A Journey Through SEA - Moses Mick Balote

A Journey Through SEA ASEAN Magazine Souvenir BY MOSES MICK BALOTE SE - 3303

TABLE OF CONTENTS PHILIPPINES 1 VIETNAM BRUNEI 4 MYANMAR 6 THAILAND 8 CAMBODIA 10 LAOS 12 INDONESIA MALAYSIA 14 SINGAPORE 16 18 20

A JOURNEY THROUGH: PHILIPPINES THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT SEAS The Philippines is an archipelago that is found in the South East Asia and has more than 7,000 islands. Being a tropical country, The Philippines is the perfect country for vacations and summer getaways. With its beaches and breath-taking beauty of islands, tourists will surely make their visit memorable. The country's slogan \"It's More Fun In The Philippines\" represents all the enjoyment and memories tourists experience in The Philippines. The country is so much more than beaches and islands. Their way of living and culture is what makes The Philippines unique from other ASEAN countries. FILIPINO CULTURE RESILI ENCY Filipinos are known to be resilient, even in times of calamities and catastrophes. whatever the nature throws at them, they always get back up with a smile A LOVE FO R NATURE In the story entitled \"Morning in Nagrebcan\" by Manuel E. Arguilla, the story shows us the beauty of nature, and how Filipinos live with nature while they live in hills and farms. Filipinos, without a doubt, truly appreciates the beauty of the environment and how they take care of plants and tress around them. RELIGIOUS In every Filipino house, pictures and figurines of crosses and other religous items can be seen. This shows how religious FIlipinos are, in such good ways how they dedicate themselves worshipping God. Visiting churches every Sunday or in special occasions, praying together before eating, and the Visita Iglesia during Holy Week are just some of the actions of their religiousness.

FILIPINO CULTURE CUISINE The Philippine cuisine can be traced back to the influences of Spanish, Chinese, and native indigenous flavors. Typically, Filipinos have six meals, the usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The other two are light meals, also called merienda, that are eaten after each meal. In The Philippines, rice is the staple food and is always accompanied by viands or ulam and each viand have various versions and twists, all according to different provinces. FAMILY-ORIENTED In the daily lives of Filipinos, their time revolves around their family. They take pride in their families. Family gatherings is what they enjoy, specially when there are occasions, festivals, and in special holidays. MUSIC AND ARTS Filipino artistry encompasses different forms of arts from different areas in The Philippines. Music, dance, literature, and paintings has always been part of the Filipino culture. Their love for art is something that should be considered as extraordinary.

FILIPINO TRADITIONS As we became colonized, traits and beliefs are mixed with our tradition and formed new traditions. As time passes, traditions are still observed and done by many. PAG-MANO This tradition is still taught to children and still performed by many and is deeply rooted to our values. This gesture is done by placing the back of the palm of the elderly into your forehead, which denotes as a sign of respect to them. Pag- mano can be done to parents, grandparents, parents of friends, and to other elderly in the family. BAYANIHAN Bayanihan is the act which the whole neighborhood helps the family move to a different location by simply bringing the whole house with them since. In the old days, buying lands and land titles weren't a big deal and they just build a small hut made of bamboos and palms in that land and claim it as their own. TABI-TABI PO Given that The Philippines is a very superstitious country, Filipinos believe in some mythical creatures and spiritual beings that resides in some places like forests. It is taught to children to say \"tabi-tabi po\" or \"tabi po\" when passing by an anthill or huge trees to ask permission to the spirits and creatures to avoid you.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: VIETNAM THE LAND OF THE ASCENDING DRAGON Vietnam has a lengthy history of joining forces with a dominant culture and utilizing the concepts, structures, and technological advancements of that civilization for domestic reasons. Vietnam's historical interactions with China already demonstrated this pattern of affiliating and adapting. Vietnam is one of the most populated nations in the world and one of the fastest-expanding market economies because to this strategic integration and adaptation. VIETNAMESE CULTURE RELIGION The combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism and has historically formed the mainstay of Vietnamese religion. Catholics are becoming more prevalent across the country. A very strict kind of ancestor worship is also practiced by the people of Vietnam. Ancestor altars are erected in people's homes or places of business. MARRIAGE As depicted in the Vietnamese poem The Cherished Daughter, their culture presents that the family plays a major role in the selection of wives and husbands. Parents in Vietnam planned most weddings, and couples were often wed at a young age.

