Time has greatly contributed in molding the cultures and standards in the

society of this generation the Filipino culture is no exception. The ego-ideal image
for women to be demure, shy, self- effacing, reserved and faithful to the end is still
preferred rather than the sexually aggressive female most commonly found in
American culture. The so-called Maria Clara image portrayed by Filipinas in cultural
norms are favoured when it comes to personal and professional relationships with
men. However, a Filipina also plays different roles in the society throughout the
course of her lifetime. To understand her better, one must acknowledge that she is not
just a Filipina she is a daughter, mother, sister, young woman and a wife.

The Filipino culture has been constantly emphasizing the diverse roles
portrayed by a Filipina. As for me, the most important role of a Filipina is the role of a
Mother or Ina. A mother has the power to make decisions and take responsibility
regarding family and household matters. She is the one who binds a family together
and can either make or break her children’s future. Due to the importance of
obedience, respect, debt of gratitude and her mother’s upbringing a Filipina daughter
looks up to her mother as her role model which will later on be a crucial part when
she will have her own household and family matters. Next, she becomes an ate or
sister which gives her the responsibility to take care of her younger siblings when the
mother cannot. Her siblings look up to her and gives the same respect as her mother.
As the Filipina grow older, she then becomes a dalaga or a young woman who is
expected to conduct proper decorum and act like a ‘Maria Clara’ especially among
men other acts like flaunting her sexuality may earn her the reputation of a flirt or
sexually ‘loose’. This misconception of being sexually ‘loose’ when women express
and act far from being demure and soft should be stopped. Whatever it is that a
woman feels confident in doing should never be a standard in measuring her worth as
a woman. Furthermore, she becomes a wife when the dalaga marries which is
expected from all Filipinas when they come to the right age and have children of her
own. The standard set by Filipino culture of a good wife must be the same standards
set for a good husband. Lastly, the Querida or the mistress which nowadays act more
like a wife than the legitimate wife. The audacity to claim and be with a married man
rather than being in a relationship with a single one is still a mystery to me.
 As for Filipino men, traits like being cautious, inoffensive, relaxed and
cool is considered as masculine from the ego-ideal set by society. Contrary to the
American male’s tendency to quickly state his identity and state of opinion Filipino
males tend to be more quiet and inoffensive. I agree to the fact that it is more
important to be a ‘good’ son rather than any of the other roles portrayed by men.
Having the ability to take care and provide for the needs of the parents is an essential
factor in portraying the role of a father in the future. Then a boy becomes an
adolescent male who is still dependent on his parents living under their roof and still
need monetary support. After the teenage stage with his barkadas, he then becomes a
husband and a father whose role is to be the breadwinner and disciplinarian of the
family. Quite a number of married male involve themselves with a querida which is
tolerated by society when it should never be. Just because a man can provide for two
families does not mean he should act as such and the fact some wives tolerate this act
of infidelity is unacceptable. Nonetheless, the father becomes a grandfather or ‘lolo’
who is well-respected and the younger ones come to him for advice since he has a
wide array of advice from years of experience. Lastly, we have the ‘bakla’ or
homosexuals who are mostly good in fashion, decors and a woman’s best friend.

The Spanish colonization paved way in transitioning the Fillipinos from living
a traditional rural life into urban living. We adopted their style, manners and their
obsession with honour hence, the Filipino respect for self-esteem. The state of urban
life among Filipinos split our culture. The creation of cities and towns encouraged
people to divert into urban living and leave their barrios. Contrary to the barrio life,
urban living offers more opportunity, better education, business and better ways and
things than those found in rural areas. For me, the advanced state of urban life
allowed people to move in a bigger and faster phase while putting our adopted style
into action. We can easily recognize the huge difference from rural living to urban
living. However, there is an undeniable cross-culturalization between them. There is a
piece of rural in urban living and there is a piece of urban in rural living.
 The Filipino culture offers variety of traditions which are passed from one
generation to the next. These traditions may consist of ‘lihi’ which happens when a
pregnant woman develops peculiar cravings as well as the burying of the placenta
after giving birth which is believed to influence the child’s future. Baptism is
considered as the first formal rite of passage where the parent’s carefully select their
child’s godparents to establish a life-long bond between both parties. Next, it is a
popular tradition where a boy turns to a man ‘tuli’ or the circumcision of a male’s
manhood. Furthermore, when an adolescent female turns 18, a grand party is held for
her to celebrate her becoming of the right age this is called debut. Before getting
married, the man is expected to get the parent’s approval which is commonly known
as ‘umaakyat ng bahay’. The woman will then have despedida de soltera with her kin
and friends to celebrate the end of her maidenhood. After marriage, as a tradition, the
couple will then have a house-blessing together with their friends because it is
believed to bring prosperity in their lives. If by chance the couple fail to bear a baby, a
tradition where couples join in a fertility dance is also included in our tradition.
Lastly, should any family members die, a traditional ceremony called ‘babang luksa’
is done where mourning clothes were worn for a year until the first death anniversary
and the immediate family is given monetary support called ‘abuloy’. Social practices
include ‘hiya’ which is the feeling of failing to meet the standards of the society.
Amor-propio or the love of self and building up one’s self-esteem. Euphemism which
is an indirect expression substituted for a response that one might find offensive.
Smooth Intrapersonal Relations or ‘pakikisama’ is also included in the list of social
values. Lastly,‘Utang na loob’ or debt cycle is a value commonly practiced by
Filipinos who are in debt of a favor done usually by their elders or superiors.

There are a lot of Filipino characteristics which are recognized not only by our
citizens but also all around the globe. Our ability to be resilient, hardworking,
hospitable, respectful, generous, religious, caring, loving, cooperative, brave and more
are what differentiates us from other races. These characteristics greatly influence one
another, it shapes us as an individual who continuously grow and learn. We must be
proud that we are Filipinos with unique individuality. Filipino men and women may
have distinct roles in the society but what makes us equal is what we have in common
the Filipino characteristics.