Philippine Popular Culture

Efren G. Mayani
Tim M. De Castro
Erlinda E. Fandino, PhD

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 LAGUNA UNIVERSITY

Vision

Laguna University shall be a socially responsive educational institution of

choice providing holistically developed individuals in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Mission

Laguna University is committed to produce academically prepared and

technically skilled individuals who are socially and morally upright.

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 Table of Contents

Module 1: Popular Culture: An Overview 1

Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 1
Lesson 1. Modernity and Popular Culture: An Onto-Historical Inquiry 2
Lesson 2. Popular Culture: Introductory Perspectives 4

Module 2: Framing the Popular 8

Introduction 8
Learning Objectives 8
Lesson 1. Framing the Popular 9

Module 3: Modes of Reading 12

Introduction 12
Learning Objectives 12
Lesson 1. Modes of Reading 13

Module 4: Filipino Value System 16

Introduction 16
Learning Objectives 16
Lesson 1. Filipino Value System 17

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Course Code: AH01

Course Description: This course explores the new forms in art, music, and
literature arising from the opportunities and demands of mass audiences, markets
and mass media, and their social, economic and political contexts.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILO):

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the value of studying Philippine Popular Culture;

2. Evaluate the concepts and themes elicited from the various new forms
of arts, music, and literature as demanded by mass audiences,
markets, and mass media;
3. Illustrate the different characteristics of Philippine Popular Culture in
today’s social, economic, and political context;
4. Identify the growth of the Philippine Popular Culture and how it affects
the daily life of the Filipinos both young and old;
5. Develop appreciation of the Filipino people’s ingenuity as reflected in
their everyday affairs.

Course Requirements:
 Assessment Tasks - 60%
 Major Exams - 40%
_________
Periodic Grade 100%

Prelim Grade = 60% (Activity 1-4) + 40% (Prelim exam)

Midterm Grade = 30 % (Prelim Grade) + 70 % [60% (Activity 5-7) + 40%
(Midterm exam)]
Final (Semestral) Grade = 30 % (Midterm Grade) + 70 % [60% (Activity 8-
10) + 40% (Final exam)
Final Grade = Total CS + Final Exam x 70% + 30% of the Midterm

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 List of Figure

Figure Description

1 Culture, Music and Dance 29

2 Celebrations – Festivals And Holidays 30
(Scalona, 2020)
3 Siblings Should Not Marry Within The Same Year 32
4 Clothing

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 MODULE 1
POPULAR CULTURE: AN OVERVIEW

Introduction

Since time immemorial, the Philippines, like other countries of the world, has
significantly flown an exceedingly great distance and has embraced so much changes as
demanded by the changing times. We, Filipinos, starting from the time of our ancestors to the
people of the present generation have witnessed the evolution of our culture from the past to
the present.

Popular culture deals with the recent changes in the Filipino lifestyles. The term
culture, on the other hand, refers to the values, beliefs, behavior, and both the material and
nonmaterial objects that together form a people’s way of life. Decision-making as well as the
course of action to be undertaken in a prevailing condition is determined and greatly
influenced by his own perception of culture.

With the advent of technology, science, and population growth, everything has
changed.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Define popular culture;

2. Differentiate modernity and popular culture on the basis of their characteristics and
origin;
3. Analyze the impact of modernization upon the Filipino youth of today’s generation;
4. Justify our own good uniqueness as a Filipino.

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Lesson 1. Modernity and Popular Culture: An Onto Historical Inquiry

Modern history begins after the end of the middle ages in the 16 th century and
continues on today (When Does Modern History Begin, 2020). The modern era consists of
major advances in the areas of technology, science and population growth. Through these
advances, people’s perspectives of life changed.

Social change occurs all over the world (Britannica.com, 2020). The rate and the
pattern of change vary from one society to another. One central concept in the study of social
change is modernization. Modernization is the form of social change that involves the
transformation of the society from an agricultural to an industrial one. When this transformation
occurs, social patterns also change resulting to modernity (Britannica.com, 2020).

At some point of study, Berger saw modernity as a threat to the small and cohesive
communities (Macionis, 2006). Modernization breaks down cultural barriers and brings
cultures together producing a global society.

In the social sciences, modernization and modernity are commonly seen to entail
urbanization, industrialization, the spread of mass education, commercialization, and
advances in technology that enable the rapid flow of goods, values and people over
increasing.

Petre Berger, (1977 in Macionis, 2006) identified four major characteristics of

modernization:

1. Decline of small, traditional communities;

2. expansion of personal choice;
3. Increasing social diversity;
4. Orientation toward the future and a growing awareness of time.