VIETNAMESE CULTURE VIETNAMESE CLOTHING In the past, people in Vietnam has several restriction in their clothing style, including the type and colors to be worn by traditional people. For men, they wear a cross-collared robe while for women, they wear a 4-part dress. VIETNAM'S WAY OF LIVING CITY LIFE Most people start their days well before 7 am when work officially begins, there are still plenty of automobiles, buses, and bikes on the roads as well as people purchasing and selling food. The majority of offices close at 4 o'clock, and some stores stay open later. Families often eat dinner around 6 to 7. After that, many people continue their education or training. HOMES A quarter of the population resides in densely populated cities and towns. Most families reside in modest apartments or public housing. Some apartments on the ground floor have patios or a small garden, and some flats on the upper floors have a balcony. COUNTRY LIFE Vietnamese people make up a portion of those who reside in rural areas, villages, or small towns. In the northern part, farming communities are made up of a collection of homes and a temple or other structure that serves as the neighborhood gathering place. In the south, settlements are frequently located along a main road, and many are elevated on stilts to avoid flooding.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: BRUNEI THE ABODE OF PEACE As represented in the poem entitled \"Borneo's Green Heart\", Brunei is a precious gem and the country is treasured by Bruneians. Brunei is a country known for its opulent rainforest abounding with vibrant wildlife and a long, rich past steeped in culture. The nation perfectly combines its treasured legacy with the modern world it has become. BRUNEIAN CULTURE FAMILY The center of the social structure of Bruneians is the family. Their extended family consists of cousins, aunts, and uncles in addition to close friends and the extended family expects its members to remain devoted to the group as a whole, having Brunei to have a hierarchical culture as a result position and age in the family are respected. Children are taught to respect their elders and to submit their own interests for the benefit of the entire family. LITERATURE As an important part of their culture, Bruneians show appreciation in literature and are familiar with a style of poetry. Some of their poetry talks about the values of the country and fascinating the culture is in Brunei. These representations are mentioned in the poem entitled \"Travel Brunei Darussalam\"

BRUNEIAN CULTURE ART THROUGH MUSIC AND DANCE Even though Islamic law forbids such performances, Brunei is home to distinctive folk music and dance forms. The most enduring musical genres are paired with particular dance movements. Gongs, tambourines, drums, coconut shells as percussion, and other instruments are used to play Bruneian music. BRUNEI'S WAY OF LIVING BRUNEIAN'S DAILY FOOD Rice and curries of vegetables, seafood, shellfish, and fruits make up their daily food. On exceptional occasions, people eat water buffalo, chicken, and beef curries. Malay rice cakes and sweets come in a variety of varieties. In the major towns, there are many open-air markets and dining options. Iced unripe coconut milk is a common local beverage, while coffee is also extensively drunk. MANNERS In Bruneian etiquette, shoes should be removed whenever entering a home or public space, especially a mosque. In passing items, use only the right hand. If you are to refuse food, touch the container with the right hand rather than verbally. When pointing to something, use a thumb instead of an index finger. Also, never address a person by their first name alone. When eating, never consume items unless allowed to do so.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: MYANMAR THE GOLDEN LAND With the country's isolation, they preserved their culture and and remained untouched by the influences of the Western countries. Buddhist architecture is the most stunning illustration of this country's inventiveness, and it has a long and rich cultural heritage. The exquisite gold and silver craftsmanship, lotus silk scarves, and attractive lacquerware bowls and cups are still commonly used and often crafted by hand as part of an artisan tradition. Myanmar is considered a huge country and is relatively free from political conflict. MYANMAR CULTURE GREETINGS In Myanmar, their greeting gesture is a bow while both hands are in placed in the stomach. Younger people frequently bow, and older folks will merely nod in return. Sometimes they welcome one another by shaking hands and they do this while shaking the hand of another individual while supporting their right elbow in their left hand. ART IN MYANMAR The traditional Buddhist way of life in Myanmar is closely related to the arts. Particularly in the historic temples of Bagan, there are numerous paintings and sculptures depicting the life and teachings of Gautama. This used to be directly carved or painted into the stone and evolved into increasingly sophisticated and emotive works after the introduction of paper.

