FILIPINO CULTURE, CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

The Filipino people is rich in customs and traditions. Many of these are in connection with their family life such as DATING, MARRIAGE and BURIAL, RELIGIOUS and many more........

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 the 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.

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 daughters 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 called pamanhikan. The man's parents often take along someone whom they believe is highly respected by the girls parents. This was especially when they fear that the 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 establish, 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 give 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 and corridos 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 examples of architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth century are the churches built by the Spaniards with the help of the Filipinos. They are structures built in Baroque style with elaborate curved arches, altars 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 the guitar and the ukulele.

The idea of organizing a rondalla must have been born during the latter part of Spanish rule in the Philippines when the guitar was introduced. Added to the guitar were 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 rodalla 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 souls content. The Philippines has contributed its share of the world famous opera singers such as Jovita Fuente, Isang Tapales, Conchita Gaston, and Aurello Estanislao.

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.

Fifty years ago, every school program was a literary-musical program of Filipino 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.

Next Page