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HudHud
The hudhud is no mere song. It's a musical record of Ifugao myths,
traditions and beliefs passed down orally from as far back as the 15th century, although some scholars believe it to be older.
Few know the hudhud chants, which can last as long as three days, by heart, and the ones who do today are as getting older.
The vast majority of Ifugao people have given up their traditional way of dress, their religion, and many of their rituals
and customs.
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The Family
Filipinos have a strong sense of family, Three generation often come
together. Aunts and uncles (tita's and tito's) help raise and discipline the children as secondary parents. In turn cousins
grow up as informal siblings. The grandparents and elderly members of the family are the family source of history and stories
and are taken care of until their last days. Visitors and guests to family gatherings would do well to pay their respects
to the elderly family members. Pagmamano, taking the elder person's right hand and bringing it to your forehead, is a great
sign of respect. Similarly, calling them lolo (grandfather) and lola (grandmother) and adding the honorific "Po" to your sentences denotes your recognition of their age and rank in the family
structure.
In a Philippine family every individual are owed a debt of gratitude for
bringing one into this world. Children never attain equal footing with parents, parents are always treated with respect and
the debt of gratitude is a lifetime one. Children are expected to serve their parents until their death. Through this system
the older citizens are provided and cared for. There is no need for nursing homes or homes for the aged. In fact, putting
one´s parents in such home would reflect badly on the individual and incur Hiya (shame). One would be labelled a bad son or
daughter who does not love one´s parents - probably the greatest sin in the eyes of Philippine society.
Family values are considered very important and high in the Philippines. The family is the base for all members and does not stop with the children. It includes grandparents, uncles, aunts
and cousins down to second or third level. Security and guidance is coming from within the family, where the members feel
responsible for each other. Major decisions are made within the family based on their mutual consent and likewise obligations
are precedence over obligations towards e.g. the employer. In addition to the blood relatives come the sponsors of children's
baptism or wedding assuming responsibility for that child.
Compared to Western standards punctuality is taken quite a different way.
unless one is working in a strict organized, western oriented corporation, appointments and deadlines are not meet in time
and it is widely accepted.
The close affinity with the family is linked to the influence from the
Chinese and has a major role still in today's family lives. Unlike in other cultures family life goes beyond the relation
ship between children and parents. It includes grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and even up to second or third cousins.
Family gatherings are always huge affairs. Advise of eldest is often thought and followed. The eldest sibling is the one most
respected and consulted after the parents.
For the Filipino daughter, the mother is the model, end normally it creates a special bond between mother and daughter.
Greater service is usually expected from the daughter than from the son when it comes to satisfying the mothers needs, On
the daughters part, mother is normal the first person she turns to in times of trouble and she is normal the first source
of knowledge on household and family matters.
Sisters play a very important
role in Philippine families, especially older sisters. An older sister is called Ate by her siblings. Ate is responsible for
the younger children and she may bathe, dress and feed them. This is necessary in large families where the mother cannot look
after all the children. Older children are taught early that it is their duty to help to take care of younger brothers and
sisters. This provides them with training and experience in house wifely and motherly duties. The oldest girl assumes this
role as soon as the second or third child comes along and not necessarily when she reaches a certain age. It is not uncommon
to see a small child carrying a younger brother or sister who is more than half her size.
Her role of "deputy mother" commands Ate the respect of her younger siblings who look to her advice in personal matters.
They are expected to obey her just as they do their mother, because she is there to look after their best interests. She may
serve as an intermediary between them and their parents particularly in large families where some of the children are not
as close to their parents or where parents are rather strict. In the event of the parents death it is she who takes responsibility
of keeping the family together.
The name Ate is also used among cousins or same-generation kin in relationships which operate along the lines described
above, a situation which is common in Filipino extended-kin systems.
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LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble
The mission of LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble is to educate and propagate the practice of Philippine folk dance and music
traditions. LIKHA was established in May 1992 by a collective of twelve (12) individuals who came together to celebrate Philippine
dance and culture. Under the artistic direction of Rudi C. Soriano, former dance soloist with the premier Bayanihan Philippine
Dance Company, LIKHA has nurtured a generation of young community dance enthusiasts and now boasts an active membership of
over 45 dancers and musicians.
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Kolintang, Gong music from Lanao : Muranao kakolintang
The kolintang is a counterpart of the Malaysian or Indonesian gamelan, except that it is an ensemble strictly of percussion
instruments. No wind or string instrument is played to accompany it. The principal eight-gong series (kolintang) is used to play a variety of meaningful compositions; the other
gongs and the drum follow its beat.
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THE FILIPINO NATIONAL TRADITION
Although the foreigners easily feel comfortable, sooner or later the culture shock comes due to
misunderstandings of cultural differences. One has to understand the main pilars of the Philippine values: pakikisama, hiya
and amor propio, utang na loob and of course the extended family.