MYANMAR CULTURE MYANMAR FAMILY In Myanmar, a family is something that is extremely important and families are close to each other. Families are seen to have a reputation. In this way, a single person's action can affect how the entire family is perceived by others and usually directly tied to their upbringing. The interests of the whole family take precedence over those of the individual. MYANMAR TRADITIONS IN TERMS OF: GENDER ROLES In their tradition, Women have high expectations for respect. However, this standing undermined after several decades of male dominance. Women are reclaiming their old power and playing significant positions in government now that the nation is free. When it comes to family life, men and women's roles in Burma tend to be equal. Men perform the more physical duties while women perform tasks like weaving in the fields. In essence, males live with women and take care of the children and cook together. BELIEFS The life and contemporary culture of Myanmar are governed by the Buddhist way of life that is ingrained in every people in Myanmar. Temples are frequently visited by large numbers of residents who pay offerings to the many Buddha statues and shrines. This plays a significant role in Myanmar's culture and religion.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: THAILAND THE LAND OF SMILES Like any other South East Asian country, the Kingdom of Thailand, or formerly known as Siam, has its rich culture and history. The only nation in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by a European power is Thailand and became a unified country in the 14th century. Thailand, which is known for the friendliness and warmth of its culture and people, is greatly affected by its tradition. CULTURE OF THAILAND GREETINGS A \"wai,\" or placing of two hands together with the fingertips touching the nose, is a common greeting gesture in Thailand. A wai is a sign of respect and an admission of seniority toward another individual. To show respect, a person should lower their hands and bow their head and the degree of respect is represented by the height of the hands and the depth of the bow. THAI LANGUAGE Although there are other dialects spoken in the provinces in the far south and north of Thailand, Thai is the official language of that nation and is taught in schools. The Thai alphabet, which developed from the Khmer alphabet, is used to write it. The Lao dialect of Isan, spoken by some communities in Thailand's northeast, as well as Kelantan- Pattani Malay, spoken by the southern Malay Muslim people, are only two examples of the many minority groups that each have their own language.

CULTURE OF THAILAND THAI CUISINE Thailand's cuisine has been greatly affected by the cooking styles by its neighboring countries of Burma, Laos, and Cambodia. Regional distinctions exist throughout the nation as a result of geographic variation and cultural diversity, and the intriguing blend of different flavors has led to one of the most well- known cuisines in the world. TRADITIONAL WAYS OF THAILAND FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS Thailand is famous for festivals and celebrations that strongly reflect Thai cultural and traditional values. Most Thai festivals are associated with Buddhist and Brahman beliefs, though many derive from local traditions and folklore. For centuries, many have taken place over the course of a year. SHOE ETIQUETTE Thai culture views people's feet as the bodily portion that deserves the most disrespect. For this reason, tourists will notice that Thai people often take off their shoes before entering many locations, including restaurants, massage parlors, and particularly residences. Learn their way , and whatever you do, avoid pointing your feet in their general direction for it is viewed as being quite rude. RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY Respecting elders is very essential to Thai people, even if it is frequently the rule in many cultures. Different titles are used to address people of various ranks and ages. In Thailand, it is a custom to always remember to show respect by lowering your head while among those who are older than you.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: CAMBODIA THE KINGDOM OF WONDER The culture of Cambodia differs greatly from that of the West in some respects while being nearly identical in others. Both cultures place a high value on family, religion, and diverse customs. The way that these ideals are demonstrated, however, differs greatly from the customs and habits of each unique world. CAMBODIA'S TRADITIONS STATE OF CALMNESS Cambodians are soft-spoken people who, by nature, shun hostility, argument, and seething resentment at all costs. In Cambodia, shouting, raising your voice, and combative arguments are useless since they damage your reputation and may even reduce the likelihood of a successful outcome. BODY SACREDNESS The feet are regarded as the least sacred body component, while the head is. In light of this, it is improper to touch somebody on the top of their head in Cambodia. In Cambodia, it is impolite to point at someone's feet or to monks or images or sculptures of Buddha. DRESS CODE In Cambodia, which is a generally reserved nation, outsiders frequently offend locals by flashing too much skin in inappropriate locations, particularly near holy landmarks. In deciding what to wear, choose the attire that falls below the knees and elbows when visiting temples, palaces, or other significant locations.

