwell in objects like trees,
mountains, rivers, ect. They worshipped nature, the sun the moon, and the
stars. They also believed in a supreme God or deity. Because of their belief
in a deity and in animate or living things their religion was called animo-
delsm.

It was not long after the Spain colonized the Philippines that the Filipinos
become Christians. Today, majoruty of the Filipinos are Catholics. But a
group of Filipino Catholics headed by Mr. Gregorio Aglipay founded the
Philippines Independent church. This splinter, nationalistic group does not
recognize the Pope as the head of the Catholic church. But their beliefs and
doctrines are the same as of the catholic. This group are called Aglipayan
after their founde.

Another Filipino church and one of the true Filipino church that has
originated in the Philippines is the IGLISIA NI CRISTO which has a fast
growing membership throughout the Philippines and the world.

According to Encyclopedia Britanica Macropaedia page #246 Volume 6

IGLISIA NI KRISTO is the largest entirety indigenous Christian church in the
Philippines. Its members assert that the early church was restored in GOD'S
chosen nation, the Filipinos when Brother FELIX Y. Manalo launched this
church in 1914. Rapid growth after 1945 produced some 600,000 members
by the late 20th century, imposing chapels throughout the nation, and
wealthy centralized organization under Bishop ERANO G. MANALO, the son
of FELIX. Strong discipline from the leaders dictates a literal interpretation of
the BIBLE and suggest individual contribuitions and the casting of votes,
making the church a substantial political power. Unitarian in theology and
Philippines in its language, liturgy, and music it represents a popular anti-
Western movement for spiritual independence.

THE CATHOLICS CELEBRATIONS AND PRACTICES

In spite of the diverse religious groups in the Philippines each with its
particular practices; the Filipinos believe in only one God who is almighty
and omnipotent. Religious practices show concern and love for one's
neighbors. Among the Catholics, the Ten Commandment's set the standard
of behavior. They keep images of their saints at home and every church has
a patron saint.

THE FIESTA CELEBRATIONS

Fiestas are held on the birthday of the patron saint celebrated with the
holding of a novena, a nine-day devotion of masses followed by special
prayers of praise to the patron saint. The plaza around t5he church is
decorated with colorful buntings. On the ninth day which is the feast day of
the saint, a high mass is celebrated by one or several priests. Suddenly the
plaza is transformed into a mini-market where ready-made clothes, toys,
fruits, and native delicacies are sold. A brass band plays after the mass and
then makes a round of the immediate vivinity playing popular Filipino songs,
marches and kundimans. This sets a happy, festive mood in the community
with residents going on splurge entertaining relatives and friends from other
towns.

The town fiesta is an event that the residents look forward to. Three or four
months before the fiesta the family takes good care of a piglet and chickens
earmarked for the fiesta. Of course, the fiesta is an occasion when friends
and relatives can be together, enjoy each other's account of the past year's
experiences and partake of the palatable dishes prepared for a day. Children
living out-of-town make a special effort to come home and be with their
parents, relatives, and friends for the fiesta.

The fiesta is a Filipino heritage that has been handed down from generation.
It has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. Must we continue
pertrating it as it is? Can it be perpetuated with certain modifications?

THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

As soon as December sets in, everyone in the Philippines, young and old
alike are busy preparing for the biggest religious activity on December 25.
Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated with new colorful curtains,
Christmas decorations and multicolored lights.Lanterns of different
Christmas tree and a Belen are placed in the living rooms of the most
homes.

The nine-day masses or Misa de Gallo, celebrated at dawn when the cock
starts to crow begin on December. These masses are well-attended in spite
of the fact that those who attend wake up as early as three o'clock in the
morning. As one walks to the church, one will notice the streets lined with
small stores selling puto, bibingka and puto bumbong.

The climax of the Christmas celebration is a midnight mass on Christmas

eve, December 24. The family makes an effort to go this mass. On
Christmas day children dressed in their best attires visit ninongs, ninangs,
relatives and friends. They kiss the hands of the elders as a sign of respect.
In return the elders give them money gifts or native delicacies. Christmas is
for everyone and at no other time of the year is the family more complete.
Even married children who are abroad make a special effort to be home in
the Philippines for Christmas.

THE HOLY WEEK (CATHOLIC) CELEBRATION

The Lente season is as significant to the Filipinos as Christmas. Christian

Filipinos commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ with as much
sincerity and seriousness as His birth.

On Ash Wednesday, the faithful go to church were a sign of the cross is

imprinted with ashes on the forehead of every season. Chanting of the
Pasyon (Christ's suffering before His death) in the native tongue of the
region begins on Holy Week and is held at certain hours of the night. On
Holy Thursday, the chanting goes on the whole day and night until the
following morning. By Good Friday, the whole town is deep in meditation on
the passion and death of Christ on the Cross. In Church one can observe
individuals as well as families praying the Stations of the Cross.

Good Friday is a day of fasting and penance to atone for one's sins. A
penance quite common in the barrios is for a penitent to cover his face with
a black cloth and walk down the streets beating his back with thin bamboo
sticks until blood oozes out of his wounds. In afternoon the devotees flock to
church for sermon on the Seven Last Words of Jesus as he hung on the
cross.
Easter Sunday is a memorable day. The faithful wake up early for the
salubong, a re-enactment of the Risen Lord's meeting with His Mother at
dawn.

There are many more religious celebrations and festivities observed by the
Catholics in the Philippines which vary from community to community and all
of which give honor and glory to Jesus Christ this is according to all Catholics
believers.

Other Religions like the INC, the Baptist, Jehovas Witness, Born Christians
and some Biblical in teaching do not celebrate the so called celebration.

ABOUT THE BURIAL.........

The loss of a member of the a family was an occasion for bayanihan.

Friends, relatives and neighbors came to condole with the bereaved family.
Flowers, and food and money were offered as tokens of sympathy.

Before the burial, there was a lamayan a vigil attended by all who wished to
come. People at the wake participated in some activities such as gambling,
telling stories, or playing mental games, to keep them awake through the
night.

For as long as the deceased was in state, sweeping the floor and taking a
bath in the house were forbidden. The bereaved were also cautioned to keep
their tears from dropping in the coffin.

The general practice was for the bereaved family to bury the deceased
member within 24 hours after his death. Close relatives and friends
accompany the corpse to church for the religious rites then the funeral
procession headed by the band of musicians proceeds to the cemetery.

ABOUT THE ALL SAINTS DAY (PANGANGALULUWA) (practice by the catholic

religion)

November 1 is a day for remembering the dead. According to the catholic

belief though it is not biblical. Tradition has it that the immediate members
of all the deceased go to cemetery a few days before All Saints Day to clean
and white-wash the tombs of their dead. On the day itself, the family
attends a mass before going to the cemetery bringing with them flowers,
drinking water and food to last till midnight. The cemetery becomes a busy
and crowded place. Candles are lighted during the day and all through the
night to the wee hours of the next day.
Another custom during ALL SAINTS DAY called pangangaluwa, is based on
the belief that the suffering of souls in purgatory would be lessened if the
living would pray for them and material help is given to the living, this is
according to the catholic believers.

At about 10:00 in the night until the early morning hours, men and woman
went singing from one house to another representing the souls in purgatory
and asked for alms. Later, however, barrio folk did not entertain these souls
anymore because instead of aski8ng for alms, the mangangaluluwa stole
things underneath the houses and picked fruits on trees in the yards. They
would then least on all these stolen goods.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO FOODS.....

The food of the Filipino is simple. Rice is the chief food. Together with rice,
fish or meat and vegetables are eaten. The Filipino is fond of eating pork,
chicken, corn, fruits, and vegetables. One of the more popular foods of the
Filipino on special occasions is lechon, a whole pig roasted over charcoal fire.
Adobo is another popular dish which almost every Filipino can cook. Eating is
done with the hands and for outdoor meals, the banana leaves serve as
plates. The Filipino cooks his food in clay pots over a clay stove (kalan) using
wood to build a fire.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO CLOTHES....

Our ancestors, both men and woman wore two-piece clothes; a collarless,
short-sleeved jacket and strip of cloth wrapped around the waist and in
between the legs. The women wore the baro, a wide-sleeved jacket and a
skirt of cotton cloth wrapped about the waist. The Filipina wardrobe was
later modified. The says, the tapis and the enagua comprised the ladies
wear. Do you know how these looked like?

They says is a long skirt which touches the floor. It has a kola or train which
mean the woman holds to keep it clean she moves. Printed satin is the usual
material used for the says; brocade for gala use.

