GENERAL DE JESUS COLLEGE

San Isidro, Nueva Ecija

 Table of Contents

Philippines 1

Seven Foreign Countries

I. South Korea 2

II. Japan 3

III. Thailand 4

IV. Spain 5

V. Italy 6

VI. Canada 7

VII. Germany 8

Observation

I. Comparison of Philippines culture with the Seven Countries 9

PHILIPPINES
The Pearl of the Orient Sea

The Republic of the Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago. It is located in the western Pacific
Ocean and comprises approximately 7,640 islands divided into three primary geographical divisions from
north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines' culture is a mix of traditional Filipino
and Spanish Catholic traditions and influences from the United States and other regions of Asia. Filipinos
are family-oriented and typically devout people that like art, fashion, music, and food. Filipinos are also
hospitable individuals who enjoy a good time. That frequently entails a get-together to sing, dance, and
eat.

Cultural Orientation

1. Religion, Festivals, And Holidays. The Constitution of the Philippines provides for the
freedom of religion. The Philippines is one of the few Asian countries to have a Christian
majority. The cultural diversity in the Philippines is showcased in 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, most cities and
towns in the Philippines have patron saints who are honored through festivals. 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 observed in the Philippines include New
Year’s Day (observed on January 1st), the Holy Week (observed between March and April),
Independence Day (observed on June 12th), Christmas Day (observed on December 25th), and
Rizal Day (observed on December 30th).

2. Music And Dance. The music composed in the Philippines is influenced by all the
cultures in the country. The traditional folk songs are primarily inspired by the indigenous
customs and beliefs.The music composed in the urban regions of the Philippines, particularly
targeted to the youth is known as original pinoy music or Philippine pop music. Popular
musicians from this genre. include Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino, and
group such as True Faith, Yano, The Teeth, and Neocolours among others. Other popular genres
include jazz, hip hop, reggae, and Latino music. Dance in the Philippines ranges from traditional
indigenous-inspired dances to modern “western-inspired” dances. Tinikling is an example of a
traditional dance.

3. Literature and Arts. Ancient Filipino literature was primarily made up of legends and
folklore which were the main forms of literature before the Spanish colonization of the country.
These folktales were based on specific themes and aimed to pass down traditions and cultural
beliefs through generations. While most of these folktales existed as oral literature, written
publications did exist particularly during the Spanish colonial era. One such publication is the
“Ibong Adarna,” a story written by Jose de la Cruz. Other famed writers of this period include
Francisco Balagtas, famed for his publication “Florante at Laura” as well as Jose Rizal. Ancient
Filipinos were also gifted tattoo artists who decorated their bodies. The tattoo work on these
ancient Filipinos was done so well that Portuguese explorers called them the “Painted People” or
the “Pintados.” Modern artists in the Philippines include Damian Domingo, Juan Luna, Fernando
Amorsolo, and Elito Circa who is known world-wide for painting using his blood. There are
numerous museums in the Philippines which showcase the artistry in the country which include
the National Art Gallery as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art located in Manila.

4. Clothing. The Maria Clara is a traditional dress worn by Filipino women. The traditional
attire gets its name from a famous character known as Maria Clara in the epic 19th-century
narrative, “Noli me tangere” written by Jose Rizal. The Maria Clara is made of four components
namely; the saya (a long dress), the tapis (a knee-long skirt), the camisa (a collarless chemise),
and the panuelo (a stiff scarf). In recent years, the Maria Clara has been modernized to produce a
modern version known as the terno which was popularized by President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo who wore the terno during the 2008 State of the Nation Address. Another traditional
garment of the Philippines is the Barong Tagalog normally worn by men during special
occasions. Also known as the Baro, the Barong Tagalog features a formal long shirt decorated
with embroidery. The attire was popularized by President Ramon Magsaysay who wore the Baro
in most state functions.

