SOCIAL STUDIES 7: THE PHILIPPINES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA KEY POINTS TO RECALL!!

Term 1 Reviewer Southeast Asia has:

● Tropical Climate: Southeast Asia has a warm, tropical climate with
I. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY of SOUTHEAST ASIA two main seasons—wet and dry. The region experiences a lot of
rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.
● Islands and Peninsulas: The region is made up of two parts: the
mainland and the islands. The mainland includes countries like
Thailand and Vietnam, while the islands include places like Indonesia
and the Philippines.
● Mountains and Volcanoes: Southeast Asia has many mountains,
especially in countries like Myanmar and Laos. It's also home to many
active volcanoes, particularly in Indonesia, which is part of the "Ring of
Fire" where earthquakes and eruptions are common.
● Rivers: Important rivers like the Mekong (in countries like Thailand,
Laos, and Vietnam) and the Irrawaddy (in Myanmar) provide water for
farming and transportation.
● Rainforests: Southeast Asia has large tropical rainforests, home to
diverse plants and animals. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia
have vast rainforests, but deforestation is a growing problem.
● Coastlines and Coral Reefs: The region has long coastlines and
many beautiful beaches. It’s also known for coral reefs, like those in
the Philippines, which are home to diverse marine life.

Southeast Asia’s physical environment affects the lives of its people in several
important ways:

● Farming: The region has rich soil, especially in places like the Mekong
Image source: Updated from map courtesy of University of Texas Libraries Delta. This makes it great for growing rice, which is the main food for
many people.
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 ● Fishing: Many communities live near the coast or on islands, so they ● Religion: Different groups practice various religions. For example,
rely on fishing for food and jobs. The oceans and rivers are full of fish many Indonesians are Muslim, while most Thais are Buddhist. Religion
and other seafood. often influences their customs and celebrations.
● Transportation and Trade: Rivers are important for getting around ● Influence on Society: Ethnolinguistic groups contribute to the social,
and trading goods. People use boats to move things and connect political, and economic life of their countries. Their cultures can
different places. influence everything from government policies to local businesses.
● Natural Disasters: Southeast Asia often experiences natural disasters
like typhoons (strong storms), floods, earthquakes, and volcanic
eruptions. These can cause damage and disrupt people’s lives.
● Tourism: The beautiful beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs attract
many tourists. This brings money to the local economy and creates
jobs.

II. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY in SOUTHEAST ASIA

KEY POINTS TO RECALL!!

a. Ethnolinguistic groups
● Diverse Cultures: Southeast Asia is home to many different
ethnolinguistic groups, meaning groups of people who share a
common language and culture. This diversity makes the region rich in
traditions, foods, and festivals.
● Major Groups: Some of the major ethnolinguistic groups include the
Malays, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesians, Filipinos, and Burmese. Each Image Source: filipinotimes.net
group has its own unique language, customs, and history.
● Languages: There are hundreds of languages spoken in Southeast b. Systems of Belief
Asia. For example, the Filipino language is widely spoken in the ● Religious Diversity: Southeast Asia is home to many religions and
Philippines. belief systems. Some of the main ones include Islam, Buddhism,
● Traditional Practices: Each ethnolinguistic group has its own Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional indigenous beliefs.
traditional practices, such as dances, music, clothing, and rituals. ● Islam: Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Southeast Asia,
These practices are often passed down through generations and are especially in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. Muslims follow the
important for their identity. teachings of the Quran and pray five times a day.
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 ● Indigenous Beliefs: Many ethnic groups have their own traditional from the mother’s side. This system is often found in communities
belief systems that include animism (the belief that natural objects that value women's roles and where women hold significant authority in
have spirits) and ancestor worship (honoring and remembering family matters.
deceased family members). —
● Cultural Influences: Beliefs often influence culture, such as art,
music, and festivals. For example, traditional festivals often celebrate
religious events and include special foods, dances, and ceremonies.
● Interfaith Harmony: In many places, different religions coexist Social Structure of Southeast Asia: Key Concepts
peacefully. People may celebrate each other's festivals and share
common values, showing respect for different beliefs. ● Kinship and Family: Families were very important in ancient
Southeast Asia. People lived in extended families, which included
See the summary of characteristics of each religion: parents, children, grandparents, and other relatives. Kinship ties
SS7 T1: Systems of Belief helped people support each other and made communities stronger.
● Role of Women: Women’s roles varied. In some societies, they had
important responsibilities in the household and farming, while in
matrilocal cultures, women held significant power and authority in
family decisions.
● Cultural Diversity: Ancient Southeast Asia was home to many
different ethnic groups and cultures, each with its own traditions,
languages, and social structures. This diversity enriched the region
and created unique communities.
c. Social Structure

d. Power Relations
FLASHBACK!!
● Kinship refers to the way people are related to one another within a The mandala system is a way of organizing political and social structures in
family or community. ancient Southeast Asia. It’s not like a strict government with clear borders, but
● Bilateral kinship system means that individuals recognize and trace more of a flexible and fluid system of influence and control.
relationships through both their mother’s and father’s sides of the
● Centers of Power: At the center of the mandala is a powerful ruler,
family.
often a king or a chief called devaraja. This ruler has control over their
● Matrilocal kinship system means that children usually belong to the
immediate area and may influence nearby regions as well.
mother’s lineage, which means they may inherit property and status

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 ● Vassal States: Surrounding the central ruler are smaller kingdoms or
regions called vassal states. These states might pay tribute (like gifts
or taxes) to the central ruler in exchange for protection or support.
They maintain their own local leaders but recognize the power of the
central king.

— END OF SS 7 TERM 1 REVIEWER–-

— PAUSE FOR A SHORT PRAYER —

Heavenly Father, As I prepare for my exams, I ask for Your guidance and
strength. Help me to remember what I have learned and to think clearly. Grant
me peace and confidence as I face this challenge. I pray that I may do my
best and glorify Your name. Amen.

Anima Una et Cor Unum in Deum

St. Monica… St. Augustine… Our Lady of Consolacion… Pray for Us!
Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.

God bless you for your Exams!! 🙂

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