Exploring Filipino Culture: 15 Things You Should Know

Share this post!

The Philippines shines as a tourist destination with its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and natural wonders. However, our rich culture and traditions captivate many visitors, with some even deciding to make it their home. Growing up in the Philippines, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of our identity as a people. Living in the United States for the past seven years, I’ve come to truly appreciate what makes us unique. Join me as we explore fifteen aspects of Filipino culture you should know.

If you want to explore the top 10 beach destinations in the Philippines, read my blog post here.

15 Things You Should Know About Filipino Culture

1. Family is the Center of Everything

The Filipino culture deeply cherishes the value of family. It’s heartwarming to see extended families living with cousins, uncles, and aunts. Family is not limited to blood. It can include close friends, creating a strong sense of togetherness, especially during shared meals. I have cherished memories of visiting my grandparents on my mother’s side in the Bicol region, where we shared laughter and prepared special meals like Laing (dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk and shrimp paste), Pinangat (taro leaves filled with young coconut meat, shrimp, and meat cooked in coconut milk), and Sinukmane (rice cake). On my dad’s side, our family reunions on Christmas day brought us closer together as we proudly showcased the new clothes and shoes we received on Christmas Eve. These experiences have taught me the importance of family in Filipino culture.

I have seen firsthand how family operates as a powerful support system, particularly on my dad’s side. When one sibling out of ten faced difficult times, they all rallied together, discussing and planning how best to provide help and support.

2. Respect for Elders is Deeply Ingrained

In Filipino culture, respect for elders is deeply ingrained. From a young age, we learn to address older family members and friends with titles like “Tito” (Uncle), “Tita” (Aunt), “Lolo” (Grandfather), “Lola” (Grandmother), “Ate” (older sister or female cousin), and “Kuya” (older brother or male cousin).

The traditional ‘mano po’ gesture involves a younger person taking the older person’s hand and pressing it on their forehead as a sign of honor. This gesture is a symbol of respect and is a way of showing reverence to the elders. It is customary to greet the older person upon entering their house with this gesture or by saying ‘good morning’ or ‘good afternoon’ with the accompanying words’ po’ and ‘opo.’ Visitors also often remove their shoes or slippers upon entering someone’s home.

This same level of respect is also extended to elders in the community, regardless of whether they are relatives.

3. Hospitality Like No Other

Filipinos are known for their exceptional hospitality. When guests enter our homes, we greet them with genuine warmth and treat them as part of our family rather than mere visitors. Despite resource limitations, we always try to provide our guests with the best seats, the finest food, and generous hospitality. We aim to ensure our guests feel genuinely honored and appreciated in our home. This culture of hospitality, which is more about making guests feel at home than showing off, is ingrained in our society and is a source of pride for Filipinos. It is a duty and genuine expression of care and respect towards our visitors.

4. Fiestas: A Celebration of Life

Festivities and feasts in the Philippines brim with vibrant energy and a strong sense of community. They unite people by celebrating delicious food, lively parades, and traditional street dancing. These events often have a vital religious component, reflecting the profound influence of Catholicism in the Philippines. It’s when homes open to welcome everyone to join the festivities and learn about the local culture and traditions. Here are some famous fiestas in the Philippines, each with its unique charm and significance:

Ati-Atihan Festival (Kalibo, Aklan)

• When: January
• Description: Known as the ‘Mother of All Philippine Festivals,’ Ati-Atihan is a week-long celebration in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child). The festival’s name, ‘Ati-Atihan,’ comes from the Aklanon word ‘ati,’ which means ‘to be like’ or ‘to pretend.’ participants adorn their faces with black soot and don intricate costumes while swaying to rhythmic drumbeats in the streets. The event features street dancing, processions, and parades, blending indigenous customs with Catholic traditions.

Sinulog Festival (Cebu City, Cebu)

• When: January
• Description: The Sinulog is a spectacular event that pays tribute to Santo Niño. It showcases a lively procession through the streets, where people adorned in bright outfits dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and Indigenous gongs. The dance imitates the flow of water, signifying the embrace of Christianity in the Philippines.

Panagbenga Festival (Baguio City, Benguet)

• When: February
• Description: Also known as the “Flower Festival,” Panagbenga celebrates the blooming season in Baguio, the country’s summer capital. The festival features grand parades with floats adorned with flowers, street dancing, and various cultural shows. It’s a vibrant celebration of nature and the city’s floral industry.

Pahiyas Festival (Lucban, Quezon)

• When: May 15
• Description: Pahiyas is a colorful harvest festival in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. The highlight is the decoration of houses with “kiping” (colorful rice wafers) and agricultural produce, creating a visual feast for visitors. The festival includes parades, street dancing, and traditional games, showcasing the town’s agricultural bounty.

Kadayawan Festival (Davao City, Davao del Sur)

• When: August
• Description: Kadayawan celebrates Davao’s bountiful harvest and diverse cultures. The festival features street dancing, parades of floats adorned with flowers and fruits, and cultural presentations by the city’s various indigenous groups. It’s a vibrant expression of thanksgiving for nature’s blessings.

