CHAPTER 1: CULTURE

WHAT IS CULTURE?
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people,
encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
It encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage,
music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors,
how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things.
The word "culture" was derived from a French term, which in turn derives from the Latin
"colere," which means to tend to the earth and grow, or cultivation and nurture.
The Philippines is a country that has varied cultural influences. Most of these influences
are results of previous colonization, deriving mainly from the culture of Spain and the
United States. Despite all of these influences, the old Asian culture of Filipinos has been
retained and are clearly seen in their way of life, beliefs and customs.

ELEMENTS OF CULTURE

Culture combines many elements to create a unique way of living for different people.

SYMBOLS. A symbol is anything that is used to stand for something else. People who share
a culture often attach a specific meaning to an object, gesture, sound, or image. For
example, a cross is a significant symbol to Christians. It is not simply two pieces of wood
attached to each other, nor is it just an old object of torture and execution. To Christians,
it represents the basis of their entire religion, and they have great reverence for the
symbol. Another example is Mano or Pagmamano.

LANGUAGE. It is a system of words and symbols used to communicate with other people.
This includes full languages as we usually think of them, such as English, Tagalog, etc. But
it also includes body language, slang, and common phrases that are unique to certain
groups of people. Another example of how cultural languages differ beyond vocabulary
is the fact that eye contact represents different meanings in different cultures. Examples
are Lip Pointing, Nodding and raising eyebrows with a smile, Silent looks.

VALUES. It is the culture’s standard for discerning what is good and just in society. Values
are deeply embedded and critical for transmitting and teaching a culture’s beliefs. It
helps shape a society by suggesting what is good and bad, beautiful and ugly, sought
or avoided. Values often suggest how people should behave, but they don’t accurately
reflect how people do behave. Values portray an ideal culture; the standards society
would like to embrace and live up to.

The term bahala na, which can be translated to whatever happens, happens, is
one of the more familiar phrases used in the country and is perhaps the most
representative of how Filipinos value adaptability and quick thinking. It exemplifies one’s
belief in a higher power and submitting one’s fate to elements that cannot be
controlled.

NORMS. Cultures differ widely in their norms, or standards and expectations for behaving.
Norms are often divided into two types, formal norms, and informal norms. Formal norms,
also called mores and laws, refer to the standards of behavior considered the most
important in any society. Informal norms, also called folkways and customs, refer to
standards of behavior that are considered less important but still influence how we
behave.
LAYERS OF CULTURE

• The national level: associated with the nation as a whole

• The regional level: associated with ethnic, linguistic, or religious differences that exist
within a nation
• The gender level- associated with gender differences (female vs. Male)
• The generation level- associated with the differences between grandparents and
parents, parents and children
• The social class level: associated with educational opportunities and differences in
occupation
• The corporate level- associated with the particular culture of an organization.
Applicable to those who are employed.

ETHNOCENTRISM vs. CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Despite how much humans have in common, cultural differences are far more prevalent
than cultural universals.

CULTURAL RELATIVISM. It is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values and practices should
be understood based on the person’s own culture, rather than be judged against the
criteria of another.

ETHNOCENTRISM. It is the belief or attitude that one’s own culture is better than all others,
and should therefore serve as the standard frame for reference.
FUNCTIONS OF CULTURE

IT SERVES AS THE TRADEMARK OF THE PEOPLE IN A SOCIETY.

• It serves as a distinguishing mark of one group of people to another.

IT GIVES MEANING TO MAN'S EXISTENCE.

• There is no society that does not have a culture. Through culture, the existence of the
members of a society becomes more meaningful and purposive

CULTURE UNIFIES DIVERSE BEHAVIOR.

• Each individual behavior that is brought into the society is unified and coordinated
with other individual's behavior.

CULTURE PROVIDES SOCIAL SOLIDARITY.

• It develops loyalty and devotion for a common national pride.

CULTURE ESTABLISHES SOCIAL PERSONALITY.

• Despite differences among individuals, there is only one social personality that is
produced in society.

CULTURE PROVIDES SYSTEMATIC BEHAVIORAL PARTTERN.

• Individuals are governed by culture. Each culture consists of one norm as basis for all
individuals to observe.

CULTURE PREDICTS SOCIAL BEHAVIOR.

• Since knowledge and ideas are internalized by the members of a particular society,
the culture of the members can be the basis of predicting the behavior of the
members in the society

CULTURE PROVIDES SOCIAL STRUCTURE CATEGORY.

• The existing culture of the people in a certain society could be the basis of judging the
kind of social structure existing in the society.

MODES OF ACQUIRING CULTURE

IMITATION.

• Children and adults alike have the tendency to imitate the values, attitudes, language
and all other things in their social environment.

INDOCTRINATION OR SUGGESTION

• This may take the form of formal training or informal training. Formally, the person learns
from school. Informally, he may acquire those behaviors from listening or watching,
reading, attending training activities or through interaction.
CONDITIONING

• The values and attitudes of other people acquired through conditioning. This
conditioning can be reinforced through reward and punishment.

ADAPTATION OF CULTURE

PARALLELISM.

• The same culture may take place in two or more different places. For example, the
domestication of dogs, cats, pig and other animals may have semblance in other
places.

DIFFUSION.

• This refers to those behavioral patterns that pass back and forth from one culture to
another. Examples are food and eating practices, marriage and wedding
ceremonies, burial ritual, feast celebration.

CONVERGENCE.

• When two or more culture are fused or merged into one culture making it different
from the original culture.

FISSION.

• When people break away from their original culture and start developing a different
culture of their own

ACCULTURATION.

Individuals incorporate the behavioral patterns of other culture into their own either voluntary
or by force.

ASSIMILATION.

When the culture of a larger society is adopted by a smaller society , that small society
assumes some of culture of the larger or host of society

ACCOMODATION.

When the larger society and smaller society are able to respect and tolerate each other's
culture even if there is a prolonged contact of each other's culture
 CHAPTER 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTURE

WHAT IS POPULAR CULTURE?

It is also called mass culture and pop culture) is generally recognized by members of a
society as a set of the practices, beliefs and objects that are dominant or ubiquitous in a
society at a given point in time. Heavily influenced in modern times by mass media, this
collection of ideas permeates the everyday lives of people in a given society. Therefore,
popular culture has a way of influencing an individual’s attitudes towards certain topics.

The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic
traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos are family
oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and food.

