What makes up their Culture?

Core value 

The core value of the Philippine society is “hiya”, which controls the social and individual behavior of Filipinos. Hiya is a feeling of failure and triggers from deep inside shame and disgrace when Filipinos realise that they have violated the code of conduct and expectations of society.

Education

Adult literacy is over 95% in the country as education is highly valued.

Filipinos consider education the ticket to a more prosperous life. Most parents are convinced that education is their economic salvation that they are willing to sell land and properties to afford tuition and school expenses.

Religion

Catholicism is the predominant religion in Philippines. It adheres to the ancient worship rites and practices of the early, animistic Filipinos.

The government permits religious instructions to public schools with the written consent of parents. Local public schools also allow church groups to teach moral values in school.

Hospitality

The hospitality of the Filipino culture is one of the reasons why tourism in the Philippines is steadily growing. This is a common trait that Filipinos are known for to most foreigners.

In Filipino culture, serving other people with the best gives them honour and a promise of true friendship. A typical Filipino house is not complete without any facilities for guests. It is filled with new and nice-looking items reserved only for them while ordinary ones are for everyday use.

Family

Family relationships are the basic building block of Philippine culture and society. The family is the centre of the social structure. Social support provided by these close-knit communities is reflected in the absence of retirement homes.

Sports & Games

Sipa is considered the national sport of Philippines and is played by two to four people passing a small rattan ball back and forth using the feet. Every part of the body except the hands and arms may be used.

The national unofficial sport in the Philippines is basketball. It is so popular among Filipinos that virtually every government unit, similar to a village or town in the country has at least one basketball court.

Arts & Music

The Philippines is rich in historical plays, handicrafts, handbags, basketry and woodcarving.

Folk dances are popular. One example is tinikling, the use of bamboo poles and rhythmic jumping). The dances are usually done in groups.