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Arts and Culture of The Philippines
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Culture of The Philippines
Philippine Culture
- Source:http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/culture/culture.html - verbatim
This is the one thing that separates us from the rest of the world - our colorful and lively culture that makes us distinctly Filipino. This includes traditions, language, arts, etc. which are found in museums, churches and galleries, found within the heart of the key cities.
Most provinces have their own identifying folk dances too wherein they showcase the elegance and beauty of the way we do things, the way we dress, the way we see things as shown in different paintings, as we have been influenced by events that happened in our history.
That’s not all. When you have lived in the Philippines long enough, you’ll know that it’s not an exaggeration to say there is a town that’s celebrating its fiesta every single day.
Museums of The Philippines
National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines is the repository and guardian of the Philippines' natural and cultural heritage. As one of the lead government cultural agencies, it is tasked to instill cultural consciousness and a sense of pride and nationalism among Filipino citizens through its activities covering the sciences, education and culture.
Malacañang Museum
Malacañang is the physical center of the Philippine power, an important site of history and architectural heritage. It is the official residence of the majority of the highest officials of the land since 1863. A former resident of the Palace said is is one of the most comfortable and delightful homes in the tropics.
De La Salle University Museum
The Museum supports the University’s objective to raise the cultural and artistic consciousness of the members of the academic community.
Ayala Museum
Museum of Philippine History. Official site with list of exhibits.
Lopez Memorial Museum
The Lopez Memorial Museum was opened by Eugenio and Fernando Lopez in memory of their parents. It houses a collection of Rizal memorabilia, and Luna and Hidalgo paintings.
Museo Pambata
Features news, events, interactive exhibits and other information about the Museo Pambata (Children's Museum)in the Philippines.
Southwestern University Museum
Igorot exhibits at the Southwestern University Museum.
The Philippine Comics Art Museum
This web site is a database of Filipino artists, comics and artworks.
University of San Carlos Virtual Museum
The virtual museum's collection presents an extensive overview of the rich Philippine history and cultural heritage, exhibits and general information with and different artifacts categorized by sections, world regions and chronology.
Philippine Festivals
SINULOG
Every third weekend of January - Cebu City, Cebu
In January 15, 2006, the Sinulog Festival will culminate with enchanting floats, towering higantes, comical puppeteers and the incredible sounds of the beat of the drums. Festival queens will dazzle you with exotic beauties. Participants will dance in the parades in honor of Sto. Niño. Much like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is marked by frenzied reverly to the chant of "Pit Senor!"
PANAGBENGA
(Baguio Flower Festival) This activity showcases the vibrant culture and landscape of the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio City through displaying their crafts and products. It promises to entice the people to enjoy gardening even in a fully-built-up area.
MORIONES FESTIVAL
Holy Week - Boac,Magpoc, Marinduque One of the most famous of Philippine festivals. Colorfully garbed and masked as Roman soldiers and centurions, locals reenact the life of Longinus culminating in his beheading. The entire towns of Boac, Morpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story as Longinus unfolds.
SANTACRUZAN
May - During the month of May, processions, popularly known as Santa Cruz de Mayo, are held in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, the Santacruzan is a corss between a beauty pageant and a religious procession.
CARABAO FESTIVAL
May 14 and 15 - Pulilan, Bulacan; San Isidro, Nueva Ecija; Angono, Rizal The Carabao (kalabaw in Tagalog), is considered a national symbol of the Philippines. The Carabao Festival often features a colorful parade of 20 decorated bamboo sleds and a race among carroza-pulling carabaos on a 400-meter course. It is celebrated in honor of San Isidro, the farmer's patron saint.
PAHIYAS SA QUEZON
May 15 - Sariaya, Lucban, Tayabas, Quezon Homes are decked with kiping (multi-colored paper thin, leaf-shaped rice kropeck) and harvested vegetables; trade fair; civic parades, procession and other activities.
OBANDO FERTILITY RITES
May 17 to 19 - Obando, Bulacan What makes the Obando fiesta unique among Philippine festivals? Childless wives perform the dance in the streets in their desire to share the fulfillment and happiness of motherhood! This is to honor Santa Clara, the patron saint of the childless, among others.
PARADA NG LECHON
June 24 - Balayan, Batangas The Parada ng Lechon, "parade of roasted pigs", is celebrated annually on the Feast of St. John the Baptist. Another practice of the villagers of this province, is to drench the paraders to signify the baptism of Jesus. This signifies a religious and spiritual purifying rite to the people of Batangas.
PINTADOS FESTIVAL
June 29 - Tacloban City, Leyte Pintados is a derivation of the word "tattoos", that signify courage, rank and strength. The most anticipated aspect of the Pintados Festival is the parade of festive dancers painted from head to toe with designs that use astounding arrays of colors.
MASSKARA FESTIVAL
October 19 - Bacolod City, Negros Occidental The biggest annual event that reflects the Bacoleños love for fun and gaiety. Coinciding with Bacolod City's charter day celebration, the festival features sports competitions, cultural programs, carnivals, beauty contest and a long Mardi gras style costumed and masked street dancers.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas decoration at DLSU quadrangle - BelenThe Philippines is the only Asian country that is predominantly Christian. Majority of its people are Roman Catholic. The Philippine Christmas celebration is said to be the longest and merriest celebration in the world. Misa de gallo, dawn masses celebrated with the first peal of church bells, are traditionally held starting December 16. Stories tell that in the 17th century, a priest combined Catholic rites with the farmers’ native thanksgiving to harvest gods before they start their day. This is followed by a hearty breakfast.
The most popular symbol of Philippine Christmas is the parol (lantern). It represents the star of Bethlehem which symbolically guided the Messiah to the manger. The Paskuhan Village, Asia’s Star Attraction, is a tribute to Filipino craftsmen as expressed by the star-shaped pavilion at the center of the village.
ATI-ATIHAN
January - Kalibo, Aklan One of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-atihan is a celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño. Revelers don colorful costumes and paint their bodies black and dance to the distictive beat of "Hala bira!" around the town.