Top 12 Recommended Ways to Immerse Yourself in the Philippine Culture

You've bought your tickets, you've counted the days, and now finally your vacation in the Philippines is almost a reality.

As a true blue Filipina, here's my advice to you - why not give yourself more of an adventure and immerse yourself in 12 activities that have the Philippine Culture mark on them.

Go malling

Similar to going to a park, a lot of Filipinos choose to spend their weekends in the mall either to get away from the afternoon heat, to watch a movie, to shop, or to eat. The options are practically endless.

Most families go to the mall during weekend to spend quality time together which really gives a festive aura in most of malls. You can even catch a free live performance of bands, singers or celebrities if you're lucky.

There is a total of more than 20 big shopping malls scattered all over Metro Manila.

Check out Mall of Asia

Attend a fiesta

Being a Catholic nation, Filipinos love to attend fiestas and festivals . It's a celebration of the feast of the patron saint of a particular province or a celebration in honor of the images of the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ.

If you have friends in the Philippines, you can contact them and ask them when they usually have their fiestas and arrange a special visit. This tradition was inherited from the Spaniards when they colonized us, but of course, the Filipinos have their own unique way to celebrate it. Every household prepares a sumptuous feast of Filipino food which usually includes the lechon (roasted pig).

Famous fiestas include Ati-Atihan which is a feast held in honor of the Santo Niņo held at Aklan, Visayas (January) and Flores de Mayo (held in honor of the Virgin Mary during the month of May).

Flores de Mayo is usually held all over the Philippines. A parade of ladies in gowns (dressed like queens) is done concluding with the Renya Elena (Queen Helena; founder of the cross) escorted by Emperor Constantine.

Another popular festival is the Sinulog Festival, held at originally at Cebu City, is a dance ritual held on the month of January held, also in honor of the Sto. Niņo.

Witness Simbang Gabi/ Morning mass (during Christmas season)

For nine consecutive days before Christmas, many Filipinos struggle to wake up at the break of dawn, brave the cool breeze and attend a Novena Mass called the Simbang Gabi.

Usually after the Mass, you will find street vendors selling puto and bigbingka; two of the Filipino delicacies. It is said that if you are able to complete the novena, you can ask God for a wish or petition and it will be granted.

Get a tan at Philippine beaches

The Philippines is a tropical country and all throughout the archipelago are beaches, three of the most famous being Boracay, El Nido, and Puerto Galera. It is one of the ways we Filipino spend our vacations and bond with family and friends.

Eat at a Filipino restaurant:

Grilled tuna, sinigang (soup, vegetables, and meat of preference), lechon, crispy pata (deep fried pork leg), kare-kare (meat and vegetables in a special peanut-based sauce), and pancit palabok (noodle dish) and list goes on for tasty Filipino cuisine .

For dessert why not try our famous halo-halo (different sweets mixed with crushed iced and milk)? And if you are brave enough, the balut, which was popularized in the television series, "Fear Factor".

The Philippines is also noted for its abundant variety of sweet fruits, such as the mango, papaya, melon, water melon, coconut, chico, lanzones, atis, avocado and many more that are craved by foreigners who have tasted them. More Filipino Food

Try street food

With its own unique flavor to offer, Filipino street food can give you a good and satisfying snack at the middle of the day. I usually have fish balls or kikiam (mixed grinded pork and vegetables wrapped in been curd sheets and deep fried) and the sweet sauce though you can also choose to try the spicy sauce.

There is also the caramelised banana on a stick (known here as banana-que), fruit juices and dirty ice cream.

Try the ones sold inside the fast food center. Though the concept of street food originally came from the fact that it was sold on the street, it's now commercialized and offered in almost any mall fast food center.

Witness Manila Bay's sunset

The world renowned Manila Bay is famous for the golden sunset that leaves both locals and travellers breathless whenever they see it.

I still look out the window whenever I pass by Manila Bay a few minutes before 6:00 in the evening to admire the sunset.

Bring your camera, especially if you're into photography.

Recommended places to see it though are in - Ocean Park near Manila Hotel or right in Rizal Park's Boardwalk. It's a beauty to behold.

Ride a "kalesa" (carriage)

Take a strall around the city of Manila in a horse carriage and let time slow down for just a bit. It's fun to see how it was in the olden days before the dawn of the Ford car.

You can find them at the Rizal Park along Roxas Blvd or at the Intramuros Walled City near Manila Hotel.

Learn and use key Filipino words.

The Filipino language is easy to speak. There are no long vowels and they are spoken as they are written. The phrases below can be of help to you.

"Salamat"- Thank you.
"Magkano ito?"- How much is this?
"Kumusta?"- How are you?
"Saan mention place of destination? - Where is this place?

Learn how to use key Filipino phrases. The locals will love you for it, and you will feel more at home. Try Filipino chat.

Sing a Filipino song at a karaoke

Filipinos love to loosen up with friends and sing a few tunes while eating snacks like fried garlic mushroom, fish crackers, etc.

Try singing Manny Paquiao's famous Lahing Pinoy (Filipino decent), Black Eyed Peas' Bebot (beautiful girl), Hot Dog's Manila, and Freddie Aguilar's international renowned Anak (child) which had been translated into Japanese and other languages.

If you are courting a Filipina, you can swoon her with the "Dahil Sa Iyo" immortal love song. More about Filipino Music

Buy a souvenir

Now that you have tried some of the things Filipinos love to do, buy a souvenir to make your stay even more memorable.

Buy a Filipino statement t-shirt from Team Manila, or Bayo.

Or buy a Filipino ornament from the Filipiniana section of any department store at the mall - a capiz frame, a wood carving etc., or the popular Christmas parol (star-shaped lantern) that you can light up in your house every Christmas

Check out the small Sari Sari Stores as well.

Top 12 Recommended Ways to Immerse Yourself in the Philippine Culture

 

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