13 Filipino Traditions: Guide To The Rich Culture Of The Philippines

Are you wondering about Filipino traditions? I was born and raised in the Philippines. As Filipino, collectively we are known for our gracious hospitality. There is more to it than that, I would like to share with you some other common Filipino traditions that are worth knowing to understand the essence of being a Filipino.

The stunning white sand beaches and the azure waters of the Philippines are its most well-known features. Every year, millions of people travel to places like Boracay to experience a vacation in a tropical island paradise. Tourists also visit the home of one of the UNESCO sites in the Philippines, Palawan.

For those interested in exploring the Philippines’ many wonders, the country has a lot more to offer. If all you do in the Philippines is hang out on the white sand beaches, you’ve only scratched the surface of what the country has to offer.

The Philippines is home to a vibrant culture that is rooted in thousands of years of history and customs. The phrase “melting pot of western and eastern cultures” is frequently used to describe it. The customs of the native Austronesian people have a significant impact on Philippine traditional culture. Additionally, Indonesian, Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, and American influences can be seen in the cultural landscape.

Read more: 16 Filipino Culture and Values To Know and Love

Here are some of the Filipino traditions:

1. Bayanihan (We Are Heroes to Each Other)

The word “bayanihan,” which is derived from the words “bayan,” which means “community,” and “bayani,” which means “heroes,” describes the phenomenon that takes place when Filipinos come together to perform heroic acts for those in need without expecting anything in return. It is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Philippines to help people, even complete strangers, without being asked.

Filipinos value bayanihan. They love their country as much as they love their fellow countrymen. Whenever one of their countrymen is in need, they are willing to help. This is because Filipinos believe that the things that happen to some will eventually happen to the rest of them as well.

You will observe that the values of the Filipino people are extremely intertwined. When they speak of Bayanihan, for example, you will notice that it has something to do with “malasakit”(concern), “pakikipagkapwa-tao” (fellowship), “pagdadamayan” (empathy), “pakikisama”(companionship), and “utang na loob” (sense of gratitude and generosity).

2. Giving Respect to Elders by “Pagmamano”

Being a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines has some traditions that the Filipinos have adopted. Respecting elders is a distinctive tradition in every Filipino family. 

Young Filipinos frequently show their respect for the elderly by making the “pagmamano” gesture. The elder does this by lightly striking the young person’s forehead with his or her right hand. The elder will typically say, “Kaawaan ka ng Diyos” (May God have mercy on you), especially in the provinces Elders frequently utter “Bless you” or “God Bless You” in densely populated areas like Manila.

In addition, you can hear people saying “po” and “opo” in the Philippines. When speaking to elders or other people they respect, Filipinos use these words to express their respect. In a conversation, they typically punctuate or end a typical sentence. 

When responding to inquiries from an elder or other respected person, “opo” can occasionally be used in place of “yes.” Although this tradition is rarely practiced in some provinces, especially those in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, This is because the Philippines’ geography has led to some minor differences in customs and traditions.

Filipinos believe that respect is not something that is requested; instead, it is something that is given to someone who deserves it. You must respect yourself before you can expect others to respect you.

3. 4-month Christmas Season

You’ll experience months of holiday spirit and celebration if you ever visit the Philippines during the Christmas season. You have plenty of time to travel during the holiday season because the Philippines boasts the longest Christmas celebration in the world, lasting from September through December (sometimes even until  the third or fourth week of January!)

If you travel to the Philippines in September, you will experience the festive mood created by the carolers on the streets. Additionally, professional carollers will visit every home in the neighborhood to sing.

From the most elaborate to the simplest Christmas lights and ornamental parasols, Christmas decorations will start to appear in houses. As we get closer to Christmas, the festive mood will only get better. Don’t be shocked if your friends keep inviting you to their Christmas parties.

Participate in the Simbang Gabi or midnight mass from December 16 to 24. A long-standing custom in the Philippines is to try to make it to all nine of the midnight mass services before Christmas.

However, it won’t matter if you don’t finish it. Vendors outside the church sell “puto bumbong” and “bibingka”, two traditional Christmas treats. You’ll be treated to Noche Buena feasts on Christmas Eve with friends you made in the Philippines.

4. Special Occasion Dinners at Jollibee

Have you ever seen a bumble bee sporting a red chef’s hat, shirt, and blazer? That is Jollibee!

The primary mascot of the biggest fast-food chain in the Philippines is Jollibee. Despite being adored by people of all ages, children, in particular, find it appealing because of its endearing appearance. Jollibee is an adorable and talented mascot that performs dances in line with current trends, in contrast to the frightful clown. It was once featured in the popular TV series Parts Unknown by Anthony Bourdain.

Filipinos are known for being family-oriented, so when there are special occasions like passing an exam, receiving recognition at work or school, graduating, or celebrating a birthday, among others, they frequently spend their evenings at Jollibee. The majority of Filipinos cannot explain this, but special occasions would not be complete without Jollibee.

