Philippine Culture, Spanish, American

and Japanese Influence to the Filipino

Culture | Etravel Pilipinas
Early Filipinos

The Filipino culture in the past was valued and developed even before the
colonizers. The rich culture of Philippine forefathers is evident in their social
classes, home, manner of dressing, body accessories, education, music and
dance, science, arts and literature, even their way to courtship and marriage,
burial and mourning. Filipino forefathers valued education. The early Filipinos in
the past had their own beliefs and ways of burying the dead, mourning and
getting married.

Early Filipinos were hospitable. This was shown in situations like receiving
guests and strangers. They offered the visitors food an entertainment. They
were also conscious of cleanliness. They took a bath daily in the river. They
cleaned their teeth with fruits. They used perfumes for their bodies. They put
"gugo" in their hair. Even their houses were kept clean and orderly.

Early Filipinos were trustworthy and honest. They paid their debts on time.
Likewise, they kept their promises.

Spanish Period

During the Spanish period, development was focused more on religion. The
Spanish culture was more enjoyed and welcomed by the Filipino-Spanish
families and the wealthy Filipino families. The Filipino society was divided into
three classes: Principalia, Ilustrado and the Masses. Many Filipino made big
names in the fields of Music, Art, Literature and Science. Padre Anacleto Cerra's
bamboo organ in the church of Las Piñas became popular worldwide. Women
had minor roles in the society but were respected by men.

Despite the oppressive control of the Spaniards, native Filipino Culture

progressed and developed especially in the outskirts of Manila. The literary
world became rich in legends, epics, folktales, riddles, country songs, wise
cracks and etc. The famous epics are "Darangan" of the Maranaos, Hudhud at
Alim" of the Ifugaos, "Biag-ni-Lam-ang" of the Ilocanos, and "Ibalon" of the
Bicolanos.

In the music world, some old country songs can still be heard today. Some of
these are "Manang Biday" and "Pamulinawen" from the Ilocanos, "Sitsiritsit" and
"Doon Po Sa Amin" of the Tagalogs, "Atin Ku Pung Singsing" from the
Pampangos, and "Ako Kini si Anggi" from the Visayas.

American Period

American Influences can still be seen in the country's system of education,

literature, art, architecture, science, industry, home, food, clothes, religion,
pastimes, music and dances. Filipinos took education seriously which resulted
to the high social status of some Filipinos. The Filipinos learned how to read,
speak and write English in a short matter of time. The free exchange of goods
between the United Stated and the Philippines ended when the U.S. Congress
approved the Tydings-Mcduffie Law. Through the Homestead Act, the right to
own any civil land up to 24 hectares was given to any Filipino. The Protestant
religion was accepted by the Filipinos. The social status of Filipino Women
during the American period. They were allowed to participate in politics, to work
in the government, and to pursue their studies in college. Matters like health and
cleanliness were improved. Transportation and communication in the Philippines
were developed.

The influence of the American culture brought about good and bad aspects to
the Philippines. Many roads and bridges were constructed. New technologies
were introduced to the country. These technologies helped the Philippines'
industries and agriculture. All these developments were made for the
convenience of the Americans in the Philippines most especially the
businessmen. Philippine people might have enjoyed some benefits but they
were not the real reasons why such developments were made. The rules that
had been imposed by the Americans to the Filipinos in relation to health and
education also had negative effects. The Americans imposed these rules to
achieve their main objective, which is to colonize and use the country and its
people. Education was the most useful means or ways in pursuing a peaceful
relationship with the Filipinos. Through education, the Americans influenced the
Filipinos in terms of the way they eat, to love the American culture and most of
all, to prioritize American products.

If the Spaniards used religion as an excuse to capture Filipino's hearts and

minds, the Americans poisoned our way of thinking through education. Because
of these, the Filipino have neglected and set aside their own culture and their
own identity.

Japanese Period

The arrival of the Japanese caused tremendous fear, hardships and suffering
among the Filipinos. The Filipino way of life was greatly affected during the
Japanese period. The Filipinos lost their freedom of speech and expression. The
development of art was also stopped. Filipinos greatly feared the "zoning".
There were Filipinos spies hired by the Japanese to point those who were
suspected of being part of the guerilla movement. The Japanese made some
changes in the system of education.