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 Culture, on the other hand plays a very important role in systematizing the
satisfaction of people’s social needs through various major and subsidiary institutions that
comprise it. It also helps distinguish one society from another based on their differences
(Subjecto.com, 2020).

Through culture, people discover the meanings and purpose of both the social and
individual living by looking into the values contained therein. Present changes in people’s lives
significantly ushered in corresponding transformations in our society nowadays. People,
especially the new breed of Filipinos find happiness, contentment doing them. We call them
“Popular Culture”. A type of culture spreading like mushrooms all over the world. Technology
made them exist and youth of today’s generation made them fit.

Impact of Modernization upon the Filipino Youth

The youth claims that modernity has failed. Despite the advances in technology and
formation of formal organizations, there are still problems that continue to persist, such as
poverty.

The bright promise of “progress” is fading. The optimism brought about by modernity
in the 19th century is replaced with pessimism. Youth adults believe that life is getting worse
(NORC, 2003 in Macionis, 2006).

Science no longer holds the answers. Critics argued that science has failed to solve
important problems of the society (such as poor health) and has even created new ones (such
as environmental degradation). Postmo dernists claim that science is not the singular truth,
and they believe that there is no one truth. This means that objective reality does not exist;
rather, many realities result from “social construction (Macionis, 2006).

In this modern time, majority of the Filipino youth are fast becoming sexually- liberated,
concerned about education but less concerned about their families, becoming self-centered,
technically addicted to social media and online games, clingy to modern fads, trends, fashion
and not much anymore into old practices or Filipino’s most valued tradition.

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Lesson 2. Popular Culture: Introductory Perspectives

The term “popular” has two connotations, firstly, it may refer to fads, trends, objects,
or norms that are practiced, adopted, and accepted by many people within a society at the
present or recent time. Secondly, it may refer to the recent times or period of time that has or
is presently taking place and making a strong impact on the present-day life of the people.
This is what we mean by culture. Culture, however, has the following characteristics (Quizlet,
2020):

1. Culture is learned- cultural learning depends on the uniquely developed human

capacity t use symbols, signs that have no natural connection to the things they stand
for or signify. Norms, skills, values, and knowledge constitute a culture acquired and
transmitted genetically (Quizlet, 2020).

2. Culture is shared – is an attribute not of individuals per se but of individuals in society.

Culture is transmitted in society (Kottak, 2008). We learn our culture by listening,
observing, and talking with other people. Through language and other means of
communication, culture is passed on to succeeding generations (Quizlet, 2020).

3. Culture is symbolic- culture originated when our ancestors acquired the ability to use
symbols and bestow meaning to a thing or event, and to grasps and appreciate such
meanings (Kottak 2008).
4. Culture is all- encompassing-culture includes more than a refinement, taste
sophistication, arts or education but also factors that affect people every day. It
encompasses features that may be trivial and not worthy of serious study but may be
considered “popular culture”.
5. Culture is integrated – cultures are not haphazard collections of customs and beliefs
but are integrated patterned systems. Parts of culture are integrated and interrelated.
6. Culture is ideational- there are group habits with ideal patterns of behavior within a
culture.
7. Culture is adaptive - cultures are changing due to changes which occur as a result of
discoveries, inventions, and cultural borrowings.

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 8. Culture is cumulative – society retains certain features of culture and acquires new
one.
9. Culture gratifies human needs – culture satisfies the biological and sociocultural needs
of the people. This allows efficient and spontaneous interaction in the group for
satisfaction.

According to Joseph Fichter, cultural adaptation takes place in four principal ways
(Palispis, 2007):

1. Parallelism - refers to the independent development of a similar culture into two widely
separated cultures. The same mechanical invention or discovery occurs in places that
are very part far apart. Examples are the use of wheels and domestication of animals.
10. Diffusion – is the process where behavioral patterns and traits spread from one culture
to another. Examples f the behavioral patterns are food, customs, religious practices,
etc (Kottak 2008).
2. Fission – can be traced historically when a long-established society breaks up into two
or more independent units.
3. Covergence - is the fusion of two or more cultures into a new one which is different
from its predecessors.

The physical intermingling of people from different back grounds has increased due to
forced and voluntary migration. People bring with them the behavior patterns of their original
culture.

Culture brings about solidarity among members. It promotes loyalty and devotion to a
society since the people strive to accomplish their common objective. Likewise, it plays a
dominant role in shaping an individual’s social personality, and governs the behavior of people
with the norms they have to follow. More importantly, culture systematizes social behavior.