5. Sports. The national sport in the country is Arnis, a type of martial arts. Boxing is one of
the most popular sports in the Philippines with the country producing global superstar boxer and
the only eight-division champion in the world, Manu Pacquiao. Another popular sport is
basketball with the country producing international basketball players such as Robert Jaworski
and Carlos Loyzaga.
SOUTH KOREA
The Land of the Morning Calm

An East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula shares one of the world’s
most heavily militarized borders with North Korea. It’s equally known for its green, hilly
countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, plus its coastal fishing
villages, sub-tropical islands and high-tech cities such as Seoul, the capital. South Korea is also
known for its music, especially when it comes to KPOP Industry which is “in” and enjoyed by
many people.

Cultural Orientation
1. Family Structure. The family is the most significant aspect of Korean culture, and the
father is the family's leader. They also believe in a hierarchical structure, in which youngsters are
expected to assist their parents and to obey and respect their elders. Koreans believe in duty,
loyalty, honor, and sincerity since Confucius' teachings have had such tremendous impact on
their life. That is why, as adults, children continue to live with their parents because they believe
it is their responsibility to care for them.

2. Religion. The three major religions are Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity.
Buddhism is the most popular religion in Korea, and its teachings have a significant influence on
Korean culture, art, and lifestyle. Yungdrung is a central emblem of Korean Buddhism, and it
can be seen in all temples and holy sites throughout the country. Due to the differences in
political systems, the separation of Korea has resulted in a split in religious life between the two
countries. While Christianity and Buddhism have grown in popularity in South Korea, North
Korea is considered a secular state.

3. Celebrations. Festivals are extremely important in Korean culture. Korean festivals are
vibrant, colorful, and joyful, and they take place all year. The majority of holidays and
celebrations revolve around harvest and family.
Because Korean civilization is based on agriculture, many of their festivals are centered on
events that pray for a bountiful crop. These events have evolved into popular celebrations and
festivals that are celebrated on a regular basis in Korea, such as the Hanshi (Cold Food Festival),
which celebrates the start of the farming season. 105 days after Dongji, Hanshi is commemorated
(Winter Solstice).

4. Meals/Cuisine. Rice, noodles, veggies, and meats make up the majority of Korean
cuisine. Bibimbap, bulgogi, and dakgalbi are some of the most well-known Korean meals.
Korean table manners are centered on civility and respect, which is seen in Korean culture.
5. Language. The Korean alphabet is known as Hangul. Although the spelling, alphabet,
and vocabulary of the two countries differ slightly, Korean is the official language of both South
and North Korea. In South Korea, there are five primary dialects and one in North Korea.
Despite dialect variances, speakers from different locations may communicate with one another.
The Korean alphabet is simple to learn, and Korea has one of the world's highest literacy rates.
JAPAN
The Land of Rising Sun

An East Asian island country in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the Sea of Okhotsk in the
north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south and is bounded on the west by the Sea of Japan.
Japanese culture is typically characterized as homogeneous. Many people in Japan are particularly proud
of their hometowns and regional distinctions. Nonetheless, a feeling of identity-based on social groupings
and birthplace, a polite and humble manner of communication, a pragmatic response to events and
obstacles, and awareness and enjoyment of artistic pursuits and amusement forms are standard features in
Japanese culture.

Cultural Orientation
1. Japan Culture. Japanese culture is typically characterized as homogeneous. Many people in
Japan are particularly proud of their hometowns and regional distinctions. Nonetheless, a feeling of
identity based on social groupings and birthplace, a polite and humble manner of communication, a
pragmatic response to events and obstacles, and an awareness and enjoyment of artistic pursuits and
forms of amusement are all common features in Japanese culture.

2. Arts. Traditional Japanese art forms are likewise well-regarded. For example, many people still
appreciate puppet theater (bunraku) and stylised dramas (noh and kabuki), while fine arts such as
calligraphy (shodō), woodblock printing (ukiyo-e), paper folding (origami), and ceramics continue to
circulate and achieve global popularity. Other traditional cultural activities, such as the tea ceremony
(sadō), flower arranging (ikebana), and growing miniature trees (bonsai), are often regarded as art forms
and require years of practice.

3. Greetings. Greetings are very context-dependent in Japan. The act of bowing (ojigi) is the most
common greeting gesture in Japan. It is a common part of their daily life. Bowing etiquette contains many
intricate rules that vary depending on the occasion, social standing, and age of the person. Bowing is a
sign of respect and emphasizes social position amongst people in general.

