PHILIPPINE CULTURE Flashcards
What Filipino tradition involves visiting the graves of loved ones on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day?
Undas
What is the Filipino term for ‘godparents’ often used during weddings and baptisms?
Ninong (godfather) and Ninang (godmother)
What is the traditional Filipino courtship practice where a man serves the family of his beloved to prove his intentions?
Paninilbihan
What is the term for the Filipino hospitality culture of making guests feel welcome?
Bayanihan or Filipino hospitality
What is the Filipino practice of kissing the hand of an elder as a sign of respect?
Mano or Pagmamano
What is the popular Filipino superstitious belief about bringing bad luck by sweeping the floor at night?
Sweeping at night invites bad luck.
What traditional Filipino wedding custom involves the couple eating a single grain of rice as a symbol of unity?
‘Pagkain ng bigas’
What is the term for Filipino communal work or volunteerism, especially in rural areas?
Bayanihan
What is a ‘fiesta’ in Filipino culture?
A community celebration, usually honoring a patron saint
What traditional Filipino value emphasizes shame avoidance and maintaining honor?
Hiya
What is the Filipino dish made from pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices?
Adobo
Which delicacy is a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo that is eaten in the shell?
Balut
What is a popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, milk, and various sweet ingredients like fruits and jellies?
Halo-halo
What is the Filipino version of grilled chicken intestines on skewers, sold as street food?
Isaw
What is the name of the traditional Filipino dessert made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar, wrapped in banana leaves?
Suman
What is the Filipino dish made of pig’s head and liver, typically seasoned with calamansi and chili peppers?
Sisig
What is the Filipino version of blood stew made from pig’s blood, vinegar, and spices?
Dinuguan
Which native Filipino fruit is known as the ‘Queen of Philippine Fruits’?
Mangosteen
What traditional Filipino bread roll is usually coated in breadcrumbs and served for breakfast?
Pandesal
What type of noodle dish is popular at Filipino birthday celebrations as a symbol of long life?
Pancit
Which festival in Aklan celebrates the Santo Niño and is famous for its vibrant parade and street dancing?
Ati-Atihan Festival
What festival in Cebu is held in honor of the Santo Niño, featuring street dancing and vibrant costumes?
Sinulog Festival
What is the term for the massive rice harvest festival celebrated in Nueva Ecija and other parts of Luzon?
Pagay Festival
Which flower festival is celebrated in Baguio City every February?
Panagbenga Festival
What festival in Davao City is celebrated in August and features indigenous culture and vibrant street dances?
Kadayawan Festival
What Visayan festival features colorful masks and is celebrated in Bacolod City?
MassKara Festival
What is the name of the giant lantern festival held every December in Pampanga?
Ligligan Parul or Giant Lantern Festival
Which festival in Ilocos Norte features giant corn structures and celebrates the corn harvest?
Paoay Corn Festival
In which city is the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, celebrated to honor the tattooed warriors of old?
Tacloban City
What festival in Quezon Province involves decorating houses with agricultural products as an offering?
Pahiyas Festival
Who is known as the ‘Father of the Philippine National Language’?
Manuel L. Quezon
What is the national language of the Philippines?
Filipino
Who wrote the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo?
Jose Rizal
What epic poem from the Cordillera region tells the story of the hero Aliguyon?
The Hudhud of the Ifugao
What Philippine mythological creature is known as the ‘vampire-like’ entity that splits into two?
Manananggal
What is the traditional Tagalog poetic form consisting of four lines with seven syllables each?
Tanaga
Who is the author of Florante at Laura, a famous Filipino literary work?
Francisco Balagtas
What is the term for the ancient Filipino writing system used by early Tagalogs?
Baybayin
What is the name of the Visayan folk song about a woman named Pamulinawen?
Pamulinawen
Who wrote the Filipino short story ‘My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken’?
Alejandro Roces
What is the term for the traditional tattooing practice among the Kalinga people?
Batok
What indigenous tribe in the Philippines is known for their intricate beadwork and weaving?
