IndexIntroduction: Philippine Folk CulturePhilippine TraditionsMano PoBayanihanHaranaReligion and BeliefsHolidaysConclusionReferencesIntroduction: Philippine Folk CultureIntroduction: Philippine culture is a great reflection of its great and complex history. After reading the essay on Philippine popular culture, you will learn a lot about this place. For example, the Philippines is part of an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands. The country's history revolves around immigration and employment. It is influenced by most of the people they have interacted with. Background: A blend of Malay-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence of Chinese, Indian Arab and other Asian cultures really contributes to the customs and traditions of the Filipinos. Philippine culture is unique compared to other Asian countries and the beliefs apply every day in the lives of Filipinos and reveal how rich and blessed the culture of the people is. There is a value system that Filipinos or Pinoys, as they are fondly known, have kept true and dear to their identity and culture. This code is a collection of ideologies, moral compass, ethical practices, etiquette, and even personal values ​​that have been passed down or passed down for generations. These values, for the most part, center around social harmony and a strong desire to be accepted. Words like Hiya (dignity), Pakikisama (companionship) and Utang na loob (gratitude) are just the tip of the iceberg of their value system. Family, humor, adaptability, faith, survival skills, and hospitality are some of the main values ​​that contribute to the formation of Philippine culture and customs. One can easily see by researching or studying the Philippines that it has deep Christian values ​​similar to those of Europe, democratic values ​​that imitate America, especially the United States, and deep spiritual values ​​found in Asia. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayOne thing that is also very notable and very different from other Asian countries. Women occupy a high status and share equality with Filipino men. Unlike their Western counterparts, Filipino women do not need to march to be heard, they demand respect and are highly respected. They can drive, study, walk alone and even be president. Another interesting fact is their love for giving and going to parties, they like to celebrate just about anything, from getting their first job, to passing an exam, or recovering from an illness. These are all good enough reasons to throw a party. Every country has its own unique values ​​and cultural compass, and Filipinos are no exception. Thesis Statement: This essay discusses some of the Philippine folk traditions and examines the similarities that bind Filipinos together. Philippine Traditions Mano Po Topical phrase: The first is Mano Po. Known as “Mano Po” (Tagalog) or “Amen” (Bisaya), this gesture is a sign of respect and is used to ask to receive the blessing of an elder. It is a special greeting of veneration, 'hand', in which one takes the hand of an elderly person and places it on his forehead as if receiving his blessing. It is one of the outstanding cultural values ​​that Filipinos have. When it comes to blessing there is absolutely nothing "strange"! I think it's beautiful! Yes, I think we should respect each other, especially our elders. It is a way to show respect to the elders and I believe it is also a way to receive blessings from the elders. Mano is a Spanish word for "hand" while Po is used at the endof the sentence when addressing seniors or superiors. Topic Sentence: Filipinos are known to be one of the most hospitable people you can find anywhere. Evidence and quotes: Tourists and foreigners in the country are treated with the utmost respect. This characteristic is especially evident during the so-called fiestas and holidays where many Filipinos go out of their way to entertain and treat their visitors well. Even the simplest house down the street will open its home to a stranger. For Filipinos, being able to serve others gives them great honor and is a demonstration of true friendship. Filipino hospitality is a trait that is ingrained in them and cannot be taken away. Bayanihan Topic Phrase: Close family ties are also one of their unique traits. Family ties are very important to Filipinos. Elders are honored and respected and children are taught to say "po" and "apo", as a sign of respect towards their grandparents, from an early age. The family looks out for each other and is taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. This is one of the unique characteristics of Filipinos. Have a predilection for family gatherings during secular and religious holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, All Saints' Day, Holy Week, parties, homecomings, birthdays, weddings, graduations, baptisms, funerals, etc. It is proof that Filipinos not only appreciate our cultural tradition but our family spirit. Filipinos are fortunate to have grown up with strong family ties. Evidence and Quotations: There is a word “Bayanihan” that is especially interesting in the Philippines. Bayanihan is a Filipino custom derived from the Filipino word “bayan,” which means nation, city, or community. The term Bayanihan itself literally means “being in a bayan,” which refers to the spirit of community unity, work and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. There is a famous example in art showing neighbors carrying a cabin or house to a new location. Nowadays people use it to describe an outpouring of community spirit, as people give everything for the common good, without expecting recognition or personal gain. Courtship. Living with Parents Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything else. Adult children living with their parents is another FILIPINO tradition that makes them exceptional. Unlike in the United States, where children leave home after finishing high school or college, many Filipinos continue to live with their parents until marriage. HaranaTheme Phrase: Filipinos are also known to be very romantic when it comes to matters of the heart. Evidence and Quotes: The tradition of Harana, the musical serenade outside someone's window, is a popular event, the most common practice being for suitors to woo their significant other through a romantic song. A man who wanted to woo the woman he loved arranged for a group of friends to help him serenade her with guitar and singing. They stood outside the window and played love songs to attract the woman's attention. Watching from her home, the woman, along with all family members present, would have enjoyed the romantic spectacle and courageous display of affection. This was an opportunity for the young man to woo not only his mistress but also her family. They would have to wait until the young woman opened a window to listen. It would be up to her to invite them to freshen up and chat after the song. Even if they were invited in, the suitor would not expect to have the possibility of a private moment with his objectof affection. It was very likely that the parents were also there to entertain the man and his friends. Religion and beliefs Topic sentence: As far as religion is concerned, the Philippines is predominantly Catholic. Evidence