NOTABLE CULTURES IN THE PHILIPPINES

1.Cultural Filipino Values

*Pagmamano - is a Filipino gesture often done by young people to the elders as a sign of respect. This is
done by gently striking the elder’s right hand to the young’s forehead. Usually, especially in the
provinces, the elders will say “Kaawaan ka ng Diyos” (May God have mercy on you).

*Saying ‘po’ and ‘opo’ - These are the words that Filipinos are using to show their respect when talking
to elders and/or to someone that they respect. They usually punctuate or end a usual sentence in a
conversation. Sometimes, “opo” is equivalent to “yes” when answering questions from an elder or a
respected person.

2.Cultural Filipino Dishes

Filipino food may not be as famous as that of its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors.But with more than
7,000 islands and a colorful history, this archipelago has some delicious dishes of its own.Blessed with an
abundance of seafood, tropical fruits and creative cooks, there's more to Filipino food than the mind-
boggling balut (duck embryo). You just have to know where to find them and how to eat them.

Adobo

Lechon

Sisig

Crispy Pata

Halo-halo

Palabok

Arroz Caldo

Sinigang

Superstition

KEY POINTS

-very popular in the Philippines

-originated from different ancestors

-to prevent danger from happening

Examples: Paglilihi, usog , pasma and sprinkling salt around the house to get rid of the unwanted
visitors.

In the Philippines, superstitious beliefs have grown throughout the country. These beliefs have come
from the different sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger from happening or to
make a person refrain from doing something in particular. These beliefs are part of our culture, for one
derives their beliefs from the influences of what their customs, traditions and culture have dictated to
explain certain phenomena or to scare people. Some are practiced primarily because Filipinos believe
that there is nothing to lose if they will comply with these beliefs.

Superstitions still exist until now because they have been passes from generation to generation. Many
people still give values to some superstitions because for them it became a part of their lives and some
are scared that they might encounter unwanted circumstances if they do not involve themselves to any
superstitions.

FESTIVALS

-Festival is a day or time of religious or other celebration, marked by feasting, ceremonies, or other
observances.

-For example in the culture and tradition of Philippines, the country is known to have the longest
Christmas in the world because as early as September, the people are already preparing for the season.

-Other festivals: Sinulog Festival, Ati-Atihan Festival, Dinagyang Festival and Panagbenga Festival and
etc.

Filipinos love celebrations, may it be a simple event like a grade school moving up, birthdays, job
promotions, or celebration for a patron saint, no occasion is too small not to celebrate.

This Philippine culture and tradition has been known worldwide and is one of the main reasons
foreigners love spending the holidays in the country. Philippine Festivals are also among the most
remarkable cultural practices in the Philippines where Filipinos give all-out to celebrate the province or
town’s fiesta.

Philippine festivals are celebrations to express gratitude for a good harvest in honor of the town’s
patron saint. For many Filipinos, fiestas are important because of the miraculous power of the saints. It
is believed that the saints are responsible for all the good fortune and favor one receives