Celestino, Jenny Rose C.

Readings in Philippine History (RIPH)

BSMA 1-2 Final Paper

This object is called a “ring”, known as “singsing” in the Filipino

language. A ring is a circular band that is worn in the fingers as a

jewelry or a symbolism. According to Oxford Languages, a ring

is typically made of precious metal, decorated with one or more

gems. It can be an ornament or a token of marriage, engagement,

or authority.

Rings are made of metals such as Platinum, Gold, Sterling Silver and can also be made of

alternative metals; Cobalt, Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Tungsten. As of this specific ring that I

treasure, this is made from Stainless Steel to be strong and for its shiny look. This was given to

me on February 15, 2020 by my leader, Micaella Caña. It was offered to me in the Purity Ball

Event conducted at our church, Church of God - Imus.

This ring symbolizes a commitment to keep myself pure until I am ready to present

myself to my future husband. It is a promise to my future spouse that I will present myself

untainted in front of him someday. I can only remove this ring if I will be wed and give it to my

partner as a gift.
Image 1.1 and 1.2. Announcement/News about the Purity Ball.

(Photo and news taken at Facebook. Youth Empowered Imus, February 6, 2020, July 21, 2022.)

The origin of the story of the wedding rings can be traced back from Ancient Egypt.

Since they believe that a circle is a sign of eternity, the Egyptians practiced the exchange of rings

as a symbolization of their eternal love. It was also practiced by the Romans and Greeks to show

their faithfulness and loyalty to their husbands. This practice was later on passed to Europe and

adapted by the rest of the world. Since Catholic religion is at large in the Philippines, it has also

been a tradition in weddings. The ring is commonly worn in the fourth finger in the left hand but

for some reason, it is also practiced in the Philippines to wear both engagement and wedding

rings. (Lubag, 2020)

In the Philippines, the extent of importance of wedding rings are equal to the virginity

offered by a woman to her husband. Parents or the older generation still believe that virginity

should be a wife’s gift to her husband. The reason why premarital sex or sex in general

discussions in the Philippines is still a taboo is because of the overlapping beliefs of

conservatism and liberation. A woman’s worth and dignity is being stereotypically based on a
woman’s virginity. “Female virginity was dominantly constructed either as a gift (an embodied

resource given by women to men) or, more often, as a prize to be claimed by men from women

within the context of heterosexual marriage. Male virginity, in contrast, was largely viewed as a

stigma. Virginity loss was not construed as a normative developmental process, nor, despite the

predominance of Roman Catholicism in Philippine culture, a sacred act with religious

underpinnings.” (Manalastas, 2019)

In this case, the women seem to be objectified rather than being valued for who they are.

The society views the sexual experience of men as a “trophy” for being a man while the sexual

experiences of women were viewed as a “shame.” As a result, women also view themselves not

worthy once they lose the “gift” they can offer. “Women’s virginity continues to be valued by

Filipino men and women. Both men and women construe virginity—especially women’s but not

men’s virginity—as a kind of embodied resource, a gift to be given or more often a prize to be

taken by men, in the context of heterosexual marriage. For virginity vis-à-vis marital and

premarital heterosexuality, a sexual double standard continues to exist.” (Manalastas and David,

2018)

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Justine Lubag (2020, November 13). Wedding Rings for Philippine Weddings: What Couples

should know before buying rings. Retrieved from

https://www.nuptials.ph/wedding-ring-philippines/

Manalastas E.J. (2019, April 17). Valuation of Women’s Virginity in the Philippines. Research

Institute of Asian Women Sookmyung Women's University. Retrieved from

https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/144894/