T’boli
Who is the oldest known living tattoo artist from the Kalinga tribe?
Apo Whang-od
What is the Maranao traditional artwork that features okir designs and motifs?
Maranao okir carving
What is the traditional musical instrument of the Maguindanao and Maranao that consists of a row of small brass gongs?
Kulintang
What is the term for the traditional skirt worn by women of the Yakan tribe?
Seputangan
What mountain tribe is known for the Banaue Rice Terraces?
Ifugao
What is the name of the traditional, colorful woven blanket made by the Ifugao?
Ikat
What ethnic group in the Philippines is known for building houses on stilts over water?
Badjao
What is the traditional festival dance of the Cordillera region performed to honor spirits?
Tinikling
What traditional Filipino dance mimics the movements of birds?
Tinikling
What is the national anthem of the Philippines?
Lupang Hinirang
Who composed the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang?
Julian Felipe
What is the term for a Filipino bamboo instrument used for creating rhythmic sounds by striking?
Bamboo clappers or Tungkong
What traditional Filipino love song, often sung in serenades, originates from Ilocos?
Pamulinawen
What is the name of the gong ensemble commonly used in Mindanao music?
Kulintang
Who is the first National Artist for Music in the Philippines?
Antonio Molina
What dance from the Bicol region mimics the movements of crabs?
Pantomina
What folk dance performed with candles on dancers’ heads originated from Leyte?
Pandanggo sa Ilaw
Which popular Filipino love song is about a woman named ‘Dandansoy’ and is sung in Hiligaynon?
Dandansoy
In the Maranao epic ‘Darangen,’ who is the main hero who battles mythical creatures and performs supernatural feats?
Bantugan
What is the term for the traditional tattoo symbols among the Visayans, which represent bravery and social status?
Pintados
In Visayan mythology, who is considered the goddess of the moon and protector of women and children?
Haliya
What ancient Filipino god, from the Tagalog pantheon, was considered the god of the sea and death?
Amanikable
What traditional Mandaya skirt, woven with intricate patterns, is used in significant cultural and religious rites?
Dagmay
Which Ilocano literary work, written in 1889, is considered the first novel written in a Philippine language?
‘Urbana at Felisa’ by Modesto de Castro
Who is the Cebuano poet known for his poem ‘Ako ang Daigdig’ that portrays existentialism?
Alejandro G. Abadilla
In Baybayin, what character represents the syllable ‘ka’?
ᜃ
What Philippine epic, originating from the Bukidnon people, tells the story of the hero Agyu?
Ulaging or Ulahingan
Who wrote the poem ‘Sa Aking Mga Kabata,’ which is often attributed to Jose Rizal but whose authorship is debated?
The authorship is uncertain; it is traditionally attributed to Jose Rizal
What is the Tagalog term for ‘spirit’ or ‘deity’ in indigenous Filipino belief systems?
Anito
In Visayan beliefs, what is the term for the spirit known to bring illness or fortune depending on its treatment by humans?
Diwata
What is the Filipino term for an unlucky event that disrupts positive energy, similar to the Western concept of a jinx?
Usog
Among the Mangyan people of Mindoro, what is the term for their ancient syllabic script still used in rituals and poetry?
Surat Mangyan
Who is the supreme god of the Kalinga people, known as the creator and provider of life?
Kabunian
What painting by Juan Luna won a gold medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884?
Spoliarium
Who is the National Artist for Painting who developed the ‘cubist’ style in Philippine art?
Vicente Manansala
What is the traditional weaving technique used by the T’boli people, featuring designs inspired by dreams?
T’nalak
What historical church in Ilocos Sur is known for its unique architecture, including earthquake-resistant buttresses?
Paoay Church
Who was the Filipino sculptor known for his work in wood and who was declared a National Artist for Sculpture?
Guillermo Tolentino
What is the ancient Filipino instrument made from bamboo and has strings that produce a unique buzzing sound?
Kulibit
Who is the National Artist for Music known as the ‘Father of Philippine Jazz’?
