The Filipino Culture

Blog post 1

April 12, 2015

Lorraine Pono

Food has been the huge part of life for all Filipinos.  Food is the one thing that brings family, friends, even strangers, together.  I decided to blog about the Filipino culture because it's something I am very familiar with, and it has a very special place in my heart that is important to me.   I am a Filipina, and I'm always fascinated by the Filipino culture.  Food is one of the most important parts to Filipino culture; it defines who they are.  There are many different islands or provinces, and each has their own specific kind of filipino food style; however, they generally have the same kinds of dishes.  At parties or holidays, there are always the traditional dishes that usually consist of rice, vegetables, meat and/or fish, and spices.  I hope to learn the significance of specific ingredients in certain dishes because they usually influence what and why people eat something.  Many would think the Filipino culture is original; however, it's created and shared from other countries and their cultures.  The major influences come from Spanish, Chinese, and Malaysian cultures.  The Spanish especially influenced how the filipinos cook and prepare their foods.  Noodles was another influence from China.  Malaysia inspired filipinos with using fruits.  Regarding to serving and presenting the food, filipinos tend to offer it buffet style.  This way, it helps bring out family and community amongst the people.  The geography and history also play a part in the filipino culture.  The Philippine islands lie south of Taiwan, approximately 1,930 miles from China.  The land consists of flat plains, mountains, volcanoes, tropical forests, and tropical beaches.  Rice is one of the country's staple foods; it is grown in the many rice paddies, or flooded fields.  Because of the tropical environment, many kinds of fruits are grown.  Also, since the country is full of islands, there is an abundance of seafood imaginable.  Regarding the history, the country was influenced by Malaysia, China, and mostly Spain.  The country got its name thanks to Spain's King Philip II.

 

Sources:
"Facts on Food & Beverage in the Philippines." Travel Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.                                                  
"Philippine History | Filipino History." Philippine History | Filipino History. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.                                                  
"PHILIPPINES." Philippines Map / Geography of Philippines / Map of Philippines. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.