5 Different Cultures within Philippines

1. Ilocano

Ilocandia has a rich culture reminiscent of colonial times. Vigan, the colonial metropolis and considered as the
“Intramuros of the North”, still retains the Castillan colonial architecture of the times. Lined along its narrow and cobble-
stoned streets are old Spanish-type houses (commonly called Vigan house), most of which have been left
abandoned. These stately homes have huge, high-pitched roofs, large and rectangular living rooms with life-sized mirrors,
old, wooden furniture and ornate Vienna sets.

The churches of the Ilocos Region are the enduring symbol of the triumphant transformation of the Ilocano from being
practitioners of indigenous religions to practitioners of theistic Christianity. Some of its most impressive churches are: the
Vigan Cathedral in Ilocos Sur with its massive hand-carved images of the via crucis; that of Magsingal (also in Ilocos Sur)
with its centuries-old wooden altar; the St. Augustine Church in Paoay (Ilocos Norte) which takes the form of a baroque-
type built with massive buttresses; and Sta. Maria Church (Ilocos Sur), nestled atop a hill with a stone stairway of 80
steps, are both listed in the UNESCnsO World Heritage sites.

Dances were mainly a reflection of the gracious ways of the Ilocano. The dinaklisan (a dance common to fisher folks), the
agabel (a weaver’s dance) and the agdamdamili (a pot dance) illustrate in simple steps the ways of the industrious Ilocano.
Other popular dances among the Ilocanos are Tadek, Habanera, Comintan, Saimita, Kinotan, Kinnalogong.

2. Igorot

The culture and ways of life of the Cordillera indigenous peoples have common and diverse characteristics. The common
features are found in their concept of ancestral land ownership and collective management of the land. The symbiotic
relationship between the people and the land and environment is highly developed in the region, such that land is equated
with life itself.
3. Aeta
4. Cebuano Culture
Best known for its colorful, music-based festivals celebrated each year. A common livelihood with the Cebuano culture is
fishing due to its proximity to the sea. Visayas culture was heavily influenced by the colonial Spaniards, who attributed
architecture and foreign influences to all kinds of music, dance, and religion.In my local community (Igorot),the common
livelihood is based on vegetable cultivation, traditional dances, music ,language etc. are influenced by Western culture.
5. MANGYAN CULTURE
Mangyan refers to an indigenous Philippine ethnic group living on Mindoro Island since the 10th century A.D. Among the
most remarkable aspects of their rich culture is the writing system known as “Mangyan Scripts” that remains in use by the
Hanunuo and Buhid Mangyan in southeastern Mindoro.The Mangyans, though showing individual variations, resemble
one another in the more important characteristics.The Hanunoo Mangyan believe in a Supreme Being who is referred to as
the Mahal na Makaako, who gave life to all human beings merely by gazing at them. They believe that the universe,
called sinukuban ("that which is covered) or kalibutan ("the whole surrounding") has a globular shape "like a
coconut" .Mangyan are mainly subsistence agriculturalists, planting a variety of sweet potato, upland (dry cultivation)
rice, and taro. They also trap small animals and wild pig. Many who live in close contact with lowland Filipinos sell cash
crops such as bananas and ginger.
 Comparison of Cultures that we researched with the Culture that is being practiced in our community
1. Igorot to other cultures (Mildred Mae D. Sarian)
In my community, Igorot’s culture was differed by other culture. We have our so called watwat when there are occasions,
mostly wedding occasions. We also have our own kind of clothes. The men wear long strips of handwoven loin cloth
called “wanes”. The woman wear a kind of wrap-around skirt called “lufid” or basically called as bahag. And lastly we
have our own culture dance that differ to other cultures.
2. Maranao to other cultures (Thyrone
Polygamy is one of the traditions of Maranaos that is still practiced upon to this day, especially for Maranao males.
Polygamy is when a person marries more than one wife or husband. During the ancestral times, Maranao leaders, those
who have royal blood, are usually the people who used to adapt polygamy.