• Filipinos are very resilient. In times of calamities and catastrophes, Filipinos always
manage to rise above the challenge. Instead of wallowing, they manage to pick
themselves up and smile.
• Filipinos take pride in their families. In the Philippines, it is family first. So whether you are
part of the immediate family or you belong to the fourth generation, you are treated
as a family member. Sometimes, even the closest of friends are considered family, too.
• Filipinos are very religious. In all corners of a Filipino house, you can find brazen images
of crosses and other religious paraphernalia. They go to church every Sunday, or
sometimes even twice or three times a week.
• Filipinos are very respectful. From the moment they are born into this world, they are
already taught how to be respectful by using these simple catchphrases—po and
opo, words that end sentences when addressing elders. They have a culture of
pagmamano, which is where they raise the backs of the hands of their elders to their
foreheads as a sign of respect.
• Filipinos help one another. More popularly known as bayanihan, Filipinos help one
another—without expecting anything in return—so that undertaking their tasks and
responsibilities become much easier. Sometimes this is called “community spirit.”
• Filipinos value traditions and culture. For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their
family are important. They usually set aside a specific day for a certain celebration like
festivals, birthday parties, reunions, etc. And of course, every gathering is dedicated
to keeping up with each other over sumptuous food.
• Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations. Even as early as August, you can
hear Christmas songs and jingles being played in the malls or in the restaurants in the
Philippines. The mood becomes festive, with many people shopping and in good
spirits. Christmas celebrations last until around the first or second week of January.
• Filipinos love to eat. Aside from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Filipinos manage to
squeeze in a little meal in between, too. Whether they eat every hour or every three
hours, they savour every bite.
• Filipinos love to sing. This is the reason why karaoke has become so prevalent. As part
of their recreation, Filipinos spend some quality time with their families or friends singing
or belting out new and old songs.
 • Filipinos love art and architecture. Filipinos have a penchant for bringing art and
architecture to a whole new level. They love to design creatively, to think intuitively,
and have a passion for anything different and unique.

Other Filipino Culture

Filipino Family Values

• The family is the centre of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts,
uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors,
and close family friends.
• People get strength and stability from their family. As such, many children have several
godparents.
• It is common for members of the same family to work for the same company.

Filipino Concept of Shame

• Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour.

• It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal norms of behaviour.
• Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards of behaviour and if they
fail to do so they bring shame not only upon themselves, but also upon their family.
• One indication of this might be a willingness to spend more than they can afford on a
party rather than be shamed by their economic circumstances.
• If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not live up to expectations, they
feel shame and lose self-esteem.

Etiquette & Customs

• Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most
important person first.
• Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person's surname until you are
invited to use their first name, or even more frequently, their nickname.

If you are invited to a Filipino's house:

• The best time to arrive is 15 to 30 minutes later if they are invited on a large party.
• Dress well. Appearances matter and you will be judged on how you dress.
• Compliment the hostess on the house.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURE

The term indigenous refers to any ethnic group that resides in its original location, practices
a traditional culture, and speaks a minority language. However, this definition is not all
encompassing. Some indigenous groups may have lost their traditional language, but are
otherwise considered an indigenous ethnic group. Other ethnic groups may have been
displaced from their original homeland but have retained most of their indigenous culture.
The very term indigenous peoples is confusing because most people in the world are
“indigenous” to their countries in the sense of having been born in them, being descended
from people who were born in them.
Indigenous people are group of individuals sharing common bonds of language, customs,
traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits. They are inheritors and practitioners of unique
cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social,
cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant
societies in which they live. Indigenous peoples claim their lands because they were there
first or have occupied them since time immemorial. They are also groups that have been
conquered by peoples racially, ethnically or culturally different from themselves. They have
thus been subordinated by or incorporated in alien states which treat them as outsiders and,
usually, as inferiors. Since they had not developed their own states and are not integral to
the states that now actually or potentially rule over them, indigenous peoples are often
referred to as “tribal.” The phrase tribal peoples is unfortunately imprecise. Nowadays it is
used as a kind of shorthand to refer to small-scale, pre-industrial societies that live in
comparative isolation and manage their affairs without any centralized authority such as the
state.

The Philippines is a culturally diverse country with an estimated 14- 17 million Indigenous
Peoples (IPs) belonging to 110 ethno-linguistic groups. They are mainly concentrated in
Northern Luzon (Cordillera Administrative Region, 33%) and Mindanao (61%), with some
groups in the Visayas area. They continued to live in their relatively isolated, self-sufficient
communities, at the time when most lowland communities had already been integrated into
a single colony under Spain in the 1700s and 1800s.

They were able to preserve the culture and traditions of their “ethnos” or “tribe” as reflected
in their communal views on land, their cooperative work exchanges, their communal rituals,
their songs, dances, and folklore. Instead of hierarchical governments, each of these
communities had its own council of elders who customarily settled clan or tribal wars to
restore peace and unity.

LUZON “ IGOROT “

Igorot is the general name for the people of the Cordillera region, in the Philippines island of
Luzon. The word "Igorot" is an eponym, derived from the archaic Tagalog term for "mountain
people" (formed from the prefix i-, "dweller of" and golot, "mountain range").

This indigenous population covers six provinces in the middle of Northern Luzon – Abra,
Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. There are eight ethno-linguistic
groups in the Cordillera, namely, Bontoc, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankanaey, Tingguian, Yapayao,
Ibaloi, and Ifugao.

The Igorot peoples are Austronesians. They were known in earlier days for their wars and
practice of headhunting. The Spaniards forcibly partially subdued them during the colonial
occupation of the Philippines, that process being completed during the period of U.S.
hegemony. Ethnologists distinguish about 10 main ethnic groups, each with its own dialect
and culture. There are also variations within these groups.

Two broader groupings may be made of the Igorot as a whole: one, by far the larger,
comprises the peoples of the higher country who cultivate wet rice, mostly in steplike terraces
on the mountainsides; the other comprises peoples of the lower rainforest areas, who grow
dry rice in seasonally shifting gardens.

BONTOC

It is a group of former headhunters that has traditionally lived by hunting, fishing and farming.
Their population is spread over 10 municipalities and 137 barrios, and each village has its own
distinct dialect, some of which are Sadanga, Guinaang Bontoc, and Bayyu. Bontoc comes
from the word buntuk, which means mountains and refers to the people of Mountain
Province. Those living in the capital town of Mountain Province often speak Bontok, and
many speak Ilocano as well.

Bontoc House and Villages

Bontoc villages are organized in wards called ato. Each village has between 6 - 19 ato and
each ato has 14 to 50 houses. Each ato has its meeting-place, consisting of a circle of small
boulders, where the men assemble to discuss matters affecting the ato, such as war and
peace; for the ato is the political unit, and not the village as a whole. The ato are set around
a stone platform, where headhunting ceremonies were held, and an unmarried girls
dormitory and an unmarried boys dormitory, which also serve as a club house and council
room. As soon as children are three or four years old, they leave the roof under which they
were born. The boys should stay in a sort of dormitory called “pabajunan” , as well as “ olog
“ to girls. The children stays and sleeps on their respective pabajunan and olog until they are
grown up and married. The children go on sleeping in their respective pabajunan and olog
until they are grown up and married. A sort of trial marriage seems to exist; the young men
freely visit the olog—indeed, are expected to. If results follow, it is a marriage, and the couple
go to housekeeping; otherwise all the parties in interest are free. Marriage ties are respected,
adultery being punished with death.

