Malaya Study Group

Bayanihan: Spirit of the Philippines
Venue: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Date: 24 October 2009 - April 2010
Opening hours: Mondays (1.00pm - 7.00pm); Tuesday - Sunday (9.00am - 7.00pm)
Admission charge: $5 (adult); $4 (child, 3-12 years); $4 (senior citizen, 60 years and above). Free admission for Senior Citizens every Monday.
Tel: 6337-3888
Website: www.spm.org.sg

Collaboration with Philippines community brings
rich and diverse culture of the country alive to local audiences

As part of the National Heritage Board (NHB)’s ‘Philippines Fiesta’ events which coincides with the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines this year, the Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM) is organising “Bayanihan: Spirit of the Philippines” exhibition from 24 October 2009 to April 2010. The exhibition was officially opened by HE Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Ambassador of the Philippines, on 23 October 2009.

“Bayanihan: Spirit of the Philippines” exhibition aims to bring the beauty of the Philippines to local families and children, through the museum’s collection of more than 400 stamps dating from 1890 to 2009, and rare stereographic photographs and antique indigenous costumes. SPM is collaborating with Museo Pambata, a renowned children’s museum in Manila, and the local Filipino community to bring the exhibition alive to families and schools through an exciting range of fringe programmes.

‘Bayanihan’ comes from the Filipino word ‘bayan’, which refers to a community. It originates from the rural tradition where villagers would help a family move their house by carrying it on their shoulders. The family would later thank the villagers by holding a small feast. This show of communal spirit, which is referred to as ‘bayanihan’, is a trademark of the Filipinos.

The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 tropical islands and is home to more than 100 ethnic groups, making the country one of the most culturally diverse in the world. From the country’s indigenous Filipino culture, to the influence from Spanish, Chinese, Southeast Asian and Islamic communities, the exhibition showcases the varied and unique cultures of the East-meets-West country, such as the arts, food, religion, festivals, celebrations and way of life. The exhibition is styled in a representation of a ‘bahay na bato’ or ‘house of stone’, a typical house of rich Filipinos during the Spanish colonial era, with influences from Spanish and Chinese cultures.

· Selection of stamps and postcards of the Philippines depicting the rich and unique history and culture of the country. Topics include the Philippine history from pre-historical period, Spanish colonial period to Independence, religion, indigenous tribes, arts and food.

· Rare stereographic photographs showcasing the life in the Philippines in the early 1900s. Stereographic photographs give a three-dimensional effect when seen through a stereoscope.

· Rare and exquisite Filipino costumes such as a stunningly beautiful ‘Bagobo’ ceremonial shirt made of finely woven ‘abaca’ cloth and encrusted with thousands of mother-of-pearl sequins.

· Video of ‘tinikling’ bamboo dance, the national dance of the Philippines, where dancers imitate the way the ‘tikling’ bird hops from one rice stalk to another.

* See and touch examples of traditional Philippine textiles which are made of natural materials such as ‘piña’, made from pineapple; ‘abaca’ from the abaca palm, and ‘jusi’ or silk. Visitors can also watch a video on how ‘piña’ is made.
* Eight miniature dolls wearing customised traditional Filipino costumes.

A second instalment to the exhibition titled “Fiesta! Fiesta! Fiesta!” featuring beautiful stamps and colourful displays will be held at the SPM atrium from 30 November 2009 to April 2010. The exhibition explores the origins and celebrations of interesting Philippine festivals such as Christmas, ‘Sinulog’ and ‘MassKara’. A unique highlight of the exhibition is a recreation of the façade of a Filipino house decorated for ‘Pahiyas’ festival.

From 10 to 16 November 2009, s series of interesting school and public programmes will be organised to highlight the heritage and culture of the Philippines. Experienced staff from Museo Pambata will be conducting hands-on activities such as a workshop on one of the most important 20 th century Philippine artists, Fernando Amorsolo; while Filipino children from the Museo Pambata Children Advocacy Program will facilitate tours and programmes, and share their knowledge about the Philippines with museum visitors.

