What is Culture?

Hello everybody! I just got back from Passport to the Philippines at Navy Pier - where FIA Cultural took part in the parade (fully adored in tinikling gear) and then afterward performed 2 dances along with several other dance troupes in the area. While the sticks may have gotten a little unruly during that last performance, FIA did represent very very well.

I also stole a couple of the event's programs while we were waiting to line up for the parade. Okay, maybe they were free, but I think I took 2 or 3 more than I should have. I skimmed through the program and read this section, one that is describing Filipino culture:

Filipino culture is a fusion of pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian civilizations of the Philippines mixed with Hispanic and American. The Hispanic influences in Filipino culture are largely derived from the culture of Spain and Mexico as a result of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule through Mexico. These Hispanic influences are most evident in literature, folk music, folk dance, language, food, art and religion, such as Roman Catholic Church religious festivals. Filipinos hold major festivities known as barrio fiestas to commemorate their patron saints. One of the most visible Hispanic legacies is the prevalence of Spanish surnames among Filipinos.

I mean, don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this description - it's just a little too cookie-cutter for my taste. I think that culture is a lot more than the countries where we originated from or the food we eat or the dances we dance or the religion we choose to abide by. Culture is a fluid process; it's this incredibly complex entity that influences who we are as people. Many may claim that there culture does not impact the person that they have become - but these people are simply blind to the fact that culture plays a HUGE role in the way they think and act and make decisions. Why do you have that rosary on your rear-view mirror? Why do you frequently burst into song? Why do you feel the necessity to greet your elders - even if they're not closely related to you?

Don't be afraid to embrace your culture. And don't be afraid to embrace other cultures too. I have a feeling you'll enjoy learning the differences.

I, on the other hand, am out! Super exhausting (but great) day. More posts to come laterr. <3