WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES

Cushman Campus
Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City
Philippines, 3100

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Master of Education major in Social Studies

Module 2
Exploring Filipino Culture, Values, and Society

Introduction:
This module examines into the heart of Filipino culture, values, and society. Students will
identify and understand core Filipino values, explore traditional celebrations and rituals, and
discuss the rich landscape of Filipino arts, music, and literature. This knowledge is essential for
educators to effectively teach and appreciate the cultural aspects of the Philippines.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
1. Identify core Filipino values and recognize their significance in society.
2. Explore traditional Filipino celebrations, rituals, and their cultural significance.
3. Discuss Filipino arts, music, and literature, appreciating their role in cultural expression
and identity.

1: Core Filipino Values and Their Significance

Core Filipino Values:
This session begins by introducing the core values that are deeply rooted in Filipino
culture. These values often include hospitality (called "hospitality" in Filipino), respect for
elders, strong family ties, and bayanihan, a spirit of communal unity and cooperation.

Filipino culture is characterized by a set of core values that play a significant role in
shaping the behavior and mindset of the Filipino people. These core values include:
1. Bayanihan (Community Spirit): Bayanihan is the Filipino tradition of communal unity
and cooperation. It emphasizes helping one another in times of need and working
together for the common good. This value is often expressed through activities like
community projects and mutual assistance during various events.
2. Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude): Filipinos place a strong emphasis on the concept of
utang na loob, which means a debt of gratitude or an obligation to reciprocate acts of
kindness. This value reinforces the importance of maintaining good relationships and
acknowledging help received from others.
3. Hiya (Sense of Shame): Hiya is the Filipino sense of shame or dignity. It encourages
individuals to act in a way that upholds their self-respect and avoids bringing shame to
themselves or their families. It also promotes modesty and humility.
4. Pakikisama (Harmonious Relationships): Pakikisama emphasizes getting along with
others, maintaining harmonious relationships, and avoiding conflicts. It encourages
flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work well with others.
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Cushman Campus
Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City
Philippines, 3100

5. Respect for Elders (Pagmamano): Respect for elders is a fundamental Filipino value.
Younger generations are expected to show deference to their elders through actions like
"pagmamano," a gesture of taking the elder's hand to one's forehead or lips as a sign of
respect.
6. Family Orientation (Pamilya): Family is at the core of Filipino society. Strong family ties
and support systems are highly valued. Filipinos often prioritize their family's welfare
and well-being over individual interests.
7. Hospitality (Kagandahang loob): Hospitality is an important aspect of Filipino culture.
Filipinos are known for their warm and welcoming attitude toward guests. Offering food
and assistance to visitors is a common practice.
8. Joy and Laughter (Saya): Despite facing various challenges, Filipinos are known for their
capacity to find joy and laughter in everyday life. This value promotes resilience and a
positive outlook.
9. Filial Piety (Utang ng Loob): Utang ng loob, similar to utang na loob, reflects the value
of showing gratitude and respect to one's parents and ancestors. This includes fulfilling
responsibilities and obligations to honor one's heritage.
10. Religious Beliefs and Spirituality: Religion, predominantly Roman Catholicism, plays a
significant role in Filipino culture. Many Filipinos have a strong sense of faith and
spirituality, and religious values influence various aspects of life, from moral conduct to
celebrations and rituals.

These core Filipino values are deeply ingrained in the culture and influence the way
Filipinos interact with one another, make decisions, and navigate their daily lives. They
contribute to the unique identity and social fabric of Filipino society.

Significance of Filipino Values:

The profound significance of these values in Filipino society Filipino play a significant
role in the social, cultural, and personal aspects of Filipino life. For instance, the value of
hospitality is crucial because it fosters warm and welcoming interactions. It often extends to
"pasalubong" (the practice of bringing back gifts or souvenirs when returning from a trip) as a
gesture of thoughtfulness and appreciation.
These values hold great importance which include cultural identity, social cohesion,
resilience, strong family ties, respect and humility, hospitality, solidarity, responsible citizenship,
moral and ethical foundations, enhanced relationships and cultural preservation.
Filipino values are significant as they shape the culture, social dynamics, and personal
behaviors of the Filipino people. They foster a sense of identity, community, and shared values,
and they contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of individuals and Filipino society as
a whole.
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Cushman Campus
Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City
Philippines, 3100

Activity 1. Preserving Filipino Values:

This individual activity is to encourage MED students to reflect on the challenges to
Filipino values faced by the present generation and recommend strategies to sustain these values
in the preservation of cultural heritage.