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 Assessment Tasks 1-1:

Guided by the discussion, write a four-paragraph composition on the topic: “I am the

Present Breed of a Filipino 2020”

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 Assessment Tasks 1-2

Questions to Ponder:
How do young adults- people in their teens, twenties and thirties- build their self-identities?
What impact does modernization have on young people’s sense of identity, self-expression,
values, and desires?

Share your ideas about the questions? Write your answer below.
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SUMMARY

Significant days of yesteryears have fallen into their right places; a lot of new
challenges in our present-time will unfold… and test us. Things that are predicted to happen
“WILL HAPPEN”. But, let’s have a tight grip of those that are good and worth preserving. Your
decision is vital to achieve this end.

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REFERENCES

Britannica.com (Ed.). (2020). Patterns of social change. (Britannica.com) Retrieved from

Britannica.com: https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-change/Patterns-of-social-
change

Macionis, J. J. (2006). Sociology, (Pearson, Producer, & Pearson).

Macionis, J. J. (2014). Sociology, 15th Edition. (Pearson, Producer, & Pearson) Retrieved
from Sociology, 15th Edition: https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-
education/product/Macionis-Sociology-15th-Edition/9780205985609.html

Subjecto.com. (2020). Retrieved from Subjecto.com: https://subjecto.com/when-does-

modern-history-begin/

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 MODULE 2
FRAMING THE POPULAR

Introduction

Anything that exists in this world has its own stories of origin. From simple folktales
to legendary accounts of things, places, people etc., Filipinos would always find time to spend
awhile so that they will be enlightened as to the real score of how something- idea, or a person
came into being or came into place.

Part of Filipino tradition is being “inquisitive”. He would always want to dig the details
of something that gave rise to the existence of an entity- be it an object or an idea. In this
module, we will go through an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the different theories that
shed light to the understanding of popular culture in the Philippines.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the theories that gave rise to the so-called “Popular Culture”;
2. Explain how these theories shed light to the understanding and acceptance of
Filipino trends and lifestyle at the present time;
3. Value and preserve the culture that are worth –emulating to keep family intact and
the society strong.

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Lesson 1. Framing the Popular

The Theory of Mass Society

It was based on the thesis that modernity had severely eroded the social fabric. In simple
statement,” Mass Society” is a society in which industry and expanding bureau have eroded
traditional ties (Macionis, 2014). Two important points are emphasized in this perspective,

 Mass society theory is a very popular interpretation of history. Implicit within it is a

strong moral agenda, namely:
 Things today are not as good as they used to be, there has been a moral breakdown,
our popular culture is artificial and is partly to blame for the weak moral agenda.
 There is a distinction between mass media which is bad and high culture which is
good.
 Consequently, if you study the mass media you are studying something really stupid.

The Theory of Culture Industry

It was coined by the critical theorists Theodor Adorno (1903-1969) and Max
Horkheimer (1895-1973), and was presented as critical vocabulary in the chapter “The Culture
Industry: Enlightenment as Mass Deception”, of the book Dialectic of Enlightenment (1947),
wherein they proposed that popular culture is akin to a factory producing standardized cultural
goods – films, radio programs, magazines, etc. that are used to manipulate mass society into
activity.

The Theory of Progressive Evolution

It is the biological hypothesis that organisms have an innate tendency to evolve in a

definite direction towards some goal due to some internal mechanism or “driving Force”.

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 Popular (adjective) Culture (noun)

 Relating to the general public  The customs, arts, social institutions,

 Intended for or suited to the taste and and achievements of a particular
understanding rather than specialists nation, people, or other social group.
or intellectuals  The attitudes and behavior
characteristic of a particular social
group.

In many ways popular culture is the Polaroid snapshot or Facebook photo page that
documents our lives in the society/world.; it is a backdrop of day-to-day life. Its power is both
diffused and indisputable. From Disney to Barbie to MY Space, youth today navigate a range
of popular culture and media.

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 Assessment Task 2-1

Fill this out with your most honest answers. Use an extra sheet if necessary. Thank you!

What is that What is my role What is my What is my What is my

something I in the motivation to favorite form of identity in the
cannot live community? live? entertainment? community?
without?

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 Assessment Task 2-2

Answer the following questions straight to the point:

1. What are the theories of popular culture?

2. What are some of the identifying factors of popular culture?
3. What is popular culture storey summary?
4. Which is an example of popular culture?
5.

