Eng 111 - U
The Evolving Courtship in the Philippines (Controlling Idea)
The traditional way of courtship in the Philippines is extremely different from the western culture. It is far more submissive and indirect, and it involves stages or phases. Throughout the years, Filipino dating culture has evolved due to western influences particularly in our generation. Some Filipinos keep the traditional or the conservative way, others embrace the more liberal practices, while some combine the two.
(Explanation of Controlling Idea)
“Courtship is the best part of a girl’s romance and love life”. This is the reason why there have been a lot of rituals involved in the earlier courting practices. Thus, in those times, before they get married they are able to enjoy the labors of a suitor for her love even if it takes a year or more of courtship. The kind of rigorous courtship practice that is well supervised by guardians is different from the west and one of these significant differences is dating. But it is totally different this time. Modern courtship in the Philippines is like the tagline of Sulit.com – “Hanap, Usap, Deal”. Group dating and Online dating are popular forms in finding potential partner. Modern Filipina may encourage courtship but she can also initiate the dating process.
(Example)
If a man wants to be taken seriously by a woman, he has to visit the latter's family and introduce himself formally to the parents of the girl. It is rather inappropriate to court a woman and formalize the relationship without informing the parents of the girl. It is always expected that the guy must show his face to the girl's family. And if a guy wants to be acceptable to the girl's family, he has to give gifts every time he drops by her family's house. It is said that in the Philippines, courting a Filipina means courting her family as well. (Carlos V. Francisco, 1974)
(Explanation of the Example)
Traditional courtship was participated in