The Philippine flag in an interesting design. With the color white that symbolizes liberty, equality, and fraternity. The blue color represents peace, truth, and justice. While the red is for patriotism and valor. A cool poster design that will truly bring the Filipino spirit to your homes. Personalize your poster by sending your own quotes or sayings. Try it now!
The Philippines is known for various natural wonders. Examples are the underground river, rice terraces, and Mayon volcano. The country is also home of some breathtaking diving spots, productive biodiversity, colorful public transportation, tasty cuisine, adrenaline pumping festivals, and many others. Personalize your poster by sending your own quotes or sayings. Try it now!
Preparation for Christmas is a long process. Especially in the Philippines, there are so many things to consider to complete the celebration. In addition to these, the Media Noche or the feast to welcome New Year’s eve is another important celebration that Filipinos prepare tediously. Moreover, there are also traditions that have been practiced over the years.
Media Noche is again one of the most awaited events during the holidays. Aside from the Noche Buena or Christmas Eve meal, the meal during New Year’s Eve is also one of the meals that Filipinos prepare with many thoughts. Special food is prepared but not as lavish as the Noche Buena. Though there are families who spend much on the food they add to the table. Lechon is one of the most popular food. However, it may be too costly for many households.
Pansit or noodles may never be absent on the table. It is served to signify long life. Sticky food like biko is also prepared so that good fortune will stick throughout the year. It is also common to come up with 12 round fruits to represent each month of the year. Round fruits such as grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, pomelo, watermelon, and others.
As Americans enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July, Filipinos also love fireworks on New Year’s eve. Fireworks come in different sizes and shapes and have fun names as well. In fact, some of them have been banned by the government as they can cause injury or death. Examples are Judas belt, Lolo thunder, Kwitis, 5 Star, Whistle Bomb, and others.
In addition to fireworks or firecrackers, pots and pans are banged. Cars, motorcycles, and tricycles are revved. Horns are also tooted to cause as much noise as possible. Kids also drag empty cans around to add to the noise. These traditions are practiced since it is believed that the noise made can drive evil spirits away.
Filipinos believe in many things. Especially when New Year’s Eve arrives. There are also many practices in which Filipinos believe will allow good luck to enter the house and stay for the rest of the year. Before the clock strikes 12 midnight, all doors, including cabinets, drawers, windows, and cupboards. It is also a custom to wear clothes in polka dots as the dots represent coins or wealth. Kids also jump at midnight because they believe this will make them taller.
It is also advised to put cash in your wallet. It is believed that the condition of the wallet when the New Year arrives will be for the rest of the year. Spending on New Year’s day is also not recommended. This sets money management for the year.
Grilling whole fish is also one of the oldest practices for New Year in the Philippines, It is believed that whole fish bribing good luck. The scales represent coins while its way of swimming in the ocean is a life moving forward.
What makes the Christmas celebration even more fun and exciting? In addition to presents, of course, the food and drinks that are included in Noche Buena. Imagine coming home from midnight mass and on the table are sumptuous foods like lechon, ham, pancit, bibingka, quezo de bola, and many others. What’s so special about Noche Buena aside from being an important event on December 24? Read on to know more about the different facts about celebrating Noche Buena in the country.
Noche Buena literally means “good night” but is also the Spanish term for Christmas Eve. Why Spain? Just look at the common dishes prepared, such as lechon, jamonado, embotido, morcon, queso de bola, and many others.
During the Spanish colonization in the Philippines, the friars required the people to fast before Christmas Day. As a result, Filipinos, as well as the Spanish people, were really hungry after attending the Christmas mass. The midnight meal they had then was literally a feast on a spread of delectable dishes.
In Spain, Noche Buena is a common tradition wherein the menu consists of a fish dish, soup, and roast pork. As a dessert, Turron is prepared to provide a sweet conclusion. The main star of the Noche Buena is the whole pig roasted in a box over hor coals. This is called Caja china in Cuba. For the Peruvians, turkey is the main meal, and for the Venezuelans the main dish are pernil, panettone, and Ponche Crema.
Originally, fruitcake was introduced to the Filipinos by the Americans. This cake was also given to friends and loved ones as a gift and served every Christmas during Noche Buena. On the contrary, Huffington Post considered fruitcakes as the most hated cake in the existence of baking. The main reason for this is that fruitcakes are aged. In wines, this is a good idea and makes wines taste best, but not for cakes.
Another Spanish cuisine that is passed to the Filipinos. Rice is a staple food to Filipinos as bread is to the West. Since Christmas is a special occasion, rice is served in an extraordinary way. The color and flavor of paella are mostly because of tomato and paprika.
Happy holidays!
Known for having 7100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the favorite destinations of tourists, both local and foreign. The country has several attractions that will connect you to nature. It is a paradise for all beach lovers, mountain climbers, and adventure seekers. Read on to know more about the different places in the Philippines where you can get in touch with nature and feel rejuvenated again.
Located in Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is known for its remarkable biodiversity, abundant marine life, and magnificent dive sites. It covers hectares of productive marine life and contains three atolls and a large area of the deep sea. Tubbataha Reefs has been recognized as one of the world’s leading diving destinations. It is home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals, 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, birds, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles. In 1993, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. Being an isolated area, it will take around a 10 to 12 hours journey to reach it. A sacrifice worth taking to enjoy the wonder of nature.
Another leading municipality in the province of Palawan, El Nido is one of the favorite travel destinations in the country. It is a managed resource-protected area and popular for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and rich biodiversity. Many travel buffs have placed El Nido to the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World due to its extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem.