CAMBODIA'S CULTURE AND WAY OF LIFE CAMBODIAN GREETING In Cambodia, a hand gesture called a \"sompeah\" is used to greet someone. It is performed in a variety of ways depending on age and social standing. To greet someone, one bows their head and clasps their palms together in a prayer stance. The more respect for the other person, the higher the hands and the lower the bow. The Western custom of shaking hands has somewhat displaced the sompeah, however it is still extensively employed as a greeting. FAMILY For most Cambodians, family is the cornerstone of social life. Since families have reputations to keep, each individual has a duty to contribute to upholding that reputation. In addition, certain family members are assigned certain tasks. Furthermore, extended family, close friends, and neighbors are among the groups to which Cambodians feel the strongest sense of commitment. DAILY FOOD A home dinner is typically served in Cambodia on a mat on the floor or with the diners seated at a communal table on a raised bamboo platform. Adult males and visitors eat first, followed by guests and food preparers, following a hierarchy of status. Usually, rice porridge or rice noodles are served for breakfast. Fish, fresh vegetables, stir-fried vegetables with meat, and spicy broths with fish or meat and vegetables may all be served for lunch and dinner.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: LAOS THE LAND OF A MILLION ELEPHANTS Laos has a huge variety of ethnic and linguistic groups. Despite difficulties at the national or local level, Lao people are frequently friendly and modest. Most Lao people share similar ideals, outlooks, and life experiences. For instance, many Lao have a collectivistic view and work to uphold honor among their families, friends, and communities. LAOS AND THEIR CULTURE OCCUPATION In Laos, the main industries in the past have been rice farming, animal husbandry, and textile manufacturing. Trade, fishing, laboring in small industries, and working for the government are other common jobs in Laos nowadays. LAO PEOPLE AND THEIR VALUES People in Laos are generally peaceful, enjoy their freedom, and smile a lot. Rejection of oppression, respect for the country, and upholding reputation and honor are just some of their principles that they practice. The vast majority of Lao people respect and accept others.

ETIQUETTE OF LAO PEOPLE IN TERMS OF: OFFERING GIFTS According to their custom, it is acceptable to pass a present while holding the right elbow with the left hand. A gift is not expected either when visiting a Lao home. In some occasions, gifts from first-time guests or given on special events like birthdays and weddings, are allowed and show extra consideration. ENTERTAINING GUESTS The majority of Lao people are kind and like entertaining guests. In Laos, people usually make plans to see someone in advance. People frequently leave their shoes at the bottom of the steps when entering a residence that is elevated off the ground. EATING Eating with one's hands is the norm in Laos. For rice, forks and spoons are typically used, while chopsticks are frequently used for noodles. People eat their meals while seated in a circle on the mat-covered floor of traditional Lao households. When there are guests present, the host and their family will try to keep their heads below the level of the visitors so they may bring the meal in a squatting position in order to not insult them.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: INDONESIA THE LAND OF THOUSAND ISLANDS The fourth-most populous country in the world is generally regarded as the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesia's national culture shares certain similarities with India's, which is also multiethnic, grounded in historical societies, and interethnic connections. Although the national culture may now be seen in the countryside as well, it is most easily noticed in cities. INDONESIA'S WAY OF LIFE Most Indonesians are friendly and hospitable. Indonesians are becoming more aware of the diversity of their own society through education, media, and national parks as this increasingly mobile, multiethnic country enters its sixth decade of independence. Eating is regarded as one of the most significant activities in Indonesia. Eating is thought of as one of the ways to socialize with other people in addition to consuming the foods that your body requires. This is why food has become one of the most significant factors to consider at many social occasions and traditional ceremonies.