- Pakikisama
means smooth social interaction.
Relationship no matter with whom and on what level should be without open conflict. To keep pakikisama the Filipinos in general
will avoid verbal confrontations, rude words or gestures, the direct decline of a request and will try to act polity and calm
although deep inside it boils. For this reason often-critical matters are negotiated through third parties. Pakikisama is
most important at work places and is considered as the key factor getting a job best done. The Western way of arguing, disagreeing
and being very straightforward or frank, is considered by many Filipinos as a breach of etiquette. Pakikasama means also the
willingness to share with one another the burdens as well as the rewards of living together.
- Amor
propio means self-esteem.
To make sure this is not hurt the Filipino is expected to be sensitive about the feelings of others. Shame and embarrassment,
called hiya, should not be caused to others! Often the sudden and intense violence in Filipino relations is caused by by "damaged"
amor propio.
- Utang
na loob meaning "debt of
gratitude" or "reciprocity", is important in the relationship within the families, the workplace and the neighborhood. It
is all about favors asked and favors paid. A Filipino feels honored to be asked a favor. He will not feel ashamed at later
stage to ask for a favor in return. They will do their best to fulfill and also to pay back according to their best abilities.
- Pagsasarili: The
will to secure for every Filipino the means to develop himself as a responsible human being.
- Pagkakaisa: The
building up of an articulated national community through forms of social rganization understood, accepted, and undertaken
by the people themselves.
- Pagkabayani: The
readiness to put the common good of the nation above the private interest, whether of one's own person, group, or class.
- Pakikipagkapwa-tao: Human
solidarity, but human solidarity understood as, first of all, a dedication to the development of one's own nation, so as to
enable it to participate on free and equal terms in the total development of mankind.
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Singkil
SINGKIL, a dance originating from Lanao del Sur, Mindanao is said to be a dance of Muslim royalty.
To the rythmic clapping of bamboo
poles, the dancers weave expertly through crisscrossed bamboos, the ladies dressed in elegant Muslim costumes waving great
big fans, the men flipping brightly colored handkerchiefs right and left.
The dancers wearing solemn faces and maintaining a dignified pose being dancing at a slow pace which soon progresses
to a faster tempo.
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Binanug of the Tala-andig
Bukidnon are another group of mountain people in Panay. "Bukid" means mountain and "non" is the Iligaynon term usually connected to people. Rituals and ceremonies
still being practiced arose from beliefs that the relationship between the spirits of the dead continues, and that environmental
spirits have influence over the affairs of men. Binanug is a dance of the Tala-andig of Bukidnon that imitates the movements
of a hawk named "Banug" as it glides in the sky.
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Most 'truth' comes from feeling with some based on faith in ideologies
and less based on objective facts. Because of occupation by global powers (China, Spain
and US) there have been many foreign influences resulting in a diverse culture. Individuals act in the context of the group,
usually the family. Nuclear and extended family are the main source of support and stability. Status consciousness may extend
to race and color: Whites may receive services before darker skinned people, even other Filipinos.
Shaking hands firmly is common. A greet is done by a frown with the eyebrows. Surnames should be used rather
than first names unless asked. Young, single men and women, casual acquaintances, business associates traditionally do not
have physical contact in public. A hug or a peck on the cheek in public is acceptable among family members and close friends.
Men or women who hold hands in public are accepted in the Philippines.
It is not acceptable to show anger in public. Everyone is
considered worthy of respect and the more important the person the more humbleness and generosity is expected. Harmony is
revered. Confrontation is hard and a person is more likely to say what the other person wants to hear rather than say "no."
For this reason "yes" can mean "I agree" or "Maybe" or "No" when said without enthusiasm.
A raised voice, the wrong intonation, the implication of incompetence, or excessive direct eye contact
can do major damage. Once you're perceived as arrogant and pushy, you're in interpersonal
quicksand. Among the forms taken by passive resistance in this context: not returning phone calls, e-mails, missing deadlines,
misinterpreting instructions, failure to follow through. Most of the time you won't even known what hit you until it's too
late.
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Pangalay
Pangalay is a traditional "fingernail" dance of the Tausug people of Jolo, from the southern Mindanao province of Sulu. The pangalay is commonly performed at weddings and
other social gatherings. The movements of this dance strongly resemble the movements of "kontaw silat," which is a martial
art of the southern Philippines. The name "Tausug" supposedly
means “People of the Current,” though it is also said to derive from tau, "person," and Suug which is the old
name for the island
of Jolo.
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Itangka
Itangka. A Maguindanaon Moro song in the Philippines. The native Maguindanaon have
a fascinating culture that revolves around kulintang music, a specific type of gong music, found among both Muslim and non-Muslim
groups of the Southern Philippines. Maguindanaon means "people of the flood plain" for they mainly inhabit the broad Pulangi
River valley and delta which occasionally flood.
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Most Filipino visitors are able to speak English.
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Older Filipino visitors of Chinese descent may not speak English, or understand some of the facilities available in
the room.
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Loyalty to family or friends comes first.
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Hospitality is a part of the Filipino character.
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Face' is important to the Filipino visitor.
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Age and status should be recognised and respected.
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Filipinos tend to be fatalistic (What will be, will be).
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The Philippines is a "have" and "have not" society.
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High levels of personal service are expected.
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Women are considered to have equal status.
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Filipinos (especially the women) tend to be conservative in interpersonal relationships.
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Physical contact should be kept to a minimum, especially between sexes. -Filipinos are used to bargaining.
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No-smoking rules and practices may need to be explained.
To a person who is not familiar or aware of the Philippine culture, understanding Filipinos
is like playing a game one has never played before and of which the rules have not been explained very well. Understanding
the values of Filipinos pose a challenge, to enjoy the game without missing the joys and fun of like living in the Philippines.
A stranger or foreigner who has a knowledge of or exposure to the Filipino society’s customs, etiquette, and
manners, is less likely to experience intense culture shock. Filipino Culture Getting to know the Filipinos is easy enough.
If you speak English, you will find that most of the Filipinos speak the language; and what’s more, they are only too
happy to make your acquaintance in English. Even if you don’t, the Filipino is so outgoing by nature that making friends
out of total strangers or chance acquaintances is simply being in character. Their
values and ways of life were shaped by several, sometimes conflicting cultures and the resulting blend is what makes their
own uniquely Filipino.
Unlike in some Western societies. A man who is interested in courting
a woman has to be discreet and friendly at first, in order not to be seen as too presko or mayabang (aggressive or too presumptuous). Friendly dates are often the starting point, often with a group of other friends. Later, couples may go out on their own, but this is still to be done discreetly. If the couple has decided to come out in the open about their romance, they will tell
their family and friends as well.
If a man wants to be taken seriously by a woman,
he has to visit the latter's family and introduce himself formally to the parents of the girl.
It is rather inappropriate to court a woman and formalize the relationship without informing the parents of the girl. It is always expected that the guy must show his face to the girl's family. And if a guy wants to be acceptable to the girl's family, he has to give pasalubong (gifts) every time
he drops by her family's house. It is said that in the Philippines, courting a Filipina means courting her family as well.
Filipino women are expected to be pakipot (playing hard to get) because it is seen as an appropriate behavior in a
courtship dance. By being pakipot, the girl tells the man that he has to
work hard to win her love. It is also one way by which the Filipina will be able
to measure the sincerity of her admirer. Some courtships could last years before
the woman accepts the man's love.
Filipino names are structured identically to Western/Australian names, with a given name followed by a surname/family
name. When addressing a Filipino visitor, the title (Mr, Mrs or Miss) and surname/family name should be used.
Filipinos are very curious
people. They stare without meaning anything offensive and they are very questioning. The Filipinos are from early days seldom
left alone and privacy as well as the need for it, is not known. Discussing personal matters and asking questions in this
direction, Filipinos are very open and frank.
This mixture of different cultures, influences of the East and the West, is well represented in today's famous Filipino
hospitality; in the charm and beauty of the people. A blend that makes foreigners easily feel at home and comfortable dealing
with the locals provided he is open minded, sensitive and to able integrates himself with the corresponding tolerance into
this community.
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KADANGYAN
KADANGYAN is an Ifugao term which means “Rich in Culture”. The group started from a group of visual and
performing artists and decided to concentrate into music as an ethnic band way back October of 2000. Now KADANGYAN specializes
in tribal and ethno - cultural music and performances and as an ethnic band. The group is also capable of performing acoustic
native rituals on stage, theatres and some private gatherings and occasions. (Live at MTV Siesta)
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Shaman
Shamanism in the Philippines refers to a range of traditional beliefs and practices
similar to Animism that claim the ability to diagnose and cure human suffering and, in some societies, the ability to cause
suffering. This is believed to be accomplished by traversing the axis mundi and forming a special relationship with, or gaining
control over, spirits. Shamans have been credited with the ability to control the weather, divination, the interpretation
of dreams, astral projection, and traveling to upper and lower worlds. Shamanistic traditions have existed throughout the
world since prehistoric times.
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"Shamans of Siquijor"
Over three hundred miles south of the Philippine capital of Manila lies the tropical island
of Siquijor, famous for its traditional healers, sorcerers, and witches. "Shamans of Siquijor"
follows three healers to learn about their practices and beliefs. With guidance from the supernatural world, healers cure
illnesses using medicinal herbs, incantations, a magical prayer wheel, and other means. This trailer is an introduction to
this healing culture. Is folk healing still valuable for the social and spiritual life of the community or just a dying relic
of old traditions?
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