Sometimes what seems mundane and insignificant can hide a greater value. For example, a 1964 penny worth can be far above its face value and the coin can have its own peculiarities, special historical and numismatic significance. In the same way, Filipino movies and TV series are more than just entertainment, as due to them you can realize and learn a whole layer of culture, the country's traditions, beliefs and historical heritage.
The Philippines has a rich and unique history, showing local traditions, Spanish, American and Japanese influences. Movies and television here serve as a way to tell compelling stories and convey national identity. Through serials and movies, one can study the Filipino way of life, their religious beliefs, social norms, and even economic realities. So here we are going to discuss the role of Filipino movie projects in culture exploration in more detail.
Historical Dramas: Living History of the Philippines
Historical movies and TV series enable viewers to literally be transported to past eras. Filipino cinema often turns to the events of the colonial period, the struggle for independence, and significant revolutionary movements.
What historical themes are popular in Philippine cinema?
Spanish rule (1565-1898), a period of colonization that influenced the country's language, culture, and religion.
Philippine-American War (1899-1902) - the struggle for independence after the Spanish left.
The Japanese occupation during World War II (1941-1945), a tragic but important phase in the country's history.
One of the most famous movies, "Heneral Luna",2015 is about the Filipino warlord Antonio Luna, a hero of the war against the Americans. This movie shows the real struggle of the people for freedom and the strength of the national spirit. Another example is “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”, 2018 a sequel to “Heneral Luna” that tells the story of General Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest military leader in the country's history.
Folk Beliefs and Mythology in Philippine Cinema
The Philippines is a country where myths and legends are more than just folklore, it is also an integral part of everyday life. Here you can find people who seriously believe in the existence of spirits, curses and mystical creatures. Many families still follow ancient traditions to protect themselves from evil forces. Thus, it is not surprising that Filipino cinema actively uses mystical themes, turning folk beliefs into vivid and exciting stories.
Popular Movies and Series Inspired by Mythology
Filipino cinema is rich in horror movies, mystical dramas and thrillers based on folklore. Here are some of them:
Name of the film | Year of issue | What the movie is about. | What myth was the basis for |
"Shake, Rattle & Roll" | 1984 – present | An anthology of horror movies including different stories about ghosts, demons and mythical creatures. | Various Filipino beliefs including aswang, kapre, and ghosts. |
"Tiyanak" | 1988 | A story about a baby who is actually a demonic creature that devours people. | The legend of Tiyanak, a demonic child who turns into a monster. |
"Aswang" | 1992 | A movie about a woman who discovers that her family is linked to an ancient curse. | The myth of aswangs - werewolves that devour human flesh. |
These movies are entertaining, of course, but at the same time they can also be used to explore the beliefs and fears of the local people that have lived in the minds of the people for centuries. Despite advances in technology and science, mythological motifs continue to permeate not only movies but also the daily lives of Filipinos. A 2022 survey showed that about 60% of Filipinos believe in the existence of spirits and mythical creatures, and many even claim to have encountered unexplained phenomena.
In addition, Filipino mythology inspires not only local filmmakers, but also foreign authors. For example, the popular American animated series Trese (2021) on Netflix is based on Filipino myths and is about fighting aswangs and other spirits.
Money, Wealth and Coins in Philippine Cinema
The Philippines is a country where the topic of money has always been linked to power, social justice, and even betrayal. Wealth, or lack thereof, has had a huge impact on people's destinies and this has been reflected in cinema. Filipino films often use images of gold, hidden treasures, ancient coins, and even economic crises to convey the essence of historical events and social issues.
Gold and Coins as Symbols of Destiny
In many films, money becomes more than just an object of material enrichment, but an important element of the drama, emphasizing the moral choices of the characters. One of the most famous examples is the film “Oro, Plata, Mata” - a story about wealth, an in-depth study of class inequality during World War II. The movie shows how people from the upper classes, accustomed to luxury, face a harsh reality where money loses its value and gold becomes a curse rather than salvation.
Other genres, such as crime dramas and detective series, also make heavy use of antique coins as plot elements. For example, in some Filipino thrillers, rare coins serve as clues to solve murders, stolen treasures, or vanished dynasties. In such stories, money becomes part of secret conspiracies and family legends.
But why exactly do coins appear so often in Filipino movies? The answer is simple: they bear the imprint of time, and their history is closely intertwined with the history of the country itself.
Coins - Heralds of History and a Way of Learning about Culture
Antique coins are true witnesses to history, telling stories of power changes, wars, economic crises and even cultural shifts. The Philippines has experienced many historical eras, from Spanish colonial rule to Japanese occupation and independence. Each of these milestones has left its mark on the coins that have been minted at different times.
How do the coins reflect the culture of the Philippines?
Period | Type of coins | Historical significance |
Spanish colonization (1565-1898) | Spanish pesos | A symbol of Spain's colonial influence and economic control. Many ancient coins contain images of Spanish monarchs. |
American administration (1898-1946) | Philippine pesos and cents minted in the United States | Symbols of freedom, such as “Standing Liberty,” appeared on the coins, reflecting the influence of American culture. |
Japanese occupation (1941-1945) | “Mickey Mouse money - depreciated paper banknotes | Japanese occupation money quickly lost value, becoming a reminder of the difficult war years. |
Modern collector coins | Commemorative coins with national heroes and cultural symbols | Emphasize the country's national pride and historical heritage. |
Philippine coins are a part of the economy but also an important cultural code that can be decoded by studying their details. For example, World War II coins were often a symbol of resistance: people secretly hid old pesos for fear that the new Japanese currency would be worthless after the war.
Today, people have a possibility to research coins not only in museums or movies but also with the help of modern technology. So, such modern apps like Coin ID Scanner app enables you to quickly determine a coin's origin, value and historical significance. For movie and history buffs, the app is a great tool that helps you literally hold history in your hands. After all, each coin is a fragment of the past, connected with the fates of people and entire states.
Screen of Time
Philippine cinema is a living history book, where each generation finds a reflection of its era. Showcasing mystical legends, dramatic chronicles and stories of wealth, the screen opens a window to the past. And while the heroes of movies will look for riches and ancient coins, you or the other audience will find something more valuable, i.e. an awareness of their culture and heritage.