This presentation was made as part of the admissions requirement of the International MBA program of IE Business School.

1. IE BUSINESS SCHOOL
APPLICATION
Madeline Larrazabal – Gutierrez
Country: Philippines

2. THE PHILIPPINES
100 Million Agriculture
Forestry
Fishing
92% Christian
5.57% Islam
Filipino
English
12th most
populous
country.
6th in the world in
exporting most fruit.
Main products
include bananas,
pineapples and
mangoes.
Only majority
Christian
nation in Asia.
With 187 individual
languages.
19 recognized regional
dialects. Ironically and
mainly due to our history
with the Americans, the
English language is the
common language that
bridges the different
dialects across the nation.
Located in Southeast Asia, it is the second largest archipelago in the world comprising of 7,107 islands.

3. THE FILIPINO CULTURE
Has a mix of both East and West with influences from the Spanish, Americans, Chinese, Indians and Arabs.
What contributes largely to the culture of the Philippines are its customs and traditions.

4. THE FILIPINO CULTURE
Family and religion are considered very important to Filipinos. Most of our decisions are greatly influenced by our
families and beliefs.
Who we are as Filipinos is a product of our values and traditions.

5. If all of the world’s cultural
heritage was contained in a time
capsule, what would you include
to demonstrate the legacy of
your country?

6. The different traditions we have in the Philippines bring joy, hope, acceptance and love when we share them with
other people.
The significance of these traditions instill the value of family, faith, respect and generosity; and help shape Filipinos
to be unique, respected and in demand in the global workforce.
I have chosen the following traditions as the legacy of my country for preservation thru time.
MY CHOSEN LEGACY
PAGMAMANO SIMBANG GABI PASALUBONG PAMANHIKAN

7. PASALUBONGSIMBANG GABI PAMANHIKANPAGMAMANO

8. PAGMAMANO
This is a common gesture in the
Philippines as a form of greeting
and more importantly, as a sign of
respect to the elder.
The younger one takes the elder’s
hand and let the fingers touch their
forehead.
This simple gesture creates a
moment of love and gives
importance to people that deserve
respect.

9. As a child, this has been ingrained in our upbringing by our
parents to give reverence to those older than us. Until now,
we still practice this as a form of greeting especially during
family gatherings.
The respect we give to elders has contributed greatly to the
commitment Filipinos have in caring not only for the elderly
but also for the sick which is evident in the demand for
Filipino caregivers and nurses worldwide.

10. PASALUBONGSIMBANG GABI PAMANHIKANPAGMAMANO

11. SIMBANG GABI
In anticipation of Christmas,
thousands of Filipinos gather to
attend the devotional nine-day
series of dawn Masses which starts
from December 16 and ends
December 24.
With 80% of its population being
Catholic, the Philippines is known
for celebrating the longest
Christmas season in the world.
The season is not only an
opportunity for families to gather
but also to celebrate its religious
significance.

12. Devotees consider this as a way of expressing gratitude to the Church and a celebration of faith and hope. There is a
belief that if you complete all the nine days, you will be granted a wish.
A characteristic that is usually associated with Filipinos is resilience, and the strength behind our resilience is our faith.
During the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, foreigners who came to help were amazed at our ability to smile and
continue on with our lives during that time. This kind of optimism and hope in each Filipino is deeply rooted in our
devotion to the Church.

13. PASALUBONGSIMBANG GABI PAMANHIKANPAGMAMANO

14. PASALUBONG
A gift for a relation or a friend
brought by a traveler returning
from a trip
Each Region in the Philippines has
their own delicacies or products
that are known to be bought for
Pasalubongs.
We are also known for the
Balikbayan Box. A box full of gifts to
be sent to family and friends back
home by overseas workers.
The length of time apart or even
the destination do not matter when
giving a pasalubong. It can be as
simple as bringing home a favorite
take out food for a family member.

15. This tradition shows the thoughtfulness and generosity of the
Filipino people. This is also a way of bringing a piece of their
hometowns or sharing to their family and friends something about
the place they’ve been to.
Giving these gifts strengthens my bond with my family, relatives
and friends. When I go on out of town trips, I try to bring back
simple pasalubongs for my officemates to show my gratitude to
them since they take on my work during my absence. I do feel they
appreciate the gesture and it somehow connects me closer to
them.
This kind of thoughtfulness also demonstrates a sensitivity to the
needs of others. A sensitivity that empowers initiative at the home,
at the workplace or wherever a Filipino is found.

16. PASALUBONGSIMBANG GABI PAMANHIKANPAGMAMANO

17. PAMANHIKAN
The meeting of two families with
the intention of a man and his
family to formally ask the family of
his future bride her hand in
marriage.
This tradition values the importance
and role of family in the sanctity of
marriage.
In the Philippines, marriage is not
only seen as a union of two people
but also their families.
Acceptance of the couple’s families
for them to enter into this life long
commitment is done through this
pre-wedding custom.

18. It is very comforting to know that having Pamanhikans are still being practiced by most Filipino families,
especially these days when marriage or commitment have become optional.
There is a sense of belongingness, security and spirit of happiness when the whole family is part of the
decision and discussion. This continued regard for the family strengthens us a people and emboldens us
to stick to our commitments that matter.

19. To be remembered as a country
and as a nation, I choose to keep
the traditions that are uniquely
Filipino. I also chose those that
have a positive impact on our
relationships with our fellow
Filipinos and the rest of the
world. I chose those that have
kept us strong and proud,
despite all odds against us.
In times of adversity and change,
it is important to uphold values
of respect, generosity, hope,
acceptance and love.
I am proud to be Filipino, the
contributions of our culture and
what we stand for.

20. Thank you for your consideration!
Madeline Larrazabal – Gutierrez
Country: Philippines