A Philippines- themed open house featuring exciting activities for families and children will be held at SPM on 15 November 2009. Museo Pambata staff will carry out fun educational tours and activities, and members of the local Filipino community will perform cultural performances, and conduct a Filipino cooking demonstration with food tasting. Children can also learn how to make Filipino handicrafts, and play traditional games.

Ms Tresnawati Prihadi, General Manager of Singapore Philatelic Museum said, “Stamps are a window to explore the rich diversity of the Philippines, from the people, nature, arts and culture. We are delighted to have the opportunity to engage and work together with the Filipino people who will bring the rich heritage and culture of their country alive through interesting programmes. We hope that many visitors, especially Singaporean families and children will have a better understanding of the Philippines through the exhibition and programmes.”

Admission charge: $5 (adult); $4 (child, 3-12 years) $4 (senior citizen, 60 years and above).

Free admission for senior citizens (Singapore citizens and permanent residents) every Monday.

Singapore Philatelic Museum would like to thank the following individuals and organisations for supporting the exhibition

Singapore Philatelic Museum showcases Singapore’s philatelic heritage and postal artefacts since the Straits Settlements era. Throughout the year, the museum organises changing exhibitions that feature rare collections of world-class philatelists, and contemporary collections that explore heritage and cultures of Singapore and beyond. The museum also hosts a range of educational activities including guided tours, camps, talks and workshops. The mission of the Singapore Philatelic Museum is to stimulate interest in philately. The museum is a fully-owned subsidiary of National Heritage Board.

Experience the diverse cultures of the Philippines with Philippines Fiesta , the National Heritage Board’s second ASEAN-themed integrated festival. Be it Filipino art, music, food, film or stamps, visitors will get to enjoy the varied cultures of the Philippines and learn more about its multi-faceted heritage and identity through a host of exhibitions and activities at NHB museums.

BAYANIHAN: SPIRIT OF THE PHILIPPINES
Activities for schools and members of the public

Discover the Philippines! - Heritage and Culture Fun at Singapore Philatelic Museum Open House
Date: 15 November 2009, 9am - 7pm (Sunday)
Venue: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Admission: Free for the day. Charges for programmes apply.

Discover the culture and heritage of the Philippines at “Bayanihan - Spirit of the Philippines” exhibition. Taste authentic Filipino food and enjoy watching a bamboo dance. Children can also learn how to make Filipino handicrafts, and play traditional games.

Night At The Museum (holiday programme for children)
Date & Time:
25 November 2009 (Wednesday), 6.00pm – 26 November 2009 (Thursday), 9.00am
10 December 2009 (Thursday), 6.00pm – 11 December 2009 (Friday), 9.00am
Age: 7 - 10 years
Charge $70

Go on a treasure hunt, take part in an amazing race at Fort Canning Park, enjoy an interesting art and craft activity, and learn to play traditional games of the Philippines. Then, snuggle up to sleep in our cosy galleries! Participants also get to take home a personalised stamp. Dinner, supper and breakfast provided.

For bookings, contact Jonna at Tel: 6513 7348 / 6337 3888 or Email: Jonna_Chan@nhb.gov.sg

Discover Philippines! (holiday programme for children)
Date & Time:
1 December 2009 (Tuesday), 9.30am - 12.00pm
3 December 2009 (Thursday), 9.30am - 12.00pm
8 December 2009 (Tuesday), 9.30am - 12.00pm
14 December 2009 (Monday), 9.30am - 12.00pm
For 8 to 10 years
Charge $20
Learn about the country’s rich and diverse culture, and its long and colourful history. Experience life as a Filipino - step into a traditional house, learn to play traditional games such as the ‘sungkah’, then paint a ‘Masskara’ mask.
For bookings, contact Jonna at Tel: 6513 7348 / 6337 3888 or Email: Jonna_Chan@nhb.gov.sg

