Filipino Culture
Learn more about Filipino Culture!
Filipino History
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 islands, categorized into three main geographical regions (from north to south) known as Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The country, located in Southeast Asia, was named after King Phillip II of Spain and was a former Spanish colony of 300 years. Leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, along with countless more, fought tirelessly to liberate the country from colonial rule until the Philippines alas gained its independence on June 12th, 1898.
Today, over 120 languages and dialects are spoken in the Philippines, but Filipino is recognized as the country’s national language. As of 2020, the population of the Philippines averages at 109 million people.
What are some Traditional Filipino Values?
Family | Kapamilya
Filipinos are keen on emphasizing the importance of family. “Family first” is a very common teaching in many Filipino households, and within that, the idea of caring the utmost for one’s family is also highly valued. In Filipino culture, even one’s closest friends are considered family. Filipinos are often seen referring to their peers (and even strangers) with familial terminology, such as Ate (big sister), Kuya (big brother), Tito (uncle), and Tita (aunt). It is certainly valid to presume that family lies at the core center of Filipino culture.
Given this, TCNJ Barkada would like to emphasize that we are endlessly thankful for YOU. You are our kapamilya! You are our family.
Faith | Relihiyon
Many Filipinos are also highly faithful people. Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam are the three most common Faiths in the Philippines. Religion is an entity that Filipinos hold very dearly. The idea of having faith and practicing prayer in order to receive good fortunes/show gratitude are common teachings. The prominence of religion in Filipino culture is likely a result of Spain introducing Christianity to the Philippines in the 16th century.
Respect | Respeto
Respect is another intently valued aspect of Filipino culture. Showing courtesy and kindness to elders and other family members is an act that is instilled in Filipino youth very early on. The act of “Mano Po” consists of Filipino youth taking the hands of their elders and bringing them to their foreheads as a symbol of respect. Filipino youth are taught to respond to their elders using “po” and “opo,” both phrases of agreement that are used to show respect to the recipients.
Hospitality | Kabutihan
Filipino culture is evidently encompassed by a multitude of different things, but hospitality is most certainly not one to forget. Filipinos are notorious for sayings such as “Kumain ka na ba? Halika, kumain ka!” or, “Have you eaten yet? Come eat, I have food for you!”
Showing care and compassion for others in a hospitable manner is seemingly part of many Filipinos’ nature. It is important for them to know that their guests are comfortable and well taken care of, and many Filipinos will go the extra mile to ensure that they have done everything on their part to accomplish this.