Philippine Culture: Food, Language and Beliefs

With a long history of colonial rule, the Filipino culture can be branded as both oriental and western. This country is marked with a fusion of cultures that can be attributed to the pre-Hispanic trading between local tribes with their Asian neighbors. Spain and America also played a key role in infusing certain beliefs and practices which are practiced up until today.

The Spanish influences in the Filipino culture is very evident in the Filipino's language, food, religion, and even in traditions and practices. Many Filipino words are derived from the Spanish language. For example, the Filipino word kamusta or hello is from the Spanish word como esta. The word pista which means celebration, comes from the Spanish word fiesta. Sabon or soap is jabon in Spanish while the term swerte or luck is from the Spanish word suerte.

Filipino cuisine is also influenced by the Hispanic occupation. Popular Filipino dishes like arroz valenciana or rice dish in tomato sauce, is inspired from traditional Spanish dish called paella. Another favorite dish is the longganisa which is the Filipino version of chorizo or sausage.

The colorful fiestas of the many provinces in the Philippines can also be traced from the Spanish colonization as most of these festivals are held in honor of a saint.

The Americans also placed their imprints in the Filipino culture. Basketball, a very popular sport in the country, was inherited from the Americans. Filipinos are also in tune with the trends in America including the latest in fashion, movies, and even their love for fast food restaurants.

English is also widely spoken in the country as a result of the American occupation. In fact, the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world.

The pre- Hispanic relations of native Filipinos with the Chinese also made an impact in the Filipino culture. Delicious delicacies such as pancit and mami or noodle base dishes, siomai or dumplings, as well as the belief in feng shui and swerte or luck is largely influenced by the Chinese.