Chapter 5

Promoting and Preserving

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

 Manifest interest on local history and show concern in promoting it; and,
 Critically evaluate, promote and preserve the Philippine museums, historical shrines,
indigenous practices, religious rites and rituals, archeological sites and other cultural
heritage.

A. Protection and Conservation of the National Cultural Heritage

An act that provides for the protection and conservation of the national cultural heritage as well
as the strengthening of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) is Republic act
No. 10066. This Act known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”. This Act was
approved on March 26, 2010 under the Presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
This Act has the following objectives:
(1) Protect, preserve, conserve, and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, its property and
histories and the ethnicity of local communities
(2) Establish and strengthen cultural institutions, and
(3) Protect cultural workers and ensure this professional development and well-being
Local History
Local history refers to a written record of past events relating to local situations. National
histories actually sprouted from the contributions of local history. In other words, there was local
history before there was national history.
The following of controversial issues:
Importance of Local History
1. Local history enriches our understanding of our national history. It provides us with the
documentation and analysis of the broad processes which are important to the life of the
people. It is more than the study of towns, provinces, and regions of the Philippines and the
people who live there. The study of local history provides the foundation and the substance of
true national history is history in the local context.
2. More importantly, it encourages creative and innovative responses to development with
people with special talents and potentials. It provides more room for local initiatives to
develop and for local potentials to progress. Autonomy implies an exercise of freedom with
limited control and influence from the national government. Local history along with oral
history are basic to autonomy.
3. From this inexhaustible reservoir people can draw patriotic strength in times of crisis,
inspiration, in moments of despair, and direction, and in times of ambiguity and dilemma. It
 is actually a reservoir of local data and memories of events, realties and things that provide
the essences of local life. History is defined as an organized record of a meaningful past.
4. The Philippines has a strong varied source of local history because it has 16 regions, 78
provinces, 1,537 municipalities, 69 cities, 41,925 barangays and over a hundred
ethnolinguistic groups. Here we can see community life in the context of social perspective.
Local history provides the vital task of putting the meaningful essence of community in space
and time.
5. National interests by reason of national purpose and will should represent the various
localities, sectors, and ethnic groups from Batanes to Tawi-tawi, regardless of creed, origin,
race, and gender. National history seeks together all diverse groups. By their very nature both
help unite the nation as an example of unity in diversity. Local and oral history are
fundamental to national interests.
6. Filipino historiography incorporates both approaches to national history. The difference of
Hispanic historiography is that autocratic and prescriptive while the American is liberal and
democratic. This includes the Hispano-American historiographical tradition we have
preserved in our national historiography.
7. In short, national history without local history is shallow just as local history without national
interest is parochial and divisive. It must derive substance and sustenance from local history
data before it can establish generalizations. Local history is an important tool of
decolonization. Nationalist historiography aims to decolonize the old views which is the task
of the Filipino historian.
Sources in Local History
History without sources is like a bird without wings. Sources are the foundation of
historical data and information. However, not all historical works with sources are commendable.
This brings to the question on what sources to use and how to use them for historical
construction. History without sources is unthinkable but not all historical works with sources are
commendable.
Cultural sources which are preserved evidences of human culture including
archaeological artifacts as far back in time as possible. Oral history sources gathered from
interviews which represents the main focus of oral history as a methodology. Written source such
as reports, correspondences, speeches, memorials, petitions and any printed matter available.
Historical sources may be generally divided into:

 Secondary accounts which include accounts by individuals with some valid information from
eyewitnesses.
 Primary accounts such as eyewitness accounts.
Methodology of Local History
What is worth researching and what are those things to be researched are essential
matters in conducting historical research.
It must deal with a subject of historical value. Note everything which happened in the
past is worth researching. History is an academic discipline in which we look back where we
came from, how things changed and what particular path we have taken for what persons and
why we are where we are now. It must be an original work not a recycling or rehashed work that
has been written countless of times. It should present new information or at least a new
perspective, insight or interpretation.
Any historical work that does not cite its sources is not credible because it cannot be
cross-verified. Proper attributes through a bibliography with footnotes and end notes, clarity of
presentation or narrative. A good research must have good grammar. Thirdly, basic academic
requirements must be met.
Other forms of local histories are features articles in local and national newspapers which
contain stories about events in towns and cities. These take form in souvenir programs by
countless town fiestas and similar community celebrations. Local history actually has a long
tradition in the country.
With the end of monoliths historians can now have more freedom and exercise cultural
creativity including historical research. Elements of monoliths such as state-censorship and state-
sponsored writing of an official history and the suppression of counter thought prevented the
emergence of “other views”. The effect of the fall of monolith such as the Marcos dictatorship in
1986 triggered interest in local history.
Instead of reliving national events there are efforts to research the effects national events
in local situations. Events such as the centennial of the declaration of Philippine independence
provide impetus.
The Philippine government actually encourages this through its agencies such as the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts which fund local history research. Governments
following the collapse of the monoliths actually encourage local research.
Local historians serve as interpreters to the larger world and can conversely interpret the
larger world to the local community. he will have the advantage of knowing the vernacular or the
local language in using local sources especially oral histories. Local historians will have the
authority to express their own values and perceptions specific to his group or province. It is a
source of pride for the local historians to have people their own culture write about their ethic
group, their hometown or home province the history of a region or a province can be best
researched by the people of the locality themselves.
To Achieve this one may use as reference national history textbooks such as history of
the Filipino people by T.A Agoncillio, S.K. Tan’s A history of the Philippines and R.
Constatino’s the Philippines a Past revisited as well as other textbooks like G.F. Zaide, E. Alip,
A. Molina, and the history book of Ariola. The understanding of national history enables the local
historian to place in a larger context the local developments. He/she must have a good grasp of
the national history of the Philippines. This side does not mean the memorization of obscure or
irrelevant trivia but a familiarity with the general developments and trends of national
significance. Examples are the nature of colonialism, the process of nation-building of anti-
colonial sentiment and the impact of global trade on local economies. The local historian needs to
have some preparation before writing a historical account.
Pre-requisites of Local History Research
These materials are useful in learning activities and make lectures and class presentations
relevant. They help you find leads in your own research. These helps you from duplicating earlier
research. A local historian must be familiar with the historical literature of his region.
 Compilation of articles by Alfred McCoy and Ed de Jesus in Philippine Social History:
Global Trade and Local Transformation, etc. W.H. Scott’s Cracks in the Parchment Curtain and
Documentary Sources for the Study of the Prehistory of the Philippines provide an excellent data
as well as theoretical framework. Previous works may provide a guide in writing.
Secondary sources are based on primary sources the latter carry greater weight on the
accuracy of facts. Primary sources are those written and oral are eyewitness or contemporaneous
sources or observes in a particular historical era. Historical sources can be obtained from primary
and secondary sources. The quick answer was analysis but one must remember there cannot be
analysis without facts. Which is more important facts or analysis?
Sources of Data: Primary Sources and Secondary Sources
Unpublished primary sources can be found in the UST archives the archdiocesan archives
of Manila and other ecclesiastical archives. Traveler accounts – writings by John Foreman, Jean
Mallat, Feodor Jagor. Friar accounts – works by Ignacio Alcina, Pedro Chirino, Aduarte,
Malumbres Plascencia. The Philippine Islands by James Alexander Robertson and Emma Helen
Blair which is a collection of documents and eyewitness accounts from 15 th to the 19th centuries.
There might be racial prejudice and bias which tend to distort their observations and
perception. One must be critical in using these sources.
Many other sources in the PNA. Difunciones – deaths, Bautismos – baptisms, Asuntos
criminals – crimes. Filipino Ilustres – Illustrious Filipinos, Sediciones y Rebelliones – for
studying the formation of towns – for those who can read Spanish may consult the following:
Maps, sketches, plans and other primary sources. Some topics are fairly common such as
the history of a barangay, town or province. This type of research usually highlights the
remarkable events in the locality such as the beginning or end of a period. Be sure that you will
finish your research sources. The topic must have a definite scope and limitation. Get a topic that
interests you most; one that attracts your curiosity; one that is an original topic.
Selecting a Research Topic
Another area is institutional history such as the history of an academic institution or a
business company. One may do an economic history such as history of the mining sector, the
weaving industry. One may research a particular era such as the Philippine Revolution, Peacetime
of the Japanese Occupation. Another topic would be the story of a site or structure such as a
church or even a series of historical sites. Such biographies should include previously unknown
information. Other topics maybe biographical.
It is up for the researcher to use his creativity and insight in unearthing and retrieving
data from local sources. Local primary sources are now available for all these topics. Women’s
histories – now increasingly popular. Cultural history includes changes in the practices of the
communities such as the Tingguianes and the Apayaos.
Do not alter data that you encounter just because it runs against what you believe is the
correct information or your projected conclusions. Do not mix two or more topics in one note
card. If you come across a new topic start with a new note card to avoid confusion later. Take
notes carefully especially of direct quotes, to ensure accuracy. Use note cards or note paper
because papers of a uniform size is easier to carry, store and organize.
Practical Guidelines for Data-Gathering
There may be other practical steps which you have found useful and which work is best
for you. Take proper care of primary materials such as old photographs, manuscripts, or maps.
Such materials are extremely rare and one-of-a-kind and need special handling. Organize your
data into primary and secondary sources or according to major topics or chronologically. Always
indicate the source of information, such as the title and date of a document, or the bibliographic
data for the printed materials such as books, pamphlets and magazines. These are based on the
text and analysis and summation of your findings. Analysis – this is your explanation and
interpretation of the data that you have provided and that this explains your analytical framework
or theory that you employed. Text - this is the main bulk of your written account. This must be
organized and coherent. An outline for this section in necessary.
Bibliography
This is the listing sources including books that were used which could be classified as
primary or secondary, published or unpublished, oral or written. Endnotes/footnotes – these are
required in academic research but may not be always applicable. Appendix and glossary – these
are materials which could not be incorporated into text but would add to the clarity and depth of
your research.
Contemporary historians utilize a nationalist perspective. This not ant-foreign but it
reflects our nationalist consciousness and sentiment. Writing down history is not simply putting
down facts in paper but it should be done through a proper framework or context. Language –
first decide in what language to use. You may choose to write in vernacular but if you decide to
have a wider audience English would be the best language. Writing English does not mean a lack
of nationalism.
Shortcomings and Ethical Issues in Local History Writings
In many instances local historians allow their personal biases to distort their work by
hiding certain unfavorable, misinterpreting events and passing off false information as true which
result in the work becoming a propaganda instead of an accurate rendering of the past. Tendency
of local historians to slant their narrative in favor of powerful families or portray a national
personality in the hope of achieving reflected glory or gaining patronage and reward from that
family. There is too much emphasis on local celebrities and personalities who may appear
important but they are not i.e. longest-serving mayor or councilor. Indiscriminate presentation of
facts in the belief that all data gathered must not go to waste. There may be rigid conformity to
periodization which conforms to national history i.e. Pre-Spanish, Spanish, and American
periods. There may be difficulty in relating cause and effect. The historian should take to account
various local and external forces.
Do not pass off somebody else’s work as your own – because this will be eventually
found out. Plagiarism is an intellectual theft which discredits the author and a plagiarized work
has no values to the scholars. Never plagiarize – always acknowledge and provide citation of your
sources. Always cite in quotation marks every statement and phrase you lifted verbatim from a
source.
 Doing so constitutes an abuse of one’s position. Nor should you see their output/data
without your permission and without giving them due credit. Do not make students and/or
subordinates do your research work.
If you are going to use the information for some other purposes, you should also tell
them. Tell them about your purpose. Always tell your informant that you are using their
information in a written account.
Always tell the informant or sources that you are going to use their material. Just as you
do not want to be fooled, so you should not fool others in dealing with them. Finally, do not
conduct research under false pretenses.
Oral History
Oral history is a historical source of a special nature. Its special natures lie in the fact is
unwritten source of information which consists of verbal testimonies which are reported
statements involving the past.
Oral history is not a discipline history. It is only a methodology of history in which first-
hand historical events are recounted by the eyewitness through the intervention of a historian.
Filipino historians like T.A. Agoncillo and Isabelo de los Reyes used oral history in
obtaining historical information. However, the popular use of oral history as a methodology is
relatively new even among professional historians.
The main technique of oral history is the interview. This technique goes as far back as
ancient time including that of Homer and Herodotus who used the technique in their prototype of
historical discourse.
Important of Oral history
Its importance to Modern Historiography
Through not suited for historical analysis, oral tradition can be used as traditional
material. These come in the form epics, tales, genealogies and legends. Oral tradition – this
comes from collective consciousness of people.
Eyewitness Account
Hearsay does not qualify as eyewitness account because the event was not witnessed by
the narrator and remembered by the informant himself. Eyewitness accounts do not fall the realm
of oral tradition. Eyewitness accounts are given by people who are actually in the place of a
historical event or were actually its participants.
Rumor Account
It becomes useful as a historical source. If it is corroboration by others sources, otherwise
it should be dismissed as an uncorroborated hearsay. It is transmitted from one person to another.
A rumor is a verbal account which does not always concern the present.
The Practice of Oral History
Where written documents are lacking oral history may be used as long as this is
corroborated by other sources. The best example was created by Dr. Marcelino Foronda of De La
 Salle University who organized students to conduct interviews of important personalities starting
from the 70’s. recently historical bodies have engaged in oral history.
Oral history also gives the power to the marginalized people who have no access to
writing or could not write or those who have no time to write history, their view of the past.
Being a “talking people”, Filipinos are full of oral histories.

