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The majority of Filipino's share common values, religious beliefs, and traditions. Because of this it deeply influences their culture and way of living as a whole.

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There are many customs and celebrations that are embraced in the Philippines. They are highlighted with food, family, bright colors and costumes. Christmas and many other holidays are also extremely important to many families in the Philippines. For example, Christmas trees are often placed in Filipino homes as early as September, and not taken down untilafter the Chinese New Year in February.

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Family dynamics in the Philippines are very different that in our society. Elderly adults very seldom live alone, are almost never cared for outside of the family unit, and multiple families/extended-family often share the same home. It is also very common for Filipino's to work abroad in order to send money back to their families. Working "abroad"is seen as a ticket to a better life.

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Surrounded by the sea, the ocean is extremely important to the Filipino way of life and culture. For years it has connected them to the over 7000 islands that make up the Philippines, and rest of the world.  Together they have functioned in a symbiotic relationship.

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According to WikiPedia, 75-80 percent of Filipino's are Roman Catholic. This guides many of the beliefs, values, feelings, and attitudes throughout the Philippines.

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To "Bless" or "Mano Po" in the Philippines is the act of showing respect and seeking the blessings of an older relative or respected person. Children often receive the hand of the elder on their forehead as an act of confirmation of the blessing. Elders are held in the highest esteem in the Philippines and often do not work past 50 years old as their children and grandchildren are expected to care for them.

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Manila is densely populated capital of the Philippines. There is a very strong Spanish, Malayo-Polynesian, and Chinese influence but the cultures have merged to create a unique mix of people, places and things. Manila has giant modern buildings as well as numerous very poor children that live on the street.

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Handmade and paralleled to a custom suit in the United States, the "Barong" is considered formal and is worn by distinguished men to conduct business, get married, or show status.

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Although I believe that it is deep rooted and taught by American culture, most of the women in the Philippines use primarily "whitening" beauty products. According to my wife that was born and raised in the Philippines, "lighter skin is seen as being more beautiful."

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The Balut is a boiled duck embryo that is a very popular food in the Philippines. Although bizarre by some American standards and often sold in the shadow of the evening by traveling vendors, it is culturally embraced in the Philippines.

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The Jeepney or "Jeep" is one of the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines.