Why Do Filipinos Always Point With Their Lips? Questions on Filipino Identity Answered! ASK XIAO 004

Summary

In this episode of 'ASK XIAO!', historian Xiao Chua answers a variety of questions about Filipino culture and history. He explores the unique Filipino habit of pointing with lips, the early celebration of Christmas starting in September, the origin of the popular 'Bahay Kubo' song, and why José Rizal became a national hero. Xiao also discusses his Chinese heritage and how it relates to his Filipino identity. The episode emphasizes the spirit of bayanihan, cooperation, and shared dreams for a better Philippines. Xiao encourages viewers to engage with 'The Filipino Story' across multiple platforms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filipinos point with their lips as an expressive gesture, possibly influenced by respect for ancestors believed to reside in ant hills.
• 😀 Christmas in the Philippines starts in September due to mall culture, with displays and music promoting early shopping and celebrating the spirit of giving.
• 😀 'Bahay Kubo,' a popular Filipino song, teaches about vegetables but also reflects the Philippines' global connectivity, as most of the vegetables are from other parts of the world.
• 😀 Jose Rizal became a national hero not by official law, but through public acclamation, as he was admired for standing up against colonial powers with his literary works.
• 😀 Rizal’s hero status was not decreed by the Americans but arose from Filipinos' admiration, with other Filipino figures like Bonifacio and Aguinaldo also deserving of recognition.
• 😀 Xiao Chua, despite his Chinese heritage, identifies as Filipino, emphasizing that anyone who becomes a Filipino citizen or has Filipino heritage is part of the nation.
• 😀 Filipinos are bound by a shared culture and history, and those abroad still form part of the Filipino nation, as long as they identify with its journey.
• 😀 The Filipino Dream is about peace of mind, good health, and cooperation through the concept of 'Bayanihan,' where helping each other is key to achieving common goals.
• 😀 'Bayanihan' reflects the Filipino spirit of cooperation, where people help one another to meet their needs without necessarily being rich.
• 😀 Xiao Chua encourages further exploration of Filipino identity, inviting Filipinos abroad to share their questions and continue learning together about their heritage.

Q & A

Why do Filipinos point with their lips?

Filipinos point with their lips as a cultural expression that can be linked to respect for their ancestors. According to belief, ancestors reside in ant hills, and pointing with the lips is a way to avoid pointing directly at them. It also reflects the expressiveness of Filipino culture.

Why do Filipinos start celebrating Christmas in September?

Christmas celebrations in the Philippines start as early as September due to the rise of mall culture, which encourages early Christmas shopping. It is also a time to share joy and blessings, extending the Christmas spirit throughout the 'ber' months. Mariah Carey's famous Christmas song and local songs like 'Christmas in Our Hearts' help set the festive tone.

Who wrote the 'Bahay Kubo' song?

'Bahay Kubo' is a traditional Filipino nursery song that teaches about various vegetables, though its origins are not clear. While some attribute it to Felipe Padilla de Leon, it is likely a folk song that has been passed down through generations. The song also symbolizes the Philippines' connection to the world, as many of the vegetables mentioned are not native to the country.

Why was Jose Rizal chosen as the National Hero of the Philippines?

Jose Rizal was chosen as the national hero of the Philippines due to his significant impact on the anti-colonial movement through his writings. His works, especially 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo,' played a key role in inspiring revolutionary thought. He was declared a hero by public acclamation, even before the Americans made him an official symbol.

Why is Xiao Chua, who has Chinese heritage, teaching Philippine history?

Xiao Chua is a fourth-generation Chinese Filipino and believes that Filipino identity transcends ethnicity. His mixed heritage reflects the multicultural nature of the Philippines, and he feels strongly that anyone, regardless of ethnic background, can contribute to understanding and teaching Philippine history.

What is the significance of 'Bayanihan' in Filipino culture?

Bayanihan is the spirit of communal unity and cooperation. It symbolizes Filipinos working together for the common good, often seen in times of need or crisis. The concept is deeply ingrained in Filipino identity and reflects the ideal of mutual aid and collective responsibility.

What is the Filipino dream according to Xiao Chua?

The Filipino dream, as shared by Xiao Chua, is one of peace, good health, and cooperation. It emphasizes helping each other and ensuring that everyone’s needs are met, reflecting the core values of Filipino culture, such as caring, sharing, and love.

What is the connection between Filipino and Chinese heritage, according to Xiao Chua?

Xiao Chua believes that Filipino and Chinese heritage can coexist, as seen in his own life. He proudly embraces both heritages and sees them as integral to his identity. The blending of cultures reflects the Philippines' multicultural background, where different ethnic groups contribute to the nation’s growth.

What role did the Americans play in declaring Jose Rizal a national hero?

While the Americans did not officially declare Jose Rizal as the national hero, they leveraged the widespread admiration Rizal already had among Filipinos. His status as a hero grew from public acclaim, particularly among revolutionaries who viewed him as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.

How did 'Bahay Kubo' reflect the Philippines' connection to the world?

'Bahay Kubo' is not just a song about a house but also a reflection of the Philippines’ historical connections with other nations. The vegetables mentioned in the song, many of which are not native to the Philippines, symbolize the country’s global ties and its history of cultural exchange.