The informant is the one who transmits the information and he plays an important role in
the process of oral history. The informant – is a person or group of persons who gives an account
of a referent or that of which the account is given – the thing observed. An eyewitness account is
the sum of the testimonies made an informant concerning a single series of events or a single
event.
One should not use it as a justification to use uncorroborated accounts. Oral history helps
the gaps in written story. The credibility and the reliability of the informant – one important task
of the researcher is to determine the reliability of the eyewitness account.
The interviewer must make a careful study of the cultural system of the interviewee
otherwise he would not be able to obtain the information the truly needed. If the interviewer is
not adept in these elements then the information obtained by him may be unintelligible. The
researcher must know the language and culture. Get to know the environment.
The Search for Informant
Their reputation is not tainted by dishonesty. Their status must equip them with certain
necessary information. Conversant with the information required. The informants must have the
following: not everyone is capable of supplying the information he needed.
B. Promotion and Preservation of Philippine Museum
The Historic Presentation Division (HPD) of the NHCP aims to promote Filipino cultural
heritages through the presentation, protection, and development of historic museums, archives,
shrines, landmarks, art galleries, and other historical structures. It keeps itself abreast and updated
with the latest on scientific and information technologies in relation to the field of historic
conservation.
Museums of the Philippines
A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its
development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and
exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of
education, study, and enjoyment.
Five (5) Best Museums in the Philippines (source: Internet)
1. University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts and Sciences
Location: University of Sto. Tomas, Espana Boulevard, manila
Starting out as Gabinete de Fisica, an observation room of mineral, botanical and
biological collections for science courses especially in Medicine and Pharmacy in the 17 th
 century, the University of Santo Tomas Museum, known to be the oldest existing museum in
the Philippines boasts of a vast collection. Preserved for over 300 years, the collection
expanded to include cultural pieces and artifacts.
A large part of the UST Museum’s pieces are cultural artifacts indigenous to the
Philippines, categorized into tribal musical instruments, three-dimensional artifacts and
pertrified animals. It even includes the chair Pope John Paul II sat in during his 1981 visit to
manila, leftover pieces from old Intramuros churches, gold pieces found all over the
Philippines household wares, weaponry, brass and metal crafts and burial jars.
2. Ayala Museum
Location: Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati City
Located at the heart of the country’s business district, Makati City, the Ayala Museum is
one of the most important and most visited private museums. It houses a large number of rare
and priceless cultural and historical items not found elsewhere in the country.
For over 40 years, its handcrafted dioramas of Philippine History scenes have impressed
visitors. But the Ayala museum really has so much more to offer. The Maritime Vessels
collection of finely crafted ship models paying tribute to ancient boats is worth every visit.
The museum’s fine arts collection, which includes paintings by Juan Luna, Fernando
Amorsolo and Fernando Zobel, representing Philippine art from the late 19 th to the 20th
century, is not one to be missed. It also holds a small collection of ethnographic artifacts of
Filipino minority communities that include tools, weapons, ritual objects, clothing, body
ornaments and musical instruments.
3. Rizal Shrine
Location: Calamba, Laguna
Being one of the most frequented historical and tourist sites in Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine
in Calamba, Laguna has an average of 270,000 visitors annually. The museum is a replica of
the ancestral house where Jose Rizal was shaped and molded and who would later become
the finest expression of his race.
With the house destroyed during World War II, President Elpidio Quirino ordered the
reconstruction of the national hero’s home through the supervision of National Artist,
Architect Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. One of the known features of the Spanish-
Colonial house is a deep well that has become a “wishing well” for tourists and visitors. It is
home to various memorabilia, books, manuscripts and artworks that belonged to the
Philippine national hero. (this author fortunately visited twice the shrine in the past).
4. The Mind Museum
Location: JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio, Global City
The mind Museum is the first world-class science museum in the Philippines that makes
everything you didn’t bother learning in grade school suddenly so fascinating.
It has interesting galleries namely: (1) The Story of the Universe: Its Beginning and
mystery; (2) The Story of the Earth: Its Story across the Breadth of Time; (3) The Story of
 Life: The Exuberant Varieties of Life; (4) The Story of the Atom: The Strange World of the
Very Small; and (5) The Story of Technology: The Showcase of Human Ingenuity –
presenting science through five main stories.
All the exhibitions are originally designed by Filipino artists and fabricators who worked
closely with both local and international scientists.
5. National Museum of the Philippines
Location: Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila
The National Museum, officially the Museum of the Filipino People, in Rizal Park,
Manila was originally designed as a public library in 1918 before it was inaugurated on July
16, 1926. In 2003, renovations started to transform it into the National Art Gallery.
The National Museum is the premier institution and repository of the Filipino Heritage.
Within its walls are National Art Gallery, Planetarium, and the regional museums. This
massive museum offers an enriching visual experience for its visitors with its extensive
archaeological, anthropological, botanical, geological and zoological artifacts and diverse
artworks by local artists.
C. Promoting and Preserving Archives
Archives are places where records of all types and formats are kept and made accessible
for research and other purposes. They are a good place to find primary sources, both unpublished
materials and those that have been published for their parent institution’s members or
constituencies. Personal and institutional records of all types can be found in archives, as well as
mass media, ephemera, oral histories, and even artifacts.
Archives are distinct from libraries with regard to their functions and organizations
although archival collection can often be found within library buildings:
1. The National Archives of the Philippines (NAP)
This or in Filipino (Pambansang Sinupan ng Pilipinas) is an agency of the Republic of the
Philippines mandated to collect, store, preserve and make available archival records of the
government and other primary sources pertaining to the history and development of the country.
It is the primary record management agency tasked to formulate and implement the records of
management agency. Tasked to formulate and implement the records schedule and vital records
protection programs for the government. The archives as it is organized today was a result of the
passage of Republic Act. 9470 in 2007, but its roots can be traced back to at least 19 th Century
when the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines established its Division of Archives.
NAP is presently located at Velco Centre, Roberto Oca St, Port area, Manila, Metro
Manila.
2. Family History Library
Most vital records should be available at the Family History Library and Family History
Centers. The microfilmed records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage contracts
and notarial records.
 The Family Library has filmed the most important genealogical records from this
collection, including:

