PHILIPPINE
POPULAR
CULTURE
MODULE 1
“What’s the last TikTok
dance, TV show, or meme
you saw that everyone is
talking about?”
Studying Philippine
Popular culture is
essential for deepening
our understanding of
Filipino identity.
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
[Link] and frame the
concepts of culture and the
popular.
[Link] the concept of
popular culture (pop culture).
[Link] the relationship
between media and popular
culture.
DEFINITION AND
CONCEPT OF
POPULAR CULTURE
What is Culture?
• Culture is the shared beliefs,
practices, norms, values, and
artifacts of a group of people.
• It includes material culture
(physical objects like clothes,
food, tools) and non-material
culture (ideas, customs,
traditions, language).
What is Popular
Culture?
• Popular Culture (Pop Culture) refers
to cultural products and practices
that are widely accessible and
embraced by the majority of
society.
• It is often mass-produced and
spread through mass media such
as television, social media, music,
and films.
• It was coined in the mid-19th
century
Examples:
Television shows like Eat
Bulaga! and It's Showtime.
• OPM (Original Pilipino Music)
artists like Ben&Ben or Sarah
Geronimo.
• Viral TikTok dances and
memes.
Examples:
Television shows like Eat
Bulaga! and It's Showtime.
• OPM (Original Pilipino Music)
artists like Ben&Ben or Sarah
Geronimo.
• Viral TikTok dances and
memes.
Key Characteristics of Popular
Culture
[Link] Appeal – Consumed by a large
audience.
[Link]-Driven – Disseminated
through radio, TV, and online
platforms.
[Link] and Ever-Changing –
Influenced by current events,
technology, and global trends.
[Link] – Often created for
profit.
An Overview of Different
Cultural Theories
Understanding cultural theories helps
us analyze why certain cultural
products become popular and how they
affect society.
1. Functionalist Theory
It is a sociological perspective that sees culture as
something that serves a purpose in society and helps
maintain order, stability, and harmony.
Popular culture brings people together; Shared
entertainment, events, and trends can create a sense
of belonging.
Example: Fiestas; Aside from being fun, they unite
communities, strengthen traditions, and encourage
cooperation.
Barangay assemblies
and activities.
2. Conflict Theory
• Popular culture can reinforce social
inequalities.
• Example: Stereotypes in movies that favor one
social class over another.
3. Symbolic Interactionism
• Focuses on how individuals interpret and give
meaning to cultural symbols.
• Example: A basketball jersey may be just
clothing to one person, but a symbol of
identity to a fan.
4. Cultural Hegemony (Antonio Gramsci)
• The dominant group in society shapes culture
to maintain power.
2. Conflict Theory
• Popular culture can reinforce
social inequalities.
Examples of Conflict Theory
Beauty Pageants
Many national pageants highlight Eurocentric beauty
standards (fair skin, tall height, sharp nose), making it
harder for Filipinas with indigenous features to be
celebrated in mainstream media.
TV Commercials
Skin-whitening product ads often show darker-skinned
individuals as “less confident” reinforcing class and
racial inequalities
3. Symbolic Interactionism
• Focuses on how individuals
interpret and give meaning
to cultural symbols.
Example:
A basketball jersey may be just
clothing to one person, but a
symbol of identity to a fan.
[Link] Hegemony (Antonio Gramsci)
• The dominant group in society shapes culture
to maintain power.
• Example: Western beauty standards
influencing local advertisements.
Relationship Between Media and Popular Culture
• Media is the vehicle of popular culture; it
creates, promotes, and spreads trends.
• Without media, pop culture would not have the
same reach or influence.
• In the Philippines, media shapes not only
entertainment but also politics, fashion, and
social movements.
LEARNING OUTPUT NO.1
In 150–200 words, write a short essay on
the given topic. Make sure your essay has:
• An introduction (2–3 sentences)
• A body (4–5 sentences)
• A conclusion (2–3 sentences)
• Focus on clear ideas, correct grammar,
and logical flow.
Topic: “My Favorite Example of Philippine Pop
Culture”
Guide:
• Identify one example of Philippine popular
culture (TV show, song, movie, social media
trend, celebrity, etc.).
• Explain why it is popular.
• Describe how it reflects Filipino life or values.
Sample Essay
A Philippine Pop Culture Trend That Influences My Generation
One of the most popular trends among my generation is the rise of
OPM (Original Pilipino Music) bands like Ben&Ben. Their songs are
constantly played on the radio, YouTube, and Spotify, and many young
people share their lyrics on social media. This trend has captured the
hearts of Filipino youth because the music feels relatable and sincere.
Ben&Ben’s songs talk about love, dreams, and struggles, topics that
many young people experience. Their style also reflects a mix of
traditional Filipino music and modern pop, showing that we can stay
connected to our roots while embracing change. Beyond
entertainment, their music inspires self-expression, creativity, and even
social awareness, as some of their songs address real-life issues.
This OPM wave is more than just a trend; it is shaping how my
generation views local talent. It teaches us to appreciate our own
culture, support Filipino artists, and proudly share our music with the
world.
THANK
YOU!
