What I understand about Philippine Popular Culture

         The Philippines is a culture in which East meets West. The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through influence from Chinese traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers. Filipino people tend to be very hospitable, especially to Western visitors. Because of their strong ties to Spanish culture, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian. But the concept of the popular culture of the Philippines is deeply connected to its colonizers in the past, which are the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese. Due to the country's enslavement from the Spanish colonizers which almost lasted for more than 300 years, the Filipinos lost their faith and even their identity in terms of their culture and tradition. The Americans may have helped the country but it only led for more years of betrayal and enslavement for 48 years. In spite of the Philippine’s dark past, the people have actually learned to fight and embrace their nationality in terms of their ancestors’ teachings. Since the new nation had to recover economically from the destruction which is caused by World War II. They’ve learned the importance of hardworking to pass a good legacy for their next generations to come. Despite of the Filipino’s lost of national identity, the national flag of the Philippines was created, the national heroes emerged, and a national anthem was also written as their desire for independence grew.

As the Philippines have been enslaved by different countries, the cultural diversity in the country have showcased numerous festivals, locally known as fiestas, which are celebrated in the country. All of the festivals have religious or cultural significance. Due to the predominance of the Roman Catholic faith from the Spaniards, most cities and towns in the Philippines have patron saints who are honored through festivals. The majority of Filipino people practice the Christian religion, since Spain highly influenced the people to the extent that the Philippines became one of the two predominantly Christian nations in the Asia Pacific. While most festivals are only observed in particular regions or towns, some are public holidays which are celebrated all over the country. Some public holidays are observed in the Philippines including the New Year’s Day, the Holy Week, Independence Day, Christmas Day, and even Rizal Day. The effect of the cultural diversity in the Philippines also portrayed its local cuisines. Since the cuisine in the Philippines is influenced by local and foreign cultures. Rice is the staple meal in the country and is usually prepared through steaming and is served together with other foods. Rice is also ground to rice flour which is used in the preparation of pastries and sweets. Aside from Filipino meals, the rise of Philippine sports is also part of their popular culture. Filipinos are not only skilled when it comes to industry but also in sports. The national sport of the Philippines is called Arnis, a form of martial arts. Filipinos also loved watching American games like basketball, football and recently boxing which made the Philippines more famous all over the world.  Filipino sport star, Manny Pacquiao, has been put on a pedestal due to his skill in boxing and more Filipinos have risen to stardom in the sports arena.

         The Philippines is the product of different countries, but that doesn’t mean that Filipinos are not proud of their nationality. Because history can still prove its beauty even in the midst of chaos.