AMERICAN INFLUENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines
Filipinos initially saw their relationship
with the United States as that of two nations
joined in a common struggle against Spain.
However, the United States later distanced
itself from the interests of the Filipino
insurgents. Emilio Aguinaldo was in dismay
when the United States would not commit to
their statement of support for Philippine
independence. Relations deteriorated and
tensions heightened as it became clear that the
Americans were in the islands to stay.
When it comes to government, Partisan
politics was one of those institutions which the
Americans brought to the Philippines. The
municipal elections that followed the
implantation of American sovereignty gave the
Filipinos the first taste of politics,
American-brand.
Also, Americans introduced the idea of
FREE EDUCATION to the Philippine islands.
The United States even sent teachers to help
establish schools where the Filipino children
could have free education.
JAPANESE INFLUENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES during World War II, the Japanese influenced the
government in the Philippines by enforcing a strict
curfew, adding Japanese currency, instituting a
military government and reducing neighborhood
Japan invaded the Philippines for several
government systems by half.
years. This short span of time was not enough for
the Japanese to establish the foundation of their As soon as the Japanese left, these restrictions
culture into our already-shaped Filipino culture. In went away. The period of Japanese occupation of the
spite of this, the Filipinos were still able to learn a Philippines occurred between the time when
few things from the Japanese. MacArthur was driven out in 1942 and when he
regained the island in 1945. Even long before this time
Back then, the Japanese introduced martial
in the 16th century, the Philippines traded with Japan.
arts to the people of the Philippines. Famous
More recently, Japan has influenced the Philippines by
examples of which include Aikido, Judo, and
bringing similar cultural additions to the country,
Karate. The Japanese also brought radio
similar to its influence on the rest of the world.
callisthenics to the Philippines. Radio calisthenics
Karaoke is a pastime practiced in parts of the
refer to the broadcasting of exercise music through
Philippines, and many Filipino children watch Anime
radio stations early in the morning in order to
shows on television just as they do elsewhere. The
encourage exercise. Today, radio calisthenics may
long-term Japanese influence on the Philippines due to
still be seen in the form of aerobics performed in
the occupation is minimal compared to its short-term
groups.kite flying is now considered part of a
implications.
Filipino’s childhood. It is believed that the practice
of kite flying was learned from the Japanese.