CUSTOMS OF THE PHILIPPINES

CUSTOMS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Marcos Santiago Evangelista Y Santos

            The Philippine Culture is a complex and diverse for it was a mixture of various cultures like the Chinese, Spanish, American and even Mexican culture and tradition. This intermingling of various practices, customs and mores greatly contributed to the unique characteristics, traits and traditions that are outstanding and extraordinary.

Family: The Center of the Filipino family

            Typically, the Filipino Family is composed of the father, the mother and the children. And in most cases, the grandparents, in-laws, helpers and extended families all live in the same house. In its four corners, a child is being reared in accordance to their family tradition and heritage. He is taught how to think, act and behave in the Filipino context. The family is patriarchal in nature, in which the father is the head of the family who carries out the decisions and orders in the house including the upbringing of the children. He is also regarded as the main provider of the house: food, shelter, clothing and finances but nowadays “house husbands”, as they tag it are now common due to migration and job opportunities abroad. The mother on the other hand is responsible in the moral and spiritual education of the children and unity in the house. She may be allowed to work, but her husband’s amor propio (face) will be deeply wounded, which can bring humiliation among his friends and even relatives.  What is unique with Filipino Families is the presence of extended families living within the same roof. Tito, Tita, Lolo and Lola and even second degree relatives stay together because of solidarity instilled in the society. The Bayanihan Spirit is still practiced within the family for they believe that “Walang mabigat na Gawain kung lakas ay pagsasamasamahin” (There are no heavy tasks if there is solidarity) Though there may have problems and misunderstandings, particularly jealousy among them, they can always be relied on and disputes are normally settled before they sleep.

            Filipinos are very protective of their family reputation and status in the society.  Families are tagged by their folks and neighbors based on their profession or hobbies. Some examples are“Mga Cruz na magba-baboy” or “Pamilya ng mga Maestra (teacher)”A fight of a member is a fight of everybody. If a male member of the family gets in trouble (usually in street ramble), other male members will come along. The same manner happens with female members who will usually swear and say horrible things against each other, although physical fight (scratching and slapping) rarely happens. They will do everything to preserve the dignity and honor of each family member for the whole clan. A single misdeed will lead to negative feedbacks in the community. Reunions are also common, especially during Christmas Vacations. If not, they only see each other during Weddings funeral services for a deceased member. Reunions, Weddings and gatherings are a means of Socialization in the Philippines . Just like Town Fiestas it is very extravagant and full of laughter and chatting. Delicious delicacies and enticing Pinoy cuisines are also prepared to delight the guests. Most of the time, they even take some home upon commenting to the guest that “Ang sarap ng Caldereta o ng luto mo.”  Filipino Hospitality is greatly showcased at various celebrations and social gatherings. Pinoys are fond of saying“Kumusta ka na?” or “Ayos ba tayo dyan” whenever they pass by a friend or a relative of course for those who have not seen each other for a long period of time, bidahan “chatting marathon” follows. Even in the middle of the street or in the midst of a hectic work, Filipinos will always find time for their loved ones.

            No matter how hard the times will be Filipinos will always have those welcoming and heartwarming smiles that summarize the Filipino identity of Solidarity, Hospitality and a family equipped with moral social responsibilities that makes the society compact and stable. It is definitely true that, being a Filipino is a thing to be proud of.