MassKara Festival (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)

• When: October
• Description: Known as the “Festival of Smiles,” MassKara was conceived to uplift the spirits of the people of Bacolod during a crisis. It features a street parade with participants wearing smiling masks and elaborate costumes. The festival is characterized by upbeat music, street dancing, and a joyful atmosphere, reflecting the resilient spirit and positive outlook of the Bacolodnons.

Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City, Iloilo)

• When: January
• Description: The Dinagyang Festival, dedicated to the Santo Niño, bursts with vibrant street dances, processions, and cultural displays. At the festival’s heart is the “Ati Tribe” contest, where adorned performers, dressed in traditional attire and covered in black paint, dance to the rhythm of drums, reenacting the arrival of Malay settlers and their interactions with the indigenous Ati community.

Moriones Festival (Marinduque)

• When: Holy Week (March or April)
• Description: The Moriones Festival is a religious event that reenacts the story of Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced Jesus’ side during the crucifixion and later converted to Christianity. Participants wear wooden masks and costumes resembling Roman soldiers (Morions) and parade through the streets, enacting scenes from the story. The festival is both a religious observance and a colorful spectacle.

Obando Fertility Rites (Obando, Bulacan)

• When: May
• Description: This unique festival is a religious dance ritual where participants pray for fertility, a good harvest, or a spouse. The dance honors three saints: San Pascual Baylon, Santa Clara, and Nuestra Señora de Salambao. Couples, especially those hoping for a child, participate in the dance as a form of supplication.

Penafrancia Festival (Naga City, Camarines Sur)

• When: September
• Description: Peñafrancia is one of the largest Marian festivals in the Philippines, honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol. The festival includes a grand fluvial procession along the Naga River, where the image of the Virgin is carried on a barge, accompanied by thousands of devotees. It’s a profoundly spiritual event marked by prayers, novenas, and celebrations throughout the city.

These fiestas are just a few examples of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. Each offers a unique experience reflecting Filipino people’s history, beliefs, and creativity.

5. Faith and Religion Play a Big Role

I learned a few years ago that Spain colonized our country for over 300 years. Although our History Class probably covered this, I likely found it too dull to remember. This history has made the Philippines predominantly Catholic, but there is also a large population of non-Catholics, including Muslims, Iglesia ni Cristo members, and many other non-denominational churches. Although I was raised Catholic, I now belong to the last category. For many Filipinos, religion or faith is a strong anchor, helping them stay resilient in the face of numerous typhoons and other natural disasters.

6. A Melting Pot of Influences

Filipino culture uniquely blends Indigenous, Asian, Spanish, and American influences. This mixture is evident in our language, food, traditions, and various celebrations. Our language has borrowed heavily from Spanish, with many words and terms of Spanish origin. For example, we use “mesa” for table, “silya” for chair, and many others. The Spaniards also influenced our food, along with the Chinese.

Our childhood games include traditional sports like “Patintero” and Western sports like basketball, emphasizing unity and teamwork. Due to this rich cultural tapestry, visitors who want to interact with the locals as tourists or even settle here permanently often find our country fascinating.

7. Music is in Our Blood

The Philippines has a rich tradition of musical talent that continues to amaze people worldwide. Lea Salonga, a renowned Broadway actress and Tony Award winner is one of my favorite Filipino artists. She began her singing career at age 8. I vividly remember my mom describing how she fearlessly took the stage at a central hotel in the Philippines. Despite being over 50, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances.

Many talented Filipinos like her in the Philippines may not be as famous as her. It’s because singing is considered the Philippines’ national pastime. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple get-together with friends and family, there’s always a karaoke or videoke machine at the center of it. Almost everyone, even those who can’t join in, can sing because we all love to sing.

I grew up dreaming of a career in singing and even pursued it professionally for a while, but I eventually realized that it was not what I truly wanted. However, I still get to sing every week as part of our church’s worship team.

Those who take singing more seriously can be seen participating in singing competitions nationwide and worldwide. Filipino musicians are no longer confined to local venues; they can now be found on cruise ships and even in international competitions such as “The Voice” or “America’s/Britain’s Got Talent.”

8. Food is More Than Just Nourishment

The Filipino culture is deeply intertwined with food. Our social and corporate gatherings are always abundant with a variety of dishes such as “Pancit” (stir-fried noodles), “Sinigang” (sour tamarind-based stew), “Lechon” (whole pork roast), “spring rolls,” and “leche flan” (custard mixture of egg, milk, and sugar). Food is central to Filipino celebrations, especially during Noche Buena on Christmas Eve, when families enjoy a lavish feast. If you visit during this time, people will welcome you like family and generously treat you to feast with traditional Filipino dishes, culture, and traditions.

Explore popular Filipino dishes here.

9. Resilience and the ‘Bayanihan’ Spirit

Filipinos worldwide are celebrated for their resilience in natural disasters, financial crises, and political chaos. This resilience is embodied in the spirit of “Bayanihan,” which signifies everyone working together towards a common goal that will benefit the entire community. This spirit is especially evident during typhoons when everyone comes together to help rebuild communities. Additionally, when a family experiences a tragedy, others help prepare food for wake services or offer moral support. This sense of togetherness reflects our nature, showing that no one must endure hardships alone.

