A Compilation of Social

Change in the Philippines

 Christmas Before

There is something about Christmas in the past that seems different compared to

today. Maybe it’s nostalgia but from what we remember, it looks much jollier and

full of life. Parols and Christmas lights are everywhere, we put on our best clothes,

Christmas attire, extravaganza food. And the spirit of Christmas is felt around the

globe. Our families are together, and God at the center. For us it seems to be

happier in the past. Maybe its because we were young by then and we got older

and technology got in the way for real connections and slowly, belief in Santa

Claus diminished. But that is our perception towards Christmas before.

 Christmas After

Christmas now still celebrates the same spirit of family values and God but
something feels different. Must be the advancement of our technology or maybe
we got older and for some they experienced it differently one of our members said
it completed their family, and they first tried exchange gifting, while one of our
members said it became stale as some of their family members are busy. As you
can see, we experience different things about Christmas now but it still is
Christmas and its still about family and Jesus Christ.
 Courtship Before

Courting under Filipino tradition gives very big importance on the value of
respecting the woman and her family and strictly adhering with proper rules set by
society for pursuing a lady. When the approval is obtained, the suitor can then
come to the house with the go-between who will initiate the introductions to the
family. The parents in turn will introduce their daughter to the gentleman. At night,
he will sing "harana" or love songs outside the girls house by the window with a
guitar and his friends serving as back ups. One cannot just talk and approach a lady
in the street and ask her number or address. If a young man sees a lady he likes he
should seek out the help of a go-between, usually a common friend of both family,
to ask the permission of the girls father whether he can visit them in their house.

This is the gentlemanly thing to do so the parents will most likely approve unless
of course the lady is just a child.

Courtship After

Modern Filipino courtship revolves more on the liberalism of Filipino youth. If

Filipinos of opposite sex were not allowed to mingle in public in the old days,

these days that is already possible. These has allowed courtship to be a little more

lenient on youngsters. You can now meet a girl you like through a common friend

or on a party but never on a street as the same is still regarded as inappropriate.

Most parents would still want their children to be courted inside the house though
 some modern and liberal-minded Filipinas don't do this anymore and prefers to

meet up somewhere else instead, a clear disregard of tradition and parental respect.

 Mode r

courtship does not really have a pattern.

Pakikisama Before
More often than not and especially (perhaps only) in the Philippines do we hear the

word “pakikisama.” Based on my own research and if one really looks into the true

me aning of the word, you will find that “pakikisama” is also the manner by which

we relate, regard and in most part what we already know, it is how well we get

along with others.  I think Filipinos have somewhat mastered the art of getting

along. Our culture relatively shows us that getting along with others is most

important and although certainly it is important that we all work at getting along, I

would like to focus on the two equal aspects of a common Filipino trait. 

Pakikisama After
“Pakikisama” involves what we call an interpersonal relationship simply because

what we do affects others. The way we are able to relate with others encourages

one to put their listening skills to good use while focusing on the important issues

that come along the way. In order to relate it is important to recognize that we

don’t need to express every disagreement we may have and in turn be able  to put

ourselves in another person’s  shoes. On the other hand to regard is to be able to

consider something that helps us to better assess or gauge. 

 Just as we cordially send our warmest regards to someone, we are recognizing

another’s worth. In elevating this common Filipino trait to nation building,

Prayer for the Philippines

God, in whose sovereign name these group of islands have been called to be a

country and one people; we praise your greatness and thank you for your bountiful

providence.

We bring before you, Great Teacher, the varied concerns of those who labor that

we may be fed and clothed and those who teach and those who learn that the

knowledge of the truth my lead us to prosperity and freedom.

We pray for the homeless and those displaced by war. Calm the strife, dear Lord.

In the many instances of our vulnerabilities, increase our perseverance to tread

your way, your truth and your life.

O God who declared that you will listen to us and forgive us and heal our land,

teach us to be humble, to turn from our wicked ways and to seek your face. Let not

hatred and vainglory overtake us, we pray you. Above all, make us thankful for the

promise of your Son of fullness of life for all, for the abiding hope that none can

separate us from your love in Jesus Christ. Make these words more than words, in

the name of Jesus Christ our Peace. Amen.