UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

1. LECTURE 8:
THE POLITICAL SELF + BEINGA FILIPINO
FILIPINO VALUES AND TRAITS
Besides identifying our definitive “Filipinovalues andtraits”, let
us try tounderstand how these characteristics came about,and
ev aluate the positiveand negative aspects they may bring.
FilipinoHospitality – we welcome our guests andtourists as if
they are our own brothers and sisters; we make them feel at home.
Respect for Elders – Filipinos greet their elders with “Mano
po” and use “po” and “opo” in conversations. Not addressing older
people properly is rudeor impolite.We refer tothem alsoas kuya,
ate, tito, tita, lolo, lola,manong, aling,etc.
Close Family Ties – we maintain a tight relationship with
families regardless of age. And we are fond of reunions during
birthdays, holidays,fiestas year-round.Nursing homes are not an
option for families on treating their parents/grandparents.
Cheerful Personalities – we have a habit of smiling a lot,no
matter how wemay feel inside.Smiling and humor are coping
strategies for us in times of tragedy and calamities.There’s always
positiv ity.
Self-sacrifice – this is an extension of our hospitality.We goout
of our way tohelp friends,families,and loved ones.We work
abroad,stop going toschool, and endure a lot of hardships for
lov ed ones.
Bayanihan – the spirit of communalunity and cooperation.It is
about giving andhelping without expecting reward.
“Bahala Na”Attitude – our version of “Hakuna Matata”.
Rely ing on divinefavors and luck toget ov er difficult times
instead of finding concrete solutions. Not exerting enough effort
to succeed.
Colonial Mentality – lackof patriotism andattitude of favoring
foreign products instead of our own.Not only concerning goods,
but alsothe desire tolook more foreign and keep up with foreign
liv ing/beauty standards.
Maňana Habit –our term for procrastination.Dawdling things
which could have been done at an earlier time. A poor habit off
laziness that results in heavier workloads.
Ningas Kugon – the attitude of eagerly starting things but
quickly losing eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty.
Pride – we hold on to our pride like tois more precious than
keeping a good relationship with others.We find it hard to
apologize and wait for theother party toapologize first.
Crab Mentality – a toxictrait among Filipinos where one
resents the achievement of another.They pulleach other down
and smear their reputation rather than bringing them up.
FilipinoTime –a common attitude of arriving lateto
commitments, especially if they are meeting someone close to
them.We donot observe punctuality.
QUESTION: are these Filipinotraits present in us by nature,or by
choice?
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FILIPINO MARKERS
What are thehallmarks of being a Filipino? What makes us truly
relish in our being a Filipino?
Proverbs or Salawikain – sayings that convey lessons and
reflections on Filipinopractices,beliefs, and traditions. Proverbs
can be classified in 6 categories:
- expressing a generalattitudetoward life and laws governing life
- ethical proverbs recommending and condemning certain virtues
- expressing system of v alues
- “ “ general truths and observations about life & human nature
- humorous proverbs and - miscellaneous proverbs
Supersititions – we subscribe tosets of superstitions passed
down from past generations. Some are influencedby other
cultures,but they have been retold according toour own
experiences.
Myths and Legends – due toour rich culture and history,
numerous myths andlegends havesprung about things that are
bey ond one’s imagination.These stories aim toexplain origin of
things or teach a valuable lesson.
Heroes and Icons – people whoare reminders of patriotism
and nationalism as they have sacrificed their lives for our
country’s freedom and progress. It could alsobe people whohave
elev ated the identification of Filipinos in a worldwide cultural
perspective.
QUESTION: Which among these Filipinomarkers would you
surely pass down toyour children in thefuture? Which would you
not teach as much?
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HOW TO BE A GOOD FILIPINO
The problem now is how totruly becomeone and how you can be
useful tothedevelopment and progress of our country.The
following are few ways on how tobe a good Filipino:
1. Be an active Filipinocitizen – be aware of current events
and participate in programs that aim for the country’s progression
and dev elopment.By exercising your right tovote,you also
become an active citizen. Every Filipino citizen of legal age
have a chance to choose the right leaders for the
Philippines who are genuine in helping and caring for
the Filipino people.
2. Study of the Philippine history – the roadtoour history is
long and bloody,and by learning andfully understanding the
ev ents you willlearn somuch as towhy it is soimportant for you
to lov e your country with your life,extend help toyour fellow
Filipinos, and recognize abuseof politicalpower.
3. Support local products – when you buy localproducts,you
do not only support manufacturers and businessmen,but you also
strengthen the local economy because there willbe more demand
of local products.Supporting localproducts alsodisplay our
creativity, innovativeness, and resourcefulness.
4. Speak the Filipinolanguage – Jose Rizal highlighted the
importance of speaking a national language as a way of displaying
lov e for one’s country.It has been a decade-long debate whether
to use Filipinoas the instructional language in schools etc.
5. Do not spread fake news and be democraticin
engaging with dissent – despite thepositive features provided
by theinternet,it has alsomade the spreadof fake news v ery
common.It is part of being a good Filipinotounderstand and
v erify what you read online,especially in socialmedia,before
actually believing and it and even sharing it.
It is alsoa responsibility of ev ery Filipinotorecognize
disagreement in politicalviews, be tolerant,and argue
intelligently.
Source: Understandingthe Self(Alata, Caslib, Serafica, Pawilen, 2018.)