Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
Filipinos are happy-go-lucky people. They face any worries in life with a laugh and a
wink.Theprevailingattitude is,whateverhappens...'sobeit'.Theybelievethatallthings
will pass and life should be lived to the fullest. This fatalism helps shape the carefree,
welcoming nature of the culture.
Family and religion are the two most important forces in Filipino society. The close-knit
Filipino family unit extends to distant cousins, multiple godparents, and one's
barkada
(gang of friends). Almost without exception, all members of one's kinship group are af-
forded the utmost loyalty; respect for elders is paramount.
Filipinosarealsoasuperstitiouslot.Inurbanareas,faithhealers,psychics,fortunetellers,
tribal shamans, self-help topics and evangelical crusaders can all help cast away ill-for-
tune.Inthehinterland,somepeoplebelievethatcavesandforestsareinhabitedbyspirits,
ghosts and aswang.
Finally, Filipinos are remarkably tolerant. People of any race, creed or sexual orientation
are uniformly received with the utmost warmth and courtesy.
AYALA MUSEUM
Museum
This excellent modern museum has ethnographic and archaeological exhibits on Filipino
culture, art and history. At the heart of the collection is a brilliant exhibit consisting of 60
dioramas that trace the nation's violent history. The museum's rotating art exhibits tend to
showcase Filipino masters like Luna and Amorsolo.
OLD MANILA WALKS
Walk
Old Manila Walks tour leader Ivan Man Dy has a deep knowledge of Manila and its history
and culture. He's an expert at ferreting out the city's often-overlooked secrets. The more
expensive tours include some food. Ivan also sells walking-tour maps for those who prefer
to go it alone.
CRUCIFIXION CEREMONY
Event
Each Easter people come to San Fernando to see fanatical Christians taking part in the cru-
cifixion ceremony. At noon on Good Friday, in the village of San Pedro Cutud, volunteers
with a penchant for pain are nailed to wooden crosses and whipped till they bleed.