Over this says, a tapis with tassels on the edges is worn. Beneath the saya
and tapis is the enagua, a slip with lace edging.

The elegant clothes of the Filipino women are properly taken cared of.
Women give special attention to their clothes especially those made of fibers
such as fina or sinamay.
ABOUT THEIR MANNER OF DRESSING

The washerwoman would sort out the white from the colored ones. the plain
from the printed, the cotton and satin from those made of fibers. Dirt was
removed using a wooden palu-palo or by trampling upon the clothes laid out
on smooth rocks. Round sabon intsik or Chinese soap and blue tina were
essential washing materials.

After washing, some clothes were starched. The starch used was made from
rice lugaw pressed with a wooden sandok or ladle form a cheesecloth duyan
(hammock) tied tto the clothes line at four points. below this was a wooden
batya or basin to catch the starch. This was then gently patted on the
barong tagalog and butterfly sleeves of the women's baro. The starched
clothes were later stretched into shape and dried on the flat galvanized iron
sheets.

Stains are removed from the clothes by dropping calamansi juice on the
stained spots after which the clothes are bleached in the sunlight.

Starched clothes were sprinkled with water before pressing with a flat iron
filled with glowing charcoal.

ABOUT THE FILIPINO HOUSES

The houses vary in the same style depending on their location and social
status and taste of the family. Houses of the Filipinos are usually made of
wood and nipa. Later galvanized iron replaced nipa for roofing.

In some towns, barrios, and cities, houses made of nipa and bamboo are still
to be found. Some have sawali walls and cogon roofings. Most of the houses
especially the older ones are situated high above the ground for better
ventilation and reduced humidity. In the past, building a houses was fast
and inexpensive. Houses were built then through the help of friends and
neighbors.

Today there are only few bamboo houses. Most houses are already built of
strong materials like hollow blocks, wood, galvanized iron and glass
windows.

Modernity has not entirely changed the architecture of the Filipino houses.
The batalan is stall a part of the houses in Luzon and is used as an open
bathroom, a place for water jars or tapayan and a place for washing. The
modern batalan is made of concrete and is still adjacent to the kitchen.
The banguerahan, a storage shelf and drainer before the dish rack was
introduced, is still a part of a few modern houses. The modern banguerahan
is no longer enclosed with bamboo spikes but is screened.

The old house of before were not painted. The present ones are painted in
varied colors and built styles. The old houses were built high on the ground
and the space below calle4d silong was fenced with bamboo to keep pigs,
dogs, and chickens out.

Chairs, tables, beds and other furniture are found in most hours. Many
Filipinos, particularly t6he Tagalogs, still prefer to sleep on bamboo or
wooden floors instead of on beds.

Some years ago kerosene lamps were used in most houses. Now electricity
has found its way in almost all houses. The old kalan or native stove has
been replaced by electric ranges; the palayok or native pot by aluminum
pots and pans. Firewood and charcoal are still used by some Filipino
housewives especially now that gas and electricity have become very
expensive.

The verandah or porch is still a part of today's houses. Pots of ferns and
flowering plants surrounded the wall kept verandah. The artistic touch of the
Filipino is still evident in his house. In a one-room house, you can see
curtains hanging on the walls and windows, and a family picture and a saint
prominently displayed in one corner of the room.

The Filipinos also displays neatness and cleanliness in keeping their houses.
The Filipinos housewife uses different kinds of brooms for cleaning. There is
the salary or soft broom for sweeping the floor; a smaller one for dusting
wall carvings and picture frames; the walis-tingting or stiff broom for
cleaning and stone floors; and the plumero, a broom made from chicken
feathers for dusting. Buckets, wooden scrub brushes with thick bristles,
bunot or coconut husk, dustpans, bar soap, gugo or native shampoo, is-is
leaves, banana leaves, kerosene and coconut oil are also used for cleaning
the houses.

Floor wax was prepared by homemakers from candles, atsuete and kerosene
melted from glowing embers. In some homes, hardwood floors were swept
from scrubbed with is-is before wax was applied. When the sticky wax was
dry, the floor was scrubbed again until it became very shiny. The furniture,
window sills, staircases and walls were also scrubbed with is-is leaves or
polished with wax. Kitchen tables were cleaned with is-is leaves, water, sand
and ash. Those made of zinc were wiped with kerosene.