Symbolism of 3's in Filipino Culture

[trevor]

Hi Guys,

I was watching Rick Tucci's DVD's on Maphilindo Silat, and in it he mentions something about alot of things being done in 3's in the Philippines, that they believed in the power of 3 - and that's really all he said, or needed to say about it for the purpose of what he was talking about.

I did some googling to see if I could find any more info on this symbolism that Guro Tucci claimed the Filipino's held, but couldn't find much. Was wondering if anyone here knew anything more about the symbolism of 3's in Filipino culture?

Thanks,

Trevor
Hong Kong

[peregrine]

I got a copy of those, they are really enlightening as far as i can tell of the Inosanto blend.

As for 3s my guess is the Phillipinos are very supersticious, as well as very innovative, and observant. Wow that was 3 observations.
3s-
Father, Son, HolyGhost,
Triangle
Blade, Stick, Empty-hand
???

OT-
here's a funny thread i found on sticks. be sure to read post 4, this guys writting is so colorful and check the pics at the bottom.

http://selfprotection.lightbb.com/Specialist-Q-A-Forums-c1/Q-A-with-Nick-Hughes-f8/Top-3-FMA-drills-t62.htm

[trevor]

Cool, thanks Peregrine. The disturbing part for me about post 4, as an Aussie, is that the "language" Mr. Hughes used sounds very much like Aussie slang - not a good rep. And a google search revealed as much, though he's now based in the US. The pics at the bottom are very "colorful" indeed, ouch.

[Michael]

I did some review of JKDU subjects I found this issue which I just get interested. Here in my province in Philippines, the belief of 3 in comes of Kali or Arnis (famously term use in my town), it means 3 knives. We always carry 3 knives but not exactly all are combative knives. Me, other than my combat knife in a size of a palm which you can call conceal-knife or pocket knife or folding knife, I have different type of swiss knife which if a security try to question it I can show plier with long-nose, scissor, screw, flashlight, and of course the knife itself which is obviously a tool. My last knife and last knife is wine opener which of course have a knife on the end and a pointed screw by the middle. My purpose is to make sure if in case I lost my knife in a fight I still have back-up knife or lets say in a grappling situation and I can't reach my knife on my left pocket I still have access on the other pocket or other side. Or if the security wants me to surrender the knife before entering to a mall or establishment at least I still have other knife which is not obvious that I can use it as a weapon. Other province and other system have other reason for the so-called 3 or power of 3.
Ingat!

[Michael]

I got a copy of those, they are really enlightening as far as i can tell of the Inosanto blend.

As for 3s my guess is the Phillipinos are very supersticious, as well as very innovative, and observant. Wow that was 3 observations.
3s-
Father, Son, HolyGhost,
Triangle
Blade, Stick, Empty-hand
???

OT-
here's a funny thread i found on sticks. be sure to read post 4, this guys writting is so colorful and check the pics at the bottom.

http://selfprotection.lightbb.com/Specialist-Q-A-Forums-c1/Q-A-with-Nick-Hughes-f8/Top-3-FMA-drills-t62.htm

by the  way peregrine's reply is correct also for Philippines is a Christian Country.

[James McRae]

We always carry 3 knives but not exactly all are combative knives.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who carries three!   My keychain has a small Swiss Army Knife on it (with nail-nippers, tiny scissors, tweezers, etc.), I keep a Leatherman Tool on my belt (for pliers, screwdrivers, cap lifter, saw, etc.), and a medium sized (3.5 inch blade) folder in my pocket (usually a micarta-inlayed Chris Reeve Sebenza with dual thumb-lugs, though I have others that make the rotation).  All three are primarily tools, though the folder could potentially have defensive uses if my life were on the line.