The Philippines is a nation marked by a rich tapestry of history, culture, and complex socio-political dynamics. Located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, this archipelago has been a melting pot of diverse influences, from indigenous traditions to the impacts of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonization. As the country navigates the challenges of modernization and globalization, it remains deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, yet constantly evolves in response to internal and external forces.

This discussion delves into the multifaceted identity of the Philippines, exploring its geopolitical strategies, socio-political structures, and the philosophical underpinnings that shape Filipino society. Participants will engage with topics such as the influence of historical narratives on national identity, the role of cultural diplomacy, and the ethical implications of environmental and economic policies.

A2 Level

  1. What is the capital of the Philippines?
  2. Have you ever heard of the Philippines before? What do you know about it?
  3. What language do people speak in the Philippines?
  4. Do you know any famous places in the Philippines?
  5. What is the weather like in the Philippines?
  6. What types of food are popular in the Philippines?
  7. Do you know any festivals in the Philippines?
  8. What animals can you find in the Philippines?
  9. What do you think people in the Philippines do for fun?
  10. Have you seen pictures of the beaches in the Philippines?
  11. What is the traditional dress in the Philippines called?
  12. Do you know any Filipino celebrities or athletes?
  13. What sports are popular in the Philippines?
  14. What is the national flag of the Philippines like?
  15. What kind of houses do people live in the Philippines?
  16. Have you ever tried Filipino food? What did you think of it?
  17. What do you think is the most interesting thing about the Philippines?
  18. Would you like to visit the Philippines someday? Why or why not?
  19. What is the currency of the Philippines?
  20. What do you think life is like for children in the Philippines?

B1 Level

  1. What are some cultural traditions unique to the Philippines?
  2. How does the geography of the Philippines affect its culture and lifestyle?
  3. What are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines?
  4. How does the history of the Philippines influence its culture today?
  5. What are the main industries in the Philippines, and how do they impact the economy?
  6. How does the Philippines celebrate major holidays like Christmas or New Year?
  7. What is the significance of family in Filipino culture?
  8. How does the education system in the Philippines compare to your country?
  9. What are some environmental challenges the Philippines faces?
  10. How has Filipino cuisine evolved over time, and what influences have shaped it?
  11. What role does religion play in the daily lives of Filipinos?
  12. How has Filipino music and dance influenced other cultures?
  13. What are some challenges faced by people living in rural areas of the Philippines?
  14. How do Filipinos celebrate their independence day?
  15. What are some key exports of the Philippines, and why are they important?
  16. How does the political system in the Philippines work?
  17. What are the most common modes of transportation in the Philippines?
  18. How do Filipinos deal with natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes?
  19. What are some popular Filipino movies or TV shows, and what do they reflect about the culture?
  20. How does the Philippines’ relationship with other countries affect its culture and economy?

B2 Level

  1. How has colonial history shaped the identity and culture of the Philippines today?
  2. What are the implications of the Philippines being an archipelago on its social and economic development?
  3. How does the Filipino concept of “Bayanihan” reflect the values of the community?
  4. In what ways has the Philippines contributed to global pop culture?
  5. How does the multilingualism in the Philippines impact communication and education?
  6. What challenges does the Philippines face in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability?
  7. How has the Philippines’ political history influenced its current government system?
  8. What are the social impacts of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) phenomenon on families and communities?
  9. How does the Philippines’ biodiversity compare to other countries, and why is it important to protect it?
  10. What are the main challenges in the Philippine education system, and how could they be addressed?
  11. How do traditional Filipino values conflict with modern, globalized influences?
  12. What are the economic implications of tourism for the Philippines?
  13. How does the Philippines address issues related to human rights and social justice?
  14. In what ways has the Philippines’ role in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) affected its development?
  15. What are the cultural implications of the widespread practice of Catholicism in the Philippines?
  16. How do festivals in the Philippines reflect the diverse cultural influences in the country?
  17. How do Filipino literature and arts reflect the country’s social issues and historical experiences?
  18. What are the prospects and challenges for the Philippines in achieving sustainable urban development?
  19. How do Filipino diasporas contribute to the economy and culture of the Philippines?
  20. How does the Philippines’ approach to disaster preparedness and response compare to other countries?

