The people of the Philippines are known to be a melting pot of a variety of nationalities and each culture of Philippines that comes from these foreign-blooded people show in each Filipino.The influences of the countries that invaded these tropical islands have permeated in the personality of every one, resulting to Chinitos and Mestizos to be present in our midst.Even before the conquerors of the Philippines arrived, there was a prevailing culture that was being established by the first people who entered these wealthy lands.However, since there were the Spanish, American, and the Japanese influences, incorporated with a little percentage of Chinese and Malayan, many now believe that the lifestyle of Filipinos are adapted and inherited from each one.We obtain our Catholic faith and our family names from the Spaniards.From the Americans, we got their love for the English language and their culture of excitement in music, film, sports and in food as well.  The Japanese left us a legacy of toughness, their adherence to excellence and discipline, and their food.  Other countries, such as China and Indonesia, gave us their cultural heritage in the ways that they dress, the way they conduct business and in preparing different kinds of Asian food as well.

Because the foreigners have settled here for centuries and years on end, Philippine traditions have been evolving and there are both good and bad traits that we have developed as a people.But what is more obvious are the good Filipino customs and actions, such as the mano, saying po and opo, utang na loob and the bayanihan system.  The Filipino culture is also known for their close family ties, sometimes to the point where families help each other to the end.  This is anchored on the belief that there is strength and unity in the family as the number one unit of society. Unique etiquette and customs are also prevalent such as cordiality when meeting other people and gift-giving during special, and even during non-special, occasions.  Their attitude towards food is almost sacred, picking up every morsel.  Their dining and table manners see them eat with their hands and their foot lifted up so that the knees can be used as armrest.  In business etiquette and business negotiations, Filipinos are known to be tough negotiators but they are known to take care of their clients. The service that they give is so exceptional that their businesses are mostly successes.  When it comes to fashion the dress etiquette borders on the conservative to the flirty.  Their sense of fashion is practical and often times light but elegant. The Filipino customs are known worldwide, especially the in hospitality aspect where Filipinos are well-loved for.

Philippine culture also sees the people having a love and deep understanding of the English language, which makes for a high level of literacy rate.  Education is given utmost importance and the parents of the students save every penny they can just to see their child graduate and get a decent source of income, whether in business or employment.  Sports are also considered as a way out of poverty for some people.  Pinoy ethnicity is the only one of its kind and each have their own subcultures and sub dialects.  The culture of Philippines is truly a reflection of the heritage’s richness and contribution to the world.