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The Political Self and Being Filipino

Because of the advent of globalization, Internet connectivity, and cheaper flight fares, one becomes more and
more conscious of the world outside the Philippines. Social networking sites allow us to interact with people from all
across the globe. One, therefore, as a consequence of globalization, gains more access to comparison with other
nationalities, their cultures, their beauty, and for some, these other peoples’ advantages over us.

The Philippines as we know it has only emerged in the 1890s after over three centuries of colonization of the
Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese, and it has only been a little over a century since then. Their foreign culture, beliefs,
language, and religion have made a huge dent in our own by setting a foundation to the contemporary Filipino identity
and culture. An individual’s race, ethnicity, physical characteristics are not the only factors that make a person’s national
identity. Values and traits are also important indicators that set apart one nationality from the others.

Who is the Filipino?

The political self is the self that the Philippine Constitution aims to foster. This is the self that rejects the
individualistic view and focuses on collective welfare – for the people and the country.
Culture and history have greatly influenced the manner Filipinos learn, live, and behave to date. It is said that
people who were born and grew up in the same culture develop and share common personality traits and values.

Filipino Values and Traits

The Philippines is a lush island paradise famous for its grandiose mountain views, pristine beaches, rich and diverse
culture changing from province to province. While the Philippines may well known for its awe-inspiring beauty, perhaps
the Filipinos’ unique traits, reputable values, and laudable talents make the Philippines a place to be.

The Filipino Hospitality

A Filipino trait that is known far and wide is the Filipino’s brand of hospitality. Filipinos welcome their guests and
tourists as if they are their own brothers and sisters by always making them feel at home, offering them something to eat
or even a place to stay.

Respect for Elders

Filipinos greet their elders by kissing their hand while saying “Mano po!” and constantly using “po” and “opo” in
conversations. Forgetting to address older people will regard them as rude and impolite.

Close Family Ties

Filipinos maintain a tight relationship with their family regardless that the children are old enough and already
have their families of their own.

Cheerful Personality
Filipinos have the habit of smiling and laughing a lot. They always try to maintain a positive outlook in life, which
makes them resilient and able to manage almost everything with a simple smile.

Self-Sacrifice
The self-sacrificing attitude of Filipinos can be seen as an extension to the Filipino hospitality. Filipinos go out their
way to extend their help to friends, families and loved ones.

“Bayanihan”
The bayanihan spirit is giving without expecting something in return. Filipinos are always ready to share and to
help friends and loved ones who are in need.

“Bahala Na” Attitude

The Filipino version of the famous line Hakuna Matata meaning “no worries.” This phrase is said to have originated
from “Bathala na” where Bathala means God and the phrase meaning leaving everything into God’s hands.

Colonial Mentality
Colonial mentality is regarded as the lack of patriotism and the attitude where Filipinos favor foreign products
more than their own.

Mañana Habit
This is the Filipino term for procrastination. It was derived from a longer Filipino phrase called “mamaya na,” which
means doing things that could have been done at the present at a a later time.
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Ningas Kugon
Ningas is a Filipino term for a flame and kugon is Cogon grass that easily burns out after it is put into flames.
Ningas kugon refers to the attitude of eagerly starting things, but quickly losing eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty
just as the fire has ignited.

Pride
Most Filipinos hold on to their pride as if this is more precious than keeping a good relationship with family and
loved ones.

Crab Mentality
A toxic trait among Filipinos where one resents the achievement of another, instead of feeling happy for that
person.

Filipino Time
Filipinos have this common attitude of arriving late at commitments, dinner, and parties especially if they are
meeting someone close to them.

Filipino Markers
1. Proverbs or Salawikain
Filipino proverbs, just like any other proverbs, are sayings that convey a lesson and reflection on Filipino practices,
beliefs, and traditions.

2. Superstitions
Filipinos also subscribe to their own set of superstitions passed down from generation to generation. Some of
these beliefs may be influenced by beliefs from other cultures, but Filipinos have retold these superstitions according to
their own experiences and they sometimes end up even more interesting.

3. Myths and Legends

Due to the Philippines’ rich culture and history, numerous myths and legends have sprung about things that are
beyond one’s imagination.

4. Heroes and Icons

Heroes serve as a reminder of true patriotism and nationalism as they have sacrificed their lives for the sake of
their country’s freedom and progress.

How To Be A Good Filipino

Be an active Filipino citizen
A good Filipino citizen should be aware of the current events and participate in government programs that aim
for the country’s progression and development.

Study the Philippine History

The road of the Philippine history is long and bloody, and by learning and fully understanding the events of the
Philippine history, one will learn so much as to why it is so important to love one’s country with your life, extend help to
fellow Filipinos in need, and recognize abuse of political power.

Support local products

When you buy local products, you do not only support local manufacturers and businessmen, but you also help
strengthen the local economy.

Speak the Filipino language

Speaking Filipino also serves as a unique identifier of being a Filipino.

Do not spread fake news and be democratic in engaging with dissent.

This period in the history of the Philippines has seen how internet has spawned tons of possibilities for us, both
good and bad.