INDONESIAN CULTURE SOCIAL STATUS The hierarchy in Indonesian culture is usually based on age. Age normally takes the lead in deciding the degree of respect, even when rank, education, and perceived power all call for varying degrees of deference. When speaking to an older person, Indonesians occasionally employ honorific language and make a small bow. Elders are thought to be the wisest people, making them the most deserving of authority. COLLECTIVISM In Indonesia, people frequently consider themselves to be autonomous actors rather than members of 'groups' and these organizations frequently demand a great level of loyalty since they reflect or ultimately define who their members are. One receives a sense of unity, protection, and belonging in return for this loyalty. INDONESIA AND THEIR LIFESTYLE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE In Indonesia, those who reside in in the countryside are thought to have closer ties to one another than those who reside in urban areas. The majority of Indonesians who reside in rural areas are farmers. In this way, the land in rural areas can remain fertile and undeveloped for infrastructure purposes. IN THE CITY Given that each member of society is already preoccupied with their own hobbies, Indonesians who reside in cities typically have less time for socializing. People who live in rural areas tend to communicate in harmony, while those who live in cities often interact based on economics, politics, and education.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: MALAYSIA THE LAND OF INDIGENOUS MALAY Malaysian culture is diverse, with influences from both the east and the west. Malaysia, with its diverse ethnic groups, is a glorious melting pot of traditions and practices that span generations. Malaysian culture as a whole is still developing in the country. MALAYSIAN CULTURE HANDMADE ART Handwoven crafts made from local plant fibers, as well as traditional textiles like batiks or dyed materials and songket or woven with gold thread, are available for everything from designer clothing to simple and colorful homewares. Furthermore, Islam has an influence on the handicrafts industry, and nature has an influence on many of the designs. MALAYSIAN BELIEFS Known religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, are practiced in Malaysia. Islam is the country's largest and official religion. Penangites used to practice animism, but many have since converted to either Islam or Christianity.

MALAYSIANS AND THEIR DAILY LIFE MALAYSIAN FOOD Rice and noodles are staples in their cuisine, and the durian, with its spiked shell and fermented flesh, is a local favorite. Malaysia's wealth means that more meat and processed foods are being consumed to supplement the country's diet. LABOR DIVISION The most visible new developments are the burgeoning factories that employ legions of women on assembly lines. Hiring domestic servants has increased in wealthier families where both men and women work outside the home. Because Malaysian women have other options, nearly all domestic work is performed by female foreign maids. In terms of domestic labor, cooking and cleaning are still considered female duties. MEETING STRANGERS When Malaysians meet strangers, they attempt to classify them by guessing their religion, organization, and the estimate of their age. In Malaysia, greetings are always expressed with the right hand, because the left hand is used to cleanse the body. Using the left hand is considered improper to use it to receive gifts, give money, point directions, or pass objects.

A JOURNEY THROUGH: SINGAPORE THE GARDEN CITY Singapore is known as a cosmopolitan society where individuals live in harmony and interaction from a different race is common. Singapore's pattern stems comes from the island's inherent cultural diversity. Immigrants from the past have left a mix of influences such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European, which have all merged. These ethnic races can still be seen behind the rise of the modern city. SYMBOLISM OF THEIR FLAG Equal horizontal sections of red and white make up the flag, which represents purity and unity. A rising nation and the ideas of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality are represented by a white crescent moon and five stars arranged in a circle.

SINGAPORE AND THEIR CULTURE LANGUAGE SPOKEN English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin Chinese are all recognized as official languages of Singapore. Being a former colony, English is the language that is used the most , both orally and in writing. It serves as the language in practice for administration and public service in Singapore because it is the country's trade language. The majority of the population in Singapore is bilingual, which means that they are able to communicate in one of the three mother tongues in addition to English, which they can do fairly well. MAINTAINING CLEANLINESS Not only in Asia, but also the rest of the world, Singapore is considered unquestionably one of the cleanest nations. In Singapore, chewing gum is prohibited to maintain cleanliness. Every year, the nation celebrates the districts with the best public hygiene and environmental cleanliness. HIERARCHIAL STATUS The strong hierarchical relationships between parents and children, instructors and students, and employers and employees can be seen in Singapore, despite the country's claims to be an egalitarian society. Confucianism, which emphasizes honoring age and rank and even blind obedience to one's elders, which is always done with the highest respect and decency, is where this reliance on hierarchy originates. This represents how well regarded the elderly are as well as the difficulties the small nation faces as the younger generation becomes more autonomous.

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