Who is a Filipino

Filipinos (Filipino: Mga Filipino) are the people who are native to, or identified with the country
of the Philippines. Filipinos come from various ethnolinguistic groups that are native to the
island country. Currently, there are more than 175 ethnolinguistic groups, each with its own
language, identity, culture and history. The modern Filipino identity, with its Austronesian roots,
was developed in conjunction with Spanish, Chinese and American influences.
Filipino Values and Traits

 The family
The family is at the center of the Filipino community. Children are not expected to leave their
parents’ house until they themselves get married; and even after then, many couples opt to stay
with or close to their or their spouse’s parents. Also, they’re expected to care for their ageing
parents instead of sending them to a retirement home. This is why it’s common to see different
generations or multiple families living in a single residence. The value that Filipinos put into
caring for one’s family can also be seen as one of the reasons why nurses and caregivers from
the country provide their patients and clients with a high level of care.

 Humor and positivity

Optimism, humor, and positivity are valued traits in the Philippines. The country has a long list of
national holidays, and many provinces and cities have their own sets of local holidays. At the
same time, in the face of difficult or challenging situations, members of the community are
encouraged to look at the brighter side of things. The inclination for finding the good in the bad
can be traced to the country’s location, which lies in the path of typhoons and sits along the
Pacific Ring of Fire. In a place where natural calamities are commonplace, humor and positivity
work as a coping mechanism, much like how some children laugh to hide their embarrassment
after slipping or falling.
  Flexibility and adaptability
The term bahala na, which can be translated to whatever happens, happens, is one of the more
familiar phrases used in the country and is perhaps the most representative of how Filipinos
value adaptability and quick thinking. It exemplifies one’s belief in a higher power and submitting
one’s fate to elements that cannot be controlled. People who use the term bahala na do not see
anything wrong with it, as it serves as a sort of positive affirmation that allows them to deal with
a problem right then and there. However, those who do see it negatively often view it as a form
of fatalistic submission or a way to absolve one from the responsibility of their actions.

 Faith and religion

Spirituality is deeply ingrained in Filipinos. A form of animism was already being practiced in
many pre-colonial societies and Islam has been firmly established in the southern islands even
before the Spanish brought Catholicism to the country. These days, religion still plays a big part
in society and in the everyday lives of Filipinos. The Catholic Church’s views still affect the
passing of some laws, most towns still hold fiestas to honor their patron saints, and many
regular non-working national holidays are dedicated to celebrating various religious activities
and events. To many Filipinos, religion helps shape their values and principles.
Bayanihan
A traditional system of mutual assistance in which the members of a community work together
to accomplish a difficult task. In later use also: a spirit of civic unity and cooperation among
Filipinos.
“Bahala na” Attitude
The term bahala na, which can be translated to whatever happens, happens, is one of the more
familiar phrases used in the country and is perhaps the most representative of how Filipinos
value adaptability and quick thinking. It exemplifies one’s belief in a higher power and submitting
one’s fate to elements that cannot be controlled.
Colonial Mentality
A colonial mentality is the internalized attitude of ethnic or cultural inferiority felt by people as a
result of colonization, i.e. them being colonized by another group. It corresponds with the belief
that the cultural values of the colonizer are inherently superior to one's own.
In psychology colonial mentality has been used to explain instances of collective depression,
anxiety, and other widespread mental health issues in populations that have experienced
colonization.
Mañana Habit
means “Mamaya na” or “Do it Later”. Which results in a very unorganized way of doing things,
specifically for office tasks because it affects the overall performance of an employee. Skipping
deadlines, stress and anxiety are just some effects of that habit.
NINGAS COGON’

NINGAS COGON’ TO THE FILIPINOS COULD BE ROOTED FROM THE FACT THAT AT TIMES OR
IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE, FILIPINOS TEND TO LEAVE PROBLEMS UNSOLVED OR
PROJECTS UNDONE BECAUSE OF LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO RESOLVE OR FIX
THE PROBLEMS THUS, IT IS “BETTER” TO LEAVE IT, BUT, THE TRUTH IS, IT IS MORE OF
THE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEMS.

Pride
Pride is an inwardly directed emotion that carries two antithetical meanings. With a negative
connotation pride refers to a foolishly and irrationally corrupt sense of one's personal value,
status or accomplishments, used synonymously with hubris. With a positive connotation, pride
refers to a humble and content sense of attachment toward one's own or another's choices and
actions, or toward a whole group of people, and is a product of praise, independent self-
reflection, and a fulfilled feeling of belonging.
Filipino Time
Filipino Time, which means things get done whenever they get done. Official Timing of The
Philippines.
I set up a party for 6:00. This is interpreted as 7:00 Filipino time.
In some cases, Filipino hosts deliberately set the time an hour or so earlier, knowing that the
guests will arrive an hour or so late. In this case, the poor Americans are surprised to see that
they're the first ones to arrive and the only ones there for the first hour or so.

Filipino Makers

 Superstitions

The Philippines is a country with a long history of colonization, strongly influencing its culture
and traditions. This impact extends well beyond language and food and into the many
superstitions that locals take to heart. With an Animist, pre-colonial past (with likely Hindu-
Buddhist influences), followed by a major conversion into Christianity, The Philippines claims
ownership of a very interesting, diverse mix of beliefs.
Proverbs or Salawikain
A proverb is a short sentence that is very meaningful and aims to provide guidance in everyday
living.
Examples of Proverbs:

 “Kuwarta na, naging bato pa”.

“What was already money turned to stone”.

 “Ang isip ay parang itak, sa hasa tumatalas”.

“The mind is like a knife honed by sharpening”.

Myths and Legends

Many of today’s youth get straightforward answers to their queries about the how and why of
things, by simply researching on the internet. Hence, they never had the experience of hearing
quaint but fascinating explanations in the form of folklores and myths.