Philippine Modernity and Popular Culture: An Onto Historical Inquiry

Summary

The script explores the evolution of Philippine modernity and popular culture through historical periods of Spanish and American colonization, the 20th century, and into the 21st century. It delves into changes in governance, education, architecture, language, agriculture, media, and technology, highlighting the cultural shifts each era introduced. The summary also touches on the impact of the third and fourth industrial revolutions, the rise of social media, and the influence of K-pop and J-pop on contemporary Philippine music.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ Modernity is characterized by a significant shift from past human experiences, while modernization is the transition from traditional to modern societies.
• 🏛️ Spanish colonization introduced a centralized government system, altering the pre-colonial barangay system and impacting the cultural landscape of the Philippines.
• 🏫 The establishment of schools and the spread of Catholicism during the Spanish period led to the integration of Spanish language and culture into Filipino society.
• 🏢 The introduction of stone buildings and the decline of the native 'baha'i kubo' marked a shift in architectural styles and the adoption of new construction techniques.
• 📝 The Latin alphabet and Spanish language replaced the native Babayin script, signifying a major change in the system of writing and language.
• 🌾 Spanish colonialism influenced agricultural practices, introducing private land ownership and commercial farming, which modernized the agricultural sector.
• 📰 The emergence of the Philippine press during the Spanish period played a pivotal role in the quest for independence and the shaping of national identity.
• 🇺🇸 American period modernization introduced democratic governance, political participation, and economic gains, significantly altering the political culture.
• 📚 The American period saw the expansion of the public school system and the emphasis on English language education, which contributed to the formation of a national identity.
• 💃 Popular culture during the Spanish and American periods included the adoption of Spanish language, festivities, cuisines, and last names, as well as the influence of American individualistic culture and consumer habits.
• 📻 The 20th century brought advancements in science and technology, the rise of mass media, and the development of the Philippine cinema and original Pilipino music (OPM), reflecting the evolving cultural landscape.

Q & A

What is modernity and how does it differ from modernization?

Modernity is defined as the condition of social existence that is significantly different from all past forms of human experience. Modernization, on the other hand, refers to the transitional process of moving from traditional to modern societies.

What was the pre-colonial system of government in the Philippines called, and how did it function?

The pre-colonial system of government in the Philippines was called 'barangay,' which was headed by a village chief known as 'datu' or 'adatu.'

How did the Spanish colonization influence the system of law and government in the Philippines?

Spanish colonization established a centralized colonial government in the Philippines, composed of a national government and local governments that administered provinces, cities, towns, and municipalities, thus changing the cultural system of law.

What was the role of Spanish education in the transformation of Philippine society during the colonial period?

Spanish education played a major role in the transformation by creating the oldest universities, colleges, and vocational schools dating back to the late 16th century, as well as the first modern public education system in Asia established in 1863.

How did the introduction of stone buildings during the Spanish period impact Philippine architecture?

The introduction of stone buildings during the Spanish period, such as San Agustin Church and the Lapa Church, led to the modern style of building stone houses and changed the architectural landscape of the Philippines.

What were the significant changes in the agricultural sector due to Spanish colonialism?

Spanish colonialism introduced private land ownership, the exaction of tribute payments, labor services, enforced silk of crops, and the intensification of commercial farming, which modernized the traditional agricultural practices of Filipino natives.

What was the impact of the early Philippine press on the country's quest for freedom and independence?

The early Philippine press played a critical role in the nation's quest for freedom and independence by inspiring the Philippine revolution against Spain, the first challenge by an Asian people against Western colonialism.

How did the American period of modernization influence the political culture and system of government in the Philippines?

The American period introduced branches of government, political party systems, bureaucracy, elections, democratic rights, and liberalism, which significantly changed the Filipino political culture and system of government.

What were some popular cultural elements during the Spanish period in the Philippines?

Popular cultural elements during the Spanish period included the Spanish language as the official language, festivities like the festival of San Diego, cultural holidays, Spanish cuisines, and Spanish last names due to the implementation of a Spanish naming system.

How did the American period contribute to the development of popular culture in the Philippines?

The American period contributed to the development of an individualistic culture, the widespread teaching of the English language, the adoption of Western fashion, food staples like hamburgers and ice cream, and popular dances influenced by American rhythm.

What advancements characterized the 20th century modernization in the Philippines?

The 20th century modernization in the Philippines was characterized by the third industrial revolution, which brought electronics, telecommunications, and computers, and advancements in science and technology, including the establishment of the National Academy of Science and Technology.

How did the emergence of Philippine television impact the country's modernity and popular culture?

The emergence of Philippine television in 1953 impacted the country's modernity and popular culture by becoming a competitive industry and spreading cultural knowledge and artistic works, influencing society and shaping media systems.

What is the significance of the fourth industrial revolution in the 21st century Philippine modernization?

The fourth industrial revolution, which arose in 2011, modernized the Philippines in the 21st century by introducing a fusion of advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of things, 3D printing, genetic engineering, and quantum computing, impacting cultural changes and emerging popular cultures through the digital world.

What popular cultural trends emerged in the 21st century Philippines?

Popular cultural trends in the 21st century Philippines include social media, K-pop and J-pop influences, beauty trends in skin care, foreign clothing styles and brands, selfie trends, vlogging, online shopping, and the rise of P-pop music.