The commitment of Jollibee Philippines to the ongoing success of Filipinos serves as its driving force. This is evident in the restaurant’s family-oriented services, which extend from the greetings to the distinctively Filipino flavors of the food. The store’s committed staff, who are all well-trained and work in a friendly, family-like environment, is another source of strength. This makes every Jollibee location a fun place to be, and that is why it is one of the best things to do in Manila.

5. The Love for Lechon

Food is more than just what you consume. They share stories with you in ways that you are unaware of. The culture and traditions of the Philippines are fundamentally reflected in Filipino cuisine. Simply by making each dish unique, Filipinos elevate every occasion. Lechon is one of the most popular Filipino dishes that you need to try in the Philippines.

One must try this flavorful roasted pig at many festivals. It is cooked over charcoal. For “paksiw na lechon” or “sinigang”, leftovers can be stewed with vinegar and spices. On the outside, it is hot and crispy, and on the inside, it is flavorful and tender.

Due to the country’s extensive colonial history, Filipino cuisine has a lot in common with other cuisines. This gave rise to distinctive cooking techniques and flavor combinations that produce food that Filipinos can be proud of. Food is more than just something to fill your stomach for Filipinos. It is the result of hard work and creative inspiration.

6. The Boodle Fight

Even though Filipinos have a small stature it is not obvious that Filipinos love to eat. Because of the distinctiveness and variety of their cuisine, the Philippines is referred to as Asia’s melting pot. Filipinos are unable to eat without rice on any given day. Boodle fights are popular around here.

This activity will be a huge hit with foodies. A boodle fight is a large feast that is enjoyed with family or friends without any formalities, not necessarily a fight. It is mainly not using cutleries and eating by hand or locally called “kamayan”, the Filipino way, you will experience authentic cuisine.

One enormous banana leaf is used to serve the entire spread of traditional Filipino dishes. The most well-known Filipino dishes, made with regional ingredients, will be laid out on the banana leaf. This typically consists of grilled seafood, meats, fruit, and vegetable slices, as well as copious amounts of white rice.

You will take a seat at the table with your friends, surround the food there, and help yourself. A group of people frequently gather to enjoy a “boodle fight feast” at seaside restaurants. Disposable plastic gloves are available if you don’t want to get your hands dirty and miss out on the experience.

If you want to engage in boodle fighting with your friends, you won’t have to look very far. A boodle fight feast is frequently included in the itinerary of Philippine island-hopping tours in well-known locations like Siargao and Palawan to give guests a full tropical island vacation experience.

7. Visita Iglesia every Holy Week

For committed Catholics in the Philippines, making the annual pilgrimage to Vistas Iglesia is a tradition. During Holy Week, most frequently on Maundy Friday or Good Friday, the followers would go to 7 churches in a single day at this location.

The most devoted Filipino Catholics would typically stroll barefoot between churches to say their prayers. However, it is also a recognized and customary practice for devotees to travel by car to all seven churches, particularly when the locations are far apart.

Catholic travelers are more than welcome to participate in Visita Iglesia during this time. As you make a pilgrimage to different places, you’ll feel a unique but exciting energy. Additionally, it’s the best way to experience Catholicism in the Philippines while seeing the stunning historic churches in the shortest amount of time possible.

Religion in the Philippines has a long history dating back to the time of Spanish colonization. This makes the Visita Iglesia accessible in any Philippine region with a majority Catholic population.

As long as you behave respectfully, participating in the activity won’t present a problem if you’re not Catholic or even religious. If they don’t have a chaperone, joining pilgrimage tours is one of the best ways for foreign visitors to experience Visita Iglesia.

8. Filipinos Love Singing (and Drinking!)

Through the locals themselves, one of the best ways to experience the true beauty and spirit of the Philippines. Filipinos are among the friendliest and most hospitable people you’ll ever meet, and they’ll always greet you with a smile.

Ask around if you’re looking for a good time, and you’ll soon run into amicable locals heading to a celebration or “inuman” (drinking session). Filipinos always welcome new faces in their friend groups, so don’t be hesitant to accept their invitation.

Join the locals of the Philippines for a drink. Filipinos not only enjoy drinking alcohol; it is also part of their culture to believe that telling stories over a plate of “pulutan” (beer snacks) and a few bottles of liquor will strengthen friendships.

In Filipino culture, drinking alcohol and karaoke are inseparable. The best way to have fun, in the opinion of the Filipino people, is to sing. Additionally, as long as everyone is having a good time, they typically don’t care about anyone’s singing ability.

In the Philippines, where alcohol is legal, KTVs are incredibly popular. In case any customers want to show off their vocal prowess, even bars have in-house karaoke machines. When the alcohol and karaoke machine is brought out, you’ll know you’re going to have a good time and fit in with the neighborhood.

