Under the service of Spain, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, came upon the Philippines in 1521. I am not using the word ‘discover’ because like in many other countries, the Philippines already had the rudimentary elements of a civilization when the Spanish vessels docked.
In 1543, Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, to honor the reigning king, Philip II of Spain, named the beautiful pristine islands, Las Islas Filipinas. Spain, one of the maritime giants, at the time ruled the Philippines from 1565 to 1898, for 333 years.
Thus, it is plausible that Filipinos have inherited many intangible societal elements akin to the Spanish culture. For instance:
Names: The big part of colonization was converting the original inhabitants of the Philippines into Christianity, specifically Catholicism. As such, Spanish surnames dominate the scene even now, such as Cruz, Lopez, Reyes, Santos, Gonzales, Rodriguez, et al. The first names have, however, evolved into a mix of Spanish and English names due to the coming of the next colonizers, the Americans. This is puzzling to many people who are not well-versed in world history. I have often been asked why we have Spanish last names? Ergo, this is the explanation.
Note: We of course had names indigenous such as Diwata, Lakan, Bituin, Maganda, Luningning, etc., but the Spaniards wanted their way with yes, our own names, so…
Religion: The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, thanks to the Spanish influence. Today, despite the decline of Catholicism in the Philippines, it is still estimated that the population comprised of 75-80 percent Catholics. Religion and the religious sector have played a major influence in how Filipinos view life and the Almighty. Perhaps their resilience against all odds is due largely to their faith in that Almighty. As a popular saying goes: “Nasa tao and gawa, nasa Diyos ang awa.” Roughly translated: “Man proposes, God disposes.”
It is also noteworthy that Catholic schools run by religious orders, have educated, and bred the crème de la crème of the Philippines’ elite society. High in educational standards, firm in religious training, and strict in their discipline, the missionaries who ran the schools and colleges have been a positive influence in the Philippine culture, regardless of what others may say.
This is also the reason why there is no divorce in the Philippines.
Time: Is generally expressed in Spanish as they brought in the formal school system. But there is a Tagalog way of telling the time which the younger generations may have forgotten. Filipinos after all, had already a clear and separate civilization. This is evidenced by the numerous national attires, dances, festivities, foods, and customs.
Going back to time, an Example, in Spanish: Alas tres (3:00), or alas quatro y media (4:30). In the vernacular: 3:00 – Ika-tatlo ng umaga o (hapon, whatever the case maybe), morning or afternoon and 4:30 – Ika-apat at kalahati ng umaga o (hapon).
Greetings: When people meet, kisses are common either on a cheek or both, amongst ladies (and brand-new women), especially amongst relatives and friends. Pressing an elder’s hand on the forehead as a sign of greeting with respect is notable also, saying: “Mano po!”. Nowadays, an abbreviated pressing of the cheeks is done usually by the younger generation, or a pretend kiss… not pressing the lips on the cheek, rather making a sound instead (mwah!). Kisses do not happen with and amongst new people. Men shake hands generally. It’s the gentlemanly way, supposedly. In the olden days, men are supposed to hide their feelings, no?
Manana habit: Putting doing things off for tomorrow or another day. It was not invented in the Philippines, despite being famously accused of it. It is imported from Spain, along with the Spanish sardines! Often, Filipinos are not a stickler for doing things urgently, immediately, thus they are not as stressed as cultures who rank high in suicide rates. Note that! Be wary, Filipinos are also not usually punctual. Philippine time is notorious although most people now make a sincere effort to be on time. This, believe it or not, was Spanish-based!
An example of this is: Doctor and dental appointments are strictly first-come-first-serve basis. No appointments are entertained because the professionals do not want to waste their time waiting for the patient who appears 2-3 hours later than the appointed time. So, no specific time is allocated. Traffic is the constant setback, unfortunately, or maybe not really. “Just come!” The date, however, is specified, thank you!
Siesta: Even today, in Spain as well as in Italy, an afternoon nap is a must. However, the Philippines do not take it as seriously as they do because shops and business establishments do not close for afternoon naps! Kids do not like the notorious siesta because it is interfering with their fun. But even now, on weekends, and as time allow, people take an afternoon nap, especially the kids and the elderly.
Merienda: An afternoon snack is a must. (Teatime version left in India by the British). This is responsible for the creation of the hundreds of Filipino delicacies called kakanin from the world-famous halo-halo, to bibingka, palitao, espasol, mamon, ginatan, maiz con hielo, taho, arroz caldo, balut, up to the new generation bites of fish balls, adidas, isaw, and what nots. Stuff that the older generation might not be inclined to sample. Frankly, they are a bit on the wild adventurous side. I stop at balut, thank you!
Interestingly, Filipinos are a bit down whenever they cannot afford to have a merienda or have missed their merienda for some reason or another! Living overseas, has however, dampened this passion.
Abaniko: The famous fan (Spanish fan) which even today are used by many ladies, especially while attending church services, came from Spain. They were used particularly by well-heeled ladies, Spaniards, and/or Filipinas. It is also conveniently used to shield gossipmongers while delivering their juicy bits. The rest can content themselves with a locally made fan made of anahaw leaves, or a cardboard, if nothing else, during the scorching summer months!
I am positive that there are many, many more traces of the 333 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, but I am sure you can supply the rest.
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