Bayanihan: Spirit of the Philippines (?????)
Venue: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Date: 24 October 2009 - April 2010
Opening hours: Mondays (1.00pm - 7.00pm); Tuesday - Sunday (9.00am - 7.00pm)
Admission charge: $5 (adult); $4 (child, 3-12 years); $4 (senior citizen, 60 years and above). Free admission for Senior Citizens every Monday.
Tel: 6337-3888
Website: www.spm.org.sg

Bayanihan
Bayanihan comes from the Filipino word bayan, which refers to a community. It originates from the rural tradition where villagers would help a family move their house by carrying it on their shoulders. The family would later thank the villagers by holding a small feast. This show of communal spirit, which is referred to as bayanihan, is a trademark of the Filipinos. Experience the bayanihan spirit by stepping into a traditional Filipino house. Discover the colourful culture and heritage of a people whose hospitality is legendary.

Bahay na Bato
The bahay na bato, which means ‘house of stone’, is the typical house of rich Filipinos during the Spanish colonial era. It is built with a combination of native woods and stone to better withstand earthquakes. The first storey is usually used to store carriages, big rice containers and old furniture. It may also house a servants’ quarters. The second storey is the owners’ living area which includes the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. There are sliding windows and louvers on all sides to provide ample ventilation in the tropical climate. These Chinese-styled windows are made of wooden lattice set with capiz, or mother-of-pearl. While the popularity of the bahay na bato has declined over the years, well-preserved examples can still be found in the provinces of the Philippines.

7,107 Islands of Paradise
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 tropical islands inhabited by more than 88 million people. The 12th most populous nation in the world, this beautiful country is home to more than 100 ethnic groups. Sitting on the Ring of Fire, the Philippines has its fair share of volcanoes, some active and some dormant, plenty of rich fertile lands and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
A Filipino historian once said that the Philippines had spent “300 years in a convent and 50 years in Hollywood”. This expression aptly refers to the period the country spent under Spanish and later, American colonial rule. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1521, the Philippines was a well-known trading hub that attracted merchants from China, Japan, India and the Malay kingdoms. The Filipino today is shaped by centuries of trade, immigration and colonisation.
About 11 million Filipinos work overseas and their annual remittances make up more than 10% of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product. There are currently more than 150,000 Filipinos working in Singapore.

The Philippines – Quick Facts
Land Area: 299,764 sq km
Population: 88.6 million
Ethnic Groups: Tagalog 28%, Cebuano 13 %, Ilocano 9%, Visayan 8%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 8%, Bicol 6%, Waray 3%, Kapampangan 3%, Others 22%
Languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog), English
Religion: Roman Catholic 81%, Christianity 12%, Muslim 5%, Others 2%
Climate: Tropical, about 25 ºC – 32 ºC
Currency: Philippine Peso

The first Filipino
The story of man in the Philippines starts at least 750,000 years ago as suggested by the fossils of man-made tools found in the Cagayan Valley, north of Luzon. The modern man (Homo sapien), ancestor of the Filipino, is believed to have appeared in the Philippines at least 30,000 years ago. Fragments of stone tools and human bones from the Tabon Caves in Palawan confirmed his existence.

Between 7,000 and 5,000 years ago, seafaring people from the surrounding islands arrived in the Philippines. The question of whether they came from Indonesia and Malaysia or Taiwan is still hotly debated among scholars. Nevertheless, archaeological evidence shows that the newcomers settled down and grew their own food. A steady food supply gave them more time to develop crafts such as pottery, weaving and jewellery-making.

Masters of the Seas
Before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1521, the Philippines was actively trading with its neighbours. Filipinos, like many Southeast Asians, were masters of the sea. They built fast, large boats from planks held together by cords made from coconut trees. The boats had sails and were propelled by the monsoon winds. Spanish sources recorded that the islanders made many kinds of boats – some were used for sea trade and wars, while others were sold to the region.

