II. FILIPINO CULTURAL IDENTITY

Filipino Cultural Identity

• is a multifaceted & dynamic blend of indigenous, colonial, & global influences

• that reflects the Philippines’ diverse histories, languages, traditions, & values.

• Being shaped by the country’s geography & socio-political context

Bayanihan; Community Spirit

• tao / community

• bayani; hero

• filipino tries to connect to kapwang filipino

• relational /participative

• eg: farmers

  • paglusong / pagtulong sa iba kahit nde nila property

• the more the merrier

Kapwa; Shared Self

• an extension of yourself / pakikisama

• shared identity and inter connectedness

• as one; kabayan

• ways of doing things that distinguishes us

• kaputol / utol

  • kapatid

Utang Na Loob; Debt Of Gratitude

• loob – concept of self

  • interiority

  • negative & positive

  • sama ng loob / magandang loob

• maximalism being a cultural thing

• nahhinayang na may hindi magamit

Filipinos Are Highly Participative

everyone

filipinos love to connect

Indigenous Foundations

• the early Filipino identity was rooted in indigenous traditions, animistic beliefs, & a communal way of life.

• Language, rituals, & craftsmanship varied among the archipelago’s ethnic groups, such as the Tagalogs, Ilocanos, Visayans, and Lumads.

Colonial Influence Spanish Period

• introduced catholicism, the feudal system,m & western art forms, often blending w/ Indigenous practices

• many traditions, such as fiestas, were hybridized during this time

American Period

• emphasis shifted to education, democracy, & a capitalist economy, 

• English became widespread, introducing modern literature, theater, & visual arts

Japanese Occupation

• ______________ cultural elements briefly entered filipino consciousness esp in art, literature, & language

Nationalism & Post-Colonial Synthesis

• rise of Filipino nationalism in the 19th century, led by figures like Jose Rizal & Andres Bonifacio, spurred awareness of Filipino identity  distinct from colonial powers

• Post-independence, an effort was made to unify diverse regional identities under a shared national narrative

Globalization & Contemporary Influences

In the modern era, migration, global media, and international collaborations have further enriched Filipino identity, creating a balance between preserving traditions and embracing global trends.

Revisiting And Revitalizing Traditional Arts

• Promote Indigenous art forms like weaving, tattooing, and oral literature, ensuring their preservation and relevance.

• Support initiatives that connect contemporary artists with Indigenous

Encouraging Filipino Narratives

• Create art reflecting Filipino history, struggles, and aspirations, ensuring local stories are told authentically.

• Use theater, film, and literature to highlight unique aspects of Filipino life, such as the balikbayan experience or rural-urban dynamics.

Fostering A National Aesthetic

Develop a cohesive yet inclusive national aesthetic by combining regional styles and elements into modern expressions, such as integrating banig patterns or Indigenous motifs in fashion and architecture

Promoting Filipino Art Globally

• showcase Filipino art on international platforms while staying rooted in Filipino experiences and identity.

• Build institutions and programs that elevate Filipino artists in global dialogues.

Incorporating Filipino Values Into Creative Work

• Infuse the Bayanihan, Kapwa, and respect for nature into artistic practices, making these values visible to audiences.

• Highlight communal creativity through collaborations, murals, and participatory art projects.

Strengthening Art Education

• Incorporate Filipino art history and cultural studies into curriculums at all levels

• Provide spaces for young artists to experiment with combining tradition and innovation.

Exploring New Media And Technologies

Use digital tools, like virtual reality or AI, to reinterpret Filipino identity globally while preserving cultural authenticity.

Felipe De Leon

• pioneer in identifying Filipino culture

• culture is easier to understand as a verb

• to culture is to cultivate: a skill

wika

pangunahing elemento ng kultura ay?

wika

• ginagamit sa lahat

• it roots to your own language

• nakakalimutan na lahat sa kultura pero hahanap hanapin mo pa rin ang nakasanayan mo

• u wont ever forget your_______

every culture has a henyo

• kung saan sila magaling

• eg: japanese are the best when it comes to working with precision like bonsai; small things work better for less resources

• Filipino’s ______ is human connectivity

  • there are so many ways to connect to people like fiestas

  • we find ways na makipag sama sama