With a long history of colonial rule, the Filipino culture can be branded as both oriental and western. This country is marked with a fusion of cultures that can be attributed to the pre-Hispanic trading between local tribes with their Asian neighbors. Spain and America also played a key role in infusing certain beliefs and practices which are practiced up until today.

 The Spanish influences in the Filipino culture is very evident in the Filipino's language, food, religion, and even in traditions and practices. Many Filipino words are derived from the Spanish language. For example, the Filipino word kamusta or hello is from the Spanish word como esta. The word pista which means celebration, comes from the Spanish word fiesta. Sabon or soap is jabon in Spanish while the term swerte or luck is from the Spanish word suerte. 

Filipino cuisine is also influenced by the Hispanic occupation. Popular Filipino dishes like arroz valenciana or rice dish in tomato sauce, is inspired from traditional Spanish dish called paella. Another favorite dish is the longganisa which is the Filipino version of chorizo or sausage. 

The colorful fiestas of the many provinces in the Philippines can also be traced from the Spanish colonization as most of these festivals are held in honor of a saint. 

The Americans also placed their imprints in the Filipino culture. Basketball, a very popular sport in the country, was inherited from the Americans. Filipinos are also in tune with the trends in America including the latest in fashion, movies, and even their love for fast food restaurants. 

English is also widely spoken in the country as a result of the American occupation. In fact, the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world.

The pre- Hispanic relations of native Filipinos with the Chinese also made an impact in the Filipino culture. Delicious delicacies such as pancit and mami or noodle base dishes, siomai or dumplings, as well as the belief in feng shui and swerte or luck is largely influenced by the Chinese.


Philippine Cuisine: The Flavors of the Philippines

The country's dishes are widely influenced by Spaniards, its first colonizers. The Westerners introduced various ingredients and spices such as chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, as well as the method of sauteeing to local folks. Dishes such as arroz valencia, a rice dish garnished with vegetables and chicken meat, and adobo or meat cooked in soy sauce and vinegar, are adaptations of traditional Spanish dishes like paella and adobado.

Arab, Chinese, Indians, and Japanese traders also influenced the Philippines' culinary practices. The use of toyo or soy sauce, patis or fish sauce, and the method of stir frying were largely inherited from these Asian countries. The Chinese in particular, shaped the Filipino's love for pancit or noodle-based dishes.

Rice is a staple in the Filipinos' dining experience. Rice is often boiled and served during main meals. Left over rice is usually fried and flavored with soy sauce and garlic. It is served with other breakfast staples like fried eggs, longanisa which is the local version of sausage, tapa or dried beef meat, and tocino which is sweetened cured meat. Rice is also used to make sweets such as kakanin or glutenous rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar. 

Meat from chicken, pork, beef, and fish are mostly used to prepare savory dishes. Popular dishes include sinigang which is pork in tamarind sauce, lechon or whole roasted pig, kare- kare or oxtail in peanut sauce and kaldereta or goat in tomato sauce.

Filipinos are also known for their exotic dishes. Balut or boiled pre-hatched duckling egg is seasoned with salt or vinegar. Isaw or grilled chicken intestine and adidas or grilled chicken feet are also great choices for those who love street food.