There are a few aspects of Filo culture that I regard highly. Bringing pasalubong is at the top of the table. For the uninitiated, this refers to the practice of carrying home goodies if you travel. Whether abroad or nationally, to this day, the tradition persists. This is not customary to my compatriots. Asians, especially the Chinese, also observe this. Other praxes are close family ties, hospitality, our strong Catholic faith, and Spanish influence.
Thoughtful Topher
In the pasr, I’ve travelled on Oz’s east coast and beyond. I always returned with some presents. For instance, I bought my mum a medium printed wallet from New Zealand. I also included some mugs and gourmet items. In Hobart, I bought some aborigine inspired printed shopping bags. From the Salamanca Markets, I scored an Aussie made tapestry body bag. The latter is Aussie made and available only in Hobart. I carried home some chocolates straight from their factory. I got a fridge magnet from the Tassie Botanical Gardens. In Melbourne, I grabbed a beige hemp bag. As a sixth grader, we went on a three-day tour of Manila and Subic, Zambales. The journey was an eye opener. I journaled my experience, and my parents were mighty impressed of my writing. Of course, I returned with some good stuff.
I recall reading an article on the national daily. A young bloke wrote a column entitled ‘Prometheus Curse’. He admitted that Pinoys are big on bringing home goodies. He terms this the ‘Prometheus Curse’. So-named after the legendary god who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. He was punished for his crime. The author was livid with said renegade god. He blames him for the death of his relationship. Of course, this could be fiction as the column gives one the freedom to improvise.
Ferrero Rocher made a TV ad derived from this story. The gods were enjoying the luscious choc when it accidentally fell from the heavens. To be enjoyed by humans. In both these tales, the inclusion of a gift empowers humans.
Marlins and Pandas
I learned this tradition from my Dad’s side. He is very thoughtful and always has pasalubong for us. He’s particularly fond of fruits and vegetables. He has planted a sea of green. He was a constant at the bakeshop. Before, in Sydney, he’d always carry home some first-rate seafood. The tradition continued overseas. We ate more seafood then. We would devour blue marlin, fresh tuna, blue swimmer crabs, redfish, mussels, prawns, and other local catches. He eats healthy. He showed us that leafy greens and fresh salads are cool. These days, it’s more salmon and prawns (again), sometimes barramundi or snapper. Not much variety from Coles online.
As mentioned, the Chinese are also known for their thoughtfulness. Remember when President Nixon visited China? Chairman Mao gave him two pandas to take home. No offence, but the late US Prez looked a bit like the cuddly bear. My chiro was gifted tea from China by his Sino clients. A Chinese friend also brought home some goodies during our trips. On Border Security, a Sino guy was questioned at the airport. They verified his relationship with this chick. When he was given the green light, he handed his girl a big stuffed teddy.When my auntie (who’s also my godmother) travelled overseas, she always remembered her relatives. Having a caring auntie is a blessing. My family will forever appreciate her kindness.
When someone hands you a present, you’ll feel pleased. Receiving gifts make a person’s day. It builds relationships and fosters happiness.
Family ties and hospitality
Another important aspect of Filo culture is close family ties. We will always put our brethren first. In western culture, you are expected to leave home upon reaching adulthood. Oriental culture is dissimilar. Discipline is likewise handled very differently in both cultures.
In the Philippines, our elderly are not left in nursing homes. There are no such facilities there. Just as the parents helped in rearing their grandchildren, we look after them like precious gems. As our high school principal once said, ‘You may have knowledge but we have wisdom.’ Furthermore, younger peeps address their elders with po and opo, equivalent to usted in Spanish. We gather their hand and say ‘Mano po’ as a gesture of respect. Though times have changed, the tradition of honouring one’s ancestors has continued.
Moreover, Filipinos are known for their hospitality. Being inviting to a guest is part of our culture. Whether you’re a mansion dweller or you subsist in a shack, visitors can expect a warm cuppa and food. On the off chance of an overseas film crew, they get the royal treatment. Whether it’s cabin crews or a barge guy, a jeepney or tricycle driver, a resort employee or a waitress, you will feel welcomed.
A flock of Catholics
Catholicism retains a strong grip in the country. The Spanish converted our progenitors in the 1500s. At present, only Brazil and Mexico have larger Catholic populations. During Mass, church pews are packed. Pilgrimages to powerful saints inspire stampedes. Some churches, like Baclaran in Paranaque (pictured above), are perpetually standing room only. Malls pause for the Angelus at 12pm and 6pm. Likewise for the Divine Mercy at 3pm.
On Ash Wednesday, crosses on foreheads are ubiquitous. Holy Week sees a mass exodus from Metro Manila to the country. Workers want to be with their family during Easter. The same applies to All Saints Day weekend. Roads are empty on Good Friday. There is no crime on the latter. Manny Pacquaio fights are the only other occurrences of this in Pinas history. One has to look at divorce. Aside from the Vatican, the Philippines is the only country to outlaw divorce. More than any other nation, the sanctity of marriage is upheld.
The Spanish Connection
The Spanish influence is one final aspect. The Philippines was under Spanish rule for over three centuries. As a result, the Pinoy language contains many loan words. Some of our best writers wrote in Spanish. Once, I got some novel chapters printed in the library. The lib assistant asked me if this was a play. The inclusion of Roman numbers might have piqued his curiosity. I told him it was part of a novel in progress.
‘I’ve written books too,’ he said. ‘They’re all in Spanish.’
He was deadpanning.
Spanish wouldn’t be too hard to learn for me, given my exposure to it in Filo. Hard to imagine, but our national hero, Jose Rizal, wrote two complete novels in Castillan. Claro M. Recto also penned works in Spanish. A major Manila artery is named after him. I once tried studying Spanish by listening to some podcasts. I was channeling Bradley Cooper in Limitless. However, I just couldn’t find the time as I was studying full time.
Before I was done with uni, I had an interview with a government agency. Judging from my accent, they asked me if I spoke Spanish. No, I retorted. Quick aside: I was trying to sound Latino. I guess it worked.
The Spanish connection isn’t just linguistic. It’s apparent in the food. Tacos, empanadas, pork crackling, and adobo were all introduced by Mother Spain. The concept of fiesta, siesta, cockfighting, and feast days likewise originated with them. The Spanish flavour adds some spice to our identity.
Take five
I’ve listed five aspects concerning my cultural heritage. Having enumerated them, you now know five more things that make me unique.