9. The Undying Faith

The only predominantly Christian nation in Southeast Asia is the Philippines. Every Sunday church attendance is a tradition among Catholics in the Philippines. A Catholic family will typically celebrate and worship God on Sundays. Every Sunday morning or afternoon, the majority of families would attend church.

Filipinos are fervently Catholic. We tend to congregate during Christian holidays in addition to attending church every Sunday. The Filipino people enjoy gatherings with their families for fiestas, Holy Week, and pilgrimages. Attending church every Sunday is a great practice to maintain the Filipino family’s strength.

Filipinos tune in to the televised mass every Sunday morning before the sun comes up if they are unable to attend a Sunday mass in person. Spain converted the Filipinos to Christianity, hence a visit to the Vatican (Holy See) and Holy Land in Israel is a sacred pilgrimage for devout Filipino Catholics.

10. Visiting Relatives

Filipinos are devoted to their families to the extent that some choose to spend the rest of their lives together in the same home or neighborhood. However, for some Filipino families, this is not the case. Different neighborhoods, far from their relatives, are home to other families. Additionally, they visit these family members every Sunday because they still want to keep in touch.

A Filipino couple would frequently travel to see their parents with their kids. Making treats for their grandchildren helps grandparents bond with them. This culture demonstrates that even though Filipinos have their own families, we still think about and occasionally visit our parents because they are dear to our hearts.

11. Unique Modes of Transportation – Jeepney, Tricycle, pedicab and kalesa

If you have a car of your own to use to travel from place to place, seeing the beautiful sights in the country is a simple task. But being able to travel using the three oldest modes of transportation in the Philippines adds to the overall experience of being there.

The jeepney, pedicab, and tricycle are the best modes of transportation in the cities and rural counties to get you where you need to go. Simply put, “tricycles” are motorcycles with a side carriage for passengers, and “pedicabs” are bicycles with a side carriage for passengers too. In the Philippines, they are much more prevalent than taxis and they typically follow predetermined routes.

On the other hand, jeepneys are enormous, bus-like cars that were originally built from American military jeeps. The most well-liked mode of transportation in the Philippines today is the jeepney, which is distinguished by its vibrant designs.

When riding a jeep in the Philippines, it is customary that you will have to pass on each other’s fares to the driver of the jeepney on the way to your destination, here you can observe and experience Filipino “Bayanihan” culture firsthand.

Since the time of the Spanish Colonial Period, more contemporary modes of transportation have largely supplanted kalesa rides or carriage rides. Nowadays, you can probably find kalesa rides in well-known and historic locations like Manila’s Intramuros and Vigan’s Calle Crisologo.

12. Watch and Participate in Philippine Festivals or “fiestas”

Visit Philippine locations during their festival season to witness an explosion of their vibrant local culture if you want to fully immerse yourself in Filipino culture.

Festivals or fiestas in the Philippines are typically week-long (or month-long!) events during which the entire city takes to the streets to dance and feast. Don’t be shocked if some of the homes you pass during a fiesta invite you to come feast.

In the Philippines, festivals are typically held to honor patron saints or to display the region’s primary local harvest. Here are a few of the fiestas in the Philippines that you absolutely must attend:

• Sinulog Festival – Sinulog Festival in Cebu is a week-long celebration that includes dancing, processions, and parades with vibrant costumes in honor of Cebu’s patron saint, Santo Nio, in January.

• Ati-Atihan Festival – This celebration in Aklan is in honor of Santo Niño and will take the form of locals dancing and chanting in the streets while dressed as negritos. The festival begins in mid-January. The city of Iloilo hosts the Dinagyang Festival on the fourth Sunday of January.

• Dinagyang Festival – Through street dancing and feasts, the Dinagyang Festival commemorates the feast of Santo Nio and a deal made between the Datus and the locals.

• Masskara Festival – Every year in October, Bacolod residents dress up in elaborate costumes and masks for the Masskara Festival, which is celebrated there.

If you are interested, you may check the other 19 festivals that you need to be part of in the Philippines!

13. Hospitality

Filipinos are well-known to visitors to the Philippines because they value “mabuting pakikitungo” (Hospitality). They are welcoming and make great hosts. Our sense of “pakikipagkapwa-tao” (fellowship) and “hiya” are to blame for this (shyness). We extend a warm welcome to everyone.

When they host you, they want you to have the best possible experience. They strive to always present their best selves. Filipinos typically discuss the western idea of customer service in workplace settings. They advocate for the notion that the consumer is king.

When discussing how to create a wonderful customer experience, you should use the Filipino sense of hospitality. Considering that’s what they naturally do.

It’s challenging for them to treat their clients like kings. They don’t own them as servants. Instead, emphasize that clients are guests. They genuinely want our visitors to feel at home. Because they want the best for themselves as much as they do for themselves, Filipinos want their visitors to know they can trust them.

They give service because they want to help and make people happy, not because they are paid to do so.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.