What are some unique Filipino customs, norms, and values?

Pao Fuentebella

 · 

Follow

Filipino ako. 6y

What are some unique Filipino customs, norms, and values?

Customs and norms:

• Superstitions.
  It’s a normal sight to see the crucifix and buddha sitting beside each other in a Filipino house. We believe in Chinese charms such as eight horses and gold coins. There was a time when kids rooms had a dream catcher. And they say we’re conservative Catholics.
• Lip pointing.
  Speaking of superstition, the reason why Filipinos are so fond of pointing with lips rather than our finger is because we don’t want to offend the engkanto’s and diwata’s. Finger pointing is considered rude and will get you in trouble, at least, that’s how it was in the past.

photo: @phildaysfest

• Fiesta.
  Or feast. The traditional fiesta is where homes open up to friends, neighbors, travellers, passersby, and strangers to eat. As long as the gates are open, you can literally walk inside someone’s house and eat their food. Nowadays, people are more private for good reasons. But the traditional fiesta is more accomodating and less judging.
• Week-long holidays. Namely, Holy Week and Christmas.
  These two are Catholic-centered, but brothers and sisters of another religion can enjoy these non-working holidays as well. Holy Week is the worst time to visit provinces because everyone is in the beach at this time of the year.
  Also, these guys…

photo: Pinterest

Don’t worry, they did that to themselves. No one forced them. Penitence or penetensya is a weird, gory way to show repentance. It’s not some cult thing either. Most of these guys are average Filipinos who “sinned” too much. As in, gambled all year long, drunkards, addicts, etc. Women have their version too, you see that cross? Filipinas who partake in the penitensya carry that around.

How does it work?

1. Penitensya starts in the nearest cemetery where they are prayed upon and showered with holy water.
2. Meanwhile, in the streets, there are stations or kubol that are scattered around the nearest church.
3. The penitensya’s will proceed to the first station, pray the first part of the rosary. Their apprentice will then cut small lines on their backs. Then they will lie face down, while someone they trust whip their backs or butts. Why? I don’t know…probably to produce more blood.
4. After that, they will walk while whipping themselves with those wood (sometimes chains, but I was told that wood is more effective)

1. They should finish the whole fourteen stations and end at the outside of the church for final blessing. But no one monitors them. Anyone can quit anytime they wish to.

Note: The Catholic Church don’t encourage this. Especially the crucifixion. But this, along with the processions are variations of Filipino pagan traditions that Spaniards had to adapt in order to convert most Filipinos to their religion.

Values:

• The usual Asian values.
  Close family ties, respect for elders, great regards for education. One thing that sets us apart, however, is that we don’t seem to take adversity as seriously as others.

Even they thought it was a good idea.

Of all the Filipino tourist ads you’ll see, these are the truest of true that you will definitely witness here.

• Sensitive.
  We like to make fun our situation, we’re capable of looking down at ourselves and recognizing that, most of the time, we suck. And even though we’re not okay with that, we can’t help but laugh at ourselves. So when a foreigner points out our flaws, we flinch, crack our knuckles and whisper to each other what an idiotic jerk this foreigner is. We know our faults, you don’t need to tell us. Let us enjoy our misfortune, and we’ll be friends.

Photo source: A SMILE that can overcome anything

Thanks for the A2A Marianne!