Angel Peña
What Visayan dance involves imitating the courtship and mating movements of a rooster and a hen?
Itik-itik
Who composed the iconic Filipino operetta ‘Walang Sugat,’ which was first staged in the early 20th century?
Severino Reyes
What is the term for the gong and drum ensemble in Mindanao that is essential in Maranao and Maguindanao culture?
Kulintang
Who is considered the ‘Father of Philippine Comics,’ known for his work ‘Kenkoy’?
Tony Velasquez
What was the first Filipino film to win the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009?
‘Kinatay’ by Brillante Mendoza
What term is used to describe contemporary Filipino rock bands that emerged in the 1990s, influenced by local and Western music?
OPM (Original Pilipino Music) bands
Who is the National Artist for Theater and Film known for his contribution to Philippine cinema, especially through films like Genghis Khan?
Manuel Conde
Which popular Filipino superhero character, created by Mars Ravelo, transforms into a superhuman after swallowing a magical stone?
Darna
What is the name of the ritual dance in Bicol, performed to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia?
Voyadores Festival
During the Kadayawan Festival, what is the name of the parade featuring floral floats and indigenous costumes?
Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan
What Ifugao festival celebrates a bountiful harvest and is marked by traditional rituals and community feasting?
Gotad Ad Ifugao
What traditional dance in Cebu is performed by candle bearers as an offering to Saint Niño?
Sinulog Dance
What festival in Tawi-Tawi honors the Badjao and Sama people’s culture, especially their relationship with the sea?
Agal-Agal Festival
In what language group does the Waray language, spoken primarily in Samar and Leyte, belong?
Visayan language group
What is the language spoken by the Ivatan people of Batanes, known for its unique vocabulary related to seafaring and nature?
Ivatan
What is the local term for the ancient script used by the Tagbanwa people of Palawan?
Tagbanwa script
Who is the National Artist for Literature known for his poems and essays written in both English and Filipino?
Virgilio S. Almario
What is the traditional poetic form in Cebuano, usually consisting of three lines with a rhyme scheme?
Balak
What is the earliest known piece of Philippine literature that is written in the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, dated to 900 AD?
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription itself is considered a legal document and the earliest record of Philippine history and writing
In ancient Visayan society, what was the title given to a warrior class who protected the datu and carried significant influence?
Timawa
What pre-colonial Filipino tribe is known for performing the death ritual called ‘pagdiwata,’ which includes various offerings and dances?
The Tagbanwa of Palawan
What is the ‘Babaylan’ known for in ancient Filipino communities?
The Babaylan served as a shaman, healer, spiritual leader, and intermediary between the spirit world and the human community
The Maranao people have a pre-colonial epic that involves a hero and a magical bird named Sarimanok. What is the name of this epic?
Darangen
Who was the leader of the 1660s Pangasinan revolt against Spanish colonizers, inspired by the oppression and abuses faced by locals?
Andres Malong
What historical document, produced by the Spanish in the 16th century, describes the structure of Philippine society before Spanish colonization?
Boxer Codex
During the Spanish colonial era, the Galleon Trade between Manila and Acapulco was primarily centered on which luxury commodity?
Silk and spices, though many luxury goods were traded
What secret society, formed in 1892, served as the primary organization advocating for Philippine independence from Spanish rule?
La Liga Filipina
Who was the leader of the longest and largest revolutionary movement in the Cordillera region against American colonial forces?
Macario Sakay
Who is the National Artist for Literature known for writing Sugat ng Alaala, a play that explores colonial influences on Filipino culture?
Severino Montano
Which prominent Filipino artist is known for the controversial Stations of the Cross series that incorporated indigenous symbols and societal critiques?
Ang Kiukok
What literary technique did Francisco Arcellana pioneer, making him one of the major Filipino writers in English?
He pioneered ‘lyrical prose-poetic form’
What traditional weaving technique is used by the Blaan of Mindanao, featuring intricate patterns representing their dreams?
Ikat weaving
The poem Florante at Laura is written in what specific form of Filipino poetry, often consisting of four-line stanzas with 12 syllables each?
Awit
Who is known as the ‘Father of Philippine Cinema,’ having directed Dalagang Bukid, the first Filipino-produced film?
José Nepomuceno
What modernist Filipino architect is known for the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, a landmark in Filipino architecture?
Leandro Locsin
In the field of linguistics, what term is used to describe the blending of Tagalog and English in Filipino urban language?
Taglish
Which Filipino anthropologist is known for his extensive studies on Filipino psychology, or Sikolohiyang Pilipino?
Virgilio Enriquez
The celebrated Filipino author, Nick Joaquin, wrote under a pseudonym. What was it?
Quijano de Manila
In Philippine folklore, what is the name of the tree spirit believed to reside in large, old trees such as balete and can cause harm if disturbed?
Kapre
The concept of ‘utang na loob’ is a core Filipino value. What does it emphasize?
A deep sense of gratitude and debt of reciprocity
In Bicolano mythology, who is the serpent deity believed to be a source of life but also the harbinger of destruction?
Bakunawa
What is the Visayan term for a witch or sorcerer who is believed to perform black magic?
Mambabarang
What is the practice of ‘kulam,’ and in which regions of the Philippines is it most commonly associated?
Kulam is witchcraft or sorcery, commonly associated with Siquijor and some parts of Bicol
Who was the first Filipino to win the Nobel Prize-like Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism in 1958?
Ramon Magsaysay Award was won by Carlos P. Romulo, although not a Nobel Prize, this award is often considered Asia’s Nobel Prize
Who founded the nationalist organization known as the Katipunan, leading to the 1896 Philippine Revolution?
Andres Bonifacio
What political ideology, developed in the Philippines, emphasizes the interconnectedness of Asian countries and opposes Western colonization?
Asianism or Pan-Asianism
The First Philippine Republic was established in what town, also the site of its famous Barasoain Church?
Malolos, Bulacan
In 1987, which Philippine president signed the Family Code of the Philippines into law, changing aspects of marriage and family life?
Corazon Aquino
Which ethnic group is known for their tattoo artistry, with tattoos representing social status, bravery, and achievements?
The Kalinga
What is the term for the stylized motifs of the Maranao and Maguindanao people, featuring organic and flowing designs?
Okir
In what cultural heritage site can you find the ‘petroglyphs,’ ancient rock carvings dating back to approximately 3000 BC?
Angono Petroglyphs in Rizal
Which indigenous group in the Cordillera region is known for their handwoven textile called ‘ikat’?
The Ifugao
The Agusan Image, discovered in 1917, is an ancient gold statuette representing which deity or figure?
A Hindu-Buddhist deity, likely influenced by pre-colonial Hinduism or Buddhism
Who is the Filipino scientist who invented the Erythromycin-based antibiotic to treat bacterial infections, often credited for his research in microbiology?
Dr. Abelardo Aguilar
What field of study is Dioscoro L. Umali, known as the ‘Father of Philippine Plant Breeding,’ recognized for contributing to?
Agricultural science, particularly in plant breeding
What indigenous Filipino structure, utilized by early people of Batanes, exemplifies sustainable architecture adapted to withstand typhoons?
Ivatan houses made of stone and cogon grass
Who is the Filipino inventor of the ‘modular housing system,’ which provided low-cost, disaster-resistant homes?
Edgardo ‘Ed’ Detera
- Q: What is the term used by the Aetas to refer to their traditional healers or shamans?
A: Mambunong - Q: In pre-colonial Filipino belief systems, what is “Bathala” commonly known for?
A: Bathala is the supreme god and creator deity in Tagalog mythology. - Q: Among the Ilocano people, what is the term for the ceremonial animal sacrifice performed to ward off evil spirits?
A: Daw-es - Q: What is the traditional ritual called that is performed by the Kankanaey people to honor the spirits of their ancestors?
