Sunday, November 15, 2009

A closer look at the Filipino culture


by Alexa

There were some days in your life when you wished you could predict how the weather turns out at the end of the day. Days that were far too important and special to be simply ruined by an uninviting heavy rain. Wouldn’t it be amazingly perfect to have a romantic dinner under the canopy of the stars? Or to glow beautifully on your glorious wedding day? Wouldn’t life be much more endearing for someone to be comforted by the thought that there will be sunshine on the coldest days of December until February?

For a person who has lived all his life in the Philippines, or in any tropical place, an automatic yes to all these questions provides a colorful discussion of the country’s unpredictable but wonderful weather and temperature.

With a geographical location that is set in the tropics, the humid and cold climates are the constant companion in the ordinary life of a native Filipino. This in turn has affected the common laidback lifestyle found in almost every household. The unhurried and relaxed way of life always raises the issue, here and abroad, about the country's productivity and efficiency. However, no matter how pleasant and harsh the observations were about the behaviors and attitudes of the people, it is undeniable that the essence of the whole Filipino culture never fails to attract a multitude of foreign visitors. 

For over a hundred years, the Philippines endured the complex aftermath of colonialism and discrimination. Freedom was suppressed and the original Filipino culture was almost forgotten. During the darkest days of helplessness and hopelessness, nothing and no one has completely stamped out the beauty of the mountainous green fields and the majestic blue waters.

This unexplainable wonder of paradise is one of the biggest elements that shape the culture and tradition of the Filipino people. The timeless beauty of beaches, the passion for music, and the mouth-watering exotic foods are, among other things, the most popular and the most common aspects of life in the Philippines. The country's climate, although hot and humid between the months of March and May, is almost a luxury for a person who dreads the fierce temperature of the winter season.

Perhaps Christianity and the English language are the two greatest legacies of colonialism given to Filipinos. The people simply and joyously thrive on religious festivities and practices. Most religious practices in some provinces, cities, or towns have become increasingly popular worldwide. Religion does not entirely dictate the ways of life, but it provides a profound source of inspiration and wisdom.

Over time, the country's knowledge and ability to speak the English language never fail to surprise and to charm the world. It is an eternal proud moment in every Filipino's life to be able to speak the international tongue. Today, the English language is unquestioningly the most visible feature in the Filipino literature, music, education, politics, and mass media.

English was embraced as part of who and what a Filipino is. It was first given to the country more than a century ago. Now it is the Filipino's big responsibility to give it back to the world. Everyday is the perfect time to show gratitude for the gift of language. Perhaps the most remarkable way to do this is to teach English to those who desire to learn and to master the language that is spoken in almost every corner worldwide.





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