The Philippines is a mixed society, both singular and plural in form. Singular as one nation, but plural in that it is fragmented both geographically and culturally. The nation is divided between Christians, Muslims, and other religious-ethno-linguistic groups; between urban and rural people; between upland and lowland people; and between the rich and the poor.
Filipino culture in the past was valued and developed even before the colonisers came. The rich culture of Philippine ancestors is evident in their social classes, home, manner of dressing, body accessories, education, music and dance, science, arts and literature, and even their ways of courtship and marriage, burial and mourning.
The early Filipinos were believed to have come from neighbouring China, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. In fact, there is a saying that the Chinese people were the ones who first discovered the Philippines and not Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator working for Spain, as there is evidence that the Chinese were already present in the Philippines in its early stages. Before the coming of the Spanish, Filipinos used to write in the Sanskrit alphabet through the use of the ‘Gurum Key’ method, similar to that of the ancient Hindi civilizations of the Indus Valley. They already had an ethical and moral code of regulations sculpted on a black rock called the Maragtas Code, discovered in the year 1212, though many Western historians consider this to be just a legend.
Early Filipinos were hospitable as they are still today. This was shown in situations such as receiving guests and strangers, where they offered their visitors food and entertainment. They were also conscious of cleanliness. They bathed daily in the river. They cleaned their teeth with fruits. They used perfumes for their bodies. They put ‘gugo’, a natural shampoo made from herbs. in their hair. Even their houses were kept clean and orderly. Early Filipinos were trustworthy and honest. They paid their debts on time. Likewise, they kept their promises. A said word for them was enough, and as sacred as keeping a good business contract.
During the Spanish period, development was focused more on religion. The Spanish culture was more enjoyed and welcomed by the Filipino-Spanish families and the wealthy Filipino families. Filipino society was divided into three classes: Principalia, Ilustrado and the Masses. Many Filipinos made big names in the fields of music, art, literature and science. For example, Padre Anacleto Cerra’s bamboo organ in the church of Las Piñas became popular worldwide. Women had minor roles in the society but were very much respected by men as they symbolised the honour and dignity of their families.
Despite the oppressive control of the Spanish colonisers, native Filipino culture progressed and developed, especially in the outskirts of Manila. The literary world became rich in legends, epics, folktales, riddles, country songs and wisecracks. The famous epic stories include ‘Darangan’ of the Maranaos, ‘Hudhud at Alim’ of the Ifugaos, ‘Biag-ni-Lam-ang’ of the Ilocanos, and ‘Ibalon’ of the Bicolanos. In the music world, some old country songs can still be heard today, such as ‘Manang Biday’ and ‘Pamu-linawen’ from the Ilocanos, ‘Sitsiritsit’ and ‘Doon Po Sa Amin’ of the Tagalogs, ‘Atin Ku Pung Singsing’ from the Pampangos, and ‘Ako Kini si Anggi’ from the Visayas.
The later American influence was strong on the country's systems of education, literature, art, architecture, science, industry, home, food, clothing, religion, pastimes, music and dances. Filipinos took education seriously, which resulted in the high social status of many. The Filipinos learned how to read, speak and write English in a short matter of time.
The free exchange of goods between the United States and the Philippines ended when the U.S Congress approved the Tydings-Mcduffie Law. By way of the Homestead Act, the right to own any civil land up to 24 hectares was given to any Filipino. The Protestant religion was accepted by the Filipinos, and the social status of Filipino women improved much during the American period. Women were allowed to participate in politics, to work in the government, and to pursue their studies in college. Matters like health and cleanliness were also improved, and transportation and communication networks were developed. Many roads and bridges were constructed, and new technologies were introduced to the country. These technologies helped the Philippines’ industries and agriculture.
All these developments were made for the convenience of the Americans in the Philippines, most especially the businessmen. The indigenous people might have enjoyed some benefits but they were not the real reason why such developments were made. The rules that had been imposed by the Americans on the Filipinos in relation to health and education also had negative effects. The Americans imposed these rules to achieve their main objective – to colonise and use the country and its people. Education was the most useful means of pursuing a peaceful relationship with the Filipinos. Through education, the Americans influenced the Filipinos in terms of their diet, their culture and their material consumption.
