Filipino Cultures
The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world and is comprised of more than 7,600 islands. Most of the population lives on 11 main islands, of which Luzon and Mindanao are the largest. About 28 percent of the country’s land is covered with forests.
The Philippines has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. The Philippines is a collectivist society, in which the needs of the family are prioritized over the needs of the individual. Filipinos value social harmony and maintaining smooth relationships, which means they may often avoid expressing their true opinions or delivering unwanted news. Many Filipinos celebrate traditional festivities known as barrio fiestas (district festivals) to commemorate the feast days of patron saints.