A: Cañao - Q: In Kapampangan mythology, who is the goddess of the sea believed to cause storms and floods when angered?
A: Apung Malyari
Traditional Arts and Crafts
- Q: What is the name of the traditional mat made by the Samal and Badjao communities, known for its vibrant geometric patterns?
A: Banig - Q: The Ifugao people are famous for their skill in carving wooden statues called “bulul.” What purpose do these statues serve?
A: Bulul statues are believed to protect the rice crops and bring good harvest. - Q: What is the term for the intricate tattooing practiced by the Kalinga people, which is traditionally done by a “mambabatok”?
A: Batok - Q: In the southern Philippines, what is the name of the traditional hand-woven fabric made by the Yakan tribe, known for its bright colors and geometric designs?
A: Tennun - Q: What is the traditional art of writing Baybayin, and how does it differ from modern Filipino scripts?
A: Baybayin is an ancient script used by Tagalogs and other pre-colonial ethnic groups; it’s syllabic and doesn’t include symbols for certain consonants like “R.”
Unique Festivals and Celebrations
- Q: The Ati-Atihan Festival, held in Kalibo, Aklan, honors which religious figure despite its pagan roots?
A: Santo Niño (Child Jesus) - Q: In the Cordilleras, the “Panagbenga Festival” is celebrated annually. What does “Panagbenga” mean in the local language?
A: “Season of Blooming,” as it celebrates the region’s flowers. - Q: What is the T’nalak Festival, celebrated in South Cotabato, and what indigenous group’s cultural heritage does it honor?
A: It honors the T’boli people’s tradition of weaving the T’nalak cloth. - Q: During the “Pahiyas Festival” in Lucban, Quezon, what vegetable is traditionally used to decorate houses?
A: Kiping (rice wafers shaped like leaves) - Q: The Ibaloi people of Benguet practice “mummification” in a ritual for their dead, known as what?
A: Kabayan Mummification or Fire Mummies
Filipino Social Values and Concepts
- Q: What Filipino value is symbolized by the act of “pakikisama,” which emphasizes social harmony and camaraderie?
A: Getting along well with others and maintaining social acceptance - Q: “Bayanihan” is an important Filipino cultural value. Traditionally, how was it demonstrated in rural communities?
A: Through cooperative efforts like moving a house (nipa hut) collectively. - Q: In Filipino culture, what is the term for “debt of gratitude,” which is considered a binding social obligation?
A: Utang na loob - Q: “Hiya” is a Filipino cultural concept often described as a sense of shame. In what social contexts is “hiya” commonly felt?
A: In situations where one may bring embarrassment or dishonor to themselves or their family. - Q: “Damayan” is a Filipino tradition of coming together to support others in times of hardship. How is it typically practiced?
A: Through collective assistance in both emotional and material support, often during wakes or funerals.
Regional Cuisine and Unique Dishes
- Q: In Ilocos, what is “pinakbet,” and what ingredient is unique to its regional recipe?
A: It’s a vegetable stew, traditionally including bagoong (fermented fish sauce). - Q: “Piyanggang” is a unique grilled chicken dish from which ethnic group in the southern Philippines?
A: The Tausug, known for its blackened coconut marinade. - Q: “Inutak” is a sticky rice dessert originating from which area in the Philippines?
A: Taguig, Metro Manila - Q: What is the Ilonggo dish “kadyos, baboy, langka (KBL),” and what legume gives it a unique flavor?
A: It’s a soup made with pigeon peas (kadyos), pork, and unripe jackfruit. - Q: “Kinilaw” is a Filipino dish similar to ceviche. In what part of the Philippines is it especially popular, and what is a unique ingredient sometimes added?
A: Mindanao; often includes tabon-tabon (a native fruit) as a souring agent.
Architecture and Heritage Sites
- Q: The “Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras” are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” How old are these terraces estimated to be?
A: Over 2,000 years old - Q: What is the famous Baroque church in Ilocos Norte that is known for its massive buttresses designed to withstand earthquakes?
