Dama Ko, Lahi Ko is a movement that aims to celebrate Filipino culture through our five senses throughout the month of June. They are launching this year and hopes to do this year after year. The movement believes that by living our unique Filipino culture and creativity, it can become our soft power and help us in our economic growth.
According to Merriam Webster, soft power is using cultural or economic influence to persuade.
Behind Dama Ko, Lahi Ko are an amazing group professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations that love Filipino culture and aims to make a difference in our society. Members include Len Cabili of Filip+Inna, Leigh Reyes (advertising hall-of-famer), Herbert Hernandez (co-founder of Gigil, and of Moonstar88 and 6CycleMind), Esme Palaganas (Basic Movement), and more.
Join us in celebrating our Filipino culture in many ways using our five senses:
Pandinig (Sound)
Aside from using the Filipino language in our everyday conversations to celebrate our culture using the sense of sound, we can also listen to OPM music. OPM music isn’t just limited to the Tagalog dialect. Explore some music in other Filipino dialects. You might just find a new song to groove to on your next dance session!
Pang-amoy (Smell)
Have you ever smelled the scent of Sampaguita, Barako coffee, or the fresh air of our numerous islands? Celebrate our culture using our sense of smell by smelling the scent of nature, local food and more Just thinking about the aroma of Filipino food might also remind you to learn how to cook some Filipino dishes along the way!
Paningin (Sight)
Have you ever traveled to a local destination and just awe in the sight of it? To celebrate our culture using the sense of sight, we can appreciate our cultural sites and Filipino fashion.
Panlasa (Taste)
Does the taste of Halo-halo and kakainin like biko and puto reminds you of good memories? Explore more Filipino food. Each Filipino destination has their own unique special dish. Also, maybe you can try looking up online how to make your favorite Filipino dish.
Pansalat (Touch)
Filipino arts and crafts can be seen offline and online. Do you enjoy art? You can try weaving, pottery, and many more. Also, you can visit museums to look at local art or read books from local authors.
“Culture is the soul of the nation; as we go through hard times, it is even more important to remember and be encouraged by who we are as a people – to dig into the repository of our values, beliefs and attitudes. To distinguish our fingerprint and what sets us apart from others,” Movement member and Filip+Inna founder Len Cabili of shares.
Feel free to share how you celebrate our unique Filipino culture online. Use the hashtag #DamaKoLahiKo and tag @damakolahiko!