By 800 A.D, Filipinos were sailing to places like China, Borneo, Java, and Vietnam to trade, while merchants from near and far, including Arabia, were arriving in the Philippine ports. Goods such as pearls, gold, silk, porcelain, spices, livestock, and even slaves were traded.

Material goods were not the only things being exchanged; cultural influences and religious ideas from its trading partners entered the Philippines as well. An important example is the spread of Islam by Muslim traders from the 13th century.

Arrival of the Spaniards
On the orders of the Spanish King, Ferdinand Magellan (1480 – 1521), the famed Portuguese explorer, embarked on a quest for spices in 1518. He found a new westward sea route to reach Southeast Asia through America and the Pacific Ocean. On March 16, 1521, Magellan landed in Limasawa, east of the Philippines, and mistook it for the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia. Nevertheless, impressed by what he saw, he decided to claim the islands in the name of Spain. Magellan befriended the local chieftains and even converted them to Roman Catholicism.

But alas, Magellan’s success was short-lived. He was killed in battle in Cebu by Lapu-lapu, a chieftain from Mactan Island, who resisted Spanish colonisation. Part of his remaining fleet fled back to Spain, completing the first known navigation around the globe.

After Magellan’s death, Spain sent other expeditions to the Philippines but they were all unsuccessful. It was only 44 years after the arrival of Magellan that Spain managed to get a foothold in the Philippines. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (1502 – 1572), an experienced governor from the Spanish colony of Mexico, was responsible for the first Spanish conquests. He established himself by defeating the local chieftains who were involved in petty quarrels with one another. The natives who fought with the Spaniards were rewarded with riches and vast areas of land. One by one, the independent settlements in the Visayas and Luzon fell to the superior arms of the Spaniards.

In 1565, the Spaniards set up their first permanent settlement in Cebu. Six years later, they conquered Manila and there, they built the walled city, Intramuros, which means ‘within the walls’ in Latin. This would become the seat of the Spanish government for the next three centuries.

Village Pattern
The Christian missionaries played a key role in extending Spanish influence in the Philippines. Spanish friars travelled through rough terrains and braved hostile natives to spread the word of God. They founded villages where they were often the sole representatives of the Spanish authority. Over time, some of the friars became even more powerful than the central government.

To Christianise the Filipinos, the Spanish friars tried to entice them to resettle into new villages with colourful church activities. The villages were designed with the church in the centre so that the ring of the church bells could be heard by all. A typical Filipino town follows a grid pattern with a central plaza that houses the church and government buildings.

Age of Modernisation
While the motivation behind Spanish policies was mostly economical with the Spaniards in mind, the Filipinos benefited from some of the results. For instance, the Spanish government opened the Philippine market to foreign trade. This transformed the country from a subsistence economy to one that was exporting tobacco, sugarcane, abaca and rice. Royal decrees in the 1800s encouraged the use of new machinery in industries, the finance and banking industry was developed, and modern transportation and communication infrastructures were built.

The Spaniards also established the first schools, such as University of Santo Tomas, clinics and hospitals. In 1863, they introduced free public education for boys and girls.

Rise of the Filipino
The Spaniards were hard taskmasters. Many Filipinos were forced to work on Spanish land, pay unfair tributes and sell their goods cheaply to the colonial masters. In addition, the Spaniards imposed a strict social hierarchy that ranked the dark-skinned natives, or indios, at the bottom, and were happy to keep them there. The Spanish clergy was also known to be corrupt. Some became rich and powerful, and fathered children with native women.

In the mid-1800s, a new elite class of Filipinos with mixed ancestry known as mestizos, emerged. Their sons studied abroad, and came back as illustrados with new nationalistic ideas. They strove to prove that the Filipinos were the equals of Westerners and capable of self-governance. The Filipinos also started to challenge the Spanish clergy by becoming priests.

The time was ripe for the Filipinos to assert themselves – in 1896, the Philippine Revolution began. In the same year, the highly-respected illustrado, Jose Rizal, was executed for his call for non-violent political reform. This pushed the movement to overthrow the Spanish government by force into full swing.

On 12 June 1898, the first Philippine Republic was born. But the country’s independence was short-lived. In late 1898, Spain lost the Spanish-American War and ceded the Philippines to America for US$20 million. The Filipinos now found they had to fight for their independence against their former ally against Spain. The following armed struggle resulted in more brutalities and casualties than the revolution against Spain. No match for the military progressiveness of America, the Philippines had to contend with a new colonial master in 1913.

Dr. Jose Rizal
Dr. Jose Rizal (1861 – 1896): A national hero universally loved by Filipinos, Jose Rizal was the Philippine equivalent of the ‘Renaissance Man’. He was a trained doctor, artist, poet and writer. He could also speak a multitude of languages including Spanish, English, Tagalog and Chinese. The wrongful imprisonment of his mother by the Spanish authorities affected young Rizal greatly. He wrote two novels that exposed the abuses of the Spanish government and clergy – Noli me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed). He also advocated Philippine representation in the Spanish government and equal rights for Filipinos. On 30 December 1896, Rizal was falsely accused of inciting rebellion and publicly executed.

From Hollywood to Independence (1898 – 1946)
America viewed its term in the Philippines as preparation for the latter’s independence. The Americans introduced their political system and processes in the Philippines. In addition, they improved sanitation standards and set up a public health system. They also made education compulsory and spread the use of English throughout the Philippines.

The Philippines’ path to independence was interrupted by World War II. For three years, Filipinos fought fiercely against the Japanese invaders but they could not escape the devastating effects of the war – Manila became the second most destroyed city after Warsaw of Poland. On 4 July 1946, the Philippines finally regained its independence and formed Asia’s first constitutional democracy.

Christianity: A Mix of Old and New
The Christian Filipinos adapted to Spanish culture and absorbed the elements that suited them best. Today, you can find Spanish influences in Philippine customs, food, literature, music, dance and dressing. Many Filipino words are also borrowed from the Spanish vocabulary. But the most important Spanish legacy on Philippine culture is Christianity. More than 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. In the Philippines, religious rites and festivals are earnestly observed, while beautiful churches grace the landscape.

Before Christianity, Filipinos were followers of animism – the belief in spirits inhabiting animals and inanimate objects. This was unacceptable to the devout Spaniards and they soon set about to change the ‘heathens’. However, early Filipino converts did not give up their old ways entirely. Instead, they created a unique strain of Christianity mixed with indigenous folk practices.

The old animist spirits responsible for the outcome of everyday life were replaced with patron saints. Filipinos now pray to a wide range of saints for a good harvest, a smooth childbirth or the right spouse. Fiestas, celebrations held in honour of the feast day of a patron saint, are found around the country throughout the year. Christianity has also not eliminated faith healers – spiritual doctors who claim to be able to conduct psychic surgery with just their bare hands.

Who are the Filipinos?
One of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, the Philippines is home to more than 100 ethnic groups. The majority of Filipinos are Christians who live in the northern and central lowlands. They have distinct cultural traits that are unique to their region. For instance, the Ilocanos of the north are strong and thrifty, the Tagalogs of the central plains are hardworking, and the Visayans of the middle islands are carefree. More than 111 dialects are spoken in the Philippines.

The indigenous people of the Philippines make up about 16% of the population. In the southern islands, the Muslims enjoy a rich culture that is similar to their Malay neighbours and reflective of their seafaring heritage. In the northern mountains, the native tribes continue to farm the land and perform rituals in the same way as their forefathers. Other groups of indigenous people such as the Negritoes, the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, are scattered throughout the country.