 Cemetery records (cementerios)

 Inheritance records and inventories of personalestates (bienes de difuntos)

 Marriage records (matrimonios)

 Census records (vencidarios, estadisticas padrones de chinos)

 Military records (quintas, guardia civil, hojas de servicio)

 Immigration and naturalization records (naturalization de Espanoles, radicacion

de estrangeros)

 Notarial records (protocolos)

3. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) formerly National Statistics Office
(NSO)which under the jurisdiction of the office of the Civil Registrar General has several records
of birth, marriage, death, etc. there are branches all over the Philippines but its main office is
located at PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
4. National Library of the Philippines (Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas) Records Management
and Archives Office (Tanggapan sa Pamamahala ng mga Kasulatan at Sinupan).
The National Library of the Philippines has valuable 45,000-volume Filipiniana
collection of biographies, local histories, bibliographies, and gazetteers. It also has a collection of
rare books and manuscripts, newspapers and brochures, microfilms, atlases, maps, gazetteers, and
manuscripts of the rare books collection.
The NLP has approximately 11 million documents from the Spanish Colonization period
(1552-1898) and a few records from the American occupation period (1898-1946). Unfortunately,
thousands of documents have been lost due to careless handling, deliberate destruction, and
natural deterioration caused by termites, mold, and moisture.
The National Library of the Philippines can be located at T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita,
Manila, 2801.
The following libraries shelve Filipiniana collections:

 The Ayala Museum Library has over 3,500 rare books and manuscripts:
Ayala Museum Library and Iconographic Archives
Makati Avenue
Makati, Manila

 The Jorge B. Vargas Filipiniana Collection Houses, Vargas’s personal collection of rare
books, documents, and manuscripts:
Jorge B. Vargas Filipiniana Foundation
 241 Shaw Boulevard
Mandaluyong, Manila

 The Fr. Luis G. Merino Library has rare holdings from 1700 on, Philippine history,
architecture, cultural arts, and the restoration of the historic walled City of Intrmuros.
The Fr. Luis G. Merino Library
5/f Palacio del Gobernador Building
Gen. Luna Street, Intramuros
The following collection includes mostly documents from the American occupation
period, with some records from the Spanish colonization period, and a few modern records:

 U.S Embassy, American Historical Collection Ateneo de Manila University

Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila
Philippines
Besides the libraries listed above, each province has a library that stores valuable local
histories. Some municipalities and cities have libraries that collect local family histories and other
genealogical records. Also, each municipality has local civil registrar office that keeps valuable
family history information.
D. Promoting and preserving Historical Shrines, Landmarks and Sites
Historical shrines refer to historical sites or structures and revered for their history or
association as declared by the National Historical institute. Among these shrines are:
1. Rizal Monument (Bantayog ni rizal)
Basic Information:
Location: Rizal Park, (Luneta), Manila
Designer: Richard Kissling
Date of Inauguration: December 30, 1913
Dedicated to: To the memory of Jose Rizal, patriot and martyr
Why you should visit it:
The monument of Rizal in Rizal Park (Luneta) is considered by many as the most
popular, most visited and most photographed monument in the Philippines. It housed the remains
of Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist, novelist, poet, journalist, ophthalmologist and a national hero.
Rizal wrote the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to expose the cruelty and
injustice of the Spanish ruling government in the Philippines during his time. Because of his
revolutionary writings, he was executed by a firing squad in Luneta in Madrid, Spain.
2. Bonifacio Monumento (Monumento)
 Basic Information:
Location: Grace Park, Caloocan City, Metro Manila
Designer: Guillermo Tolentino
Date of Inauguration: November 30, 1933
Dedicated to: To the memory of Andres Bonifacio, the founder and Supremo of the Katipunan
Why you should visit it:
Anders Bonifacio is popularly known as the father of the Philippine Revolution, and the
founder and Supremo of the Katipunan or the Samahanf Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK). He is an icon of bravery and pride of the Filipinos.
The monument is one of the most beautiful works of arts in the Philippines. It was
designed by national artist Guillermo Tolentino, who also sculpted the famous University of the
Philippines’ Oblation statue.
An important historical and cultural landmark in the Philippines, the monument has
twenty-three figures including Emilio Jacinto (popularly known as the brains of the Katipunan)
and the three martyred priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolinario Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora
(well known by many Filipinos as the GOMBURZA).
3. Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Basic Information:
Location: Liberty Shrine, Punta Engano, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Dedicated to: Lapu-Lapu, a native chieftain of Mactan who defeated Magellan in the battle of
Mactan in 1521.
Date built: Sometime in 1969 through RA. 5695
Why you should visit it:
Lapu-Lapu is considered as the first Filipino hero who successfully defended the
Philippines from the Spanish invasion. He’s a symbol of courage and success in defeating
enemies. In fact, his image is the central figure in the seal of the Philippines National Police and
the Bureau of Fire Protection.
He is best known as the hero of the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. The battle of
Mactan stopped the invasion of Magellan in Cebu and delayed the Spanish occupation of the
islands by over forty years until the expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1564.
The monument of Lapu-Lapu is located in Liberty Shrine (Mactan Shrine), where historic
battle of Mactan took place at dawn on April 27, 1521. The area is also the place where Magellan
Shrine and the marker of the spot the Portuguese conquistador was killed are located.
4. Magellan Shrine
Basic information
 Location: Liberty shrine (Mactan Shrine), Punta engano, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu
Dedicated to: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan
Date Built: 1866

Why you should visit it:

The monument of Magellan is the oldest in this list. It was built in 1866 – that makes the
monument almost 150 years old now. The monument or shrine of Magellan is just a few steps
from the statue of Lapu-Lapu. Both monuments and other important markers of events that
happened during the historic battle of Mactan are found in Liberty Shrine or Mactan Shrine.
Ferdinand Magellan may be remembered by Filipinos as an enemyof the legendary hero
Lapu-Lapu but the Portuguese explorer is also recognized by many as the man who rediscovered
the Philippines. The Portuguese explorer is also recognized by the world as the one who
organized the Spanish expedition from 1519 to 1522 that resulted to the first circumnavigation of
the Earth. A few steps from the monument of Magellan is a marker on the exact spot where the
Portuguese explorer was killed during the Battle of Mactan, who brought Christianity in the
Philippines.
5. MacArthur Landing Memorial Park
Basic Information:
Location: MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, Palo, Leyte
Designer: Anastacio Caedo
Date of Inauguration: October 20, 1981
Dedicated to: Douglas MacArthur, his entourage, and all the soldiers who fought and died in the
battles of Leyte during the World War II
Why you should visit it:
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo beach was the site where the Allied Forces
led by General Douglas MacArthur landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944. The monument also
reminds us the fulfillment of MacArthur’s iconic words and promise “I shall return”. The
fulfillment of that promise was the start of the Leyte invasion and his campaign to liberate the
Philippines from the Japanese occupation during World War II.
This historic event also led to the naval battle between the Japanese Imperial Navy and
the US Navy (with the help from the Australian Royal Navy). The battles of Leyte Gulf is
recognized by many historians as the largest naval battle in history.
The Leyte Landing Monument is composed of seven double-life-sized bronze of General
Douglas MacArthur, Philippine Sergio Osmena, Lieutenant General Richard Sutherland,
Brigadier General Carlos P. Romulo, Major General Courtney Whitney, Sergeant Francisco
Salveron and CBS Radio correspondent William J. Dunn.
 The monument also resembles the iconic photo of MacArthur and his entourage during
the historic A-Day Landing as captured by Gaetano Faillace.
6. Sandugo (Bloood Compact) Shrine
Basic Information:
Location: Barangay Bool, Tagbiliran City, Bohol
Designer: Napoleon Abueva
Dedicated to: The peace pact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565
Why you should visit it:
The province of Bohol in Visayas is not only home to the magnificent Chocolate Hills
and clear water beaches but also to rich historical sites. One of the most famous landmarks and
historical sites in the Philippines is the site of the Blood Compact (Sandugo) between Datu
Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565 to insure the friendly relations between the
Spaniards and Filipinos.
Among the monuments in this list, the Blood Compact Shrine commemorates friendship
rather than battles or wars.
The Blood Compact monument is one of the works of Napoleon Abueva, a Filipino
national artist and also called as the “Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture”.
7. Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor)
Basic Information:
Location: Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan, Philippines
Designer: Lorenzo del Castillo and Napoleon Abueva
Date Built: 1970
Dedicated to: The soldiers who fought for freedom in the Battle of Bataan.
Why you shoud visit it:
Mount Samat in Bataan was the site where the Philippine and American soldiers took their
last against the invading Japanese forces in the Battle of Bataan. After a three-month battle, Bataan
fell and surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. This Japanese victory led to the infamous
Bataan Death March that involved 60,000-80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war. The march
resulted to more than 20,000 dead Filipino and American prisoners of war.
The Shrine of Valor was built not only to honor the gallantry of the Filipinos who fought in
the Battle of Bataan but to honor all the brave soldiers who fought and died fighting for our freedom
during Japanese invasion.
To commemorate and honor the heroism and bravery of the soldiers who fought the Japanese
invaders in the battle of Bataan, the Philippine government declared April 9 as a national holiday. The
day is known as Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor.
8. Sultan Kudarat Monument
Basic information:
Location: Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Dedicated to: Sultan Kudarat, the Muslim brave hero and Mindanao’s most powerful ruler.

