Filipino Communicative Behavior

People communicate through context-dependent verbal and non-verbal codes that are implicitly shared
both by the speaker and the listener. In the context of Filipinos, Filipinos communicate through ways
that are considered unique and persevering for Filipinos. This assumes that a shared experience of a
social and natural environment or a common background means a similar kind of thinking and mindset.
Filipino Communicative Behavior refers to a set of communication behaviors that are solely based on
nationality and it includes the concepts of knowledge, attitude, beliefs, opinions, values, awareness,
predisposition, and practices that are shared between Filipinos.

In this Audio-visual presentation, I will present one of the Filipino Communicative Behaviors which is the
Use of Humor and Rumor that was discussed by Prof. Jose R. Lacson Jr.

Undeniably, Filipinos are known to be optimist even in the face of troubles and hardships. In fact,
according to the 41st global annual survey conducted by Gallup International, the Philippines ranked
third on the top ten happiest countries in 2017, with a net happiness score of +84. Indeed, the use of
humor is prevalent among Filipinos. Filipinos use their humor for a variety of ways.

Coping Mechanism

One of these is for coping mechanism. For the past years, the Philippines had faced numerous
adversities. From natural disasters, corruption, to the pandemic that greatly affected the country.
Filipinos utilize humor as an intervention to divert the detrimental effects of these adversities. Filipinos
escape their stress by shifting their focus from the issues by utilizing humor.
(ADD ANIMATIONS ABOUT COPING MECHANISM)

One of the example is this meme.

Typhoon Rolly is a category 5-equivalent super typhoon that made landfall in the region of Bicol twice
on Sunday, November 1. While the dolomite sand that was put in the heavily polluted Manila Bay area
to create an illusion of white sand received a backlash from the environmentalists and the general
population. Truly, these two country issues had caused stress to many Filipinos and the Filipinos tried to
cope and lift other’s spirit by making fun out of it.
While last year, the controversy that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PHILHEALTH
have stolen a whopping ₱15 billion from the agency were all over the news. Undeniably, this has
caused major stress to Filipinos, especially to the PHILHEALTH members since they are paying a a
particular amount of money every month. Certainly, humor and laughter can be a mean for Filipinos
to cope with life adversities.

B. A sense of unity

Filipino humor also is a social glue that bonds every Filipinos who shares the same experiences. The
shared laughter among the Filipinos forges solidarity and indicates that they have shared a shared
background and culture. Truly, this facilitates social interaction within Filipinos.

A great example is this meme.

Korean dramas or in short Kdramas are popular among Filipinos . Kdramas offers a refreshing
experience with its actors, actresses, and environment. This meme can be understood by the majority of
Filipinos as they fell into the rabbit hole of watching kdramas from morning until the end of the day.
Absolutely, this meme portrays that Filipinos has a common characteristic that allows them to
communicate through humor.

C. To address conflict

Filipinos also utilize humor to address conflict without causing tension. Fillipinos may communicate their
sides or principles through humor without expressing hostility that will result in a heated exchange.

I remembered when we had a debate on a GE subject that tackles the need for an additional fee for PPE
disposal of the hospitals. The other group expressed their side with a meme to express their opposition
with the idea to prevent a heated tension with our group. From this, it can be inferred that Filipinos also
uses humor as a mean to articulate their views and ideologies.

Rumor

On the other hand, Filipinos’ inquiring mind drives them to engage in rumor which allows them to
provide not only information but also entertainment about significant other and events.
Aside from Kdramas, Filipinos are also fond of watching tulfo in action. In fact, Raffy Tulfo in Action has a
20.2 million subscribers on youtube. The channel contains videos that involve people who were having a
conflict. This channel is popular among Filipinos because it is an entertainment laden for them to hear
stories about the interesting life of other people. Moreover, this also serves as a social function for them
to tackle with their families and other significant others during their past time. Lastly, it also serves as a
pause for Filipinos from their works or chores and provides them with an avenue for rest.

In summary, the use of humor and rumor provides relief for Filipinos against life adversities. The use of
humor and rumor is a strong evidence that Filipinos shares a common practices and background that
glues them together. Indeed, the use of humor and rumor forges solidarity among Filipinos that would
enable them to face life adversities together.

References

De Guzman, C. (2018). PH is 3rd happiest country in the world — international pollster. cnn. Retrieved 8
May 2021, from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/01/02/PH-3rd-happiest-country-in-world.html.

https://news.mongabay.com/2020/09/manilas-new-white-sand-coast-is-a-threat-to-marine-life-groups-say/

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-super-typhoon-goni-rolly-humanitarian-needs-and-
priorities-nov-2020

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/4/PhilHealth-P15-billion-stolen-mafia-execs.html

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/07/20/why-is-k-drama-so-popular-among-filipinos-expert-
weighs-in