"Filipino-ness" a term that I would have never knew existed until now. But to further this I pose another question, "what does it mean to be Filipino"? Is it the OFWs working abroad? The country itself? The strange cuisine like balut? Or the overly enthusiastic love for basketball? The word, Filipino, might just as well be a proper adjective that denotes anything that comes from the nation of the Philippines or relates to it. But the thing is there is more to it than that to make someone and also something Filipino.
In many present Filipino literary works, there is a greater usage of foreign words, especially in English. Although nowadays many of these works contain more English words, it does not necessarily degrade the "Filipinoesque" nature. Because of the fact that there are artists and writers who use foreign languages and traditions in their work, critics question the authenticity of its so called "Filipino-ness". But regardless Filipino arts will be constantly changing and evolving.
Just because we are adopting doesn't necessarily mean that we are forgetting our roots. In a way it goes to show how the Filipino society's art and literary pieces are evolving and adapting to our present culture. In addition to that it reveals the migrant reality of globalization in the Philippines. Also, it gives us exposure from beyond that we know of. New words and phrases may perplex the audience at first, but of course it makes them curious enough to open the mind and perspective. It isn't the first time that our poets and writers have adopted foreign ideas and concepts. You can look at the nation's past and see influences that came from different cultures from Spain, Japan, and many as well.
We can see this in Filipino artists from the past. One that I would like to name is Fernando Cueto Amorsolo, one of the most important artists in Philippine history. Even though his art mostly portrays Philippine landscapes and portraits (mostly women). Though a series of his pieces where influenced by events from the pre-Colonial era up to World War II.
There is a claim from poet, essayist, and art critic, Leo Benesa that Amorsolo's work as the "most expressive of the ethos of the race and predominantly agricultural countryside". I for one agree with that statement. Some might say that Amorsolo's work has rather more romantic implications to his pieces. But in my opinion, I feel that the world that this artist is not idealized, since it captures the raw essence of a Filipino. With the way he portrays Filipinos can show both its ingenuity and authenticity.
The very identity of Filipinos and the Philippines could not come to what we have now without of course our own heritage as well as the influences of other nations. These two factors are what gives Filipinos' pride for the beautifully rich and diverse culture that we have today.
In many present Filipino literary works, there is a greater usage of foreign words, especially in English. Although nowadays many of these works contain more English words, it does not necessarily degrade the "Filipinoesque" nature. Because of the fact that there are artists and writers who use foreign languages and traditions in their work, critics question the authenticity of its so called "Filipino-ness". But regardless Filipino arts will be constantly changing and evolving.
Just because we are adopting doesn't necessarily mean that we are forgetting our roots. In a way it goes to show how the Filipino society's art and literary pieces are evolving and adapting to our present culture. In addition to that it reveals the migrant reality of globalization in the Philippines. Also, it gives us exposure from beyond that we know of. New words and phrases may perplex the audience at first, but of course it makes them curious enough to open the mind and perspective. It isn't the first time that our poets and writers have adopted foreign ideas and concepts. You can look at the nation's past and see influences that came from different cultures from Spain, Japan, and many as well.
We can see this in Filipino artists from the past. One that I would like to name is Fernando Cueto Amorsolo, one of the most important artists in Philippine history. Even though his art mostly portrays Philippine landscapes and portraits (mostly women). Though a series of his pieces where influenced by events from the pre-Colonial era up to World War II.
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| Amorsolo, Fernando Cueto. Young Woman Sowing Rice. |
The very identity of Filipinos and the Philippines could not come to what we have now without of course our own heritage as well as the influences of other nations. These two factors are what gives Filipinos' pride for the beautifully rich and diverse culture that we have today.
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