MARRIAGE, HOME AND FAMILY OF EARLY FILIPINOS
MARRIAGE, HOME AND FAMILY OF EARLY FILIPINOS
The family is still the basic and the most important unit of society. Unity in the family can still be seen although that has deteriorated due to social and economic factors. Many parents are compelled to be separated from their families because they need to earn or work abroad. Some children go to the cities to study or to seek adventure and better life.
Filipino families are generally monogamous. Many Filipinos choose to get married in church. Divorce is not accepted although some had already resorted to legal separation and annulment of marriage when they feel that a union is not working. Parents ordinarily work hard to give their children the best education and to prepare them for adulthood. All their efforts are focused in making the home a pleasant place to live in. The home is the center for the development of values such as courtesy, honesty, respect for elders and authorities, industry and cooperation.
Grandparents have a special place in the Fifefnno family. They are treated with respect and are taken cared of by the family. Their pieces of advice are generally welcomed.
Grandparents looking after their grandchildren are common especially in modern Filipino families where the father and mother go to work every day.
Each region in the country is distinctly known for the kind of food it cooks and eats. The Ilocanos are known for their love of vegetables and bagoong, a fermented fish. The Tagalogs are noted for their sauce used in a variety of foods. The Bicolanos are famous for their dishes seasoned with coconut milk and pepper. Seafoods broiled over charcoals are the specialty of the Visayans.
Ways of Dressing
Since the Philippines has dry and wet seasons, Filipinos wear clothes that are suited to the tropical climate. This started with our ancestors who used the bahag or the G-string worn by tribesmen in the mountains.
The barong Tagalog and baro't saya are our national costumes known for beauty, elegance and comfort. They have traces of Spanish influence.
Likewise, the patadyong and kimonos also became popular because they suit our climate.