10. Filipinos Value “Pakikisama” and “Hiya”

In Filipino culture, “pakikisama” is a core value that emphasizes the importance of getting along with others. Filipinos tend to avoid confrontations and strive to maintain peace and harmony, sometimes to the point of being overly polite and finding it difficult to say “no.” Additionally, another cultural concept ingrained in us is “hiya.” This value is vital to maintaining dignity for ourselves and our families. We do our best to avoid bringing shame to oneself and one’s family. We must behave with caution, which promotes respect and consideration for others.

11. Generosity is Second Nature

The people of the Philippines are renowned for embodying two exceptional character traits: generosity and kindness, also referred to as “kagandahang loob.” This concept revolves around possessing a beautiful and benevolent or generous spirit. As a result, many Filipinos willingly go the extra mile to express these virtues, often making personal sacrifices. I witnessed this firsthand through my mother’s actions while I was growing up. She always opened our home to relatives who needed a place to stay. This unwavering hospitality truly exemplifies the essence of the Filipino spirit.

12. Filipinos are Incredibly Resourceful

If poverty produces one good thing in Filipinos, it is being resourceful and easy to adapt. We call it being “ma-diskarte.” I’ve seen people become innovative and creative to solve problems, primarily for income-generating purposes. Old car tires are used to create flower pots. Scrap metals are turned into garden accessories. Leftover foods are turned into new dishes. Through this character trait, Filipinos can overcome adversities with grace and creativity.

13. Filipinos Love to Smile and Laugh

Filipinos are known for being friendly, even to strangers. We enjoy exchanging smiles, which reflects our optimistic character. When you visit the Philippines, you’ll experience this warmth, even in areas without affluence, with people waving and smiling at you. You’ll often see crowds of people laughing in the streets, as humor is an important coping mechanism for us. We love sharing jokes and stories to support each other and maintain a positive attitude during challenging times.

14. Filipinos Have a Strong Sense of Pride in Their Heritage

Filipinos take great pride in their rich heritage, which is reflected in how they celebrate their culture and history. This is evident through their traditional clothing, such as the “Barong Tagalog” and “Baro’t Saya,” Indigenous dances, and the honoring of national heroes. The respect for the past and the sacrifices of previous generations is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. This pride is also seen in their reverence for national symbols like the Philippine flag and the national anthem, as well as in major national celebrations such as Independence Day. These events unite Filipinos worldwide, uniting them with a solid national identity.

15. The Filipino Diaspora: A Global Family

The Filipino diaspora is a vital part of Filipino culture, with millions of Filipinos living and working abroad worldwide. Despite being far from their home country, Filipinos remain connected to their culture, language, and traditions. For instance, we have a Filipino community in Texas, which was established when we relocated from Illinois to start a new life with my husband’s co-workers. Filipinos abroad unite to commemorate cultural events, provide support, and stay connected to the Philippines. The “balikbayan” tradition, where Filipinos working abroad send packages filled with gifts and essentials to their families back home, reflects this enduring connection. This diaspora helps preserve Filipino culture and contributes to its evolution as Filipinos blend their heritage with new experiences.

Dive into the Filipino language by exploring these blog posts, and start learning Tagalog words today!

Impact of Living in the United States on My Perspective on Filipino Culture

Living in the United States has deepened my appreciation for Filipino culture, making me more conscious of the values and traditions I grew up with. This experience has given me a broader perspective on cultural differences and the importance of preserving one’s heritage, especially in a multicultural environment. Although my son doesn’t speak Tagalog, I am teaching him Filipino customs and culture so he can stay connected to his roots, which my husband and I truly cherish.

Embracing Filipino Culture

Here are fifteen things you need to know about Filipino culture. From the importance of family and respect for elders to our love for food, music, and community, these aspects of Filipino culture shape who we are. These values and traditions have influenced my life and continue to shape how I view the world.

Whether you plan to visit the Philippines, have Filipino friends, or are curious about its culture, I hope this provides insight into the heart of the Filipino people. However, don’t take my word for it—immerse yourself in Filipino culture! Try cooking a traditional dish, learning a few Filipino phrases, or joining a local Filipino festival. You’ll discover that the warmth, resilience, and joy that define the Filipino spirit are best experienced firsthand.

So, embrace Filipino culture with open arms, and let it enrich your life as it has mine. And if you ever find yourself in the Philippines, remember, you won’t be a visitor—you’ll be a family. Let’s keep the conversation going! Please share your thoughts or experiences with Filipino culture in the comments below, and let’s celebrate this vibrant culture together.

If you want to know more about me and my blog, visit my About Page. I share insights into our family life, the values we cherish, and my passion for showcasing the beauty of the Philippines alongside homeschooling, faith, and creativity. Let’s connect, share resources, and inspire each other on this excellent path!

Share this post!