Villastiqui, Paolo Manuel Artadi

NSTP 1 Reflection Paper 03/11/2019

Filipino Value System

Today we will be glossing over some key points of our NSTP discussion. I’ll be reflecting
and making points about the culture and mannerisms involved in Filipino culture.

First off, I love how the lesson deconstructs the already established norms. It takes it
apart by using Robin William’s Four Fold Test of Values. Doubling down on duration and
intensity, the values seem more human and natural, despite the fact that it has been
romanticized, partly the bad aspects. Also the extensiveness of the values is also important. It
enforces that our values should be encompassing in one way or another. Although not applicable
to every value (i.e. fatalism or bahala na culture), it proves itself as a worthy point for criteria.
The prestige of the carrier is also another good criteria. It asks the question whether or not the
value gives prestige or a sense of prestige to the user. Does it elevate the user’s status in life,
or does it suppress it? Good points all throughout the talk.

The next set of points refer to the forces that help shape Filipino values. We are known
to have a history with animism, hence our superstitious beliefs. But on the other hand, we are
also known to be quite pragmatic. This refers to philosophical movement that includes those
who claim that an ideology or proposition is true if it works satisfactorily, that the meaning of a
proposition is to be found in the practical consequences of accepting it, and that unpractical
ideas are to be rejected. Another point that stuck with me is that Filipinos are very personal when
it comes to work and other relationships. We tend to give everything, exuding that close family
ethic, something many foreigners are very fond of.

Now, we will take a brief look at general Filipino values. The first point focuses of fatalism.
Fatalism is a philosophical doctrine that stresses the subjugation of all events or actions to
destiny. Fatalism generally refers to any of the following ideas: The view that we are powerless
to do anything other than what we actually do. Filipinos tend to give in this “bahala na culture”,
something that stems all the way back to our tribal ancestry. When things are going badly or we
are not sure of the outcome, we tend to leave it all to chance, particularly fate. That’s why the
mediocrity is so normal in Filipino culture, all because we fail to see the importance of free will
and our actions. Others include strong codes or words of honor, rank age emphasis (puts down
the young, not very helpful in a progressive society, and sowing and reaping (our outcomes
correspond with our past or present actions.
Villastiqui, Paolo Manuel Artadi
NSTP 1 Reflection Paper 03/11/2019

To conclude, our culture is very spot on when it comes to diversity. You could even say
that we are very non-linear. Non-linear in a way that our actions and thoughts are influenced and
moved many different variables, some of which shape our outcomes, good or bad.