4. Religion. Religion used to play a big role in Japan's public life, with Shinto and Buddhism
serving as the state religion at different stages in the country's history. Shinto (literally, 'the way of the
kami') is a phrase that refers to a variety of Japanese religious myths, beliefs, and ceremonies. There are a
number of commonalities, such as the belief in the existence of kami, visiting shrines to perform rituals,
and the importance of maintaining purity. Buddhism arrived in Japan from the Korean peninsula and
China during the sixth century CE. Mahyna Buddhism is the name given to the Buddhist transmission that
took place in Northeast Asia. Over the ages, the Mahyna Buddhist movement in Japan evolved into its
own collection of separate traditions and schools, many of which still exist today in Japan and around the
world. Buddhist and Shint thoughts continues to have an impact on Japanese society norms and attitudes.

5 Etiquette. People in Japan frequently wear face masks, primarily to protect themselves against
colds. In congested locations, Japanese people prefer to walk on the left side of the road. Customers are
expected to place their money on a small tray near the cash register. Ignoring the money tray and holding
money out for the cashier to take is considered highly impolite in Japan. Counting your coins in front of a
cashier is considered impolite. This indicates that the consumer does not have trust in the cashier's
accuracy.
THAILAND
The Land of Smiles

A welcoming and pleasant demeanor? It's part of their culture and the Thai people. Rice
plantations and exquisite ornate temples can be found in and near bustling urban areas in
Thailand, representing the diversity of landscapes and their lifestyles. We all know that Bangkok
is the capital of Thailand. Did you know that 'Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin
Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet
Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit' is the ceremonial
name of Bangkok? Long to say and hard to believe, but it's true.

Cultural Orientation
1. Harmony and Respect. Although Thailand is commonly represented as a "partying"
tourist destination to Australians, Thai society is frugal and conservative. One of the fundamental
factors impacting how Thais behave and interact with one another is the concept of 'face'. It
refers to a person's or group's reputation, dignity, and honor. That could be done by
complimenting someone, displaying respect, and boosting someone's self-esteem. Pointing out
someone's mistake, criticizing them, or raising one's voice are all considered activities that can
result in a loss of face and shame.

2. Hierarchy and Loyalty. Many social interactions in Thai people consider the person's
status concerning their own, such as their age, level of education, and line of work. The status of
each present will almost always determine how one sits, walks, or otherwise interacts with one
another. As a result, Thais frequently ask personal questions to identify your status so that they
can address you rightly and behave appropriately.

3. Buddhism in Thailand. Thailand's religion has a remarkable cultural history, as seen by

the numerous sacred places and temples scattered throughout the country. According to statistics
from 2010, the great majority of Thais identify as Buddhists. Throughout the culture, there are
public displays of religious reverence. Many Thais consider Buddhism to be a "way of life"
rather than a religion.

4. The Wai. Greetings in Thailand are mostly done with the ‘wai’, clasping both of the
hands; aligning it in front of the nose. A wai is an acknowledgement of seniority and a sign of
respect for another person. To show respect, a person should bend their head with their palms
clasped together. The amount of respect is represented by the depth of the bow and the level of
the hands

5. Songkran. Thai new year. One of the important holiday/event in Thailand that is
celebrated in April 13-14 each year. Songkran occur at the end of the dry season and during the
hot season in Thailand, which are known for their noisy water flinging. Washing Buddha statues
and gently sprinkling scented water on the hands of old folks inspired the water flinging. The
annual cleansing ceremony also included the application of small amounts of scented talcum
powder. Water fights have become more industrialized in recent decades, with the use of hoses,
barrels, squirt guns, water-filled surgical tubing, and huge amounts of powder.

SPAIN
The Kingdom of Spain

A country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, includes 17 autonomous regions with diverse

geography and cultures. Capital city Madrid is home to the Royal Palace and Prado museum,
housing works by European masters. Segovia has a medieval castle (the Alcázar) and an intact
Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical
modernist landmarks like the Sagrada Família church.