C1 Level

  1. How do the complexities of the Philippines’ colonial past influence its contemporary identity and international relations?
  2. What are the long-term socio-economic effects of the Philippines’ reliance on remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)?
  3. In what ways does the political landscape in the Philippines reflect broader global trends in governance and populism?
  4. How has the Philippines managed to maintain its cultural heritage amidst rapid modernization and globalization?
  5. What are the ethical implications of the environmental degradation caused by mining in the Philippines?
  6. How does the Philippines navigate its relationship with major global powers, given its strategic location in Southeast Asia?
  7. To what extent does social inequality in the Philippines affect its overall economic development?
  8. How does the phenomenon of urban migration shape the socio-cultural fabric of Filipino society?
  9. In what ways do Philippine laws and policies address issues related to indigenous peoples’ rights and land ownership?
  10. How does the Philippines’ approach to disaster risk reduction and management reflect its vulnerability to natural disasters?
  11. What are the implications of the Philippines’ maritime disputes in the South China Sea on regional stability?
  12. How does the Philippines balance the preservation of traditional customs with the integration of modern values?
  13. What role does the media play in shaping public opinion and political discourse in the Philippines?
  14. How does the intersection of religion and politics influence policy-making in the Philippines?
  15. What are the socio-cultural impacts of the ongoing war on drugs in the Philippines?
  16. How do the various linguistic groups within the Philippines contribute to the country’s cultural diversity and potential challenges in governance?
  17. In what ways have Filipino migrants influenced the cultural landscapes of the countries they have settled in?
  18. How does the Philippines’ economic dependency on agriculture and services impact its ability to industrialize?
  19. What are the challenges and prospects for the Philippines in achieving inclusive and sustainable development?
  20. How does the Philippine education system prepare its students for participation in a globalized world?

C2 Level

  1. How does the Philippines’ geopolitical strategy influence its position in international relations and global power dynamics?
  2. To what extent does the historical narrative of the Philippines shape its current socio-political discourse and national identity?
  3. How do the Philippines’ legal frameworks address the complexities of environmental justice in the context of economic development?
  4. What are the implications of the Philippines’ cultural diplomacy in fostering regional cooperation and soft power?
  5. How does the intersection of race, ethnicity, and class manifest in the socio-political structures of the Philippines?
  6. To what extent does the Philippines’ participation in global economic systems reinforce or challenge neoliberal ideologies?
  7. How do the philosophical underpinnings of Filipino values such as “utang na loob” and “pakikisama” influence ethical decision-making in business and politics?
  8. In what ways do the Philippines’ constitutional and legal provisions protect or undermine human rights and civil liberties?
  9. How does the Philippines’ approach to multiculturalism and ethnic diversity compare to other ASEAN nations?
  10. What role does historical revisionism play in shaping the collective memory and identity of Filipinos?
  11. How does the Philippines’ engagement in international trade agreements affect its domestic economic policies and sovereignty?
  12. What are the epistemological challenges in documenting and preserving indigenous knowledge systems in the Philippines?
  13. How does the Philippines’ urban planning and infrastructure development address the challenges of overpopulation and environmental sustainability?
  14. To what extent does the media landscape in the Philippines reflect or distort the complexities of its political and social realities?
  15. How do the Philippines’ diplomatic strategies address the intricacies of its territorial disputes and regional security concerns?
  16. What are the ethical considerations in the Philippines’ approach to public health and access to healthcare for marginalized communities?
  17. How do the narratives of resistance and resilience in Filipino literature and arts contribute to the discourse on postcolonial identity?
  18. In what ways does the Philippines’ legal system reconcile traditional customary laws with contemporary legal practices?
  19. How does the Philippines navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by advancements in science and technology, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and artificial intelligence?
  20. What are the philosophical and ethical implications of the Philippines’ stance on global issues such as climate change, human rights, and migration?