A perfect place for bonding and get-together with family and friends. The travel destination is known for the Pangihan cave with its eight magnificent chambers. Locals highly recommend visiting Nabaoy, a river with native huts where you can order native dishes and delicacies at affordable prices. Of course, more than feasting, you can refresh yourself by swimming and rafting in its calm and clear water.
Siargao was originally a haven for surfers. These days, it is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The island is within the jurisdiction of the province of Surigao del Norte and is composed of different municipalities. In 2018 and 2019, Siargao was awarded for being the best island in the world. Tourists will never be bored on the island as there are tons of activities that can be done. These include basking on white-sand beaches, surfing, cave explorations, swinging on palm tree rope, island hopping, and many others. In addition to these, the island is rich in green colors as it is covered with coconut palm trees. A perfect tropical view for those of you who are looking for a vacation paradise.
The Mayon volcano is popularly known for its “perfect cone” and is still one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Located in the province of Albay, it has a height of 2,463 meters and is considered to be the centerpiece of the province. The volcano is one of the favorite sites for climbing, though it is important to note that it is dangerous to do this activity even if it is at its dormant stage. In addition to climbing, you can do other activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and photography. It is recommended to visit the volcano between March and May and not during the rainy season.
Add a touch of nature instantly to your home making it more appealing and create your own paradise with these posters featuring the great places of the Philippines.
Number of posters: 4
The Philippine flag in an interesting design. With the color white that symbolizes liberty, equality, and fraternity. The blue color represents peace, truth, and justice. While the red is for patriotism and valor. A cool poster design that will truly bring the Filipino spirit to your homes. Personalize your poster by sending your own quotes or sayings. Try it now!
The Philippines is known for various natural wonders. Examples are the underground river, rice terraces, and Mayon volcano. The country is also home of some breathtaking diving spots, productive biodiversity, colorful public transportation, tasty cuisine, adrenaline pumping festivals, and many others. Personalize your poster by sending your own quotes or sayings. Try it now!
A famous landmark in the city of Manila. This is a cool poster art that will boost the interior of your home. A wonderful art that will surely be adored by your family and guests. An impressive art that will bring the culture and history of the Philippines to your homes.
Visual art has been vital in shaping Philippine culture and identity, reflecting the country’s history, values, and aspirations. From indigenous craftsmanship to modern contemporary art, Filipino visual artists have continually used their work to document traditions, express social realities, and celebrate the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
Before the arrival of foreign influences, pre-colonial Filipinos expressed their identity through various visual art forms, such as pottery, weaving, tattooing, and wood carving. The intricate okir designs of the Maranao, the detailed T’nalak weaving of the T’boli, and the symbolic tattoo patterns of the Kalinga people showcased the artistic sensibilities of early Filipinos. These artworks were not merely decorative; they held deep spiritual and cultural significance, often representing status, beliefs, and ancestral connections.
Despite centuries of colonization, indigenous visual art remains integral to Philippine identity. The unwavering efforts of cultural organizations and local artists in reviving and sustaining traditional crafts are a testament to the resilience and pride of the Filipino people. These endeavors ensure that these art forms, rich in cultural significance, are passed down to future generations, inspiring a sense of continuity and cultural pride.
Spanish colonization introduced Western artistic techniques and religious iconography to the Philippines. Churches, paintings, and sculptures flourished, particularly religious images and murals. However, during the late 19th century, Filipino artists began to use visual art as a tool for nationalism and social change.
One of the most notable examples is Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, a painting that symbolizes the oppression of Filipinos under Spanish rule. His contemporary, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, also depicted themes of struggle and colonial injustice in his works. These painters and writers, like José Rizal, played a crucial role in igniting national consciousness, proving that visual art could be a powerful medium for resistance and identity formation. Their works continue to empower and enlighten us about our history and the power of art in shaping our identity.
Throughout Philippine history, visual art has continued to reflect societal issues. During the American and Japanese occupations and the martial law era, many artists used their works to depict the struggles and resilience of the Filipino people. Political cartoons, protest posters, and murals became platforms for dissent, challenging oppressive regimes and advocating social justice. These works not only challenge the status quo but also engage and connect us to the societal issues that shape our nation.
Filipino visual artists continue highlighting political, environmental, and cultural concerns in the contemporary era. Street art, such as the murals of Gerilya Art Collective, transforms public spaces into canvases for activism, raising awareness about indigenous rights, historical revisionism, and social inequality.
Filipino visual art has also gained international recognition, with artists like Ronald Ventura, Rodel Tapaya, and Elmer Borlongan making waves in global exhibitions. Their works, which blend traditional Filipino themes with modern techniques, showcase the country’s evolving identity in the worldwide art scene and promote cultural exchange and understanding. This global recognition of Filipino visual art contributes to a more nuanced and diverse representation of the Philippines in the international cultural landscape.
Moreover, digital art and social media have allowed Filipino artists to share their creativity worldwide. Illustrators, graphic designers, and multimedia artists use online spaces to express contemporary Filipino identity and connect with audiences across different cultures.
Visual art is deeply embedded in Philippine culture and identity, serving as a historical record and a means of self-expression. From indigenous traditions to contemporary digital art, Filipino artists continue to shape the nation’s cultural landscape, preserving its heritage while pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation. Visual art will remain crucial in defining and strengthening Filipino identity as the Philippines moves forward. It will likely play a
more significant role in shaping the country’s future cultural and social narratives.