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SUMMARY

The findings about culture can help leaders understand their own cultural biases and
preferences. Different cultures have different ideas about what they want from their leaders,
and these findings help our leaders adapt their leadership style to be more effective in different
cultural settings. The findings can help global leaders communicate more effectively across
cultural and geographic boundaries. Information on culture and leadership can be used to
build culturally sensitive web sites, design new employee orientation programs, conduct
programs in relocation training, and improve global team effectiveness.

It is best hoped that this bit of information will serve its main intent – make the discipline
at hand both engaging and realistic.

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REFERENCES

Britannica.com (Ed.). (2020). Patterns of social change. (Britannica.com) Retrieved from

Britannica.com: https://www.britannica.com/topic/social-change/Patterns-of-social-
change

Macionis, J. J. (2014). Sociology, 15th Edition. (Pearson, Producer, & Pearson) Retrieved
from Sociology, 15th Edition: https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-
education/product/Macionis-Sociology-15th-Edition/9780205985609.html

Subjecto.com. (2020). Retrieved from Subjecto.com: https://subjecto.com/when-does-

modern-history-begin/

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 MODULE 3
MODES OF READING

Introduction

Reading is not only a cognitive psycholinguistic activity but also a social activity. Being
a good reader means that a learner has gained a functional knowledge of the principles. The
purpose of reading is comprehension, or to get meaning from the written text. Without
comprehension, reading would be frustrating and pointless. A major goal of reading
comprehension is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and experience they must
have if they are to become competent and enthusiastic readers.

Good beginning reading instruction teaches students how to identify words,

comprehend text, achieve fluency, and develop the motivation to read. Whole language
approaches focus on comprehension and meaning.

This module aims to enable students to work with a variety of critical approaches, and
to develop an informed awareness of the possibilities available to them as readers and critics.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the four modes of reading;

2. Describe each mode of reading to familiarize oneself with the best reading style to
encourage further readings daily;
3. Use and practice different modes of reading to increase comprehension level and
suit specific reading purpose.

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Lesson 1. Modes of Reading

Analytical Reading - is an approach that probes more deeply to understand the message and
goal of the piece you read. Book reports and papers, may test your ability to read
analytically (Thomson, 2019).

Study Reading - includes authentic texts from textbooks, journals, reference works and study
guides currently used in universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher
learning (Clavel-Arroitia & Fuster-Márquez, 2014).

General Reading – is active style of reading with an inquiring mind, recognizing main idea and
important details (Claudia, 2020).

Skimming - refers to looking only for the general or main ideas (Marks Beale, 2020). When
skimming, your overall understanding is reduced because you do not read
everything. You read what is only important to your purpose. Skimming takes
place while reading and allows you to look for details in addition to the main ideas.

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Enquiry:

Students will identify their own key questions about a particular life (preferably, a historian or
an author from other curricular area) (thefreedictionary.com, 2020).

Information Processing:

Students will identify relevant information from a range of sources on paper and on screen
and use this as basis for both oral presentation via zoom and writing (Slamecka, 2020). The
term information refers to facts and opinions provided and received during the course of daily
life: one obtains information directly from other living beings, from mass media, from electronic
data banks, and from all sorts of observable phenomena in the surrounding environment.

Evaluation: Students will present information orally and in writing. They will discuss success
criteria, give feedback to others and judge the effectiveness of their own work
(Hovejuniorschool.co.uk, 2020).

Reasoning: Students will construct reasoned arguments based on available sources (books
they read) and evidence (Developing Evidence-Based Arguments from Texts, 2020).

Empathy: Through discussing and writing simulated autobiography, students will need to
imagine themselves in another person’s position.

Communication: Students will develop their ability to discuss and debate issues in respect of
both the form and the content of the biographical texts they are reading and writing. They will
communicate outcomes orally, in writing and through using other modalities (Lucas, 2018).

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Assessment Task 3-1

Students’ activity: By group

Note: Each Key Aspect of learning will be assigned to a student on voluntary basis.

Key Aspects of Learning: Highlight: Reading

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SUMMARY

First and foremost,” Love for reading” must be instilled among students in all academic
levels, across university academic programs.

Reading should always be a priority in their lives. Undoubtedly, files of questions

preoccupy student’s mind then and today, but through reading, the quest for answers will be
satisfied. Knowledge will be laid down securely upon the hearts and minds of the numerous
academic dreamers.

To fast track the acquisition of knowledge, and to make it more helpful, they must learn
to decide which mode/s of reading they will use to fit their purpose or need.

