Final answer:
Philippine cinema had a lot of Western influences during its introduction due to the pervasive American culture emanating from the Philippines' history as a U.S. colony and Hollywood's global dominance in the film industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The introduction of cinema to the Philippines occurred during a time when Western culture, particularly that of the United States and Hollywood, had a significant global influence. The proliferation of American culture and its dominant position in various forms of media resulted in Western styles and film techniques permeating Philippine cinema. Early Filipino filmmakers were likely influenced by the technical advancements and story-telling styles that were popular in Western cinema, such as those coming from Hollywood, and integrated them into their own works.
This led to a blend of local culture with foreign elements, which was further reinforced by the exposure to international films distributed in the country. Moreover, the engagement with American films and their themes can partially be attributed to the Philippines' history as a former American colony, which enhanced cultural exchange and access to Western films.
During the period of the 1930s, when Philippine cinema was flourishing, American films were known for their patriotic stories and utilization of new technologies like color and sound. These advancements, along with the popular storytelling methods found in romantic comedies, dramas, and war-themed movies, played a role in shaping the development of cinema across the globe. The trend wasn't unique to the Philippines, as other countries also experienced similar Western influences on their filmmaking practices.