A: Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) - Q: The “Vigan Heritage Village” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. What is the architectural style known as?
A: Bahay na Bato - Q: What is the name of the oldest Chinatown in the world, which is located in Manila?
A: Binondo - Q: The historical site “Intramuros” was built during which colonial period, and for what main purpose?
A: The Spanish colonial period; as a fortified city for protection against invaders.
Filipino Language and Dialects
- Q: In Cebuano, what does the word “lingaw” mean, commonly used in social contexts?
A: Fun or enjoyable - Q: The Waray language is primarily spoken in which regions of the Philippines?
A: Samar and Leyte in Eastern Visayas - Q: What is the indigenous script of the Hanunuo Mangyan of Mindoro, which is still used for traditional poetry?
A: Surat Mangyan - Q: In Filipino, the word “malasakit” carries a deep meaning beyond its literal translation. What does it imply in terms of Filipino values?
A: A sense of empathy and caring for others’ well-being. - Q: What is the Kinaray-a language, and where is it predominantly spoken?
A: A language of the Western Visayas, mainly in Antique and some parts of Iloilo.
Modern Filipino Pop Culture
- Q: Who is the “King of Philippine Movies” known for his roles in classic films and winning multiple awards?
A: Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) - Q: What OPM (Original Pilipino Music) band is famous for the song “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” a hit in the 1990s?
A: Eraserheads - Q: What popular Filipino TV show, which began airing in the 1970s, is known for featuring amateur singing and dancing talent?
A: Eat Bulaga! - Q: What Filipino superhero, created by Mars Ravelo, is known for her transformation after swallowing a magical stone?
A: Darna - Q: “MMFF” is an annual event celebrating Filipino films. What does MMFF stand for?
A: Metro Manila Film Festival
- Q: What is the term used by the Aetas to refer to their traditional healers or shamans?
A: Mambunong - Q: In pre-colonial Filipino belief systems, what is “Bathala” commonly known for?
A: Bathala is the supreme god and creator deity in Tagalog mythology. - Q: Among the Ilocano people, what is the term for the ceremonial animal sacrifice performed to ward off evil spirits?
A: Daw-es - Q: What is the traditional ritual called that is performed by the Kankanaey people to honor the spirits of their ancestors?
A: Cañao - Q: In Kapampangan mythology, who is the goddess of the sea believed to cause storms and floods when angered?
A: Apung Malyari
Traditional Arts and Crafts
- Q: What is the name of the traditional mat made by the Samal and Badjao communities, known for its vibrant geometric patterns?
A: Banig - Q: The Ifugao people are famous for their skill in carving wooden statues called “bulul.” What purpose do these statues serve?
A: Bulul statues are believed to protect the rice crops and bring good harvest. - Q: What is the term for the intricate tattooing practiced by the Kalinga people, which is traditionally done by a “mambabatok”?
A: Batok - Q: In the southern Philippines, what is the name of the traditional hand-woven fabric made by the Yakan tribe, known for its bright colors and geometric designs?
A: Tennun - Q: What is the traditional art of writing Baybayin, and how does it differ from modern Filipino scripts?
A: Baybayin is an ancient script used by Tagalogs and other pre-colonial ethnic groups; it’s syllabic and doesn’t include symbols for certain consonants like “R.”
Unique Festivals and Celebrations
- Q: The Ati-Atihan Festival, held in Kalibo, Aklan, honors which religious figure despite its pagan roots?
A: Santo Niño (Child Jesus) - Q: In the Cordilleras, the “Panagbenga Festival” is celebrated annually. What does “Panagbenga” mean in the local language?
A: “Season of Blooming,” as it celebrates the region’s flowers. - Q: What is the T’nalak Festival, celebrated in South Cotabato, and what indigenous group’s cultural heritage does it honor?
A: It honors the T’boli people’s tradition of weaving the T’nalak cloth. - Q: During the “Pahiyas Festival” in Lucban, Quezon, what vegetable is traditionally used to decorate houses?