Please be guide by the following guidelines:

1. Self-Reflection. Reflect on your understanding of traditional Filipino values, such as
bayanihan, utang na loob, hiya, and pakikisama. Think about how these values are being
challenged or evolving among the present generation.
2. List specific challenges or changes you have observed in the practice of these Filipino
values within contemporary society. Be as detailed as possible, and include examples
from various aspects of life.
3. Based on the challenges you've identified, brainstorm recommendations for sustaining
these values. Consider how these values can be preserved and promoted in modern
Filipino society. Think about both personal and collective actions that can be taken.
4. Action Plan. Develop an action plan to contribute to preserving and promoting these
values in your career and daily life? This action plan can be expressed using your
creativity like collage, poem, song, cartoon, tiktok, etc. addressed to your students or to
our Filipino youth.
5. Submission will be on or before October 21, 2023.

Session 2: Traditional Filipino Celebrations and Rituals

Exploring Cultural Traditions:
This module takes students on a journey through traditional Filipino celebrations and
rituals. These may include fiestas, debuts, and cultural festivals.
Traditional Filipino celebrations and rituals are deeply rooted in Filipino culture and are
often a reflection of the country's rich history, diverse influences, and strong sense of
community. Some traditional Filipino celebrations and rituals:
1. Santacruzan: Santacruzan is a religious and beauty pageant procession held in May to
honor the search for the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor
Constantine. Young women from different barangays (neighborhoods) participate in a
colorful parade, often dressed as biblical characters, Marian titles, or local heroines.
2. Pahiyas Festival: This colorful and vibrant harvest festival is celebrated in Lucban,
Quezon, in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Houses are
adorned with colorful rice, fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products, creating
intricate and artistic displays.
3. Ati-Atihan Festival: Originating in Kalibo, Aklan, this festival celebrates the arrival
of Malay settlers in the Philippines. Participants paint their faces with soot and wear
indigenous Visayan attire while dancing to the beat of drums. It's a lively and joyous
celebration.
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Cushman Campus
Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City
Philippines, 3100

4. Panagbenga Festival: Held in Baguio City, the "Panagbenga" or Flower Festival

showcases the city's vibrant flowers and rich horticultural traditions. The highlight of
the festival is a grand float parade, featuring intricate flower arrangements and
traditional dances.
5. Pista ng Patay (Day of the Dead): Similar to the Mexican Dia de los Muertos, this
tradition is observed on All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Families visit cemeteries
to clean and decorate the graves of their departed loved ones. Prayers, candles, and
offerings are made to remember and honor the deceased.
6. Pagtatawas: Pagtatawas is a traditional Filipino healing ritual where a healer
(mananambal) diagnoses an illness or problem by dripping hot candle wax into water.
The patterns formed are interpreted to determine the cause of the ailment.
7. Debut: A Filipino debut is a coming-of-age celebration for young women turning 18,
similar to a quinceañera. It often involves a grand party with a cotillion, where the
debutante wears a formal gown and participates in traditional dances.
8. Pamamanhikan: A pamamanhikan is a pre-wedding tradition where the groom's
family formally visits the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage. It is a way of
seeking the blessing of the bride's parents.
9. Simbang Gabi: Simbang Gabi, or "Misa de Gallo," is a series of nine dawn masses
leading up to Christmas Day. Filipinos attend these masses as a spiritual preparation
for Christmas, followed by festive gatherings and traditional Filipino holiday foods
like bibingka and puto bumbong.
10. Early Morning Mass: Simbang Gabi Masses are celebrated in the early hours of the
morning, often as early as 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM. This predawn schedule is meant to
symbolize the anticipation of the birth of Jesus.

These are just a few examples of traditional Filipino celebrations and rituals, reflecting
the culture's blend of indigenous, Spanish, and American influences. They showcase the rich
culture of Filipino traditions and the significance of community, religion, and family in Filipino
life.

Cultural and Social Significance:

Understanding the cultural and social significance of these traditions is vital. For
instance, these celebrations often commemorate historical events or showcase the richness of
Filipino culture, including dance, music, and craftsmanship. Students discuss how these
traditions foster a sense of community and unity.

Activity 2. Research and Presentation:

The activity, where each student will research and present a traditional Filipino
celebration or ritual of their choice, encourages active learning. It fosters a deeper understanding
of these traditions and allows participants to showcase their research and presentation skills.
Presentation can be in a form of video, audio, cartoon, paper and pen…
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Cushman Campus
Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City
Philippines, 3100

Session 3: Filipino Arts, Music, and Literature

Exploring Creative Expressions:

This session shifts the focus to Filipino arts, music, and literature. Participants explore
into the works of influential Filipino artists. For example, they may explore the masterpieces of
National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, the music of Juan Karlos Labajo, or the writings of Jose
Rizal and Nick Joaquin. The title of National Artist of the Philippines is a prestigious honor, and
several individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the arts and
culture of the Philippines.

Some notable Filipino artists in various fields, along with a few of their significant works:
1. Nick Joaquin - A celebrated Filipino writer, Joaquin is known for his essays, short
stories, and plays. His works, such as "The Woman Who Had Two Navels" and "May
Day Eve," are considered classics of Philippine literature.
2. Lino Brocka - An acclaimed film director known for his socially relevant and critically
acclaimed films, including "Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag" and "Insiang."
3. Ishmael Bernal - Another influential film director in the Philippines, known for works
like "Himala" and "Manila by Night."
4. Lea Salonga - Internationally acclaimed singer and actress known for her roles in
musicals like "Miss Saigon" and "Les Misérables."
5. Ryan Cayabyab - A prolific composer and conductor, known for his numerous original
Filipino songs and choral compositions.
6. Regine Velasquez - Dubbed as the "Asia's Songbird," she is one of the Philippines' most
celebrated vocalists and has a vast catalog of hit songs.
7. Alice Reyes - A prominent figure in Philippine dance, known for founding the Ballet
Philippines, the country's national ballet company.
8. Ramon Obusan - A choreographer and cultural researcher who preserved and promoted
traditional Filipino folk dances through his works.
9. Fernando Amorsolo - One of the most important Filipino painters, known for his pastoral
and genre scenes that depict rural Philippine life.
10. Juan Luna - A Filipino painter known for his dramatic historical and allegorical paintings,
including the "Spoliarium," which won a gold medal at the 1884 Madrid Exposition.
11. Leandro Locsin - An influential architect, known for his modernist designs and iconic
structures, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
12. Juan Nakpil - A renowned architect known for his contributions to Philippine modernist
architecture. His notable works include the Rizal Theater and the San Carlos Seminary.
13. I. M. Pei - Although not born in the Philippines, the world-renowned architect designed
the Bank of the Philippine Islands Head Office in Makati City.
14. Napoleon Abueva - Often referred to as the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture,"
Abueva's works include the "Nine Muses" at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
15. Nora Aunor - A versatile actress with a wide range of roles in film, television, and
theater, known for her powerful performances.
 WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES
Cushman Campus
Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City
Philippines, 3100

16. Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) - An iconic actor, film director, and politician known for his roles
in action films, including "Ang Panday."
17. Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab) - A prominent painter and printmaker, BenCab is known for
his contemporary art and has made significant contributions to Philippine visual arts.
18. Andrea O. Veneracion - Recognized as a National Artist for Music, she was the founder
of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and made substantial contributions to choral music in
the Philippines.
19. Francisco Feliciano - A composer, conductor, and musicologist known for his
compositions and contributions to Filipino choral music.
20. Arturo Luz - A distinguished painter and sculptor known for his abstract and modernist
works. He has made a significant impact on the Philippine art scene.

These artists have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a
lasting impact on Philippine culture and the arts. Their works continue to be celebrated and
appreciated both in the Philippines and around the world.

Appreciating Cultural Contributions:

By listening to and viewing examples of Filipino music and art, participants gain a deeper
appreciation for the cultural contributions of Filipino artists. They understand how art is not only
an expression of individual creativity but also a reflection of Filipino identity.

These three sessions offer deep experience into the rich Filipino culture, values, and
artistic expressions. Educators gain valuable insights into the significance of values, the depth of
cultural traditions, and the power of art and literature in Filipino society. This knowledge equips
the students to convey a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive understanding of the
Philippines to their students.