Dama Ko, Lahi Ko: Bringing Filipino Culture to the World on June 12

This coming June 12 marks the 123rd Independence Day of the Philippines.

With this significant date, the Dama Ko, Lahi Ko movement initiates a call to celebrate Filipino culture through the five senses: paningin, pang-amoy, pandinig, panlasa, and pansalat. Each sense allows each Filipino to appreciate every piece of our culture — the destinations, products, services, and experiences that only the Philippines can offer.

Paningin celebrates the scenic views of our landscape, from our world-class beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and abundant marine life, to our colorful fiestas, intricate tribal patterns, and the warmest of smiles.

Pandinig celebrates the iconic sounds of the local scenery including the festive drumbeats during Ati-atihan, the yell of the taho vendor, OPM playlists on repeat, or even the greeting, “Kumain ka na?”

Pang-amoy celebrates the Filipino scents that your nose can follow – the garlands of sampaguita at church, the pungence of durian, the good morning of kapeng barako, accompanied by the inviting aroma of sinangag.

Panlasa celebrates the flavors you can savor across the archipelago’s 7,641 islands and beyond. Heirloom recipes during family gatherings, the contrasts of soy sauce and calamansi, puto bumbong and latik – Filipino flavors cover and color the entire spectrum.

Pansalat celebrates the intricate textures and handmade expertise ranging from the rattan bilao laden with pancit, baro’t saya made from pinya and abaca, to the textures of nature.

Be part of this celebration. Share photos, videos, music, anything that showcases Filipino culture through the five senses. Tag @damakolahiko and #damakolahiko across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok.