Hello there folks! Or should I say, mga kababayan (my fellow countrymen). Since we would like to show our Hive Community what the Philippines is all about particularly on what and how we are as Filipinos, then it’s best for us to write in English because we Filipinos already know our different cultures, right?
Since the Philippines is composed of 3,773 Islands which consist the Philippine Archipelago, the answer would be self-explanatory as to why we have different customs and traditions. The Philippines is divided into three major islands with varied dialects with 288 major vernaculars spoken and the rest by other tribes. Despite of all these differences, I am proud to say that we are united in agreement to use Tagalog Language and English as our medium of instruction, for us to understand each other.
Language Barrier
The funny thing is that there are certain terms with the same spelling with different meanings that could be good in one but vulgar to the other. Because of this, we can easily shift our use of speech depending on who we are talking with or from what region he/she came from. Likewise, we can detect where they came from by their intonation even if they speak Tagalog, though long experience of speaking the Tagalog language would change any traces in the long run. The Filipinos are better known as PINOY which was derived from the word Filipinos hence the shortcut term.
Buwan Ng Wika
Better known as Language Month, A Bill has been signed in Congress for the Dept. of Education and Culture to conduct a particular month to celebrate and represent our National Costumes on the three major islands. Schools and offices were required to wear Filipino costumes every Monday for one month period. Schools also conduct programs and various mass demonstration dance representing different tribes. I love this event because I love to make different costumes in different tribes, including events during United Nations Day!
Filipino Hospitality
Filipinos are known for their hospitality even among co-Filipinos. They would even offer their own room for their visitor if the place is small to accommodate additional people. It is of great knowledge among Filipinos that we tend to set aside new blankets and pillows intended for the visitors only. More often than not, white linens were prepared or the legendary Batangas woven blankets. Though it has gradually changed as time evolved and many establishments crop up where they could rent for the night.
The same Filipino Blood
Since I grew up in a Muslim Community, even if we have different practices, we managed to adopt to the culture and respect each other’s differences because we are the same Filipinos. I am divided by four cultures and I speak the dialects fluently: Tagalog, Visayan, Maranao and Hiligaynon. Maranao is difficult to learn unless you live there yourself and of course, I am here if you want to learn their dialect.
Island Garden City of Samal
Otherwise known as IGACOS, this has become the second home of our clan when my grandfather along with our fellow Moncadistas chose to live a life in that island long before it was branded as one of the famous tourists spots in the country today. Being an island itself speaks of its famous tourist spots and resorts. Island hopping is a must for you to enjoy your stay there. I have once visited an island there called “pulo” (meaning island). It was later known as “The Vanishing Island” because it disappears when its high tide. From the airport, you can take a taxi and it will take you to Sasa Wharf Terminal. You only need to pay 10 php for one ticket and presto! You will be there within 10 minutes time.
Negros Island
Negros became my permanent home when I got married to a Negrense, in Canlaon City. I’ve learned to love this place because the climate is very much similar to the cold climate of Marawi City where I grew up. There are various natural spring resorts here where you will surely enjoy, and the majestic Mount Canlaon. You will also enjoy the panoramic view of the vast vegetation while you visit the Century Tree which is one of the tourist attractions of this place. It can be reached within three hours ride from Bacolod-Silay International Airport.
I hope I have given you enough inputs guys! I would like to thank @bearone for starting this project and of course to @mrnightmare89 for pursuing this initiative.
It's an achievement on my part to write this straight from the heart non-stop.
Thank you for reading!
Till then,