and Citations: In fact, research shows that the Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia, with over 86% of the population Roman Catholic. Filipinos have historically had a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion and it is demonstrated by their insatiable habit of going to church and praying, which is still true today. Filipinos are very devoted to religions and there are examples of many of them risking their lives just to touch the Black Nazarene which is a life-size image of dark-skinned kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the Cross kept in the Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene in the Quiapo neighborhood of the city of Manila, Philippines. Comment: In the Philippines, religion is fundamental. Filipinos believe that having strong devotion can lead to a better life and guidance in dealing with everyday life. Topic Sentence: Filipino beliefs and superstitions have grown in number in the various regions and provinces of the country. Evidence and Quotes: These beliefs are derived from the different sayings and superstitions of their ancestors which aim to prevent the occurrence of a danger or to cause a person to refrain from doing something in particular. Some are practiced mainly because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they stick to these beliefs. Comment: These beliefs are part of their culture, as their beliefs arise from the influences of what their customs, traditions and culture have dictated to explain certain phenomena or to scare people. Topic sentence: In the Philippines, close relationships between relatives and friends mean that young people often marry people their families already know. Whether this is true or not, it is traditional for "pamanhikan" to take place and for the suitor's parents to visit the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage. From this moment on, the future groom hopes to make himself as useful as possible to his fiancée's family. Filipinos are also known for long engagements, marriage is a serious business and engagements often last several years while the couple works, except for a house and, if necessary, pays for the education of siblings. Friends and family can help sponsor the wedding by reducing expenses. There are various types of marriage depending on the family's wishes, religion and whether the geographical location is rural or urban. Over the last century, it has become fashionable for brides to wear white, imitating the Western style of dress, however, if a couple is having a tribal wedding, they will wear traditional clothing. In Philippine culture, the eternal quality of commitment to God instills a truly blessed marriage. This marriage bond is a pledge between two who love each other in God and with God. The act of getting married has an additional weight as the union in holy matrimony becomes an expression of each person's desire to love and serve God together. As with marriage, death in the Philippines is also considered one of the most important occasions in family life. For many Filipinos, the death of relatives is an opportunity to strengthen family bonds. Showing respect means honoring the relationship with the deceased. When a Filipino passes away, long-lost friends, family members and even those left behind thousands of miles away in foreign lands will gather to pay their respects. The Philippines is not without some of the most interesting and unique rituals that are partly founded on religious beliefs but also on superstition. As in many other cultures, there is still mourning and lamentingpresent, but the new generations now celebrate death as a happy and welcoming light that usually envelops the place to help the deceased on his journey to heaven. Filipinos have what is called a novena, a nine-day period of prayers and masses offered for the deceased. Another period follows the death, the 40-day mourning period. You would know if a family or household member was grieving because they would wear a small black rectangular plastic pin on their left breast or breast pocket. Finally, a ceremonial mass is held at the end of this 40-day period. It is a common belief among Filipinos that the soul goes to Heaven after these 40 days, following the belief that Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven after the same period of days.HolidaysThematic Phrase: Christmas in the Philippines is considered one of the biggest holidays. They have earned the distinction of celebrating the longest Christmas season in the world with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting until the Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, or the feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú the third Sunday in January. In one of his articles, Msgr. Cruz stated in his Christmas message that “the essence of Christmas is God made flesh, God who came among us” in an act of love “uniting humanity with the living God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” For many Filipinos, the true essence of Christmas is not giving gifts but sharing this special holy day with family. In the Philippines, every town and city has its own festivals; whatever the time of year, there is bound to be a celebration somewhere. In the Philippines, festivals are held to celebrate a patron saint. It is an integral part of Philippine culture, through good times and bad, it must move forward. Christmas is by far the biggest holiday of all. It is a season celebrated with all the splendor and ritual where the entire country erupts in celebrations which can begin much before December. For individual Filipinos, the holidays can be a way to appeal to heaven or make amends for past wrongs. It is a way to celebrate their blessings, commemorate their past, and observe solemn religious rituals. Celebrations include music, dancing, eating, beauty pageants, balls, processions, sporting challenges or a variety of other events. The Spanish influence is very evident in the elaborate masks, makeup, headdresses and costumes worn by the celebrants. These dresses often require months of preparation. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Concluding Paragraph: Filipinos indeed have a rich cultural tradition with unique customs. They are in fact the melting pot of Western and Eastern cultures. Filipino identity was forged primarily as a result of the mixing of precolonial cultures, colonial influences, and foreign traders; gradually evolving into a uniquely Filipino identity. In that colonial mentality, most Filipinos, even the poor ones, are very fond of branded products. Filipinos think that everything produced in the West is superior while everything produced locally is inferior. Filipinos also have a worker bee mentality, they work very hard but most lack the entrepreneurial mentality. These are some of the traits of Philippine culture and there are many more, but these stood out in my research on the Philippines. References Philippine culture. (2016, August 15). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/philippine-culture-essayPhilippine Culture and Traditions. Retrieved from https://family.lovetoknow.com/cultural-heritage-symbols/filipino-culture-traditionsDepartment of Education, Culture and Sports. Information sheet, 2000.Europa.