Literature
Literature in the Philippines really only began developing during the colonial times when Spain brought their culture and language to the Philippines in 1565. Religion and institutions that represented European civilization enriched the languages in the lowlands and introduced theater. Natives were not taught Spanish, but bilingual individuals like Gaspar Aquino de Belen were. He produced poetry written in Roman script in the Tagalog language.
Religious lyrics versed in both Tagalog and Spanish were included in early catechism and were used to help teach Filipinos the Spanish language. Secular, or nonreligious, works appeared with economic and historical changes, like the emergence of a rich upper class and a middle class that could take advantage of European education. These Filipinos could now read printed works that used to be the exclusive domain of the missionaries. The most notable of secular works were produced by many poets, including the leading Jose Corazon de Jesus, Francisco Balagtas, Leona Florentino, Jacinto Kawili, Isabelo de los Reyes, and Rafael Gandioco.
Modern literature was brought about with the introduction of new literary forms such as free verse and the modern short story in the early 20th century. American influence was very integrated into the Philippines because of the firm establishment of English as the way of giving instruction in all schools by the United States of America. In that time, you could find literature in English, Spanish, or one of the many native languages of the Philippines, like Tagalog.
Religious lyrics versed in both Tagalog and Spanish were included in early catechism and were used to help teach Filipinos the Spanish language. Secular, or nonreligious, works appeared with economic and historical changes, like the emergence of a rich upper class and a middle class that could take advantage of European education. These Filipinos could now read printed works that used to be the exclusive domain of the missionaries. The most notable of secular works were produced by many poets, including the leading Jose Corazon de Jesus, Francisco Balagtas, Leona Florentino, Jacinto Kawili, Isabelo de los Reyes, and Rafael Gandioco.
Modern literature was brought about with the introduction of new literary forms such as free verse and the modern short story in the early 20th century. American influence was very integrated into the Philippines because of the firm establishment of English as the way of giving instruction in all schools by the United States of America. In that time, you could find literature in English, Spanish, or one of the many native languages of the Philippines, like Tagalog.
Etiquette and Customs
- Handshakes are a common greeting in the Philippines.
- Female friends may hug when they meet.
- When dining with a spoon and fork in the Philippines, use the fork in the left hand to guide food into the spoon in your right hand.
- Academic or professional titles, along with the person's surname should be used until you are invited to use their first name or their nickname.
- Business appointments should be made 3-4 weeks in advance.
- Do not schedule meetings the week before Easter (Holy Week). Most Filipinos are Roman Catholic and the week leading up to Easter is a very religious time.
Values and Attitudes
Most Filipino values are centered at maintaining social harmony.
- The family is the center of social structure. It includes nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and other relations like godparents, sponsors, and close family friends.
- Filipinos value respect and are taught to become respectful individuals.
- Females are expected to lend a hand in household work. In parenthood, they are expected to become caring and nurturing mothers for their children.
- Males are expected to assume the role of becoming the primary source of income and financial support of his family.
- Filipinos are known for taking optimistic standpoints about the future, and pessimistic standpoints with regards to presents situations and events.
Language and Religion
Since the Philippines is an archipelago, or a large group of islands, there are many different dialects/languages that developed in the Philippines. Different languages range between 120 and 175, depending on the method of classification. Filipino and English are the official languages of the Philippines today, but Spanish was once the national and official language as well. This was when the Spanish ruled the Philippines for more than three centuries. Under the occupation of the United States of America, English began to be taught in schools. Tagolog, one of the Filipino dialects, was ultimately chosen as the base language of the Philippine on December 30, 1937.
According to the 2000 Philippine census, the 18 most spoken Filipino languages are Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Coastal Bikol, Pangasinan, Meranaw, Tausug, Maguindanao, Chavacano, Kinaray-a, Surigaonon, Masbateño, Aklanon, Ibanag, Yakan, Español, and Eskayan.
The Philippines is one of the only Christian nations in Asia. More than 80% of the population is Roman Catholic, with another 2% belonging to more than 100 Protestant denominations. 4% are Muslim, and the remaining 2 follow non-Western, indigenous beliefs and practices. Before the Spanish colonized the Philippines for well over 3 centuries, religious beliefs consisted of gods, spirits, creatures, and men that guarded streams, fields, trees, mountains, forests, and houses.
The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is a part of the worldwide Catholic Church, with its head being the Pope. Christianity in the Philippines was introduced by Spanish missionaries and colonists, beginning in the early 16th century. Basic Roman Catholic beliefs are based on the New Testament of the Holy Bible. They believe and follow seven Sacraments that are Baptism, Eucharist, Confession, Ordination to Ministry, Marriage of Christians, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick.
A few Popes of the Catholic Church have visited the Philippines at least once. Pope John Paul II visited twice, in 1981 and 1995. Most recently, Pope Francis visited from January 15 to 19, 2015.
According to the 2000 Philippine census, the 18 most spoken Filipino languages are Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Coastal Bikol, Pangasinan, Meranaw, Tausug, Maguindanao, Chavacano, Kinaray-a, Surigaonon, Masbateño, Aklanon, Ibanag, Yakan, Español, and Eskayan.
The Philippines is one of the only Christian nations in Asia. More than 80% of the population is Roman Catholic, with another 2% belonging to more than 100 Protestant denominations. 4% are Muslim, and the remaining 2 follow non-Western, indigenous beliefs and practices. Before the Spanish colonized the Philippines for well over 3 centuries, religious beliefs consisted of gods, spirits, creatures, and men that guarded streams, fields, trees, mountains, forests, and houses.
The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is a part of the worldwide Catholic Church, with its head being the Pope. Christianity in the Philippines was introduced by Spanish missionaries and colonists, beginning in the early 16th century. Basic Roman Catholic beliefs are based on the New Testament of the Holy Bible. They believe and follow seven Sacraments that are Baptism, Eucharist, Confession, Ordination to Ministry, Marriage of Christians, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick.
A few Popes of the Catholic Church have visited the Philippines at least once. Pope John Paul II visited twice, in 1981 and 1995. Most recently, Pope Francis visited from January 15 to 19, 2015.