A: Kiping (rice wafers shaped like leaves) - Q: The Ibaloi people of Benguet practice “mummification” in a ritual for their dead, known as what?
A: Kabayan Mummification or Fire Mummies
Filipino Social Values and Concepts
- Q: What Filipino value is symbolized by the act of “pakikisama,” which emphasizes social harmony and camaraderie?
A: Getting along well with others and maintaining social acceptance - Q: “Bayanihan” is an important Filipino cultural value. Traditionally, how was it demonstrated in rural communities?
A: Through cooperative efforts like moving a house (nipa hut) collectively. - Q: In Filipino culture, what is the term for “debt of gratitude,” which is considered a binding social obligation?
A: Utang na loob - Q: “Hiya” is a Filipino cultural concept often described as a sense of shame. In what social contexts is “hiya” commonly felt?
A: In situations where one may bring embarrassment or dishonor to themselves or their family. - Q: “Damayan” is a Filipino tradition of coming together to support others in times of hardship. How is it typically practiced?
A: Through collective assistance in both emotional and material support, often during wakes or funerals.
Regional Cuisine and Unique Dishes
- Q: In Ilocos, what is “pinakbet,” and what ingredient is unique to its regional recipe?
A: It’s a vegetable stew, traditionally including bagoong (fermented fish sauce). - Q: “Piyanggang” is a unique grilled chicken dish from which ethnic group in the southern Philippines?
A: The Tausug, known for its blackened coconut marinade. - Q: “Inutak” is a sticky rice dessert originating from which area in the Philippines?
A: Taguig, Metro Manila - Q: What is the Ilonggo dish “kadyos, baboy, langka (KBL),” and what legume gives it a unique flavor?
A: It’s a soup made with pigeon peas (kadyos), pork, and unripe jackfruit. - Q: “Kinilaw” is a Filipino dish similar to ceviche. In what part of the Philippines is it especially popular, and what is a unique ingredient sometimes added?
A: Mindanao; often includes tabon-tabon (a native fruit) as a souring agent.
Architecture and Heritage Sites
- Q: The “Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras” are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” How old are these terraces estimated to be?
A: Over 2,000 years old - Q: What is the famous Baroque church in Ilocos Norte that is known for its massive buttresses designed to withstand earthquakes?
A: Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) - Q: The “Vigan Heritage Village” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. What is the architectural style known as?
A: Bahay na Bato - Q: What is the name of the oldest Chinatown in the world, which is located in Manila?
A: Binondo - Q: The historical site “Intramuros” was built during which colonial period, and for what main purpose?
A: The Spanish colonial period; as a fortified city for protection against invaders.
Filipino Language and Dialects
- Q: In Cebuano, what does the word “lingaw” mean, commonly used in social contexts?
A: Fun or enjoyable - Q: The Waray language is primarily spoken in which regions of the Philippines?
A: Samar and Leyte in Eastern Visayas - Q: What is the indigenous script of the Hanunuo Mangyan of Mindoro, which is still used for traditional poetry?
A: Surat Mangyan - Q: In Filipino, the word “malasakit” carries a deep meaning beyond its literal translation. What does it imply in terms of Filipino values?
A: A sense of empathy and caring for others’ well-being. - Q: What is the Kinaray-a language, and where is it predominantly spoken?
A: A language of the Western Visayas, mainly in Antique and some parts of Iloilo.
Modern Filipino Pop Culture
- Q: Who is the “King of Philippine Movies” known for his roles in classic films and winning multiple awards?
A: Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) - Q: What OPM (Original Pilipino Music) band is famous for the song “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” a hit in the 1990s?
A: Eraserheads - Q: What popular Filipino TV show, which began airing in the 1970s, is known for featuring amateur singing and dancing talent?
A: Eat Bulaga! - Q: What Filipino superhero, created by Mars Ravelo, is known for her transformation after swallowing a magical stone?
A: Darna - Q: “MMFF” is an annual event celebrating Filipino films. What does MMFF stand for?
A: Metro Manila Film Festival
