FILIPINO CULTURAL HERITAGE BY ANDREA JOY ROLDAN AND YANCY TEH

Summary

This presentation explores Filipino cultural heritage, highlighting both tangible and intangible aspects. It discusses the significance of cultural heritage in shaping identity, preserving history, and fostering national pride. The script covers key practices like 'Pagmamano' and 'Bayanihan,' as well as World Heritage Sites in the Philippines, such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. The importance of safeguarding these cultural treasures is emphasized, showing how they contribute to a deeper understanding of Filipino history, values, and societal evolution.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cultural heritage refers to the legacy we inherit from the past, which shapes our identity and connects us to future generations.
• 😀 Heritage can be categorized into two types: tangible (physical objects, buildings, monuments) and intangible (traditions, language, practices).
• 😀 Intangible heritage is more challenging to preserve as it cannot be physically stored, requiring collective community efforts for protection.
• 😀 Examples of intangible heritage in Filipino culture include *Pagmamano* (a gesture of respect), *Bayanihan* (communal unity), and traditional dances like *Tinikling*.
• 😀 Tangible heritage includes physical sites and artifacts, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the *Puerto Princesa Subterranean River* and *Banaue Rice Terraces*.
• 😀 The *Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park* is a UNESCO-listed site known for its biodiversity and geological features, including the longest subterranean river in the world.
• 😀 The *Banaue Rice Terraces* in Ifugao represent an example of sustainable agriculture, showing the harmony between people and nature for over 2,000 years.
• 😀 The *Historic City of Vigan* is an example of a well-preserved Spanish colonial town, reflecting a fusion of Asian, European, and Mexican architectural influences.
• 😀 The *Baroque Churches of the Philippines*, such as the *Paoay Church*, blend European church design with local materials, demonstrating the adaptation of architecture to local conditions.
• 😀 The *Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park* is a marine UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich coral biodiversity and ecological importance in the Sulu Sea.
• 😀 Cultural heritage plays a significant role in shaping national identity, fostering pride, and helping people connect with their history and traditions.

Q & A

What is the definition of cultural heritage?

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy from the past, encompassing monuments, artifacts, traditions, and practices that reflect the cultural, political, economic, or social history of a community, nation, or state.

How does Christopher Tunard define heritage?

Christopher Tunard defines heritage as the cultivation of cultural patrimony, which is essentially the improvement and preservation of cultural heritage.

What is the challenge in preserving cultural heritage, according to Liu Yuan?

Liu Yuan emphasizes the challenge of balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with modern-day realities, suggesting that heritage is as much about people as it is about relics.

What does UNESCO's World Heritage Commission say about heritage?

UNESCO's World Heritage Commission describes heritage as a legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. It helps us understand who we are and connects us to our history and cultural identity.

What is the difference between tangible and intangible cultural heritage?

Tangible cultural heritage includes physical objects and structures such as monuments, buildings, and artifacts that can be preserved. Intangible cultural heritage, on the other hand, refers to practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that are passed through cultural expression but do not have a physical form.

Why is intangible cultural heritage difficult to preserve?

Intangible cultural heritage is challenging to preserve because it lacks physical appearance and is experienced through cultural practices, making it harder to protect and maintain. It requires collective efforts from communities to ensure its survival.

Can you provide an example of intangible cultural heritage from the Philippines?

An example of intangible cultural heritage in the Philippines is 'pagmamano,' a traditional gesture of respect where younger people greet elders by placing their hands on the elders' foreheads.

What is the significance of the Banaue Rice Terraces?

The Banaue Rice Terraces are an outstanding example of land use resulting from a harmonious relationship between people and the environment. These terraces, cultivated for over 2,000 years, showcase sustainable agricultural practices and are an important cultural landscape.

What makes the Historic City of Vigan a unique cultural heritage site?

The Historic City of Vigan is unique because it is a well-preserved example of a Spanish colonial town in the Philippines. It reflects a fusion of European, Chinese, and Filipino architectural styles, making it a one-of-a-kind cultural and architectural site in Asia.

How does cultural heritage shape a community's identity?

Cultural heritage shapes a community's identity by reflecting its values, traditions, and historical development. It provides a sense of belonging and pride, fostering unity and solidarity among its members.