Why you should visit it:

Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat, popularly known as Sultan Kudarat is considered
as the greatest Sultan of Maguindanao and the most powerful Sultan in Mindanao.
His monument located in front of the provincial Capitol building of Sultan Kudarat is a
testament of his bravery, ingenuity and relentless in conquering Mindanao and other parts of the
Philippines from the author of Spain.
The Sultan of Maguindanao never allowed the Spaniards to conquer his sultanate. That is
the reason why Spain failed to invade the whole of Mindanao and convert the natives to Roman
Catholics.
The valiant ruler of Mindanao was declared a national hero during the presidency of
Ferdinand Marcos.
9. Pinaglabanan Shrine and the Spirit of Pinaglabanan
Basic Information:
Location: N. Domingo corner Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan, Metro Manila
Designer: Eduardo Castillo (designer of the Spirit of Pinaglabanan monument)
Date built: 1974
Dedicated to: The brave Katipuneros who fought and dies in that battlefield.
Why you should visit it:
Pinaglabanan Shrines commemorated the Battle of San Juan del Monte, the first attempt
of the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto to fight the Spanish forces in late
August of 1896.
Although the battle of San Juan del Mote was won by the Spaniards, the Katipuneros,
who were only armed with bolos and homemade guns, did not lose their spirits. The guts and
bravery of the Filipinos who fought during the battle sent a warning to Spain thatb their
colonization of the Philippines will soon be over.
The five-hectare Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrines includes the Museo ng Katipunan, the
Battle of pinaglabanan statue (statue of a woman supported by two children, holding up a bolo),
and the monument of the Spirit of Pinaglabanan (the shrine’s centerpiece which is a statue of
elongated figures created by Eduardo Castillo).
10. Balangiga Encounter Monument
Basic Information:
Location: Balangiga, Eastern Samar
Designer: Napoleon Abueva
Date Built: September 28, 2003
Dedicated to: The heroism of the local freedom fighters in Samar
Why you should visit it:
The Balangiga Encounter Monument reminds us that Filipinos will not back down to
fight for freedom against any foreign invader – even against the mighty American forces.
On September 28, 1901, the church bells of Balangiga were rung to signal an attack by
native bolo figghters from Balangiga and the nearby villages of Lawaan, Giporlos and
Quinapondan that killed more than 50 US soldiers. The encounter, populary known as the
Balangiga massacre, was described as the United States Army’s worst defeat during the
Philippine-American War.
The attack outraged Gen. Jacob Smith and instructed his men to kill all Filipinos who
were capable of bearing arms, including boys over 10 years old. Thousands of locals were killed
and homes were burned under Smith’s order.
The historic bells of the church at Balangiga were taken by the Americans as war booty.
The bells have not yet been returned to the town’s church even up to this day.
11. EDSA Shrine
Basic Information
Location: Ortigas Center. EDA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ugong Norte, Quezon City
Designer: Various Artists
Date built: 1989
Dedicated to: The peaceful outcome of the People Power Revolution in 1986
Why you should visit it:
The EDSA Shrine was originally built to commemorate the vents during the People
Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome. The People Power Revolution (also called the EDA
Revolution or the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of nonviolent demonstrations
joined by over 2 million Filipino civilians including several political, military and religious
personalities on February 22-25, 1986.
dyuuThe people power revolution caused the departure of the dictator President
Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of the country’s democracy.
 The Shrine includes seven-meter bronze statue of Our Lady of Peace, sculpted by
Virginia Ty-Navarro. It has also two chapels – the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel and the Chapel of
Perpetual Adoration – where catholic devotees can offer a prayer.
12. People Power Monument
Basic Information
Location: Corner of EDSA and White Plains Avenue in Barangay Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Designer: Eduardo Castrillo
Date built: 1993
Dedicated to: The brave Filipinos who marched on the streets of EDSA during the People Power
Revolution of 1986.
Why you should visit it:
The monument is about 0.89 kilometers from EDSA Shrine. The Filipinos earned the
respect of the world when they say successfully demonstrated the power of the people without
using violence to end dictatorship and regain democracy in the Philippines.
Historical Landmarks
Landmarks as defined by R.A. No. 10066 refers to sites or structures that are associated
with the events or achievements significant to Philippine History as declared by the National
Historical institute (Section 3 of Article II)
Some landmarks of the Philippines are:
1. Bataan National Park which is found un Abucay, Bagac, Balanga, Hermosa, Morong,
Orani, and Samal.
2. Biak na Bato National Park found in Bulacan and in its own town of Dona Remedios
Trinidad, San Idelfonso, and San Miguel
3. The Enchanted Kingdom of Santa Rosa, Laguna
4. Manila Ocean Park located at Ermita, Manila
5. Mayon Volcano National Park at Albay specifically located in Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco.
At first it was a national park in 1938 and later classified as natural park in 2000.
6. Paco Park located at Paco, Manila. It was once a Municipal Cemetery built by the
Dominican Order. Dr. Jose P. Rizal was secretly interred at this park after his execution at
Bagumbayan Field on December 30, 1896 and was guarded for 15 days by the Guardia Civil
Veterans. His remains were exhumed in August 17, 1898 and on December 30, 1912 was laid
to underneath the monument dedicated to him at Luneta as stated in the Park’s marker.
7. Quezon Memorial Park located at the Quezon City. Its main feature is a tall mausoleum
containing the remains of Manuel L. Quezon, the second official President of the Philippines
and the first of ten internationally recognized Philippine Presidents and his wife First Lady
Aurora Quezon.
8. Rizal Park situated at Roxas (former Dewey) Boulevar, Manila. This is a tribute to the
National Hero of the Philippines.
9. Star City located at CCP Complex, Pasay City.
10. Salinas Natural Monument located at Aritao, Bambang, at Kayapa, nueva Vizcaya. This
park was established on May 18. 1914 as a Salinas Forest Reserve covering the Salinas Salt
Spring through Executive Order No. 44 signed by Governor General Francis Burton
Harrison. It was finally declared as a national monument in 2000 by President Joseph
Estrada.
Sites
For this purpose, sites are classified into historical sites and archeological sites. Historical
sites are classified further into churches, cultural and historical landmarks, and natural landmarks.
I. Historical Sites/Landmarks/Sites

a) Churches

 Antipolo Cathedral – Antipolo City

 Baclaran Church – Baclara, Paranaque

 Baguio Cathedral – Baguio City

 Barasoain Church – Malolos, Bulacan

 Basilica of Our Lady of Piat – Piat, Cagayan

 Binondo Church – Binondo, Manila

 Las Pinas Church – Las Pinas City

 Malolos Cathedral – Malolos, Bulacan

 Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount Holy

 Rosary of Manaoang – Manaoag, Pangasinan

 Penafrancia Shrine – Naga City, Bicol Region

 Quiapo Church – Quiapo, Manila

 Sampaloc Church – Sampaloc, Manila

 Santa Cruz Church – Manila

 Santo Domingo Church – Quezon Avenue, Q.C.