Take note: The greatest gift is a passion for reading, according to Elizabeth Hardwick.

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References

Claudia, F. (2020). What is Reading? - Definition & Process. Retrieved from Study.com:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-reading-definition-process.html

Clavel-Arroitia, B., & Fuster-Márquez, M. (2014, March 10). The authenticity of real texts in
advanced English language textbooks. (Oxford Academic) doi:
https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/cct060

Hovejuniorschool.co.uk. (2020). Retrieved from Hovejuniorschool.co.uk:

http://www.hovejuniorschool.co.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=40&type=pdf

Lucas, A. (2018, December 11). The Importance of Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication.
Retrieved from https://oureverydaylife.com/the-importance-of-verbal-non-verbal-
communication-5162572.html

Marks Beale, A. (2020). Skimming And Scanning: Two Important Strategies For Speeding Up
Your Reading. Retrieved from HowToLearn.com:
https://www.howtolearn.com/2013/02/skimming-and-scanning-two-important-
strategies-for-speeding-up-your-reading/

ReadWriteThinkInternational Reading Association. (2020). (NCTE 2020) Retrieved from

ReadWriteThinkInternational Reading Association:
http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/developing-
evidence-based-arguments-31034.html

Slamecka, V. (2020). Britannica.com. Retrieved from Britannica.com:

https://www.britannica.com/technology/information-processing

thefreedictionary.com. (2020). (Farlex, Inc.) Retrieved from thefreedictionary.com:

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/enquiry

Thomson, V. (2019, February 19). What Is an Analytical Reading? Retrieved from

https://penandthepad.com/analytical-reading-12215895.html

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 MODULE 4
FILIPINO VALUE SYSTEM AND CULTURE

Introduction

True ideology stems from the historical experience – the blood and guts of a people
conscious of their destiny and shaped by their respective experiences. Our National Ideology
springs from the very agonies, sacrifices, dreams and aspirations of a race, a people who
have shared a common existence… that ideology is emergent among the Filipino people.

Time and time again, Filipinos would stand and fight bravely for our FREEDOM,
DIGNITY, AND EQUALITY – our prime ideologies for which We are willing to die for. This
module will focus on the Filipino value system characterizing who the Filipinos are: in the
Past, Present, and the Future and the culture.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Explain the Filipino ideologies which are emergent among us;

2. Recall the moral code, etiquette, and other ethical practices of the Filipinos and take
a tight grip of those that are good and still relevant today;
3. Demonstrate the Filipino value system as a means to uphold society and the country
at large.
4. Explain the Filipino culture- its language, music & dance, religion, literature and arts
and how they contribute to our national identity;
5. Construct and label mini 3-D dioramas reflecting different celebrations in the
Philippines which include festivals and Holidays;

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6. Ascertain Filipino social beliefs and customs and find out which among those are still
relevant to these days to strengthen family ties and support the uniqueness of our
community;
7. Describe Filipino cuisine, meals, clothing, and traditional sports on the basis of its
charm for tourism purposes.

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Lesson 1: Filipino Value System

Ideologies

The true Filipino ideology which is emergent from our historical experience and
national dream. In its two phases (Marcos, n.d.) , the ideology presents itself:

 As political liberation
 as social and economic liberation

Moral Code

Filipinos are known to be traditionally respectful. They generally show respect to the
elders in their families and also in their work environment particularly to their colleagues,
superiors, and clients.

Ethical Practices
Filipinos are known to be traditionally respectful and courteous. They generally show
respect to the elders in their families and also in their work environment particularly to their
colleagues, superiors, and clients.

Etiquette

Filipinos tend to dress modestly, especially when in public. · It is expected that the
elderly and those of a higher social status are treated with respect. One of the major controlling
elements in Filipino society – undetected by most visitors – is hiya, a difficult word to define,
though essentially it means a sense of shame (Filipino Culture, 2020).

Hiya is a factor in almost all social situations. It is a sense of hiya that prevents
someone asking a question, for fear he may look foolish. It is hiya that sees many Filipinos
refuse to disagree openly, for fear they may cause offence. To not have hiya is a grave social
sin. To be accused of being walang-hiya (to be shameless) is the ultimate insult. Hiya goes
hand in hand with the preservation of amor-propio (the term literally means “love of self”), i.e.