Roberto A Samson is a Fili-pino-Italian living in Dublin
The early Filipinos were believed to have come from neighbouring China, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. In fact, there is a saying that the Chinese people were the ones who first discovered the Philippines and not Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator working for Spain, as there is evidence that the Chinese were already present in the Philippines in its early stages. Before the coming of the Spanish, Filipinos used to write in the Sanskrit alphabet through the use of the ‘Gurum Key’ method, similar to that of the ancient Hindi civilizations of the Indus Valley. They already had an ethical and moral code of regulations sculpted on a black rock called the Maragtas Code, discovered in the year 1212, though many Western historians consider this to be just a legend.
Early Filipinos were hospitable as they are still today. This was shown in situations such as receiving guests and strangers, where they offered their visitors food and entertainment. They were also conscious of cleanliness. They bathed daily in the river. They cleaned their teeth with fruits. They used perfumes for their bodies. They put ‘gugo’, a natural shampoo made from herbs. in their hair. Even their houses were kept clean and orderly. Early Filipinos were trustworthy and honest. They paid their debts on time. Likewise, they kept their promises. A said word for them was enough, and as sacred as keeping a good business contract.
During the Spanish period, development was focused more on religion. The Spanish culture was more enjoyed and welcomed by the Filipino-Spanish families and the wealthy Filipino families. Filipino society was divided into three classes: Principalia, Ilustrado and the Masses. Many Filipinos made big names in the fields of music, art, literature and science. For example, Padre Anacleto Cerra’s bamboo organ in the church of Las Piñas became popular worldwide. Women had minor roles in the society but were very much respected by men as they symbolised the honour and dignity of their families.
Despite the oppressive control of the Spanish colonisers, native Filipino culture progressed and developed, especially in the outskirts of Manila. The literary world became rich in legends, epics, folktales, riddles, country songs and wisecracks. The famous epic stories include ‘Darangan’ of the Maranaos, ‘Hudhud at Alim’ of the Ifugaos, ‘Biag-ni-Lam-ang’ of the Ilocanos, and ‘Ibalon’ of the Bicolanos. In the music world, some old country songs can still be heard today, such as ‘Manang Biday’ and ‘Pamu-linawen’ from the Ilocanos, ‘Sitsiritsit’ and ‘Doon Po Sa Amin’ of the Tagalogs, ‘Atin Ku Pung Singsing’ from the Pampangos, and ‘Ako Kini si Anggi’ from the Visayas.
The later American influence was strong on the country's systems of education, literature, art, architecture, science, industry, home, food, clothing, religion, pastimes, music and dances. Filipinos took education seriously, which resulted in the high social status of many. The Filipinos learned how to read, speak and write English in a short matter of time.
The free exchange of goods between the United States and the Philippines ended when the U.S Congress approved the Tydings-Mcduffie Law. By way of the Homestead Act, the right to own any civil land up to 24 hectares was given to any Filipino. The Protestant religion was accepted by the Filipinos, and the social status of Filipino women improved much during the American period. Women were allowed to participate in politics, to work in the government, and to pursue their studies in college. Matters like health and cleanliness were also improved, and transportation and communication networks were developed. Many roads and bridges were constructed, and new technologies were introduced to the country. These technologies helped the Philippines’ industries and agriculture.
All these developments were made for the convenience of the Americans in the Philippines, most especially the businessmen. The indigenous people might have enjoyed some benefits but they were not the real reason why such developments were made. The rules that had been imposed by the Americans on the Filipinos in relation to health and education also had negative effects. The Americans imposed these rules to achieve their main objective – to colonise and use the country and its people. Education was the most useful means of pursuing a peaceful relationship with the Filipinos. Through education, the Americans influenced the Filipinos in terms of their diet, their culture and their material consumption.
Roberto A Samson is a Fili-pino-Italian living in Dublin