b) Cultural and Historical Landmark/Sites

 Cagsawa Ruins – Daraga, Albay

 Cape Bolinao Lighthouse – Bolinao, Pangasinan

 Casino Espanol de Manila – Ermita, Manila

  Corregidor Island – Cavite City

 Fort Santiago – Manila

 Magellan Shrine – Lapu-Lapu, Cebu

 Malacanang Palace – Manila

 Manila Hotel – Ermita, Manila

 Manila Metropolitan Theatre – Manila

 Rizal Shrine – Calamba City

 Tutuban Railway – Manila

c) Natural Landmarks/Sites

 Banaue Rice Terraces – Banaue

 Boracay Island – Malay, Aklan

 Chocolate Hills – Bohol

 Ocean Park Luneta

 Hinulugang Taktak – Antipolo City

 Hundred Islands National Park – Alaminos City

 Maria Cristina Falls – Iligan City

 Matabungkay Island – Lian, Batangas

 Mount Mayon – Legazpi

 Mount Apo – Davao City

 Mount Banahaw – Laguna

 Mount Bulusan – Bulusan, Sorsogon

 Mount Hibok-Hibok – Mambajao, Camiguin

 Mount Makiling – Calamba

 Mount Isarong – Camarines Sur

 Mount Pulag – Benguet

 Pagsanjan Falls – Laguna

 Puerto Galera – Oriental Mindoro

 Pueto Princesa Sub-Terranean River National Park – Puerto Princesa, Palawan

 Rice Terraces – Ifugao

  Taal Volcano – Batangas

 Tubbataha Reef – Puerto Princesa

d) Urban Architectural Landmarks/Sites

 Araneta Coliseum – Cubao, Quezon City

 Ayala Center – Makati

 Bonifacio Global City – Taguig City

 Cultural Center of the Philippines – Pasay City

 Mall of Asia – Pasay City

 National Library of the Philippines – Ermita, Manila

 National Museum of the Philippines – Manila

II. Archeological Sites in the Philippines
An archeological site is a place (or group of physical sites) in which evidence of past
activity is preserved (either prehistoric or contemporary), and which has been, or may be,
investigated using the discipline of archeology and represents a part of the archeological record.
Sites may range from those with few or no remains visible above ground to buildings and other
structures still in use.
1. Angono Petroglyphs (Mga Petrolipo ng Angono)
These inscriptions clearly show stylized human figures, frogs, and lizards, along with
other designs that may have depicted other interesting figures but erosion may have
caused it to become indistinguishable. The engravings are mostly symbolic
representations and are associated with healing and sympathetic magic.
The site has been declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National
Cultural Treasure in 1973. It is also included in the list of the World Inventory of Rock
Arts in 1985 and historic sites of the World Monuments Watch and World Monuments
Funds and part of the Philippines’ tentative list of the UNESCO Heritage Site.
2. Buenavista Protected Landscape
It is a conservation area and an archeological site located on Bondoc Peninsula in the
southern Luzon province of Quezon in the Philippines. It conserves an important
watershed area composed of secondary-growth forest, grassland and coconut land in the
rural village of Buenavista within the costal Municipality of Mulanay. The area was
primary set aside for watershed protection and timber production in 1937 covering
approximately 356 hectares (880 acres). In 2000, it was reestablished as a protected
landscape area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System. The area is known
as the site of an ancient village containing unique limestone graves discovered in 2011.
The protected area, including the limestone tombs of Kamhantik were recommended by
various scholars to be included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, yet
no government or private entities have yet to file a tentative nomination to the UNESCO
Secretariat.
3. Idjang
An Idjang is a triangular-shaped hilltop citadel or castle on the Batanes Islands in the
Philippines, made from limestone and wood.
4. Kalamay Cave
It is a small cave located on the island of Masbate in Central Philippines. The cave is
located specifically at the northwest coast of the island within the Municipality of
Aroroy. The artifacts recovered from the site were similar to those found in southeast
Asia and south Vietnam. The site is one of the “Sa Huynh-Kalanay” pottery complex
which originated from Vietnam. The type of pottery found in the site were dead 400BC-
1500 AD.

5. Lal-lo and Gattaran Shell Middens

These are located along the banks of the Cagayan River in the province of Cagayan.
It is currently under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Lapuz Lapuz Cave
It is among the many cave sites found in the Bulabog Putian National Park in
Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo in the Philippines. It is 90 m (295.3 ft.) long and light reaches
up to within 30 m (98.4 ft.) from each of its two entrances. The limestone area at its south
end is adjacent to Jalaur River, while the north side is adjacent to the Tambulac River.
7. Limestone Tombs of Kamhantik
It is an excavated of a thousand-year-old barangay) a term used to connote a polity during
the classical era) found in the jungles of Mount Maclayao in Sitio Kamhantik within
Buenavista Protected landscape of Mulanay, Quezon, Philippines. It is composed of 15
limestone coffins that can be dated back from the period of 10 th to 14th century based on
one of National Museum’s top archaeologists “a complex archaeological site with both
habitation and burial remains from the period of approximately 10 th to the 14th century…
the first of its kind in the Philippines having carved limestone tomb.”
8. Old Tanauan Church Ruins (Ruins de Tanauan)
These ruins are located at the lake shore of Talisay in Batangas Province dating back
to the Spanish Colonial Period of the Philippines. It is the site of the first stone church of
Tanauan, before the whole town relocated to its present location in 1754. Currently the
ruins are within the property of Club Balai Isabel Resort.
9. Pandanan Shipwreck
The Pandanan Shiwreck is an archaeological site which was excavated in 1995 by the
Underwater Archaeology Division of the National Museum of the Philippines in
Pandanan Island, in the coast of southern Palawan. The ship was surmised to be a
 southeast Asian cargo boat travelling from either Vietnam or Southern China and is one
of the best-preserved pre-Spanish trading ships within the jurisdiction of Philippines. It is
speculated that the ship stopped at some ports in mainland South east Asia to load trade
wares. Bad weather might have led to the sinking of the ship.

10. Pinagbayanan Excavation

The site was worked on numerous times through the years 2008 to 2012, during
which the remains of an old church, two stone houses, a number of stone features
indicating the previous location of a two during the Spanish colonial period in the
Philippines were found. The study was meant to investigate the material history of the
church, from its construction to its abandonment, and to compare it to the other stone
structures in the area and to the architecture of other churches from the same time period.
It was also meant to provide archaeological evidence relating to the settlement history of
San Juan.

III. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

1. Cultural Baroque Churches of the Philippines
These four churches, the first which was built by the Spanish in the late 16 th
century, are located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miag-ao. Their unique
architectural style is a reinterpretation of European Baroque by Chinese and
Philippine craftsmen.
2. The Historic Town of Vigan
According to UNESCO, “It is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish
Colonial town. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from
elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and from Europe, resulting in a culture and
townscape that have no parallel anywhere in East and South-East Asia.
3. Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras
The Rice Terraces of the Philippines of the Rice Terraces of the Philippines
Cordilleras is an outstanding example of an evolved, living cultural landscape that
can be traced as far back as two millennia ago in the pre-colonial Philippines. The
terraces are located in the remote areas of the Philippine Cordillera mountain range
on the northern island of Luzon, Philippines archipelago. While the historic terraces
cover an extensive area, the inscribed property consists of five clusters of the most
intact and impressive terraces, located in four municipalities. They are all the
products of the Ifugao ethnic group, a minority community that has occupied these
mountains for thousands of years.
4. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Forming a mountain ridge running north-south along the Pujada Peninsula in the
southern-eastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mt.
 Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation of 75-1,637 m above sea level
and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species. The property
showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and includes
threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mt.
Hamitiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic
Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.
5. Puerto Princesa Sub-terranean River National Park
The national Park beckons with its amazing limestone karst landscape and is
located in the west coast of Palawan. The park boast of a healthy ecosystem and
protects some of the most significant forest in Asia. A highlight of each visit is a ride
through its 8-kilometers-long underground river. The river runs through a dome of
stalactites complemented by stalagmites running the entire length of the cave.
6. Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park covers an area of some 33,000
hectares and is located in the middle of the central Sulu Sea or approximately 90
nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. The park is home to a
diverse population of marine life with more than 300 coral species and 400 species of
fish and is recognized by the international community for having the highest
biodiversity level in the world.
Promoting and Preserving Traditional Cultural Performances
Republic Act No. 7356 created the Created Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). There
are several objectives of the Commission among which are: (1) to encourage and support programs
through publication, exhibition, production, performance, staging and reproduction of original Filipino
creations; (2) promote the popularization of information about artists and cultural achievements and
programs, in coordination with government agencies and non-government organizations and institutions;
(3) To preserve and to integrate traditional culture and its various creative expressions.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (Filipino: Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas, or CCP) is
a government owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and promote arts and
culture in the Philippines. The CCP was established through Executive Order no. 30 s. 1966 by President
Ferdinand Marcos. Although an independent corporation of the Philippine government, it receives an
annual subsidy and is placed under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for Purposes of
policy coordination. The CCO is headed by an 11-member Board of Trustees, currently headed by
Chairperson Margarita Moran-Floirendo. Its current president is Arsenio Lizaso.
The CCP provides performance and exhibition venues for various local and international
productions at the 62-hectare (150-acre) Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex located in the cities
of Pasay and Manila. Its artistic programs include the production of performances, festivals, exhibitions,
cultural research, outreach, preservation, and publication of materials on Philippine art and culture. It
holds its headquarters at the Tanghalang Pambansa (National Theatre), a structure designed by National
Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin. Locsin would later design many of the other buildings in the
CCP Complex.
Resident companies of the CCP are:
  Ballet Philippines

 Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company

 National Music Competitions for Young Artist Foundation

 Philippine Ballet Theatre

 Philippine Madrigal Singers

 Philippine Harmonic Orchestra

 Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group

 Tanghalang Pilipino

 UST Symphony Orchestra

Events and Programs
The scope of activities then center engages include architecture, film and broadcast arts, dance,
literature, music, new media, theatre and visual arts. Aside from the its promotion of local and indigenous
artist, it has played host to numerous prominent and international artist like Van Cliburn, Placido
Domingo, Marcel Marceau, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, the Royal Ballet, the Royal Danish
ballet, the New York Philharmonic, and the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, among many others.
Music, dance and theatre are often key features of cultural promotion intended to attract tourists
and regularly feature in the itineraries of tour operators. Although this may bring more visitors and
increased revenue to a country or community and offer a window into its culture, kit may also result in
the emergence of new ways of presenting the performing arts, which have been altered for the tourist
market. While tourism can contribute to reviving traditional performing arts and give a ‘market value’ to
intangible cultural heritage, it can also have a distorting effect, as the performances are often reduced to
show adapted highlights in order to meet tourist demands. Often, traditional art forms are turned into
commodities in the name of entertainment, with the loss of important forms of community expression. In
other cases, wider social or environment factors may have a serious impact on performing arts traditions.
Deforestation, for example, can deprive a community of wood to make traditional instruments used to
perform music.
Promoting and Preserving Indigenous Cultural Practices
Indigenous cultural practices are developed over centuries by our ancestors and are passed orally
from generation to generation. It was proven to be a perfect scaffold to sustainable development
connecting the past, the present and the future.
The Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions. However, these practices are at escalating
rate of deterioration due to consistent assimilation that resulted from the continuing lost of interest of
these practices from young people.
Here are the traditional/indigenous cultural practices:
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 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 or hold the hands of the girl.
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 daughter 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 is called “Pamanhikan”. The man’s parents often take along someone whom they believe
is highly respected by the girl’s parents. This was especially when they fear that 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 giver 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, corridors, 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 example of architecture of the 16 th to the 19th century are the churches built by the
Spaniards with the help pf the Filipinos. They are structures built in Baroque style with elaborate curved
arches, alters 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 guitas and the ukulele.
 The idea of organizing a rondalla must have been born during the latter part of Spanish rule in the
Philippines when 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 rondalla 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 soul’s content. The Philippines has contributed its share of the
world-famous opera singers such as Jovita Fuente, Isang Tapales, Conchita Gaston, and Aurello
Estanislao, Pilita Corales, etc.
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. Folk dances are very common ballroom dancing such as Cha-Cha, Tango, Rhumba,
etc. also the favorites of young and old people.
Fifty years ago, every school program was a literary- musical program of Filipino folk 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 in 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 pointes 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 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 players 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 on 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”.
Other games at siesta time can either be the siklot or sungka. Skilot uses sigay shells, samploc
sees, 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 seed. The game hole carved in it. Each
hole to begin should contain seven shells. One player drops one shell into each hole. He picks the other
shells in the 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. There are other indoor and
outdoor games in the past. Can you name them?
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, etc. 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-design.
It was not long after the Spain colonized the Philippines that the Filipinos became Christians.
Today, majority 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 founder.
Another Filipino church and one of the true Filipino chirch that was originated in the Philippines
is the IGLESIA NI CRISTO which has a fast-growing membership throughout the Philippines and the
world.
According to Encyclopedia Britanica Macropaedia page #246 Volume 6 IGLESIA NI CRISTO is
the largest entirely indigenous Christian church in the Philippines. Its member 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 600,000 members by the late 20 th 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
contributions and the casting of votes, making the church a substantial political power. Unitarian in
theology and Philippines and in its language, liturgy, and music it represents a popular anti-western
movement for spiritual independence.
The Catholic 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 Commandments set the standard of
behavior. They keep images of their saints at home and every church has a patron saint.
About 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 the church
is decorated with colorful bunting. On the ninth day which 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 around of the immediate vicinity 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
fiestas 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. Aside from the
town fiesta, there is also a barrio (barangay) fiesta.
The fiesta is a Filipino heritage that has been down for generation. It has its advantages as well as
its disadvantages. Must we continue portraying it as it is? Can it be perpetuated with certain
modifications?
About Christmas Celebrations
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. Belen and lantern competitions also take place usually
among children and young adults.
The nine-day masses or Misa de Gallo, celebrated at dawn when the rooster starts to crow and it begins
on December. These masses well-attended in spite of the fact that those 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 to mass. On Christmas day chicken 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 Lenten 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 where 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 in deep 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 patient 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 the afternoon of Good Friday, the
devotees flock to church for a sermon on the “Seven Last Words of Jesus” as he was crucified on the
cross. A procession is held usually at 4-5 pm after the sermon and mass to commemorate the crucifixion
of Jesus in Mt. Calvary.
Easter Sunday is a memorable day. The faithful wake up early in the morning salubong, a
re9enactment 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. All these are according to Catholic believers.
Other Religious like the INC, the Baptist, Jehova’s Witness, Born Again Christians and some
other religious sects do not celebrate the religious practices as mentioned above.
About Burial
The loss of a member of a family is an occasion for bayanihan. Friends, relatives and neighbors
come to condole with the bereaved family. Flowers, foods and money are offered as tokens of sympathy.
Before the burial, there is a lamayan, a vigil attended by all who wish to come. People at the wake
participate in some activities such as gambling, telling stories, or playing mental games, to keep them
awake through the night.
For as long as the decreased is in state, sweeping the floor and taking a bath in the house are
forbidden. The bereaved are also cautioned to keep their tears from dropping in the coffin.
The general practice is for the bereaved family to bury the decreased member within 24 hours
after his death. Close relatives wearing black or white attire 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 Saint’s Day (Pangangaluluwa)
(Practiced by the Catholic Religion)
November 1 is a day for remembering the dead. According to Catholic belief though it is not
biblical, tradition has it that the immediate members of all the decreased 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. There is no music, playing cards or drinking in the cemetery. 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 pangangaluluwa, is based on the belief that are
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 women 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 asking for alms, the mangangaluluwa stole things
underneath the houses and picked fruits on tress in the yards. They would then feast 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 hands and for
outdoor meals, the banana leaves serves 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 women wore two0piece; 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 saya, the
tapis and the enegua comprised the ladies wear. Do you know how these looked like?
They say it is a long skirt which touches the floor. It has a kola or train which mean the woman
holds to keep it clean as she moves. Printed satin is the usual material used for the saya; brocade for gala
use.
Over the saya, a tapis with tassels on the edges is worn. Beneath the saya and tapis is the enegua,
a slip with lace edging.
The elegant cloths of the Filipino women are properly taken care of. Wopmen give special
attention to their clothes especially those made of fibers such as fina or sinamay.
About Filipinos Manner of Dressing
The laundry woman wouyld sort out the white from the colored ones. The plain from the printed,
the cotton and satin from those made of fibers. Dirt is 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 are essential
washing materials.
After washing, some clothes are starched. The starch used was made from rice lugaw pressed
with wooden sandok or ladle form a cheesecloth duyan (hammock) tied to the clothes line at four points
below this was a wooden batya or basin to cath the starch. This is the gently patted on the barong
tagalong and butterfly sleeves of the women’s baro. The starched clothes are later stretched into shape
and dries 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 are
sprinkled with water before pressing with 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
sawali walls and cogon roofing. 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 house 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 still
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 part of a
few modern houses. The modern banguerahan is no longer enclosed with bamboo spikes but is screened.
The old houses before are not painted. The present ones are painted in varied colors and built in
styles. The old houses were built on the ground and the space below called silong is fenced with bamboo
to keep pigs, dogs, and chickens out.
Chairs, tables, beds and other furniture are found in most houses. Many Filipinos particularly the
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 Filipinos 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, a family picture and a saint
prominently displayed on one corner of the room.
The Filipinos also display neatness and cleanliness in keeping their houses. The Filipinos
housewife uses different kinds of brooms for cleaning. There is the soft broom for sweeping the floor; a
smaller one for dusting wall carvings and picture frame; the walis-tingting or stiff broom for cleaning
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 was is applied.
When the sticky wax is dried, the floor is scrubbed again until it become very shiny. The furniture,
window sill, staircases and walls are also scrubbed with is-is leaves or polished with wax. Kitchen tables
are cleaned with is-is leaves, water, sand, and ash. Those made of zinc are wiped with kerosene.
Promoting and Preserving Rituals and Ceremonies
A ritual is an established form of a ceremony. The Philippines is rich in history, culture, and
traditions. Some of these rituals are seemingly bizarre to many Filipinos;
a. Traditional Cultural and Religious Practices
1. “Pukpok”
The word pukpok in the Philippines literally means to hit something usually with a
hammer. Circumcision in the country is a mandatory tradition inspired mainly by religion.
Circumcision among young boys is usually done in summer before class start. Nowadays, it
is done by accredited practitioners to ensure that is no risk in the procedure.
However, in some part of the country, the traditional way of circumcision is still being
practiced. Boys will chew in some guava leaves while a known local practitioner would
remove the foreskin of the male genital. Afterwards, the chewed guava leaves will be put
over the affected area to minimize pain and infection. Medical experts, of course, do not
approve of this kind of procedure as it unsanitary and might lead to health risks in the future.
2. “Kutkot”
Kutkot is a fading tradition that is practiced by members of Hanunuo Tribe. After burying
the dead for a year, relatives clean the skeleton and cover it with cloth to take up the
shape of a mannequin or even a mummy called “sinakot”. It is then adorned by clothes
and even jewelry. The body is returned to the family and is housed there for another year.
After that period, the body is sent to a cave where the rest of the sinakot are taken
(Cabrerea, 2010).
3. Baliw-baliw Festival
Baliw in Filipino means “crazy”. Every may, residents of Barangay San Vicente in
Olongapo, Cebu celebrate the Baliw-baliw festival on the day with highest 12-noon tide
(Domonguera, 2014). Men would cross-dress as women and pretend to give birth by the
shore. They would also carry around wooden sculptures of a man’s genitals. Although its
conception is a mystery, locals celebrate the festival to give thanks to “blessings” received.
4. Aswang Festival
The Philippines has many superstitions and folklore stories. Growing up, children are
made aware of aswangs or monsters that roam in the dark. Roxas City in Capiz is notorious
for being home of aswangs. In the hopes of reversing the stigma and boosting the city’s
tourism, a group called Dugo Capiznon Inc. created the festival in 2004 (Aswang Project,
n.d.). However, it only lasted for three years and has not revived since. The festival