Bontoc Religion

Traditional religion remains strong among the Bontoc, especially spirits associated with the
dead. These spirits, known as anito, lives in a spirit world in the mountains that is not unlike the
one people usually people live in. They consult on all characterized matters and relay their
answers through bird calls. Lumawig is their supreme deity.

Bontoc Clothes and Tattoos

Both men and women traditionally covered their bodies with tattoos, although the men were
only allowed to after having killed enemies in inter-tribal conflicts. Women wear bright red
hand-woven skirts, and used distinctive pieces of snake skeleton as hairpieces. Today, many
of the Bontoc cultures and traditions are rarely practiced and slowly disappearing.

ISNEG

They live in the Province of Apayao, the northwesterly region of Luzon. They used to live
mostly along large rivers and on hillsides. Now they also live in many cities, mainly in
Kalanasan. The Spaniards referred to them as los Apayaos (referring to the river along which
they live) and los Mandayas (taken from the Isneg term meaning “upstream”). Isnag, the
Isneg language, is spoken by around 300,000 people. Ilocano is generally spoken by about
three-fourths of the region's total population. The Isneg settlements are mostly along the river,
but they do farming up the hills at certain times of year.

They are slender, have a graceful stature, are kind, hospitable, generous, and courageous.
Brave men were called Mengal, and the bravest of them were called Kamenglan. The
Mengal wore red scarves around their heads. They were tattooed on their arms and
shoulders for every head they took in battle.

Isneg House and Villages

Their houses are built close together, for security and companionship. They are usually very
colorful and built on four large posts. Another house they have is called a Binuron. It is a large
rectangular multifamily house built on 15 large pillers.

Isneg Religion

There are more than 300 spirits that they pray too. There are no gods, just good and bad
spirits. Many rituals are performed to the good spirits for prosperity, health, etc. They also have
rituals to keep the bad spirits away.

Isneg Rituals/Beliefs

Say-am is a feast celebrated by an affluent Isneg family, usually accompanied by wining,

eating, and dancing. An important special ritual is the say-am, which is performed before an
assembly of people, for important social occasions, such as a successful headhunt (in the
past), the removal of mourning clothes, and other events left to the discretion of wealthy
families. The outlay in terms of food preparation is enormous, and can only be afforded by
the rich. To these occasions, shamans and distinguished members of the hamlet such as the
warriors, are invited. Only one shaman may officiate in the rituals. In contrast, pildap is
celebrated by the poorer members of the tribe when a family transfers to another place or
when someone seeks healing.

KALINGA

They settled on the leveled or terraced areas on the slopes of steep mountains near rivers
and streams, as well as, large portions of open grasslands. As a result, principal sources of
livelihood among the Kalinga is the payaw (ricefields) and the uma (swidden farm). Recently
Kalinga people could be identified from a distance by their distinctive body art. Immersed
in the magnificent mountains, Kalinga people lived modest but passionate lives in a world
where your skin communicated your social status to the local community.

Historically, they attained leadership and respect through headhunting, along with other
skills. The name Kalinga believed to have originated from the Gaddang (Cagayan) and
Ibanag languages, means “headhunter.”

Kalinga society may be stratified into lawa or kapus (poor) and the baknang (wealthy).
Among the signs of prestige and wealth are possessions of several ricefields, working animals,
heirlooms like china plates and jars, agate head/necklaces and brass gongs.
Kalinga House and Villages

Kalinga have a number of house types, including: forny, buloy, fulong, buyoy, and binalyon
or finaryo, which is the distinctive Kalinga octagonal house of the elite. The forms of the
houses generally are organic forms responding to environmental imperatives. The
binalyon/finaryo type, however, is distinguished by the social ranking of the owners, who are
usually pangats the most respected persons in the community. Only ranking families can own
such houses.

Kalinga Religion

Anito are supernatural beings in general. The Kalinga recognize a creator god, Kaboniyan,
but invoke him only in moments of extreme and sudden crisis, such as an accidental death
or the destruction of the rice crop by a storm. They take for granted the good will of the
mandodwa (benevolent spirits) and focus their prayers, chants, and sacrifices on appeasing
malevolent spirits who, if neglected, bring illness and misfortune on humans by capturing
their souls.

Kalinga Rituals/Beliefs

For a month after a birth, the family refrains from eating beef, cow's milk, eel, frogs, taro, and
dog meat; the father may not leave the village; and no one who does not habitually sleep
in the house may enter it. At the end of the month, a medium sweeps the house with an
anaao (a palm-frond raincoat) and removes the four reeds that have been placed at the
four corners of the house as a sign of the taboo period. Over the first year and a half of its
life, six kontad ceremonies are held for the child, involving pig and chicken sacrifices,
chanting, the taking of pig's liver omens, and the erecting of a spirit house or platform.

IBALOI

The Ibaloi, also called Nabaloi or Inibaloy, are among the indigenous people collectively
known as the Benguet people who occupy the Northern part of Luzon, notably the
mountainous terrain of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The name Ibaloi means "people
who live in houses.“ Famous for their ancient tradition of mummification, the Benguet people
believe in supreme beings and spirits that guide their way of living as well as their future.

The Ibalois, especially the affluent families, have an ancient tradition of preserving a loved
one's dead body through mummification. It is a complicated process that takes about weeks
or months and sometimes even years to accomplish. The corpse is properly cleaned and
covered in salt and herbs before it is placed over a fire in a seated position. Meanwhile,
tobacco smoke is blown into the cadaver's mouth to dry its internal organs. This process helps
remove fluids from the body.

Currently, more than a hundred man-made burial caves have been found in the region, with
15 of the caves containing preserved human mummies. The Kabayan Museum in Benguet
was named among the 100 most endangered sites in the world. It housed four mummies that
were eventually returned to the Timbac Caves in February 2004. There are still between 50 to
80 mummies left in their natural caves in Benguet. This ancient practice has since died
beginning in the 1500s when the Philippines was colonized by Spain.
Ibaloi Religion

The traditional Ibaloi religion centered on ancestor worship; however, they are already on
the path to transformation. As traditional spirit worshippers, they sought the blessings of their
ancestors, asking for healing, prosperity and long lives. Thanks to the introduction of
Christianity in the 1950s, about 30 percent of the Ibaloi claim to be Christians. In more recent
years, a team of translators produced the New Testament and the "JESUS" film. Being
exposed to mother tongue Scripture has resulted in Christians showing love and grace to
other people groups and cooperating in mission outreaches to them.

Ibaloi Rituals/Beliefs

A popular native feast amongst the Ibalois is the Cañao Tradition. It is a thanksgiving ritual
that refers to several native feasts of the Ibaloi and Benguet people. There are different types
of cañao ceremonies, most of which involve massive preparations and revelry. Among the
most extravagant observances is the Pechit or Pesshet that entails feeding the whole
neighborhood. It involves sacrificing animals as well as an offering of rice wine or tapuy.

