Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category

Philippine Culture: Hiya

Saturday, September 10th, 2011

hiyaThe core value of Philippine society is “hiya” (Tagalog, in Bisaya: ulaw), which controls the social and individual behavior of Filipinos. Hiya is a feeling of failure and triggers from deep inside shame and disgrace, when Filipinos realize that they have violated the rules of conduct and expectations of society. This since ancient times instilled sense has made most of Filipinos shy and reticent people. So most Filipinos are afraid to talk frankly about a problem, concern or request. Hiya is also a means of coercion, educating with force the already small children in certain social norms of behavior. It characterizes the relationships between the Filipinos and decisively expressed in many small, but typical Filipino behavior. It is unseemly for example, to express outspoken criticism of a person or group, and they always express it indirectly with soothing phrases.

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Filipinos nailed to the cross

Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

easter ritual PhilippinesBloody ritual in the Philippines: In memory of the suffering of Jesus several believers was nailed to the cross. On Good Friday the faithful do remember in this way the suffering of Jesus. The brutal spectacle attracts thousands of tourists.
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Sinulog 2011: And the winners are …

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011


The winners of Sinulog 2011 was awarded. A complete list of the winners within the different categories is to find here:

Sinulog 2011 Winners (SunStar Cebu)

151 contingents to compete in today’s Sinulog grand parade

Sunday, January 16th, 2011
Sinulog-Parade in Cebu

Sinulog-Parade in Cebu, Philippinen

“Pray to the Sto. Niño that it will not rain,” said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, as heavy rains drenched the city on the eve of its fiesta and the Sinulog grand parade. But rain or shine, consider everything an offering to the Sto. Niño, he said.

“Expect a lot of fascination and excitement,” he added.

As of Saturday morning, the organizers were putting the finishing touches on the Sinulog stage, which will showcase a Chinese garden and a Chinese temple, in keeping with this year’s theme.

The organizers appealed to the public to be patient with the traffic jams and the tighter security in place for President Benigno Aquino III’s visit. President Aquino is expected at the Cebu City Sports Center at 10 a.m. in time for the opening of the Sinulog grand parade. He is also set to deliver a speech.

Fiesta crowds were advised to brace for a longer parade since the number of contingents has increased by 10. There are at least 151 contingents who will be competing for the top purse Sunday in the different categories. At least P4 million in total cash prizes are at stake today, Sunday. All the winning contingents will perform again in Monday’s awarding ceremony, still at the Sports Center.

Sinulog Festival in Cebu

Saturday, January 15th, 2011
Sinulog Festival Cebu

Sinulog Festival Cebu, Philippines

Sinulog is an anual festival at the third weekend in January. This festival in Cebu City takes place to honor the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus, who used to be the patron saint of the whole province of Cebu.

The highlight is the colorful street parade on Sunday. The participants with splendid costumes dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs. Smaller versions of the festival are also held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño.

At the end of the street parade, the participating groups get into the Cebu Sports Complex. Inside the stadium, they tell stories with their dances on stage, where of course is the focus of Santo Niño. In the night there is a big fireworks. The best groups will be awarded.

More about the Sinulog Festival one can find here:

Official Website Sinulog
About Sinulog (Wikipedia)
Nice Sinulog Photos
Another Sinulog-Website