Cultural Orientation
1. Cultural Life. Spain's culture, like that of much of Western Europe, was profoundly
influenced by Roman control. The Romans left a long influence in terms of language, religion,
and even architectural traditions. The succeeding path of Spanish history, on the other hand,
brought components to the country's cultural development that were either absent or significantly
weaker in other European countries.

2. Language. Castilian is Spain's official language. It is the most widely spoken language in
the country, and it is commonly referred to as Spanish outside of Spain. Along with Castilian,
Spain's constitution permits autonomous communities to declare their main regional languages
and dialects as having official status.

3. Religion. Since 589, when Roman Catholicism was made the official religion of Spain, it
has been strongly associated with the country. The rise of political liberalism at the turn of the
nineteenth century sparked a series of clashes between church and state, particularly over
property ownership and educational governance. Despite this, until the Second Republic,
Catholicism was the state's official religion.

4. Government And Society. Spain had a parliamentary system with a written constitution
virtually continuously from 1833 until 1939. Spain has always been a monarchy, with the
exception of the First Republic (1873–74), the Second Republic (1931–36), and the Spanish
Civil War (1936–39). Gen. Francisco Franco controlled Spain from the end of the Spanish Civil
War in April 1939 to November 1975. His regime's ideas were enshrined in a series of
Fundamental Laws (passed between 1942 and 1967) that declared Spain a monarchy and formed
the Cortes, a legislative body. Franco's regime, however, was very different from Spain's present
constitutional traditions.

5. Holidays and Celebrations. The majority of Spanish holidays have traditionally been
religious in nature. Holy (or Maundy) Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Corpus Christi,
the Feast of Saint James (July 25), and All Saints' Day are the most important at the national
level (November 1). The Day of the Three Kings, or Epiphany, is the most important day of the
Christmas season and the day on which children receive gifts (January 6). Every hamlet and
town has its own annual holiday fiesta, and they are the most important festivals in the Spanish
people's lives. These celebrations are religious in nature, honoring the patron saint of the area or
the Virgin Mary.

ITALY
The Country of Love

A European country with a lengthy Mediterranean coastline now has a profound influence on
Western culture and gastronomy. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican and influential art and
historical monuments. Italy is well-known for its significant contributions to art, architecture,
fashion, opera, literature, design, and film. In 1861, Italy merged into a single country.

Cultural Orientation
1. The central role played by family. The major role of family is one of the most
significant pillars of Italian culture. It is the relationships that stretch across extended families
that have allowed the Italian people to preserve a distinct culture even after immigrating to other
nations for decades.

2. The influence of religion. Religion has also had a significant impact on Italian culture.
Not unexpectedly, Roman Catholicism is practiced by the vast majority of Italians. It is
unsurprising that religion plays such an important role in a country that hosts the Vatican.
However, the topic of faith is important to family and cultural life in Italy, and it remains a great
unifying factor for people who live there.

3. A glimpse into the architecture. The mere pleasure of visiting some of Italy's most
beautiful towns may provide a look into the architecture that has shaped thinking and style all
across the world. The planning and execution of the numerous buildings that held pride of place
in the Roman Empire continue to mold ideas and affect modern-day Italian culture.

4. Art. It is also through the art and beauty of opera that Italian culture bridges cultural and
national divides. The soaring sounds and elegance of this art form are still a part of Italian
culture. It's difficult to spend any amount of time in Italy and not notice how much pleasure and
delight Italians have in their ability to express themselves through music.

5. Cuisine. Italian cuisine is known for its simplicity, with many recipes including only two
to four major components. Italian chefs place a premium on the freshness of their food rather
than on complex preparation. The ingredients and cuisines differ depending on the locale.
CANADA
The Great White North

A North American country. Its ten provinces and three territories stretch from the Atlantic to the
Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Canada's culture, dubbed "the just society," is
defined by tolerance, respect, and a strong sense of community. Individualism is common among
Canadians, yet they also recognize and cherish everyone's contribution to their community. In
many respects, Canada sets an example that its citizens are proud.

