The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in

Southeast Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of around 7,641
islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from
north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Culture
The Filipino culture has varied
Customs
Basic Etiquette
Traditions
The Filipino's charm lies in their smiles, in the numerous
influences from previous colonizations, Filipinos tend to dress modestly, especially when in public. religious festivals that venerate nature, the Divine and the
It is expected that the elderly and those of a higher social cycles of life and in the virtue of pakikipag-kapwa tao that
deriving mainly from the culture of status are treated with respect. treasures relationships, with friends and strangers alike.
Spain and America. You can easily Given large family sizes and typically small living quarters, The concept of kapwa(others) is at the core of the Filipino
Filipinos are generally not demanding of privacy. Within
notice it from the architecture to the soul. A Filipino scholar says of the Filipino: the joy of his
one family, possessions are typically thought to be
communal and shared. Thus, it is expected to be open being is in being with others.
cultural beliefs in the Philippines. The nation's charm is in the diversity in ways of life across
about one’s possessions and space.
Despite all of these foreign influences, Many Filipinos avoid blasphemy and cursing as it may the archipelago, the resplendent colors of its folk arts and
cause themselves to lose face. the cacophony of foreign influences that have found roots
the old Asian Filipino culture has been Filipinos typically have a relaxed approach towards in the Filipino languages, customs and traditions.
retained and are clearly seen in their timekeeping and punctuality. It is common for Filipinos to And so there are the bright Santacruzan festivals in May,
arrive an hour or two hours after the designated time. This with pagan origins but portraying strong Christian
way of life, cultural beliefs in the is commonly referred to as ‘Filipino time’. However, symbols, and an extended romance with Christmas in
Philippines, Filipino customs and Filipinos will observe punctuality in a formal context such December. There are the passionate Hispanic tempos in
as important business meetings, appointments or when
traditions. Wherever you go, the visiting the doctor.
the dances of the plains of Luzon, the elegant Muslim
dances for wars and weddings from Mindanao, and the
Filipino culture and values are very ancient strains of indigenous music in the highlands. The
Visiting
evident and have largely been Do not refer to the woman of the house as ‘hostess’ as this country has quaint town squares that remind the
appreciated and even applauded in has an alternative meaning in the Philippines that is spectator of its colonial past, light breezy huts with fences
offensive. decked with bougainvillas along the country lanes,
many parts of the world. The Filipino It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before sprawling malls, high-rises and frantic city avenues,
culture and values are just among the entering someone’s home. The host may offer you slippers houses made of stones in typhoon-strewn islands in the
to wear inside the home. North and houses on stilts in the South.
good things that are appreciated by Try to accept any refreshments offered. Refusing them is Another writer observes that the Filipinos tendency
many people from across the world. In considered impolite. towards passionate profusion and unrestrained
To display their hospitality, Filipinos will often use their exuberance in his art stems from his exposure to nature's
the Philippines, family is valued so finest crockery and cutlery when they have a visitor. It lush, magnificent landscapes around him the whole year
much. Children live with their parents would be polite to comment on it out of acknowledgement
through. Thus the richly embroidered Barong Tagalog
for their efforts.
until they are married. The Filipino If there is a visitor, Filipinos are reluctant to take the last (national dress), baroque architecture in the 19th century
serving of any shared food served at a meal. and the flaming spectrum of colors in jeepney passenger
family culture is something that many If someone is eating and someone walks past, many cars, ice cream carts, Christmas lanterns, kalesa (horse
people applaud because the locals Filipinos will offer the person passing by to stop and eat. carriages), fiestas and religious processions.
However, this is not a literal offer but rather out of respect. Filipinos worship devoutly in their cathedrals and
value family time so much. mosques (the busy urban dwellers attend religious
Some other noteworthy and great Eating services inside shopping malls and al fresco, in parks and
Nearly all meals are served with rice. If a meal is not plazas). They can sing and recognize good singing when
Filipino values are as follow: served with rice, it is normally not considered a main meal they hear it. They smile at strangers and babies, and
1. Bayanihan Filipino culture but rather a snack. through queues, rainshowers and traffic. They socialize in
Many Filipinos eat with their hands or with a spoon and
2. Before, the Filipino men used to fork. However, they will often try their best to
parties and discotheques, as well as in markets and
community dances. They make and keep friendships over
serenade (harana) a woman he accommodate for their guests by finding suitable cutlery
food, over lambanog (coconut wine), over mobile phone
for their guest.
was courting. It is considered rude to lean on one’s arms when present text messaging. They are sentimental and devoted to
3. Filipinos call their older siblings at the dinner table. their families. They have profound respect for elders and
Filipinos may allow food to go cold before eating it as they show self-effacing hospitality for guests. They speak over
“ate” for older sisters and “kuya” wish to have all the dishes present on the table before 100 local languages and dialects, of which the Tagalog-
for older brothers to show respect. serving. based Filipino is the lingua franca, as well English, with an
It is common to leave food at the table just in case accent. They are basketball fans. They love Hollywood
4. Hospitable someone else arrives or is hungry later. films and television dramas. They are pedestrians who
5. So much respect for the elderlies chat while walking and they are the passengers in the
Gift Giving ubiquitous jeepneys. They love laughing, at themselves,
6. Pagmamano or kissing the elder’s Presentation is important, so Filipinos will take
their politics, their game shows. They are cosmopolitan in
head on the forehead considerable effort to make sure their gifts are well
presented and wrapped. their views but their values are rooted in their faith, their
7. Religious Filipinos will often put a lot of thought into their gifts and family and their community.
will give sentimental, thoughtful and/or practical gifts. The Filipinos' temperament is as warm and constant as
8. Palabra de Honor Gifts are generally not opened when received. Often one their sunshine. Their way of life is rich, diverse and rooted.
9. Pamamanhikan will thank the giver and set the gift aside. They are in harmony with others and face the world with
an engagingly courageous spirit. They are the 73 million
10. Pakikisama Filipinos