CULTURE
Most visitors will find Philippines to be an intriguing and enchanting
place. Considering that Philippines has such a colorful history, one can expect
to experience a blend of richly unique culture of foreign influences and native
elements. Be it museums, dances or beauty pageants, Philippines is one great
cultural center that is bound to capture the heart of any visitor.
Cultural Center of the Philippines
The existence of a great cultural background in the Philippines has given many
visitors the privilege to peek into and experience the Filipino way of life.
Their eagerness to share their culture with the world has led to the birth
of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
This cultural center, located on Roxas Boulevard is home to
several theaters, a library, a museum, galleries, exhibition
rooms and restaurants. Being the pride and joy of Imelda Marcos,
the former first lady, the CCP was built based on a vision to
promote and boost culture. However, it was unfortunate that past
cultural policy has restricted free development of both the performing
and visual arts. Nevertheless, at this present day, supporting
free expression has become the center's cultural policy. Operating
on this policy, it is with hope that the local arts will soon
find their way to the world stage.
Museums
With a count of over 15 museums, museum lovers will find Manila a heaven on
earth. The different museums around the city showcase different articles
that will definitely attract the tourist's attention.
For those who are interested to learn more about the Philippine
history, iconographic exhibits or ship models of ancient vessels;
they can visit the Ayala Museum of Philippine History and Iconographic
Archives on Makati Avenue, Makati. The Lopez Museum, located
at Chronicle Building on Meralco Avenue is ideal for those with
a penchant for paintings and pottery. Another museum worth visiting
is the Philippine Museum of Ethnology at Nayong Pilipino Complex,
Pasay. This museum showcases cultural artifacts of the Philippines'
major ethnic minority groups.
Apart from Manila, do visit the museums around the islands
namely Corregidor, Laoag, Vigan, Bontoc, Baguio, Cebu, Zamboanga
and Davao.
Dance and Ballet
Dancing plays a big role in enriching the colorful Filipino culture. The movement
of bodies and the tapping of feet accompanied by the rhythm of music have
become a way of life for them. Whether it is the cha-cha-cha, disco, modern,
folk or classical ballet, the Filipinos simply loved to dance.
The traditional dance of the country is derived from a unique
mix of Spanish, Malay and Muslim influences. Tinikling (bamboo
or heron dance) and pandanggo sa ilaw ('dance of lights') are
among some of the most beautiful Malay dances while singkil (court
dance) is the most popular Filipino-Muslim dance. The Spanish
dances such as habanera, jota and paypay (the fan dance) can
be seen performed in the Philippine variations. Many good old
folk dances, especially the national dance named tinikling have
become a hit with tourists.
Bayanihan Dance Company excels in cultural dance while the
country's leading ballet company is Ballet Philippines based
at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
