This is a guest post by Mimi
The Philippines is known for its rich culture. It is also abundant in natural attractions like Boracay, Surigao, Palawan, etc. The Philippines has 7,641 islands by itself. It was divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. So Let’s started with THE PHILIPPINES: CULTURAL FACTS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.
Living, Migrating, or Visiting the Philippines for the first time is memorable. You would fall in love with its natural attractions and local culture. Once you step up to the ground, all you need to include in your baggage are thin clothes and bottled water because of the hot and humid weather you will experience. That’s why travelers finding good hotel resorts for their stay in the said country.
CULTURAL FACTS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nourishing the “Mano Po,” Opo,” and ‘Po” Polite Culture
The traditional culture “Mano Po” and using of “Opo” & “Po” is still nourishing nationwide in the Philippines. Mano Po is a hand gesture that derived from the Spanish period. You usually do “Mano Po” by showing your respect to those older than you. (like your grandparents, aunt, and uncle).
Using Po & Opo is also necessary for traditional culture in the Philippines. When you talk to an older person in a conversation or someone you didn’t know as showing respect. You can add “Po” at the middle or end of the Filipino sentence. “Opo” is used when you agreed with someone with respect.
They are around 180 languages used in the country.
The Philippines is known to have two main languages using in their daily interaction for both local and international guests. Both English and Tagalog mainly use for communication which shortens as “Taglish.” Most young professionals preferred it that way. Unlike in many other provinces, they are still using their dialect.
Some of the Languages: Tagalog, Waray, Bikol, Cebuano, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Hiligaynon, and Pangasinan.
Birthday Celebrant must buy food for their invitees.
Every birthday celebrants want to feel special on their birthday. Having fun with family, friends, and relatives comes with a blessing. However, the birthday culture in the Philippines is different. Unlike its neighbor countries, the Philippines has its own birthday culture. In this case, it became mandatory for every person who has a birthday must buy food for their invitees to share their blessings with them for fun.
It was a tricky purpose, right? However, it was a sign of sharing your gratitude with everyone.
BOODLE FIGHT OR KAMAYAN FOOD CULTURE
Boodle Fight is common in Kamayan culture restaurants. When you heard “Boodle fight,” it doesn’t mean literally “fight.” That was considered a food challenge in a food festival in the Philippines. It was popular to the point you must eat your meal in banana leaves using your bare hands. Boodle fight was also one of the anticipated food dining experience of many Local & Internation Tourist coming over from their respected places or country.
Some food includes in Kamayan Culture are rice & noodles, chicken wings, breakfast meals: tapa, tocino, longganisa, dry dishes, and many more.
THE PHILIPPINES’ WONDER WITH ITS CULTURE
Despite the current situation worldwide, The vision of traveling in every country is still achieving like an invisible traveler. If you ever have the chance, visiting the Philippines, all you need to process is your plane ticket since most countries don’t require you to enter with a visa for tourists. Unless you are from these countries, you’ll need to apply for Philippine Visa.
The Philippines’ Wonder has a lot to offer. You can enjoy different leisure activities in the community while learning the Filipino culture. If you keep wondering why Filipinos are so resilient that is because of their hardworking mindset and keep on smiling despite challenges they take whenever they go. Also, it leads to being hospitable at all times whenever they encounter another person that needs their help like finding the right route or place they want to go, recommending side options to solve the problem of one person with assistance in work, and many more.
If you want to read more amazing content like this, check out Mimi’s blog Youth Solo Artsy
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