A ritual is performed to appease the spirits, seek approval, or simply to give thanks or
appreciation. Tapuy is an important offering since rice was a special commodity in the past
and was only served during special occasions.

IFUGAO

The Ifugao call themselves as i-pugao or "inhabitants of the known earth"; other variations of
the name are Ifugaw, Ipugao, and Yfugao. They live primarily in the province of Ifugao in
Central Cordillera, in Northern Luzon. The name is supposed to have come from ipugo which
means "from the hill." The Amganad Ifugao (Ifugaw) populate the central part of Ifugao
Province and has two dialects: Burnay and Banaue.

Agricultural terracing is their principal means of livelihood along with farming. Their social
status is measured by the number of rice field granaries, family heirlooms, gold earrings,
carabaos (water buffaloes), as well as, prestige conferred through time and tradition. The
more affluent, known as kadangyan were usually generous by nature, giving rice to poor
neighbors in time of food shortage(s) and/or hardship(s). Furthermore, their culture was
known for their legal system, using one of the world's most extensive oral legal traditions
specifying the offense depending on the use of custom law; trial by elders (influenced in part
by public opinion); or trial by ordeal. The wealthy were subjected to greater fines than the
poor.

Ifugao Religion

About half of all Ifugaos have embraced Christianity but their animist beliefs have been
absorbed into their Christian beliefs. The Ifugao have traditionally believed their lives were
ruled by spirits called anitos. Many Ifugao still believe the universe was divided into five levels.
At the top is: 1) the heavens which itself has four "superimposed heavens." Beneath it is 2)
Pugao, the known land. Below is 3) the underworld and there is also 4) the world upstream
and 5) the world downstream.
Ifugao Rituals/Beliefs

During ceremonies that pay homage to the anitos (spritits) clan leaders wear headdresses
adorned with wild pig tusks, hornbill beaks and feathers and monkey skulls. The hornbill is
considered to be the messenger of the gods and the monkey is a comic symbol.

During a festival to mark the planting of the crop in March or February the Ifugao hold a
ceremony known as ulpi in which they leave the terraces for a few days and socialize, smoke
and drink a palm liquor called bayah. During the harvest in July they thank the spirits by
sacrificing chickens and then study the blood for omens. If everything is satisfactory the blood
is smeared on wooden idols that watch over the grain supply.

These are the five ethnolinguistic groups – Ibanag, Ilongot, Gaddang, Ikalahan and Isinai –
who together with the Agta/Aeta people inhabit the Caraballo mountain range in Eastern
Central Luzon. This range connects the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Nueva
Ecija.

MINDANAO “MORO & LUMAD”. The Moros practice Islam and the Lumads do not.

I. LUMAD is a generic term embracing all non-Muslim hill tribes of Mindanao. It is a Visayan
term that means “born and grown in the place”. They form the largest grouping of
indigenous peoples in the country which has a total population of 2.1 million. They can be
found in almost all provinces of Mindanao and they include the Subanen, Manobo, B’laan,
T’boli, Mandaya, Mansaka, Tiruray, Higaonon, Bagobo, Bukidnon, Tagkaolo, Banwaon,
Dibabawon, Talaandig, Mamanua, and Manguangan.

• MANOBO

Its name came from the word Mansuba; man (person or people) and suba (river), meaning
river people. The most common lifestyle of the Manobo is that of agriculture. Unfortunately,
their farming methods are very primitive. They use a farming system called kaingin. This is a

procedure in which fields are allowed to remain fallow for certain periods of time so that
areas of cultivation may be shifted from place to place.

Social life for the Manobo is patriarchal (male-dominated). The head of the family is the
husband. Polygyny (having more than one wife at a time) is common and is allowed
according to a man's wealth. Their political structure similar with other tribes. A ruler, called
a sultan, is the head of the group. Beneath him are the royal and non-royal classes. Only
those people belonging to the royal classes can aspire to the throne. Those belonging to the
non-royal classes are under the power and authority of the royal classes. Each class is
interdependent on the others.

Manobo House and Villages

The Manobo usually build their villages near small bodies of water or forest clearings,
although they also opt for hillsides, rivers, valleys, and plateaus. The communities are small,
consisting of only 4-12 houses.
Manobo Religion

The religious beliefs of the Manobo revolve around the concept of many unseen spirits
interfering in the lives of humans. They believe that these spirits can intrude on human
activities to accomplish their desires. The spirits are also believed to have human
characteristics. They are both good and evil in nature and can be evoked to both anger
and pleasure.

Manawbanaw, the god Responsible for the Manobo system of Taboos. He is the god of rain,
thunder and lightning. He punishes Taboo breakers! especially those who treat animals
contemptuously with a power called "nayew or "nanit. One punishment that he sends Taboo
breakers is hailstorm that would melt into a lake in which the whole village of Taboo breakers
drown and are transformed into crocodiles.

The cosmology of Manobo consists of four worlds the many layeredlangit (skyworld), pasak
or yungsud to mamasak(earth world), yunsud nimaybowan( underworld), and kulaguan (the
paradise where the epic heros dwell).

Manobo Rituals/Beliefs

Throughout the year, the elders of the Manobo tribe are looking for the star-lit sky to
determine the season of planting, harvesting, fishing and hunting. Each star can bring a
different message and will guide the tribal group in their traditional way of living. This practice
is called Pamiteun, the Manobos' indigenous way of understanding the stars. Nowadays only
the members of the older generation of farmers will continue to use the Pamiteun but they
are passing the knowledge to the present generation, to learn the old way of living, keep
their culture and traditions alive and deepen their consciousness about their own culture.

T’BOLI

They primarily live in the South Cotabato province of Mindanao Island, which is located in
the southern part of the Philippines. The T'boli speak a Malayo-Polynesian language called
Tboli. In addition to their native language, many of the T'boli also speak Ilongo or Bilaan. They
are farmers who practice the swidden (slash and burn) method of agriculture. This involves
cutting the forest growth, burning the debris, and planting in the clearing.

T’boli House and Villages

The T'boli live in "long-houses" that are built on six-foot stilts. Homes are generally about 50
feet long and nearly 30 feet wide. They are typically constructed of bamboo, wood, and
palm fronds. The people do not live in towns or villages, but live apart from each other in
their widely separated houses.

T’boli Religion

They follow their traditional animistic religion, believing that aspects of nature have spirits. If
the spirits are not appeased, they can cause the people much harm. Although they believe
in a great pantheon of gods, the two most important are Kadaw la Sambad and Bulon la
Mogow. They also place large wooden statues of the gods in their homes and fields. They
frequently offer food and liquor to the gods for appeasement.
T’boli Rituals/Beliefs

Marriages are usually arranged by the families after lengthy negotiations. Monogamy (one
husband, one wife) is nearly always practiced. However, the rich may sometimes have
multiple wives as a symbol of prestige.