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to avoid losing face. If you ever wonder why a Filipino fail to broach awkward subjects with
you, or to point out that your flies are undone, it is because hiya and amor-propio are at work.
Cultural and Personal Values

Filipinos are known globally for their values; love of God, country, and family; diligence
and hard work; regard for personal honor and dignity; compassion, generosity, adaptability,
loyalty to a friend or benefactor, respect and care for the elderly (Pierson, 2020)

Values Orientation

Filipino values are, for the most part, centered at maintaining social harmony,
motivated primarily by the desire to be resilient. Filipinos tend to dress modestly, especially
when in public. · It is expected that the elderly and those of a higher social status are treated
with respect. Caring about what others will think, say or do, are strong influences on social
behavior among Filipinos (Pierson, 2020).

The values of Filipinos specifically upholds the following items: solidarity of the family
unit, security of the Philippine economy, orientation to small-groups, personalism, the
concepts of "loob" or "kalooban" (meaning "what's inside the self", the "inner-self", or the
"actual personal feelings of the self") (Brainly, 2020).

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 With the advent of the social media, the Philippines is now made just at your fingertips.
Tourism is boost in an unprecendented level just like other countries of the world today.
During this times when people can now reach the other side of the world in a matter of
minutes/hours, when business can go up or down overnight, when what a person knows today
can be history tomorrow, an ordinary man will say that the world has really gone wild. The
Philippines, despite the bewildering pace and patterns of events and all the rapid changes
happening all around us, has remained strong and resilient with its rich culture remaining
intact, flourishing as ever from its magical language of hospitality, colourful festivals,
mouthwatering cuisines, and avant-grant literature and arts.

At this juncture, please join me as I tour you around….Welcome to the Philippines!

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Lesson 5: The Culture of the Philippines

These are just few among the numerous excellent values we will be passing on to the
Filipinos of the next generation. This will be their light through which they can walk in darkness,
their compass to know the direction of their journey and where they are headed to, the strength
so that they won’t give up even amidst battles and pains. Their destiny will be their top priority,
Forever, they will stand as the Proudest Filipinos ever…!

The Philippines is a country with a long history of colonization, strongly influencing its
culture and traditions. This impact extends well beyond language and food and into the many
superstitions that locals take to heart. With an Animist, pre-colonial past (with likely Hindu-
Buddhist influences), followed by a major conversion into Christianity, the Philippines claims
ownership of a very interesting, diverse mix of beliefs. Filipinos got all the reasons possible
to see and get astounded by the rich cultural heritage from our ANCESTORS. Let us continue
to celebrate with great jubilation and express our deepest gratitude to all Great Filipinos who
contributed all these wonderful things to us. Quality life is a matter of choice (Scalona, 2020).

5.1 Language

Filipino and English are the official languages in the Philippines,with the recognition of
the regional languages/dialects as auxiliary official in their respective region. The Philippines
has 8 major dialects, namely: Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Kapampangan,,
Pangasinan, Tagalog, and Waray. The language being taught all over the Philippines is
Tagalog and English (Scalona, 2020).

Official language: Filipino and English

National : Filipino

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5.2 Culture, Music and Dance

Figure 1. Culture, Music and Dance

5.3 Religion

The Philippines proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia. More than 86
percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 6% belong to various nationalized Christian cults,
and another 2% belong to well over 100 Protestant

5.4 Celebrations – Festivals And Holidays

Having fondness for family reunions during secular and religious holidays such as
Christmas, New Year's eve, All Saints' Day, Holy Week, Fiestas, homecomings, birthdays,
weddings, graduations, baptisms, funerals etc. is evidence that Filipino people valued not only
our cultural tradition but the spirit of our family.

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 Figure 2. Celebrations – Festivals And Holidays
(Scalona, 2020)

Social Beliefs And Customs

It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal norms of behavior that every
Filipino must live up to the accepted standards of behavior and if they fail to do so, they bring
shame not only upon themselves, but also upon their family. Filipinos do adhere as well to a
lot of superstitious beliefs, like (Buchiblo, 2020):

The number of steps of staircases at home should not be divisible by three

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 Enter a Filipino household with a staircase and begin chanting
“Oro (gold), plata (silver), mata (death)”, taking one step up with each word. Most likely, upon
reaching the top step, the chant will end with either oro or plata. This is because many
Filipinos will go to great lengths to avoid ending in mata which denotes bad luck. The two
preceding words on the other hand, obviously denote good fortune (Buchiblo, 2020).

