The Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas, a country full with beautiful spots that attract

travelers from all over the world. We, Filipinos are aware that our country is well-known when it
comes to tourism locations, abundant resources and as well as scenery. Some may say that our
country is one of the most fortunate countries in the world. The Department of Tourism also
exclaims, "It's more fun in the Philippines." because of its stunning landscapes and tons of exciting
activities to partake in. Aside from the aforementioned facts, the Philippines may also take pride
with our people along with our peculiar traditions which make our country distinct from the rest of
the world.
The Philippines can be a bit of an enigma, with a diverse mix of influences and civilizations
that often leaves visitors perplexed. From cockfighting to competitive karaoke to the world's
longest Christmas season, here are a few distinctive customs that represent the local beliefs and
values that have been passed down through the generations. Pagmamano is one of the oldest and
most well-known Filipino traditions. It is practiced as a symbol of respect for seniors. In Spanish,
mano means hand, which is appropriate because pagmamano is performed by gently tapping the
elder's hand on the younger's forehead. The elder responds by saying, "God bless you," which is
why the act is also known as "blessing."
Second is the Kamayan, we, Filipinos love to eat, and they eat kamayan-style when the meal
is very delectable. Kamayan, derived from the Filipino word kamay, or hand, is the traditional way
of eating with one's bare hands. Third, Fiesta Celebrations, the colorful fiestas that take place all
year are a celebration you won't want to miss out on when visiting the Philippines. Fiestas are
another legacy of the Spanish colonizers, and they were originally held to honor patron saints.
Harana is a traditional Filipino courtship that takes a long time. It is an approach to “woo” a
female. It called serenading in English. The male goes to the girl's residence (typically late at night)
with his buddies and sings classic kundiman or folk love songs to her until she opens her window
and invites him inside. The fifth tradition is the pamamanhikan, this stage begins after the
panliligaw (courtship) stage has been completed, all conceivable harana (serenade) has been sung,
and the couple has ultimately gotten together. That is, if the pair decides to marry. Pamamanhikan
is the official act of a man approaching a girl's family and requesting her hand in marriage.
Bayanihan is also one of those unique traditions, although it isn't as prevalent as it once
was, bayanihan encapsulates the strong sense of community that Filipinos have, and is frequently
exhibited by assisting a neighbor in relocating. Bayanihan used to imply that your neighbors would
practically transport your entire kubo, a traditional nipa hut to your new location.
Singing is one of the few unrestricted joys available here. Filipinos, who are often inherently
musical, start karaoke from an early age. A karaoke machine, multiple microphones, and a stack of
classic '80s love ballads on disc are all popular in households. Which makes competitive karaoke
the seventh tradition in the Philippines. Aside from the fact that it's entertaining, the main reason
this activity is revered is that having a beautiful voice – and with it, the opportunity to rise above
poverty and gain success - is a desire shared by many locals. On every island, at every celebration,
and in every home, expect noisy warbling.
Cockfighting is a part of life in the Philippines, despite the fact that it appears to outsiders
to be a brutal and even cruel sport. The fate of these meticulously bred birds is tethered to hopes,
dreams, and fortunes. Even in cities, cockfighting rings are frequent, and numerous birds are grown
for the ring at any given time in the countryside. The sport, which is mostly a man's realm, draws
large crowds who analyze, gamble, and cheer on the winners - they also devour the losers.
Lastly, the three-month Christmas. While this may appear to be a delightful concept, three
months of carols can become monotonous. Filipinos, who are extremely devout, absorbed Spanish
Christmas traditions and built on them, adding their own twists and rites. The decoration and music
begin in October and peaks in the days leading up to December 24. The festive season includes
early-morning church, midnight dining, and meticulous gift-giving. Throughout the islands, the
brightly colored ‘parol' (Christmas star lamp) represents the festival.
Our culture is a powerful reflection of our long and complicated past. Most of the people
we've met have had an impact on it. The Filipinos' rituals and traditions are influenced by a mix of
Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic cultures, as well as Chinese, Indian, Arab, and other Asian cultures.
We need to understand that preserving your culture and tradition as a people is a means for you to
connect with your racial roots and cultural identity, similar to why you should maintain your
surname. Your language, ethnic clothing, native cooking, music and dances, folklore and myth,
cultural behavior, writing, and so on are what piques people' interest in learning more about your
culture. All of these behaviors are anchored in your ‘essence' as a person. If you take away the
geishas and sumo wrestlers, for example, some of Japan's identity is lost. Without the image of its
yogis and gurus, India would lose a portion of its soul if people ceased wearing traditional sarees
and national clothes. Many ancient traditions may have become obsolete and ineffective in modern
times, but they should still be documented, remembered, and kept because they are part of what
makes your culture unique and intriguing. If you merely wish to mimic the methods of other
nations, you will lose your identity as a person, and there will be nothing interesting to learn about
your race because it will have become a generic way of life that can be found anywhere else in the
globe.