Mo Ninum is considered as the grandest wedding ritual of the T-boli tribe. It means the “feast
of making wine” from sugarcane. It is a day of feasting and drinking, celebration of
propitiation, soul cleansing and renewal of spiritual life. It is a set of six ceremonial and
reciprocal feasts where to families take turns in being hosts and guests. This reciprocal
arrangement may last two to seven years.

II. The Moro are the Muslims in Mindanao composed of fourteen groups, namely, Maranao,
Maguindanao, Tausug, Samal, Yakan, Sangil, Palawani, Badjao, Kalibugan, Jama-Mapun,
Ipanun, Kalagan, Molbog, and Muslim.

MARANAO

The name Maranao means "People of the Lake" or "Lake Dwellers“, after their traditional
territory in the area surrounding Lake Lanao in the Bukidnon-Lanao Plateau. They are one of
the largest Islamic groups in the Philippines, with the core areas being Marawi City, Lumba-
a-bayabao, and Bayang.

The native Maranao have a fascinating culture that revolves around kulintang music, a
specific type of gong music, that can be found among both Muslim and non-Muslim groups
of the Southern Philippines. The Kulintang, traditionally considered a women's instrument, is
an ancient instrumental form of music composed on a row of horizontally-laid gongs and is
played by striking the bosses of the gongs with two wooden beaters.

Maranao House and Villages

Maranao villages are composed of several families living in homes sans walls for partition.
They are allowed to be members of different villages simultaneously, without fear of
recrimination as outcasts due largely in part to the accepted bilateral relationships.

Maranao’s Religion

The Maranao are a splinter group of the Maguindanao who took up Islam; families tracing
their religious origins to Sharif Kabunsuan, who introduced the religion to the region.

Maranao’s Rituals/Beliefs

The Maranaos are superstitious. They believe in the hidden powers of the ANTING-ANTING
amulets. These Items which they wear on their necks, arms or legs believed to bring

them good luck. Courting a Maranao lady could be difficult. A suitor should be the most
hardworking and patient bachelor in town. A go-between who will mediate for the
contracting parties of the groom needed. The parents of the groom contact the parents of
the bride regarding the desire of their son marry. The woman's family announces the dowry.
When all is settled, the wedding celebration takes place in fun and merriment.
TAUSUG

Tausug or Suluk is the name of an Islamized tribal group in the Sulu archipelago, and is taken
from the words tau meaning man and sug meaning current.

Traditionally the Tausug are sailors, pearl divers and traders, their ancestral homelands in the
Sulu Archipelago have vigorous tidal currents that flow from the Sulu and China Seas to the
Celebes Sea. This translates literally into the name people of the current.

This homogeneous tribe is a blend of Malay and Indonesian races; they are widespread in
the Philippines and can be found mainly in coastal area communities. In the past the Tausug
were boisterous pirates who infested the waters from the Sulu seas but nowadays make a
living from agriculture, raising water buffaloes and fishing. Aside from being known as the
best, gallant and ferocious freedom fighters of the world the Tausug are famous for being
the best pearl divers in the world.

TAUSUG House and Villages

The Tausug house typically consists of a single rectangular room, bamboo- or timber-walled,
with a thatched roof, raised on posts about 2 to 3 meters above the ground. The structure is
generally surrounded by a series of elevated porches leading to a separate kitchen at the
rear and is often enclosed within a protective stockade encircling the house compound.

TAUSUG’s Religion

The strong-willed Tausug follow the Sunni Islamic beliefs and practices, Sunni Islam is the
largest branch of Islam, the word Sunni comes from the word Sunnah meaning tradition. But
indigenous beliefs endure, apart from Allah or Tuhan, the Tausug also believe in spirits that
inhabit nature, especially rocks and trees, like the evil spirits named saytan and unseen
creatures called jinn. According to the Tausug the human soul has four souls which leave the
body when he dies, the life-soul related with blood, the spirit-soul connected with dreams,
the soul of breath, associated with life and the transcendental soul.

TAUSUG’s Rituals/Beliefs

The Pangalay, a traditional Tausug wedding dance and popularly known as the fingernail
dance is one of the most well-known dances, accompanied by a kulintang ensemble. This
dance is distinctive because dancers use metal or golden nail extenders or janggay, which
make the fingers stiff and set them apart from the thumbs. The Pangalay imitates the
mythical Sarimanok bird, a reincarnation of a goddess who loved a mortal man, after the
dance, she removes her nails and drops them to the ground, hoping that a man will gather
them and will claim her for his bride. A Tausug marriage is usually arranged by parents, with
the exception of the children of brothers, first and second cousins are favoured spouses.
Marriageable women are kept in relative seclusion to protect their value to their family.
BADJAO

Badjao or Bajau means man of the seas, this tribal group is known as the Sea Gypsies
because they move with the wind and the tide on their small houseboats called vintas, they
can be found

in many coastal settlements and inhabit the waters and shores of the Sulu archipelago.
Sinama is the language of Badjao.

The Philippines has experienced a surge in population that has severely depleted fish
populations, leaving Badjao without anything to sustain their livelihood. Recent changes in
the law have outright banned all fishing, sustainable and otherwise, in the areas where
Badjao have been fishing for centuries. Desperate for food, young men risk their lives and
their boats every night when fishing in these waters. Badjao men have lost their lives and their
boats from the simple act of fishing. With no options for families on the brink of starvation,
children routinely are sent to nearby cities to beg. Begging often provides a family enough
resources to eat for the Because families rely on this meager income, children essentially
become slaves and are forced to beg up to 12 hours a day. Uneducated and often
ostracized by the majority people group, they are left struggling to survive in modern society.

BADJAO House and Villages

By tradition, they travel by boat from one island to the other in search of fishing harvest. This
pagan tribe have sailed the seas for more than a thousand years, but because of over fishing
by other groups using everything from high-tech fishing trawlers, their life in the open waters
is drying up. They no longer live on boats, they live in thatch-roofed houses on bamboo stilts
on a small strip of land that nobody else wanted, somewhere along the coastline of
Sarangani.

BADJAO’s Religion

The Badjao people consider themselves to be Sunni Muslim. Many attend mosques and
participate in the daily prayers. They also believe they are descendants of Muhammad.
Although many believe this, a lot of Badjao people have a more animistic religious view.
They have a more spiritual way of life and way of looking at things. They believe in spirit boats
and sailing spirits away and worship the sea god- Omboh Dilaut.

