The culture of the Philippines is a combination

of Eastern and Western culture. Before the

Spanish colonization of the country, the
Philippines' culture was mainly influenced by
the indigenous Malay heritage of Southeast
Asia.

Food
Commercial Activities
Etiquette
Support for the Arts
 Food
Filipinos do not consider it a meal if rice is not
served. Plain steamed rice is the basis of the diet.

Salt water and freshwater of fish and shellfish are

eaten daily, served either fresh or salted.

Table knives are not used. Forks and spoons are

used for dining. It is acceptable to eat food with
one's hands at restaurants as well as in the
home.

At midmorning and in the afternoon, people eat

merienda. Morning, mid-morning, lunch,
afternoon (merienda) and dinner.
 Food
They also enjoy eating "halo-halo" for their
afternoon snack which means "mixture,
During special occasions, a favorite food called
"lechon," a suckling pig that has been roasted
until the skin turns crusty is served.

Some street foods are also common in the

country like the famous "balut," a boiled duck egg
with an embryo, and fish and squid balls on a
stick that are dipped on spicy and sweet sauces.

Fast food has become part of the culture, with

national and international chains in many towns.
Jollibee would be an example.
 Commercial Activities
Trade at the market is conducted in a barter
system. Suki relationships are established at the
marketplace so that the buyer returns to the
same vendor.

Markets are divided into "dry" markets where

clothing and household items are sold and "wet"
markets where food is sold.

Sari-sari establishments are small neighborhood

stores.
 Etiquette
When one is asked to join a family for a meal, the offer must be refused.
If the invitation is extended a second time, it is permissible to accept.

Time consciousness and time management are not important

considerations. A planned meeting may take place later, much later, or
never.

They readily go out of their way to help visitors or take them to their
destination. It is of the highest importance to recognize the positions of
others and use full titles and full names when introducing or referring to
people.

Non-verbal language, such as pointing to an object with one's lips, is a

key element in communication. One greets friends by lifting the
eyebrows. A longer lift can be used to ask a question.
 Support for the Arts
The government provides support for institutions such as the National
Museum in Manila. Libraries exists in colleges and universities.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila is a center for the

performing arts that opened in 1970.

The best examples of architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth

century are the churches built by the Spaniards with the help of the
Filipinos.

Filipinos are very fond of music. They use various materials to create
sound.

They love performing dances (Tiniking and Carinosa) and group

singing during festive celebrations.