People of the Waters
Since Pre-Spanish times, Filipinos have lived, worked and played by the water. The oldest names of places in the Philippines are related to the river, lake or sea. Settlements were not linked by an extensive network of roads but by waterways, which also provided the people with fish and seafood. Filipinos travelled from one barangay to another in a canoe called a bangka, fitted with wooden outriggers or katig, that prevented the boat from capsizing.

Of Mountains and Rituals
The Cordillera region, north of Luzon, boasts of the longest and largest mountain ranges in the Philippines. It enjoys a cool climate and is rich in natural resource. The area is also home to mainly 11 ethnic groups such as the Bontoc, Gaddang, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Ilongot, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankanaey and the Tingguian. They were known collectively to the Spaniards as ‘Igorots’.

The promise of gold lured the Spaniards to the Cordillera mountains. However, they were unable to conquer the indigenous mountain people who till this day, are fiercely protective of their land. The Americans, on the other hand, were better accepted. They established a system of government and built infrastructures such as schools, hospitals and roads.

Every aspect of the Cordilleran’s life is ruled by spirits. They communicate with the spirits through rituals, which often involved animal sacrifices. Rituals are conducted in everyday situations such as before a hunt, when a house is constructed, when a bad omen occurred or at childbirth. Some Cordillerans, despite converting to Christianity, still continue to practise aspects of their native animistic religion. In most Cordilleran cultures, children are very important to a marriage. Divorce is acceptable if the marriage barren.

Under the Crescent Moon
Islam was first introduced to the southern Philippines by Muslim traders in the 13th century. Over the next few centuries, Muslim missionaries from the region continued to arrive in the Philippines to spread their faith. Some of them married local women and formed Muslim communities. Currently, there are at least 10 ethnic groups in the south who are Muslim; they include the Tausug, Yakan, Maguindanao, Sama, Maranao, Palawan and the Badjao. Generally, they share a strong Malay Muslim culture.

The conversion to Islam unified the southern tribes. Their unity enabled them to resist Spanish colonisation and Christianisation for centuries. They would often attack the Spanish towns and forts in the south, and force the Spaniards to abandon their settlements. The proud Muslims would remain largely unconquered until the end of the Philippine-American War in 1913.

For some Muslims, the war for independence still wages on. Today, small groups of Islamic separatists continue to fight against the Philippine army in Mindanao. The most notorious of them all is the Abu Sayyaf.

My ancestors carved the Banaue rice terraces by hand more than 2,000 years. You can identify us through at our distinctive red-and-black woven cloth. We pass down our history by repeating folklore told to us by our fathers. We believe we are descendants of the gods of the sky world.

Our mountain houses have no windows to keep out the cold. Much of our life revolves around the Ato – a place where the elders hold ceremonies and meetings. It is also where unmarried males, widowers and visitors sleep. In the past, head-hunters were identified by a tattoo on their chest that looked like a breastplate.

We are known for our intricate weave and elaborate costumes. Our name means ‘carabao hide’, which we have long been using to make ropes. Traditionally, we sustain on slash-and-burn agriculture. It is only recently that we begun using carabaos and ploughs to cultivate the fields. In the past, we were feared as head-hunters.

We are fair and most of our women have long straight hair. We are friendly, peaceful and hardworking farmers. As it is hard to push carts in the mountains, we use kayabang, a big basket strapped around the head, to carry our produce. Kayabang is also a symbol of wealth.

Our name means ‘head-hunters’. Tall and sturdy, we make good warriors and live in close-knitted clans. We are good weavers, blacksmiths and potters. From a young age, girls learn to balance jars on their heads which they fill with water. Today, this practice has been turned into a contemporary dance.

We have lived in the Philippines for more than 20,000 years. We are short, dark and have distinctive curly hair. Depending on our location, we are called by different names such as Aeta and Ati. Because we are nomadic, our houses are temporary shacks. We hunt and gather food from the forest.

We are famous for our tie-dyed and woven abaca cloth called tinalak. It is used to make clothes for important occasions and exchanged as gifts. We are also skilled in brass-casting. Even on ordinary days, women are known to dress themselves up with elaborate ornament.

We are noted for our ornate weapons and metal crafts, including brass objects. We weave abaca cloth of earthy tones and make baskets decorated with beads and horsehair. Our houses are raised on stilts to keep ourselves and our belongings safe. In our culture, men practise polygamy.

We are traditionally seafarers; our name means ‘People of the Tides’. We are the most dominant group of Muslims in the southern Philippines. In the past, we had an independent state known as the Sulu Sultanate which stretched from North Borneo to Palawan. We are expert carvers, blacksmith, weavers and embroiderers.

We are descended from the Dayaks of Borneo and the Samas of Johore. We are Muslims and our culture is influenced by the Tausug. Our colourful woven cloths are very popular with tourists. We are the only ethnic group that traditionally has pants for both men and women.

We are called ‘People of the Lake’ as our ancestors settled around Lake Lanao in Mindanao. The Sarimanok, a mytical bird, is our cultural symbol. It is found on our flag. Our most famous dance is the Kasingkil royal fan dance. Singkil refers to the ankle bells worn by the dancers.

We fish, raise seaweeds and oysters, and gather pearls. Some of us live in houses on stilts while others live in boats. We have a special sea ritual – a newborn baby is thrown into the sea and others dive in to rescue it. This initiates the child into a lifelong relationship with the sea.

Garments of Identity
The first Filipinos encountered by the Spaniards were pintados, natives who adorned their bodies with tattoos and a simple loincloth. The Christian missionaries were scandalised by this display of nudity and imposed their standards of decency on the natives. The Christian converts eventually adopted Spanish dressing, with some modifications – the loose and light styles of native costume were retained, especially among the peasants, and local materials suitable for a hot and humid climate were used.

The national costume of the Philippines comprises the barong tagalog for men and the baro’t saya for women. The former evolved from a native long and light shirt called camisa de chino, which was typically worn by men of the working class. Fine embroidery, cuffs and collars were later added to transform a functional shirt into an elegant garment.

Not surprisingly, the baro’t saya has more variations than its male counterpart. To protect their modesty, Filipino women wore a blouse with typically large sleeves called baro, and a long skirt called saya. They sometimes added a short overskirt known as tapis, and covered their bosom with a shawl called panuelo. Rich ladies would differentiate themselves with dresses made of elaborate embroidery, expensive brocade and European lace.

Abaca
Native to the Philippines, the abaca palm (Musa textiles) is a close relative of the banana plant. It has long been used by indigenous people to produce textiles. For example, tinalak, the famous textile of the T’boli, is made of abaca.

The leafstalk is first cut to expose its pulp. The abaca fibre is then extracted from the pulp with a fine steel comb and dried in the sun. Also called Manila hemp, abaca fibre can be used to ropes, bags, furniture and a wide range of paper products such as manila envelopes, tea bags and currency. To make fabrics such as sinamay, the hard fibre must be pounded until it becomes soft and satiny like piña.

Jusi
Derived from the Chinese word for luxurious silk ‘hu si’, jusi is Filipino silk. It is generally produced in the same way as silk all over the world. The fibres come from the cocoon of the silkworm. Thousands of silkworms are fed for a month with mulberry leaves before they start to spin their cocoons. Harvested cocoons are soaked in boiling water to unwind the silk fibres. Broken fibres are twisted into continuous threads in a process called spinning.

Jusi is sometimes interwoven with piña to produce a fabric called piñasilk. Relatively cheap and strong, it is a popular material for barong tagalogs.

Piña
As its name suggests, piña comes from the pineapple. The whole process of making piña is truly long and arduous. First, its fibres are painstaking scrapped from pineapple leaves by hand, washed and then dried in the sun. Each strand of fibre is so thin that a gust of wind can break it. Yet the fibres must be carefully knotted to form a continuous yarn for weaving. It is also a challenge for weavers not to break the fine piña threads which tend to stick together during rainy days.