BADJAO’s Rituals/Beliefs

The spirits of the dead are kept in a grave and every period of Shaaban, the soul comes
back to our world. They also believe that the dead can communicate with the living through
the ritual ceremonies of celebration, worship, and exorcism. To accept their new tribe, the
Badjao throws newborn in the deep-sea.
 CHAPTER 3: FILIPINO CULTURAL VALUES

Positive or Acceptable Cultural Values and Practices

"BALIKATAN" SYSTEM
• When an individual is confronted with a problem or difficulty, everybody shares the
burden of helping the person who is in need of assistance
• Examples: sharing in the expenses during an emergency or times of needs, pooling a
common fund from which the members borrow for their needs; giving reliefs in the form
of cash or kind to a person struck by calamities
•
"BAYANIHAN" SYSTEM
• A certain task is effectively and easily completed if everybody shares his time, effort
and money to expedite the completion of a task.
• Example: Transferring the whole nipa hut to another place is done by bayanihan way;
digging a drainage canal by the barangay people; cleaning the area for the putting
up a basketball court

"PAKIKISAMA" CONFORMITY
• This is a positive way of yielding to the groups's unanimous of majority's decision so as
to complete a task. Without it, there would be disunity in the group. To get along well
with the group, even with some important commitment is "magaling makisama "

SMOOTH INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP (SIR)

• This is value based on good relationship with people. SIR is characterized by the use of
go-between and euphemism. The use "go-between" necessitates the hiring of a third
party to act as a "bridge" or referee to assuage a bruise, heal a "wound" in his relations
with people whose good will is important.
• Examples: act as middleman to an embarrassing request as a loan, a complaint or to
avoid " hiya" or a face-to-face confrontation.

"PAKIKIRAMAY"
• This is sympathetic attitude to another person and it is emphasized by the statement
"di ka nag-iisa". This is often practiced among friends, neighbors, distant relatives and
among barrio mates and town mates. In times of grief or distress or even the death of
a person, the bereaved family is extended a condolence by other individuals.

COMPADRE OR COMADRE “SYSTEM

The closeness of family ties is usually extended to ritual kinship to include "ninong" and
"ninang". These sponsors to a baptismal, confirmation, or wedding ceremonies are usually
prominent people in the community.

"UTANG NA LOOB" OR THE SENSE OF GRATITUDE.

• One aspect of this is in gif-giving, that is, when a gift is given, it is "utang na loob" of the
recipient.

DESIRE FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT

• Every Filipino family wants to succeed and for the children to be successful in their
aspirations. Parents feel that education can bring success to their children as if it is the
only legacy they can give to them
HOSPITALITY VALUE
• This value is done by people welcoming visitors with warmth and enthusiasm at home
or by inviting them to visit their homes or wherever circumstances warrant. Hospitality
can promote goodwill and cooperation

FIESTA CELEBRATION
• Celebration can serve every important purposes. It strengthens family loyalty and
unity; it serves to acquire new friends and allies; may heal individual's animosity and
misunderstanding; may serve to strengthen the power structure; may serve to display
the affluence of the host.
• On the other hand, fiesta celebration has negative effects when the host incur so
much debt that could hardly repay

FAMILISM OR CLOSE FAMILY RELATIONS

• A Filipino trait of giving highest importance to the family above other things. A trait
wherein family members should be taken care and supported regardless of whether
he/she did something wrong, a family member must be given and should not be
abandoned.

FUN LOVING TRAIT

• A trait found in most Filipinos, a trait that makes them unique that even in times of
calamities and other challenges in life, they always have something to be happy
about, a reason to celebrate

COMPASSIONATE
• A Filipino trait of being sympathetic to other even if the person is a stranger. An
example of this is giving alms to the beggars. This is observed when we hear Filipinos
saying,"kawawa naman or nakakaawa naman"

REGIONALISM
• A Filipino trait of giving more priority or preference in giving favors to his proving mate
before others.

FRIENDLY
• A trait found in most of Filipinos. They are sincere, loyal, kind and sociable people.

FLEXIBLE OR MAGALING MAKIBAGAY

• The ability of Filipinos to " ride-on" or adjust to the norms of the other group just to attain
smooth harmonious relationship.

RELIGIOUS
• Most Filipinos possess strong conformance of their religious belief both in words and in
deeds.

RESPECT TO ELDERS
• A Filipino trait of Being courteous both in words and deeds to other people.

RESOURCEFULNESS
• A Filipino trait of being creative and resourceful. The ability to do things that are next
to impossible. Example is Fixing appliances that look impossible to repair
PATIENCE
• Filipinos are known for their tenancy and strong determination in every undertaking.
 CHAPTER 4: GENRES PHILIPPINE POP CULTURE

Cuisine
- a style or method of cooking, especially as characteristics of a particular country, region,
or establishment
- 144 distinct ethnolinguistic groups found within the Philippine archipelago

- The majority of mainstream Filipino dishes that compose Filipino cuisine are from the cuisines
of the Bikol, Chavacano (Zamboanga), Hiligaynon (Ilo ilo), Ilocano, Kapampangan,
Maranao, Pangasinan, Cebuano (or Bisaya), Tagalog, and Waray ethnolinguistic tribes.

Popular dishes include:

lechón (whole roasted pig),
longganisa (Philippine sausage) - Pampanga, tapa (cured beef),
torta (omelette with eggplant),
adobo (chicken or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce, or cooked until dry),
mechado (larded beef in soy and tomato sauce) – inspired by culinary methods of Spain,
puchero (beef in bananas and tomato sauce) – originally from Spain,
afritada (chicken or pork simmered in tomato sauce with vegetables),
kare-kare (oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) - Pampanga,
pinakbet (quash, eggplant, beans, okra, and tomato stew flavored with shrimp paste) –
Ilocos,
crispy pata (deep-fried pig’s leg) – Caloocan, Manila, sinigang (meat or seafood in sour
broth),
pancit (noodles with vegestables), and lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls).
Sinigang (meat or seafood in sour broth
pancit (noodles with vegetables), and
lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls)

Literature
is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from Latin word litaritura/literatura
meaning “writing formed with letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung
texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit.

Example
Tomas Pinpin wrote and printed in 1610 “Librong Pagaaralan nang mga Tagalog nang
Wikang Kastila”, 119 pages designed to help fellow Filipinos to learn the Spanish language in
a simple way. He is also credited with the first news publication made in the Philippines:
“Successos Felices”.

Different types of Literature

Poetry and metrical romances

Tanaga - Short poems consisting of four lines with seven syllables each that rhyme at the end
of each line.

Ladino Poems – Were natives of first Tagalog versifiers who saw print: highly literate in both
Spanish and the vernacular.
Corridos – Were widely read during the Spanish period that filled the populace's need for
entertainment as well as edifying reading matter in their leisure moments.

Awit – like corridos, these were also widely read during the Spanish period as entertaining,
edifying, reading manner in their leisure time. It is also a fabrication of the writers’ imagination
although the characters and the setting may be European. The structure is rendered
dodecasyllabic quatrains.

Fiction
- is often broken up into five subgenres: fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary fiction,
mystery, and science fiction.

Examples
Harry Potter and Twilight series

Nonfiction
- tells the story of real people and events.

Examples
biographies, autobiographies, or memoirs.

Drama
- known as drama or play, is a story created specifically for a stage performance.
Examples
Macbeth, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Folktale
- which is also referred to as mythology, tells stories of originally oral literature and are meant
to pass on particular moral lessons.