Turn your plate when someone leaves in the middle of a meal

When sitting at the dining table for a meal and someone gets up to leave before the
rest of the group finishes, everybody left at the table should turn their plates to ensure safe
travels for the person leaving. Another meal superstition (though more loosely believed) is
that the table should not start being cleared while people are still eating. If this is done, it is
believed that the last person left dining will live a lonely life.

Don’t go straight home after attending a wake

This superstition is called “pagpag” (the shaking off of dirt). In the context of a wake, it
means going elsewhere after attending the wake before heading home to shake off the spirit
of the deceased lest it follows you home (Buchiblo, 2020). Superstitions surrounding wakes
are among the most widely practiced by Filipinos still today. Another is that the family of the
deceased should not drop off visitors at the door upon saying goodbye as it symbolizes
dropping them off at their own deaths. And, as for serving food at wakes (be it heavy meals
or light snacks) at Filipino wakes is customary, visitors should not make the mistake of taking
any home with them (be it a small piece of candy), as it signifies inviting misfortune into your
home (Buchiblo, 2020).

Reassure your host that you’re human

A very common line used by Filipinos when knocking on someone’s door is

“Tao (person) po!“. Many assume it refers to the knocker calling out to ask if there are any

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people inside, when actually, it is said to stem from the knocker reassuring the people inside
that s/he is a person and not a possibly harmful supernatural creature.

Figure 3. Siblings Should Not Marry Within The Same Year

(Scalona, 2020)

Siblings should not marry within the same year (Culture Trip Stands With Black Lives
Matter, 2020).

This superstition is called “sukob” and advises against siblings marrying within the
same year as it is said to divide the luck between the two marriages. Another type
of sukob advises against marriages within the same year as the death of an immediate family
member. Pushing to do so is considered bad luck.

Another wedding-related superstition is that the bride should never try on her dress
before the big day. This is said to bring bad luck and cause the cancellation of the union
(Superstitions Many Filipinos Still Believe, 2020)

Serve pancit (noodles) at celebrations, especially birthdays

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 This ever-present dish at Filipino gatherings is believed to represent long life. And
while Filipinos today may joke and laugh about actually believing that this noodle dish is
served for long life, it remains a staple at nearly every birthday feast (Superstitions Many
Filipinos Still Believe, 2020.

Respect The Elementals

Filipino folklore is rich with a variety of elementals, from giants smoking tobacco, to
small, grumpy, old men living in anthills. Stories of these creatures fill the childhoods of many
Filipino children, inciting both intrigue and fear (SP Online Events, 2020).

Many superstitions still surround the beliefs in such creatures today. Among the most
practiced is the saying of “tabi tabi po” (excuse me) when passing through places where
elementals are likely to dwell. These places are usually outdoors, such as anthills
and Balete trees. Failure to do so and disturbing such creatures may lead to unexplained
sickness that can only be cured by an albularyo (folk healer) (Scalona, 2020).

Be careful when showing fondness over babies

It’s difficult to restrain from playing with cute babies or complimenting their parents on
their adorable features, but doing so in the Philippines is believed by some, to be a potential
cause of illness. Referred to as either “usog” or “bati”, this superstition says that when a
person with strong energy greets a child, the child may soon after suffer from unexplainable
discomfort. This is why, especially in the countryside, older people know to say “pwera
usog” when showing fondness over children. This is meant to counter any usog that may have
happened otherwise. If this isn’t said, and parents attribute certain maladies of their children
to usog, they may ask the greeter to smear their saliva on the suffering child’s forehead as a
cure (Scalona, 2020).

Blame your missing things on elves. In the Philippines, there is an assumption that
when items around the house go missing and reappear, this is caused by dwendes or playful

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elves. While mischievous, these little creatures are believed to be mostly harmless – aside
from the type that take small children.

Sports

Noteworthy to mention as well are some traditional Filipino games like: palasebo,
patintero, luksong-tinik, taguan, bunong braso.

Literature and Arts

The Philippines is also very rich in literature from the Pre-colonial times to present.
Some famous literary works were: Epic of Lam-ang, Legend of Maria Makiling, Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Urbana at Felisa, Cenakulo, Zarzuela, Embayoka. Radio
Drama series also existed, namely: Si Matar, Ito ang Palad ko,and Mr. Lonely . Philipine
movies like: Ganito kamiNOon, Ganito Kami Ngayon. Ishang, Rizal sa dapitan etc (PRE-
COLONIAL OF PHILIPPINE LITERATURE, 2020)

One of the earliest forms of art found in the Philippines is pottery. It was a key element
for advancing a society because it allowed people to store and cook food. Early pots and
containers for a number of purposes from food preparations (cooking, eating, storing of food)
to the ceremonial uses (urns). Overtime, the styles changed in each pot. Performing Arts like
singing and all types of folk dance, stage plays, tv and radio dramas, etc. have also flourished
in the Philippines for entertainment (Alideshare.net, n.d.)

