Day Tour at the National Museum (Philippines)

Culture plays a vital role in the identity of a country and its tourism. But before we go any further, what do we really mean by the word “culture” anyway? Is it just how people live their lives the way they want to? Is there a criteria for something to be recognized as part of the culture of a place? How is one culture different from another?

Basically, “culture” is a way of life. It is a system. A system of human behaviour and thought. It is a complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, arts, morals, laws, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Culture just focuses on the attributes that people acquire not through biological inheritance but by growing up in a particular society where they are exposed to a specific cultural tradition. It is not simply living your life the way you want to, your behaviour is actually dependent on the environment that you grew up in. Take for example, you were raised in somewhere in the Northern part of the Philippines. Let’s say you had lived in Ilocos for about 12 years already. Of course, it would be pretty obvious that for you, the things in Ilocos are very much of the “usual” stuff. Nothing is foreign anymore. Your language, the Ilocano language, is a big part of your culture. It is because the Ilocano language is authentic to the Ilocano people. The language gives a distinction between the Ilocano people and the people of other cultures, this sets them apart from all of the rest.

Let’s jump right in to our subject, Tourism and Culture. So for our T113 class, we went to Manila for a visit at the National Museum, in Burgos Ave. Wow, not only has this building withstood the test of time, it has also been quietly serving its purpose: to preserve and proudly showcase some of the most valued artifacts that represent the cultural heritage of the Filipinos. We went for a Sunday trip so it would be less of an expense because you can actually visit the museum for free here in the...