Examples
Jack and the Beanstalk, The Frog King, Fairy Tales

Arts

- refers to the works of art that have evolved and accumulated in the Philippines from the
beginning of the country's civilization up to the present period and reflects the wide variety
of cultural influences on the culture of the country and its society and non-Filipinos, and how
those influences refined the arts of the country.

Philippine art can be divided into two different parts, traditional arts and non-traditional arts.

A. Traditional arts
- bearers may be called Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), equivalent to the National
Artist.

Folk architecture –Like, though not limited to, stilt homes, country houses and aerial buildings.
Maritime transport - Boat-making homes, and maritime activities.

Weaving - Include, though not limited to, basket weaving, weaving of back-strap looms,
weaving of headgear, weaving of fishnet and other weaving types.
Carving - Including, though not restricted to, woodcarving and non-argile folk sculpture.
Folk performing arts - Including but not limited to, dances, plays, and dramas.

Folk (oral) literature - including, but not limited to, epics, songs, and myths.

Folk graphic and plastic arts - Including calligraphy, tattoos, folk art, folk drawing and folk
painting.

Ornament, textile, or fiber art - Hat-making, masking, shoes, ornamental metalwork.

Pottery - Like, though not limited to, ceramics, potted clay and folk art sculpture.

Other artistic expressions of traditional culture - Including, but not limited to, non-
ornamental metal crafts, martial arts, mystical healing arts, herbal arts and ancient
constellations

B. Non-Traditional Arts

- bearers of non- traditional arts can be nominated as National Artist, equal to Gawad
Manlilika ng Bayan.

Dance – Dance choreography, dance direction and dance performance.

Music – musical composition, musical direction, and musical performance.

Theater – theatrical direction, theatrical performance, theatrical production design,

theatrical light and sound design, and theatrical playwriting.

Visual arts – painting, non-folk sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed
media works, illustration, graphic arts, performance art, and imaging.

Literature – poetry, fiction, essay, and literary/art criticism.

Film and broadcast arts – film and broadcast direction, film and broadcast writing, film and
broadcast production design, film and broadcast cinematography, film and broadcast
editing, film and broadcast animation, film and broadcast performance, and film and
broadcast new media.

Architecture and allied arts – non-folk architecture, interior design, landscape architecture,
and urban design.

Example: (Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut), Bale (Ifugao House), Ivatan House, Torogan (Marano
House), Badjao’s Stilt Houses and Houseboats, Vinta (A traditional colorful boat in Mindanao)

Design – industrial design, and fashion design.

Television - was introduced in the Philippines in 1953 with the opening of DZAQ-TV Channel 3
of Alto Broadcasting System in the Manila. The station was owned by Antonio Quirino, the
brother of the incumbent Philippine president, who was set to run for re-election the following
year. The station operated on a four-a-day schedule (6-10p.m. and telecast only over a 50-
mile radius.

1960s to early 1970s

At the turn of the next decade, TV sets became the most sellable appliance in the urban
areas. Also within this period, other VHF TV stations opened. These include the following:

DZBB-TV Channel 7, established on October 29, 1961 by the Republic Broadcasting System
(RBS), owned by Robert Stewart

Philippine Broadcast Service Channel in 1961 by the Philippine government;

DZTM-TV Channel 5, established in 1962 by the Associated Broadcasting Corporation (ABC

now TV5), owned by the Roces family, the publisher of The Manila Times;

Radio Philippines Network Channel 9 in 1969;

DZTV Channel 13 in 1960, run by Inter-Island Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), owned by

Andres Soriano; and,

DZRH-TV Channel 11 of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), owned by Manuel Elizalde

TV in the 90s: From local to global

According to the 1998 KBP Broadcast Media Facebook, there are 137 television stations
nationwide. Of this number, 63 are originating stations, 50 are relay, and 24 ultra high
frequency (UHF) stations. Cable TV is technically not considered part of the broadcast TV
industry. In terms of TV stations distribution by island groups, Metro Manila has 12 TV stations
(all types), Luzon, 53 stations; Visayas 28 TV stations and Mindanao, 44 TV stations.

Major television networks

- ABS-CBN Corporation (ABS-CBN) - The oldest and currently the largest television network.
TV5 Network, Inc.

-(TV5) - Launched DZTM-5 in 1960 by Chino Roces of Manila Times.

-GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) - Launched DZBB-7 in 1961 by Robert Stewart, American journalist
of its former name Republic Broadcasting System, then changed its channel name to GMA
Radio-Television Arts in 1974

-The Philippines music is a mix of European, American and native sounds. Influenced by the
music of the Philippines 377 year-long heritage of colonial Spain, Western rock and roll, hip-
hop and popular music from the United States, the folk music of population Austronesian and
Indo-Malayan music Gamelan.
Different types of music in the Philippines

Gong music.
Gong, a circular metal platelike percussion instrument, usually having a turned-down rim. In
most forms it is struck in the centre with a felt- or leather-covered beater, producing a sound
of either definite or indefinite pitch.

Rondalla music.
The word rondalla comes from the Spanish ronda, which means "serenade." Spain
introduced the rondalla to the Philippines in the 15th century.

Harana and Kundiman.

HARANA
The Harana is a serenade tradition in rural areas of the Philippines in which young men may
formally meet single lady visitors.
KUNDIMAN
is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs and was the traditional means of serenade in the
Philippines.
is the classic form of Filipino love song—or so it seemed to colonialist forces in the
Philippines. In fact, in Kundiman, the singer who expresses undying love

Cariñosa
is a Philippine dance of colonial-era origin from the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk
dances, where the fan or handkerchief plays an instrumental role as it places the couple in
romance scenario.

Tinikling
is a traditional Philippine folk dance which originated during the Spanish colonial era.[1] The
dance involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and
against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between
the poles in a dance.

Pandango sa Ilaw
is a timeless Philippine folk dance, allegedly originating from Mindoro

POP MUSIC
Popular music. Original Pilipino Music, now more commonly termed OPM, originally referred
only to a genre of Philippine pop songs, mostly ballads, that became popular after the
collapse of its predecessor, the Manila sound of the late 1970s.

CHOIR MUSIC
choir, body of singers with more than one voice to a part. A mixed choir is normally
composed of women and men, whereas a male choir consists either of boys and men or
entirely of men.

ROCK MUSIC
A group of musicians performing rock music is termed as a rock band or a rock group.
P POP, OPM
Filipino pop music, otherwise known as Original Pilipino Music or OPM, refers broadly to the
pop music that first emerged in the Philippines in the early ’70s and has since come to
dominate radio airplay and karaoke playlists in the Filipino market and beyond.

Between the 1980s and 1990s, OPM was led by such

artists as Regine Velasquez, Pops Fernandez, APO Hiking Society, Kuh Ledesma, Jose Mari
Chan, Dingdong Avanzado, Rodel Naval, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Albert, Lilet,
Martin Nievera, Manilyn Reynes, Lea Salonga, Kristina Paner, Rachel Alejandro, Raymond
Lauchengco, JoAnne Lorenzana, Francis Magalona, Sharon Cuneta, Sheryl Cruz, Keno, Lou
Bonnevie, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano, among many others.