Cuisine

Ever since Filipinos are happy type of people and one reason why they are always
happy is because of the wide array of Filipino cuisines and dishes. Topping them all is the
Lech on- whole roasted pig usually offered during special occasions. Next, is adobo? No list

34
of Filipino food will be complete without it. Of special participation as well in fil food parade
are the ff.: Sisig,chicken inasal, inihaw of all sorts, fried stuff of all types,Taba ng talangka,
pancit palabok, all types of pansit, menudo, kaldereta, veggies ganished with seafood and
meat, bulalo, dinuguan, mechado, meat stew, and many others (Sarthou, 2020)

Clothing

Figure 4. Clothing

Filipino national costume is rather colorful, ornate and beautiful. Filipino people lived
under the occupation of other countries for centuries. That's why their national attire was
formed under the influence of different cultures and got some of their features. The US, Spain,
and Japan had the biggest impact on the traditional clothing of the Philippines. But

35
nevertheless, Filipino folk dress is very unique, authentic and even tribal, if we can say so
(Traditional clothing in the Philippines. Barong Tagalog & Baro at Saya, 2020).

36
 Assessment Task 4-1

A. Make a Personal Daily Journal (PDJ) within two weeks. Record the date and the
values you have observed among your family members, including yourself. If
you think, the displayed values are good and still relevant to this day, take a tight
grip of it by doing it, like a habit, daily. Follow suggested PDJ format below:

Personal Daily Journal

Date: Values Observed Signature
Sept. 15 Praying before eating

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B. Then, write a narrative explaining what happened and what you felt while doing this
simple activity.

38
 Assessment Task 4-2

Can you identify the following festivals?

___________________________________________________________________________
_

39
_________________________________________________________________________________

40
41
_____________________________________________________________

________________________________
__________________________________

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 __________________________________

Meals

________________________________________________________________________________

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44
Assessment Task 4-3

Make a scrapbook showing the rich cultural heritage of the Filipinos. Please include
captions and short details for each photo.

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SUMMARY

Filipinos are very popular around the world. This is because other nations hear a lot of
good traits about us. Let the goodness of the Filipinos ring like a bell in the ears of other
nationalities, so that THEY, too, will do the same to make the world a better place to live in.

Let’s be proud of our very own ideologies. Keep practicing ethical values like being
respectful and courteous, hardworking, modest but dignified, humble, and Godly. Maintain
family solidarity, hospitality, and the bayanihan spirit because it was the way we were oriented
and shaped by our parents and the best way to make our Society strong.

46
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on her dress before the big day. This is said to bring bad luck and cause the
cancellation of the union.\

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://hiya.com/blog/tag/featured/

Brainly. (2020). Defirences and similarities of pilipinos and korean values? (Brainly) Retrieved
from Brainly: https://brainly.ph/question/1962562

Buchiblo. (2020, January 17). Weird superstitious beliefs in the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://the-buchiblo.com/en/2020/01/17/weird-superstitious-beliefs-in-the-philippines/

Culture Trip Stands With Black Lives Matter. (2020). (Culture Trip ) Retrieved from Culture
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many-filipinos-still-believe-in/

Filipino Culture. (2020). (I. 2020, Producer, & IES 2020) Retrieved from Cultural Atlas:
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https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/filipino-culture/filipino-culture-etiquette

Marcos, F. E. (n.d.). Essay by President Marcos entitled “The True Filipino Ideology” . (O.
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Marcos, F. E. (n.d.). Essay by President Marcos entitled “The True Filipino Ideology”. (O.
Gazette, Editor, GOVPH, Producer, & GOVPH) Retrieved from GOVPH:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1982/05/12/essay-by-president-marcos-entitled-
the-true-filipino-ideology/

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Marcos, F. E. (n.d.). Essay by President Marcos entitled “The True Filipino Ideology”. (O.
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the-true-filipino-ideology/

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filipinos-still-believe-in/

slideshare.net. (n.d.). Performing ArtS: Music and Drama. Retrieved from slideshare.net:
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SP Online Events. (2020). (Smart Parenting) Retrieved from Smart Parenting:

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SUPERSTITIONS MANY FILIPINOS STILL BELIEVE. (2020, May 16). (A. Sharma, Producer)
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