The main producer of piña is Aklan province, in the central Philippines. Only about 35,000 metres of piña are produced a year. In the past, piña was so valuable that it was used to pay taxes and presented as gifts to royalty. The piña today remains a symbol of prestige and refinement. It still dominates the arena of high-end barong tagalogs and formal wear.

Natural Born Artists
The Spaniards soon discovered that the Filipinos were fast learners. They could make quality crafts in the Spanish style, re-enact religious plays and stories, write novels and poems in Spanish and create masterpieces that win Spanish art awards.

Song and dance accompany the Filipinos everywhere. Since ancient times, they have created music for every aspect of life. The Ifugao sing their legend, the Hudhud, as they work, the Tagalogs court with soothing love songs called kundiman, and the Maranaos express themselves with musical poems while playing the kulintangan, a set of gongs. Today, there are many clubs in the Philippines that play music from different genres such as jazz, rock, and folk. Filipino singers like Lea Salonga have also made their mark on the international scene.

Philippine dance is influenced mainly by the Spanish and the Malay. The most famous dance is the tinikling, or bamboo dance. A favourite of the Visayas, tinikling is usually performed during harvest time. The Philippines’ link with the ancient cultures of Southeast Asia is kept alive by the Pangalay. The pre-Islamic dance is very similar to the traditional dances of Thailand, Cambodia and Bali.

Palayok of Cultures
Philippine food is the sum of its history. Influences from the cuisines of its Southeast Asian trading partners and Western colonisers have all shaped the culinary landscape of the Philippines. It is truly the melting palayok of Asia.

The Spaniards brought new cooking styles from their home and colonies. They introduced ingredients such as potato, tomato, corn, annatto and chilli. Spanish dishes including paella (rice casserole), calderata (beef stew) and embutido (meatloaf) are staples of the Filipino festive menu, while a dazzling array of Spanish desserts satisfy the Filipino’s sweet tooth. Local adaptations of Mexican delights such as tamales, rice pudding stuffed with meat fillings, are popular too. American favourites like sandwiches, cocktails, pastries and salads have become an integral part of the Filipino cuisine.

Many ingredients in Filipino cooking are also used in the region. Some examples are tamarind, calamansi lime, pandan, coconut, and coriander. Variations of Filipino dishes can be found in other Southeast Asian countries – from Malaysia’s sour broth, singgang, a close relative of the Filipino sinigang, to the Indian achar, pickled vegetables that resemble atchara of the Philippines. Although there are many similarities, Philippine cuisine, in general, uses less spices and chilli than its Southeast Asian counterparts.

Suka
Filipinos like sour food. Vinegar, or suka, is commonly used to give a tangy flavour to vegetables, meat, seafood and soups. There are all sorts of suka made from plants such as palm trees, sugarcane and fruits. Besides giving flavour, vinegar also kills bacteria and helps to preserve the food. Other souring agents include tamarind, calamansi lime, green mangoes and belimbing, a kind of starfruit.

Sawsawan
The Filipino eating experience is not complete without sawsawan – a wide array of dipping sauces, pickles and condiments served during meals. Guests are welcomed to enhance their food and experiment with different sawsawan. The only limitation is their imagination. Common sawsawan are suka (vinegar), patis (fish sauce), bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) and toyo (soy sauce).

Have You Eaten?
Filipinos greet one another with “Kumain ka na ba?” which means “Have you eaten?” in Tagalog. Food is more than a means to satisfy hunger, it is a medium to bring people together. Filipinos are inclined to share their food, even with strangers.

Merrymaking is never done without food. Filipinos catch up with loved ones or to get to know a new friend while eating. The love of a Filipino mother is expressed through her cooking and her children reciprocate by finishing every morsel. For the millions of Filipinos working abroad, nothing beats eating their favourite Philippine dish to quell some of the homesickness.

The Malaya Study Group website was originally created by the late John Morgan, to whom we are indebted for his pioneering dedication to the Group.

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