When the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines in 1521, the colonizers used art as a tool to propagate the Catholic faith through beautiful images. With communication as problem, the friars used images to explain the concepts behind Catholicism, and to tell the stories of Christ’s life and passion.

Portraits were still favored by the public officials, usually depicting them in dignified poses. There from, the American Colonization brought high influence to the major Filipino art forms: paintings, sculptures and architectures. He was noted for his realistic portraits, genre, and landscapes in subdued colors.

In industry, the Philippines also prospered under the Americans. Coconut oil mills, cigar and cigarette factories, rope factories, fishing and fish canning, alcohol small distilleries, and sugar centrals were established throughout the Philippines. More laborers were employed and Filipino capital.

SPANISH INFLUENCES ON PHILIPPINE LITERATURE European legends and traditions brought here became assimilated in our songs, corridos, and moro-moros. Ancient literature was collected and translated to Tagalog and other dialects. Many grammar books were printed in Filipino, like Tagalog, Ilocano and Visayan.

Whether the natives were well-off or not, the Spanish encouraged them to wear barongs to distinguish themselves by class. They thus had a major influence on Philippines culture and clothing. Traditional clothing was baro and saya. The baro is the top (blouse) and the bottom is the saya or skirt.

Filipino Adaptation of Spanish Dishes is Especially Evident During Christmas. Food writer and blogger living in the Philippines and specializing in Southeast Asian home cooking and travel. Spain not only brought the Catholic religion to the Philippine islands, it also brought with it its culture and cuisine.

Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain’s colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a “Walled City” comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago.

Some of the positive effects were: universities were opened early. In 1820 only the Philippines have improved in civilization, wealth, and Populousness. The establish of schools, many schools were built. They taught them how to read, write, and speak in English.

Spain had three objectives in its policy toward the Philippines, its only colony in Asia: to acquire a share in the spice trade, to develop contacts with China and Japan in order to further Christian missionary efforts there, and to convert the Filipinos to Christianity.

Forty-four years after Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines and died in the Battle of Mactan during his Spanish expedition to circumnavigate the globe, the Spaniards successfully annexed and colonized the islands during the reign of Philip II of Spain, whose name remained attached to the country.

The Spanish Empire The motivations for colonial expansion were trade and the spread of the Christian faith through indigenous conversions. The Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon was an early invader of the Americas, traveling to the New World on Columbus’ second voyage.