Cultural Orientation
1. Canada's Anglophone and Francophone Communities. Britain and France were the
first to settle in Canada, and English and French are both official languages. The populations of
English and French speakers are referred to as Anglophone and Francophone, respectively.
Anglophones, with the exception of Québec (where French is the official language), are the
majority in all provinces and territories and are considered as representing Canada's mainstream
culture. Because their language is more locally unique and exclusively spoken at home by about
20% of the population, Francophones are frequently seen as a more coherent linguistic
community.

2. Acceptance of Bi-Cultural Identity. The distinctions between Anglo-Canada and

French-Canada have created a shared national acceptance and understanding of biculturalism,
which primarily celebrates parallel identities. People of various ethnicities are urged to keep ties
to their ancestors rather than completely assimilate into a specified Canadian'mould.' A dual
identity carries the same social and political weight as a truly Canadian identity. As a result,
Canadian society is characterized by a mosaic of ethnic relationships.

3. Canadians are gracious and apologetic. Being remorseful and saying sorry a lot is a
prevalent Canadian stereotype. People who want you to feel comfortable and never at fault may
appear unusual at first, yet there is something nice, polite, and welcome about them! Canadians
are so apologetic that they have an Apology Act. In 2009, the Act was passed, making apologies
inadmissible in court. In essence, an apology in Canada is understood as a compassionate or
regretful expression rather than a legally valid apology in court under this Act. Who'd have
guessed that such a legal deed would be required!

4. Maple syrup is a favorite among Canadians. Maple syrup has a special place in the
hearts of Canadians, maybe because maple trees can be found on almost every street corner.
Food is an important part of Canadian culture, and maple syrup is a must try if you visit or
migrate to Canada! It may come as no surprise that Canada is the world's largest exporter of
maple syrup. Canada produces over 71 percent of the world's maple syrup, with Quebec
accounting for 91 percent of that total. The maple syrup industry in Canada is quite serious!

5. For Canadians, safety is paramount. In comparison to other countries, Canada has

fairly low crime rates. Canada is a safe and secure location to live due to low crime rates. The
pleasant, friendly, and inviting demeanor of many Canadians may contribute to the country's safe
and secure reputation.

GERMANY
Land of Poets and Thinkers

A Western European country considered as the second most populous country in Europe
following Russia, has a total population of 83 million people. It is also the seventh largest
country in Europe with a total of 137,847 square miles. Germany is best known not only for its
beautiful landscape scenery but also because it is the land of poets and thinkers. It contributed a
lot in terms of philosophy, learning, music, literature and independent thought. It is also viewed
as a country in Europe with a great power and a strong economy.

Cultural Orientation
1. Germans are more accustomed to being nice and helpful than people from other
northern European countries. They have a strong tendency to look out for one another. If you
lose your 'hand shoe' in the cold and dreary winter, you may be sure that the glove will be
skewered on a tree branch as you retrace your steps in search of it. It is customary practice in
German society to do so when meeting an object that appears to be lost in order to make it more
noticeable when the owner comes looking for it.

2. Time is very valuable to Germans, being on time is very important to them. Germans
tend to place punctuality as their high priority, and even a few minutes late to an appointment,
occasion meeting without early notice can be offending to them. For them, being late in any
event is considered rude in the eyes of the host and being on time or earlier than the time
scheduled means that you can be worthy of their trust.

3. Family is fundamentally significant to Germans, consisting of a father,a mother and

their children. Extended family, grandparents or other relatives don’t usually live in the same
house. Grandparents usually get taken care of either public healthcare insurance or private
healthcare insurance (if their family member wants to or able to handle the price) which is taken
into account by their children. Once a child turns 18 years old, they usually move out and live
separately with their parents as they have the ability to work and live for themselves.

4. Germans have long had a reputation for being frugal, hardworking and committed
to saving money in both good and bad times. During World War I, they were encouraged to
buy war bonds to help the country, and that’s when their saving mentality started. They tend to
be thrifty but not tight-fisted.

5. Privacy is highly valued by the Germans. They tend not to disclose a lot of personal
information about themselves including their political and social views when meeting strangers.
Germans are well- mannered people that respect one another’s privacy.