The Last Supper
During the Spanish Colonial Period in the Philippines (1565–1898), Catholic missionary efforts became a cornerstone of colonial rule, reinforcing a caste system that privileged White Christianity and marginalized indigenous traditions. This system established a racial and cultural hierarchy, where fair skin and European features were associated with religious virtue and social superiority. To uphold this structure, religious imagery was altered to depict biblical figures as white, presenting salvation as something inherently tied to European ideals. Central to this colonial strategy was the promotion of self-sacrifice and humility as virtues essential to redemption, subtly conditioning indigenous communities to accept subjugation as spiritually justified.
This colonial legacy continues to shape Filipino society, as Catholicism remains the dominant religion. Whitewashed religious imagery still adorns homes and churches, influencing cultural perceptions of beauty and virtue. A prominent example is the widespread display of Last Supper images, often modeled after Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic composition, which perpetuate Eurocentric standards in Filipino households. Despite the rise of Filipino nationalism in the late 19th century, which sought to reclaim indigenous identity and cultural pride, remnants of the ethno-spiritual caste system persist.
These influences manifest in modern colorism and the ongoing marginalization of indigenous communities. Traditional practices, including the Philippines’ rich history of matriarchal animist spirituality, have been eroded by centuries of colonial suppression. Additionally, the widespread consumption of Western cultural products continues to reinforce colonial ideals, making the challenge of reclaiming and preserving indigenous traditions a pressing issue for contemporary Filipinos throughout the diaspora.
