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Early Filipinos
The Filipino culture in the past was valued and
developed even before the colonizers. The rich culture
of Philippine forefathers is evident in their social
classes, home, manner of dressing, body accessories,
education, music and dance, science, arts and
literature, even their way to courtship and marriage,
burial and mourning. Filipino forefathers valued
education. The early Filipinos in the past had their own
beliefs and ways of burying the dead, mourning and
getting married.
Early Filipinos were hospitable. This was shown in
situations like receiving guests and strangers. They
offered the visitors food an entertainment. They were
also conscious of cleanliness. They took a bath daily in
the river. They cleaned their teeth with fruits. They
used perfumes for their bodies. They put "gugo" in their
hair. Even their houses were kept clean and orderly.
Early Filipinos were trustworthy and honest. They paid
their debts on time. Likewise, they kept their promises.
Spanish Period
During the Spanish period, development was focused more
on religion. The Spanish culture was more enjoyed and
welcomed by the Filipino-Spanish families and the
wealthy Filipino families. The Filipino society was
divided into three classes: Principalia, Ilustrado and
the Masses. Many Filipino made big names in the fields
of Music, Art, Literature and Science. Padre Anacleto
Cerra's bamboo organ in the church of Las Piņas became
popular worldwide. Women had minor roles in the society
but were respected by men.
Despite the oppressive control of the Spaniards, native
Filipino Culture progressed and developed especially in
the outskirts of Manila. The literary world became rich
in legends, epics, folktales, riddles, country songs,
wise cracks and etc. The famous epics are "Darangan" of
the Maranaos, Hudhud at Alim" of the Ifugaos, "Biag-ni-Lam-ang"
of the Ilocanos, and "Ibalon" of the Bicolanos.
In the music world, some old country songs can still be
heard today. Some of these are "Manang Biday" and "Pamulinawen"
from the Ilocanos, "Sitsiritsit" and "Doon Po Sa Amin"
of the Tagalogs, "Atin Ku Pung Singsing" from the
Pampangos, and "Ako Kini si Anggi" from the Visayas.
American Period
American Influences can still be seen in the country's
system of education, literature, art, architecture,
science, industry, home, food, clothes, religion,
pastimes, music and dances. Filipinos took education
seriously which resulted to the high social status of
some Filipinos. The Filipinos learned how to read, speak
and write English in a short matter of time. The free
exchange of goods between the United Stated and the
Philippines ended when the U.S. Congress approved the
Tydings-Mcduffie Law. Through the Homestead Act, the
right to own any civil land up to 24 hectares was given
to any Filipino. The Protestant religion was accepted by
the Filipinos. The social status of Filipino Women
during the American period. They were allowed to
participate in politics, to work in the government, and
to pursue their studies in college. Matters like health
and cleanliness were improved. Transportation and
communication in the Philippines were developed.
The influence of the American culture brought about good
and bad aspects to the Philippines. Many roads and
bridges were constructed. New technologies were
introduced to the country. These technologies helped the
Philippines' industries and agriculture. All these
developments were made for the convenience of the
Americans in the Philippines most especially the
businessmen. Philippine people might have enjoyed some
benefits but they were not the real reasons why such
developments were made. The rules that had been imposed
by the Americans to the Filipinos in relation to health
and education also had negative effects. The Americans
imposed these rules to achieve their main objective,
which is to colonize and use the country and its people.
Education was the most useful means or ways in pursuing
a peaceful relationship with the Filipinos. Through
education, the Americans influenced the Filipinos in
terms of the way they eat, to love the American culture
and most of all, to prioritize American products.
If the Spaniards used religion as an excuse to capture
Filipino's hearts and minds, the Americans poisoned our
way of thinking through education. Because of these, the
Filipino have neglected and set aside their own culture
and their own identity.
Japanese Period
The arrival of the Japanese caused tremendous fear,
hardships and suffering among the Filipinos. The
Filipino way of life was greatly affected during the
Japanese period. The Filipinos lost their freedom of
speech and expression. The development of art was also
stopped. Filipinos greatly feared the "zoning". There
were Filipinos spies hired by the Japanese to point
those who were suspected of being part of the guerilla
movement. The Japanese made some changes in the system
of education. |