showcased the different mythical monsters known in the Philippines culture.
5. Penitensya
As a Catholic nation, the Philippines does not take penitence lightly. During Holy Week, a
group of men parading the streets are striking their already bleeding backs with whips. In
Pampanga, a bloody crucifixion re-enactment is held every Good Friday. While this cringe-
worthy ritual is not supported by the Catholic Church, may devotees still do this to imitate
Jesus Christ’s suffering and show gratitude to God.
6. Bolitas
 Inserting bolitas into the male penis enhances their partner’s sexual pleasure. In the past
years, there were many sidewalk vendors selling bolitas somewhere in Metro manila like in
Quiapo and Cubao areas.
7. Binukat/Secluded
This is where beautiful girls of the barangay would be kept isolated by their families until
they can be married.
8. Traditional Tattooing
This is pricking the skin with sharpened steel of wooden sticks deep in wet charcoal.
Wang-od is famous for this traditional way of tattooing. The Visayan people call this
tradition “pintados”.
9. Horse fighting
Another traditional cultural practices where horses are fighting for life and supremacy –
usually practiced by the lumads.
10. Bunong braso
This is still being practiced by men in faraway places of the countryside to indicate
strength and stamina among men.
Eight Marriage Rituals
There is no better way to learn about Filipino culture and traditions that to read the words of a
Filipino. In this case, a Filipina. This article is from Jessie, a born and raised Filipina who teaches us
about marriage culture in the Philippines.
1. Pagtatapat (Proposal)
Filipino usually don’t know how to pop the most waited “Will you marry me”? question.
Couples usually assume they’re going to get married someday. It just a matter of ‘when’. For
Filipinos, “Let’s get married!” or Pakasal na tayo! Is more likely to be used rather than “Will you
marry me”. How many of your “girl” friends have been asked that question?
2. Singsing/Paghingi ng Kamay (Engagement ring)
The giving of the ring symbolizes the deeper commitment of the couple. Engagement ring
concept is a western influence. The local adaptation is more of a practicality than colonial
mentality. Engagement ring is also a scaled down version of our forefather’s offering of dowry
(bigay-kaya) to the future wife. Engagement ring is not usually diamond. Traditional/sentimental
Filipino families would offer a treasured family heirloom as an engagement ring. It also
symbolizes his family’s approval and her acceptance into their family.
3. Pamanhikan (The meeting of the two families)
Pamanhikan is a treasured Filipino heritage, which avoids the embarrassing situations of having
both parents meet as strangers during the wedding day. Meeting of families is often awkward. In
the old days, the pamanhikan is hosted by the bride’s family as the groom and his family visit
them formally ask their daughter’s hand in marriage. But in this modern time and ease the
awkwardness, families opt to hold the meeting in neutral ground like a restaurant. They will
 discuss the plans for the upcoming wedding, the guest list and the budget. It is customary that the
visiting family bring a gift for the host, it may be a home cooked specially of the groom’s mother.
4. Paninilbihan (Serving the family)
Paninilbihan is a tradition wherein the soon-to-be-groom would perform chores to show his
worth and responsibility to the bride’s family. In the old days, the guy would chop wood
(pagsibak ng kahoy) or fetch water (pag-igib ng tubig) for the girl’s family. Some would say it is
a dying tradition. But this ritual is still subconsciously practiced. The guy would replace a busted
light, do a little carpentry work, drive the girl’s mother to the supermarket and some other small
errands for her family. The bride would also do the same for his family, she would usually wash
the dishes after dinner, cook or help clean the house.
5. Pa-alam (Inform the family)
Pa-alam is a appreciated by the Filipino elders as a sign of respect. The practice is a round of
diplomatic visits or courtesy calls to the people who matter most to the couple. Like the
grandparents, Aunts and Uncles of both parties the spouse-to-be is introduced to them and
formally telling of the upcoming and wedding and ask for their blessings. It is best to do this at
family gathering to save trips and to hand out the wedding invitations. The soon-to-be-weds also
visits their prospective ninongs and ninangs (principal sponsor/godparents for their wedding. And
it is also customary to bring them a little something (pasalubong).
6. Dulog (Meeting the “Father”)
The term “dulog” literally “approach”. This is the time for the soon-to-be-weds to approach
their parish priest for a meeting. Dulog is also called Pre-nuptial interview. It is also a church
requirement wherein the priest discusses with the couple of their duties and responsibilities as
husband and wife. It also serves as purpose of finding and possible problems and to determine the
couple readiness and knowledge of the doctrine of a Catholic marriage. It is also a good time to
ask the priest anything related to the Chruch Wedding. Despedida de Soltera (Bachelorette party)
is a send-off party hosted by her family held close to the wedding date in honor of the bride-to-be.
The groom and his family, the wedding entourage, close friends and relatives from both sides are
all invited to meet and to get to know another before the wedding day. It is also a formal
introduction of both parties to each other.
7. Alay –Itlog kay Sta. Clara (Offerings eggs to St. Claire)
St. Claire (Sta. Clara) has long been considered the patron saint of good weather. Clara
means clear in Spanish. And where does the egg come in to play? Clara de huevo is Spanish for
egg white. Despite its pagan origins, marrying Catholic Pinoys offer eggs and prayers to the
patron saint of good weather that their wedding day would be rain-free. Even though, rain
showers on a wedding day is still believed to bring bountiful blessings to the newlyweds, but
others still prefer a clear and sunny wedding.
8. Kasal-Kumpisal (Confession)
It is a moral obligation by the church of marrying Catholic couple day prior to the wedding to
have their final confessions with a priest. It also serves as a spiritual cleansing for the sins
committed prior to the sacrament of marriage and a commitment and devotion to one’s partner.
Traditional Practices in a Wedding Ceremony (source: Internet)
 Traditionally, the brides or her family choose the color of the wedding gown. But due to the
American influence in the Philippines, the brides commonly wear white on their wedding day.
The grooms wear American attire of “coat and tie” or among the rural folks the “Americana.
Preparation for the Wedding Ceremony
Filipino wedding is full of symbols that show the bride and groom’s love and commitment to one another.
The bride and groom choose people outside of their bridal party to act as their sponsors for their special
day. The principal sponsors are usually aunt, uncle, or close friends who they look up to and respect. The
principal sponsors have the honor of being their official witnesses of their marriage and significant their
marriage license. The secondary sponsors include the veil sponsors, cord sponsors, coin sponsors, and
candle sponsors. The veil sponsors wrap a white veil around the couple’s shoulders to show that they are
now clothed as one. The veil is white to represent the purity of the couple. The cord sponsors tie a white
cord in a figure eight shape around the couple’s shoulders to symbolize their marriage lasting forever. The
coin sponsors bring the couple the unity coins, or arrhae, to symbolize both the financial prosperity for the
couple and the groom’s commitment to take care of his bride and future children. The candle sponsors
have the task of lightning candles on the altar that symbolize the Light of Christ that will give the couple
in their future together.
The Wedding Ceremony
Example: Prayer for Couple’s Veil and Cord
(Reader/Celebrant reads as veil sponsors place veil over couple’s shoulders): (couple’s name), At Baptism
you were clothed with the white garments symbolizing the new life of purity and joy in the Lord, to which
the Risen Christ has called you. We clothe you again with this precocious garment as you enter into the
new phase of your life with God. Wear it unstained and let the joy of the spirit shine forth to you and your
children whom the Lord’s loving design will bring into your life.
(Reader/Celebrant reads as cord sponsors place cord over couple’s shoulders): This cord symbolizes the
love of God which brings your hearts and souls together. May your love grow stronger and bind you
closer together through years, from here to eternity. We ask this from the Father, through Christ our
Lord.
ALL: Amen.
Funerals: (Indigenous Practice)
In the Philippines, there are different burial customs depending on whether you are Roman
Catholic, Muslim, or among the indigenous. For Filipinos who are Roman Catholics, there is no choice
for how you want to be buried. That choice belongs to the family and usually the family choose to bury
everyone in the same plot so they can be together. Family is one of the top priorities in the Philippines.
The elderly are rarely put into homes to be cared for by a staff. So when the time comes for an elderly
person to pass on, they are usually surrounded by their family. The remaining family alter local officials
of the death and receive a Death Certificate. Family wash the deceased’s body and wrap it in a shroud
before sending the body to the funeral parlor nearby. Once the body has been embalmed, they dress the
body in the deceased’ best clothes and send the body back to their home. The deceased’s body is placed
in an open casket on an alter that is surrounded by decorations. Flowers line the casket, a few pictures of
the person when they were alive, sit on top of the casket, white and black crepe paper line the wall for
mourning, and crucifixes are mounted on the altar as well. The visitors of the funeral take pictures of the
body during funeral or wake that last for nine days. Before the burial, the family eats food and plays
music for the guests in attendance. It is common to find men gamble to try earn some money to help pay
the cost of the funeral. The guests sing hymns along with the family of the deceased as holy water is
sprinkled around the room. The next morning, the family attends Mass. During the procession to the
cemetery, guests will place flowers inside the coffin. The service at the grave site is much shorter than the
Mass and the rituals that take place during the wake. After a couple of prayers, the body is lowered into
the ground with more keepsakes. Everyone in attendance returns back to the home for a less involved
party. The immediate family begins a mourning process in which the widow/ widower will wear black for
one year.
Promoting and Preserving Your Culture
As a student of Philippine History, it is best for you to participate in the traditional practices of
your family and community, if you believe it is worthy of emulation. In this advanced stager of science
and technology, many of these indigenous or traditional cultural practices have deteriorated or have been
forgotten. Study and understand your culture to find out if you can preserve it for posterity.
1. Learn about religious traditions. Whether or not you share your parents and grandparents’
religion, studying it can help you understand their culture. Religion connects to language,
history, and personal behavior. Becoming more familiar with your or your family’s religion
can help you understand all these other aspects. Sacred texts and ceremonies can seem
confusing with no one there to guide you. Find an expert willing to explain their significance.
2. Speak your ancestral language. If you know someone who shares you culture but has a
different native tongue than yourself, ask him to teach you. Many linguists and
anthropologists argue that language shapes our whole perception of the world. Plus, if the
language is rare in your area, nobody will be able to eavesdrop on your conversation!
Thousands of languages are at risk of extinction. If you know one of them, teach it to others.
Share examples of the knowledge and perspective that would be lost if it goes away. Record
the language spoken and written (if possible), and work on translations to less endangered
languages.
3. Cook family recipes. It’s never too late to whip up some recipes from your grandmother’s
cookbook. Smell and taste have powerful connections to memory. As you knead dough or try
to guess the right amount of spices, you might remember meals from your childhood or
holidays. Just reading a recipe can teach you how much ingredients and kitchen tools have
changed. And even if some unfamiliar, others have most likely become your comfort food or
a source of family pride. If you don’t have family recipes, look for old cookbooks online or at
flea markets. You could even start your own by writing down recipes shared orally by your
relatives.
4. Share your culture’s art and technology. Each culture has its own clothing, music, visual
art, storytelling traditions, and many more unique characteristics. Other members of your
culture will be overjoyed to teach or talk about their hobbies, their jobs, their crafts, and what
they do for fun. This includes traditional artwork you would find in a museum, but material
culture goes far beyond that even a kitchen or a piece of software is a cultural artifact. People
with less sophisticated technology are often considered ignorant or less intelligent. This is
completely wrong. Culture passes on tools adapted to a particular environment, and every
tools has generations of thinking behind it. Shaping a stone tool is one of the oldest cultural
has generations practices there is, and it still takes great skill and knowledge.
5. Spend time with other members of the community. The best way to preserve your culture
is to keep it alive. Gather as a group not just for holidays, but for ordinary meals, events, or
just conversation. Many aspects of culture are difficult to learn in books and museums,
including etiquette, body language, and humor. Think about the types of conversations you
have within your culture, compared to the mainstreams culture where you live. (Or compare
two different cultures you participate in.) Does one feel more energetic or friendly than
another? Would a normal statement in one context be considered rude in another? Why do
you thinks that is? This kind of deep analysis can be tough to figure out, but it gets to the core
of the cultural experience.
6. Attend or organize major events. Your country, tribe, religious denomination, or immigrant
ethic group almost certainly major holidays or cultural festivals. Travels to these to get a
broader perspective on your culture. If you don’t know any groups in your area, organize
your own event.
Recording Your Culture
1. Choose a focus. You can record anything you have discovered through your research and
life; no matter how small it seems. What you can do is write down everything there is to
know about a culture. There is just too much to say. Most people choose one of two
directions:

 A personal history of one’s experience, or family’s

 A detailed look at one aspect of the culture; jokes, or any other subtopic.
2. Decide on a medium. You can use calligraphy, oral storytelling, or another tradition medium
to make the recording a personal cultural experience as well or you can put your work on
website, DVD, or another digital form. This enables you to share your cultural story with
people from all around the world.
3. Conduct interviews. Interview the people whose histories you’re telling, or experts in the
subject you’re writing about. Come prepared with a list of questions but let the interviewee to
wander to other topics and stories. You may learn something you would never think to as
about.

 Keep each interview within one or two hours. If the interview is willing, return to
conduct additional interview. This lets you prepare more questions and lets the
interviewee search for documents or objects she wants to share.

 Use a video or audio recorder if the interviewee agrees to it. These are much more
accurate than trying to write everything down or hold it in your head.
4. Follow your family tree. Record your family tree with the help of your family members,
adding to it as you go along. There are probably whole branches of cousins and in-laws
you’ve never met. Track these down through family connections or online searches, and they
may offer whole new perspectives on your culture. Government websites and physical record
collections may offer additional information dating back centuries. Ask family for
scrapbooks, journals, and other records early on. You may discover that someone else has
started the work for you.
 5. Use your records to fight for your culture. Minority cultures often struggle to pass cultural
traditions. Share your stories and records with young people in your culture, who may not
know the riches of their cultural background. In the face of political struggles or social
challenges, organize people to participate in discussions and cultural activities. Your research
can help people understand the core values of their culture and inspire them to keep it alive
and thriving.
6. Accept change. The dialogue around passing on culture often sounds defeatist. Cultures are
“endangered” or need “preserving” before they die out. Real challenges and threats do exist,
but don’t assume that all change is bad. Culture helps people adapt to the world around them.
The world has always been changing, cultures have been adapting, and it’s up to you to
choose a direction you can be proud of.

Learning Activities:
Direction: Answer the following activities based on what you have learned. Write your answers in a
yellow pad paper.
Activity 1. Words to Know
Define the following terms according to your understanding (not copied from the text).
1. Conservative -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Interview -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
 3. People power -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Park -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Landmark -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Limestone -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. Church ruins -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Cathedral -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Baroque church -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Ceremony -
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2. Brush Up
1. Differentiate the following terms:
a. Church and cathedral
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
b. Ritual and ceremonies
 ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
c. Landmark and sites
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
d. Museum and archive
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
e. Museum and gallery
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

2. Explain the following:

1. Is “moro-moro” an indigenous cultural practice? How it is performed?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. What does this statement means “Archives are the secretion of an organism”?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. Aside from what is found in this text, kindly give additional rituals in the
Philippines?
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________________________
4. Why are record and documents preserved? Give examples of records and documents?
 ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
5. Do you believe in “kutkot”? Why?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
6. Is the U.S Library of Congress a library, a museum, an archive, or lawmaking body?
What is its role in the Philippines history?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
7. What is a computer library? Are there sources of information in this library? Explain.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
8. Who are the ultimate beneficiaries of all activities affecting cultural communities?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
9. Why do we have to protect and conserve the natural cultural history of the nation?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Activity 3. Reasoning Activity

(1) Give the significance of the following:

(a) Rizal monument in Luneta

 _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

(b) Calamba Shrine

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

(c) Fort Santiago

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

(d) Cagsawa Ruins

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

(e) Mount Mayon

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

1. Give the positive and negative effects of the following cultural values.

Positive Effects Negative Effects

1. Palakasan

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

2. Dating

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

3. Fiesta celebration

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________
 ______________________________ ________________________________

4. “round” fruits to signify luck for the

“new year”

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

5. Body tattooing

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

Activity 4. Essay

Write an essay consisting of 200-400 words on the topic “How to preserve My

Culture” on a short bond paper. Write on your own handwriting. Your teacher will
rate the quality of your essay.