Examples of OPM music

“Forevermore” Artist: Side A.

“Set You Free” Artist: MYMP. “Your Love” Artist: Alamid.
“I’ll Never Go” Artist: Erik Santos.
“Let Me Be the One” Artist: Jimmy Bondoc. “Only Reminds Me of You” Artist: MYMP. “I’ve
Fallen for You” Artist: Toni Gonzaga. “Don’t Know What to Say”
 CHAPTER 5: PHILIPPINE POP CULTURE: MUSIC

Music of the Philippines

-Music of the Philippines (Filipino: Musika ng Pilipinas; Spanish: Música de Filipinas) involves
musical performance arts developed in various genres and styles in the Philippines or by
Filipinos.

-The compositions are often a mixture of various influences from Asia, Spain, Latin America,
America and Indigenous peoples.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Original Pilipino music, now more commonly called original Pinoy music or OPM, originally
only referred to Philippine pop songs, particularly ballads, such as those popular after the
collapse of their predecessor, the late 1970s Manila sound. OPM is currently used by Filipino
musicians and singers as a catch-all term for popular music written and performed by it.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-The advent of Pilita Corrales, Sylvia La Torre, Diomedes Maturan, Ric Manrique Jr., Ruben
Tagalog, Helen Gamboa, Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Carmen Camacho and many others
occurred during the 1950s, 1960s and before the 1970s.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Popular artists in the 1970s included Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Eddie Peregrina, Ramon
Jacinto, Victor Wood, and Asin. Claire dela Fuente, Didith Reyes, Rico Puno, Ryan
Cayabyab, Basil Valdez, Celeste Legaspi, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Freddie Aguilar,Imelda
Papin, Eva Eugenio, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga, Leah Navarro, Cinderella, Tillie Moreno, Ric
Segreto, Janet Basco, Boyfriends, Hotdog, VST & Co., and many more were the most
appropriate Philippine pop music artists.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Between the 1980s and 1990s, OPM was led by such artists as Regine Velasquez, Pops
Fernandez, APO Hiking Society, Kuh Ledesma, Jose Mari Chan, Dingdong Avanzado, Rodel
Naval, Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Joey Albert, Lilet, Martin Nievera, Manilyn Reynes, Lea
Salonga, Kristina Paner, Rachel Alejandro, Raymond Lauchengco, JoAnne Lorenzana,
Francis Magalona, Sharon Cuneta, Sheryl Cruz, Keno, Lou Bonnevie, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary
Valenciano, among many others.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Renowned artists in the 1990s included Eraserheads, The Company, April Boy Regino,
Smokey Mountain, Rivermaya, Jaya, Agot Isidro, Dessa, Isabel Granada, Vina Morales,
Donna Cruz, Jolina Magdangal, Jessa Zaragoza, Ariel Rivera, South Border, Carol Banawa,
Yano, Introvoys, AfterImage, Side A, Andrew E., Lani Misalucha, Ella May Saison, Joey Ayala,
Viktoria, April Boys, Color It Red, Roselle Nava, and Blakdyak, among many others.
Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Sarah Geronimo, Julie Anne San Jose, Angeline Quinto, Aicelle Santos, Gerald Santos,
Jonalyn Viray, Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie's Cradle, Yasmien
Kurdi, Mitoy Yonting, Moonstar88, Aiza Seguerra, Toni Gonzaga, Richard Poon, Nina, Yeng
Constantino, Piolo Pascual, Jovit Baldivino, KZ Tandingan, Nyoy Volante, Daniel Padilla, Hale,
Spongecola, Jennylyn Mercado, Kim Chiu, Kisses Delavin, Jake Zyrus, Jed Madela,

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Erik Santos, Parokya Ni Edgar, Maris Racal, Loisa Andalio, Kamikazee, Richard Yap, Sam
Milby, TNT Boys, Abra, James Reid, Janine Berdin, Sheryn Regis and Gloc-9, amongst the
leading OPM artists in the 2000s and 2010s.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-From its roots OPM was based in Manila, where the dominant languages are Tagalog and
English.

-Other ethnolinguistic groups such as Visayan, Bikol and Kapampangan, which make music
in their native languages, rarely break into the popular local music scene in the Philippines.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-The Kapampangans follow suit. Tarlac City-based Kapampangan band Mernuts 'debut
music video of "Oras" ("Time") penetrated MTV Pilipinas, making it the first Kapampangan
music video ever to enter the ranks of other mainstreamPhilippine music videos.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-RocKapampangan: The Birth of Philippine Kapampangan Rock, an album of modern

Kapampangan folk extemporaneous songs by different Kapampangan bands, was also
launched in February 2008, and played regularly via Kapampangan cable channel Infomax-
8 and one of the largest FM radio stations in Central Luzon, GVFM 99.1.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Inspired by what the locals call "Kapampangan cultural revival," Angeles City-born ballader
Ronnie Liang made Kapampangan translations for his repackaged album of some of his
popular songs like "Ayli" (Kapampangan version of "Ngiti"), and "Ika" (Kapampangan version
of "Ikaw").

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Despite the increasing clamor for non-Tagalog and non-English music and the increased
presence of other Philippine languages, Manila-based local Philippine music industry is not
forthcoming to venture investment to other locations.
Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Some of their main reasons include the language barrier, small size of the market and socio-
cultural emphasis away from Philippine regionalism. An example would be the Ilokano
group's songs "The Bukros Singers," which swept through Ilocandia in the 1990s and became
a precursor to other Ilokano performers in the 2000s, but rarely broke through other music
markets in the Philippines.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, the country's first songwriting competition, was first
founded in 1977 and launched by the Philippine Popular Music Foundation.

-During its tenure the event included many famous singers and songwriters. It was held every
year for seven years, until it was discontinued in 1985.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-The Himig Handog contest, which began in 2000, run by ABS-CBN Corporation and its
subsidiary music label Star Records, had formed another version of the festival.

-From 2000 to 2003, five competitions have been held so far, and were finally revived in 2013.
Like its predecessors, the contest has different themes representing the form of song entries
chosen as finalists each year.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-The Himig Handog contest, which began in 2000, run by ABS-CBN Corporation and its
subsidiary music label Star Records, had formed another version of the festival.

-From 2000 to 2003, five competitions have been held so far, and were finally revived in 2013.
Like its predecessors, the contest has different themes representing the form of song entries
chosen as finalists each year.

Popular music (original Filipino music)

-The Philippine Popular Music Festival was introduced in 2012 and is said to be inspired by the
first competition for songwriting.

Prepared by:

Prof. Prince O. Estrella, LPT (SGD.)

CAS Faculty Part-Timer, 2nd Semester A.Y. 2023-2024