MODULE 2

UNPACKING THE SELF

LESSON I
THE PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL SELF

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Recognize the importance of the beautiful self with the facet of the
reproductive system
 Discuss the development aspect of the reproductive system;
 Describe the erogenous zones;
 Characterize the diversity of sexual behavior;
 Describe sexually transmitted diseases
 Differentiate natural, artificial methods of contraception and In Vitro
Fertilization

INTRODUCTION

The physical and sexual self is believed to be outlined by the human

chromosomes, who may either be male and female. Our genes/genetic
makeup determines what we look like and what physical characteristic we
have. The physical self is our body that we use to interact with our
environment and fellow beings. This is the concrete dimension and the
tangible aspect of the person that can be directly observed and examined. On
the other hand, our sexual self is defined as an individual’s evaluation of
his/her sexual feelings and actions. These may include positive and negative
concepts and feelings. The physical and sexual self are not only shaped by
our genes but also by our society and environment. Because of these, some
people change their physical and sexual self. You may hear reports of their
physical and sexual transformation. And, with the emergence of technology
one may elect this transformation through surgery and other medical drugs.

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 ACTIVITY 1: DEFINING BEAUTY

Imagine yourself as one of the candidates in the pageant, how would you answer the
following questions:
1. In your own opinion, what is beauty?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
2. How will describe a beautiful person?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3. For you, who is the most beautiful person in the world?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

ACTIIVITY 2 SEXUAL SELF

List and describe the common secondary sexual male and female characteristics.
Male Secondary Description Female Secondary Description
Sexual Sexual
Characteristics Characteristics

ANALYSIS

1. Based from the activity above, what aspects did you use in describing
beauty? Inner or outer? Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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2. When do we usually observe the physical changes listed above for the secondary
male and female sexual characteristics?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. Were you able to experience the same changes? When?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____
4. How does the society shape the sexual behavior of an individual?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____

ABSTRACTION

Beauty is not one’s own, but a reflection of one’s culture. To determine

an individual to be beautiful. Below is the discussion of the five signs that you
are a beautiful person.
5 Signs You Are a Beautiful Person (That Have
Nothing to Do With Physical Appearance)

Uploaded by: Don't Screw Up, Mar 7, 2019

There is far too much of a stigma regarding beauty. If you pick up any fashion
magazine, you’re bombarded with these skinny girls and well-toned guys. You
see people on the street aspiring to be like them. You see people changing
everything about themselves to be beautiful. But they focus on the wrong
aspects of beauty. True beauty comes from within your soul. The things you
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need to change to be considered beautiful are internal. It doesn’t matter how
you dress or what your body mass is. It matters how you carry yourself and
how far you’re willing to go for others.
Here are 5 signs that you are a beautiful person that have nothing to do with
physical appearance (throw away your fashion magazine because it’s not
teaching you anything about true beauty!):

1. You Are Understanding

If you can show that you are understanding of others, you are already
more attractive than most. Many people in the world are incapable of seeing
things from a second point of view. They see only their own. If you aren’t like
that, if you can see where someone else is coming from, you have a power.
That power should be given to everyone, but you’ll find it’s unique. You don’t
share it in common with most people, who can only see their own side. Being
understanding is such an attractive quality because of how rare it is. Also,
because it means romantically, you’re able to balance your own emotions as
well as the emotions of your partner (or even friends).

2. You Are Kind to Everyone

Your true beauty shines the brightest when you are making others’ feel
good about themselves. You could be stopping strangers on the street to offer
random compliments. You could be sending anonymous messages on the
internet to do the same. You could simply be telling people to have a nice day
and wishing them well. Even those people you don’t know. These are the little
things you can do on a day to day basis that will demonstrate your inner
beauty. Which has much more value than the beauty of your physical
appearance, if you ask my opinion.

3. You Are Compassionate Towards Others

Compassion isn’t something that everyone is born with. Many people
do not have the ability to feel for complete strangers. Showing your
compassion towards people you don’t know is a way to positivity impact the
world around you. When you are saving someone who is being bullied, even
in passing. When you sit with a homeless person on the street just to give
them companionship and comfort. These are actions that speak boldly.
Bravely. These are acts of humility that show you know the value of every life.
Being able to show sympathy and compassion to the people around you is
one of the most attractive qualities anyone can have.

4. You’re Confident
You can never change the power of confidence. A confident person is
considered more attractive because they know their own worth. They know
what they are capable of, they aren’t afraid to strut in a way that says I can do
this. They know they can. They can show on the whole world if they have to.
That’s what confidence is. It’s not about the old standards of beauty, more
than knowing what you’re capable of. You don’t have to think you’re fabulous

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to be fabulous. When you rely too much on being beautiful on the outside, you
losing the genuine confidence. Losing confidence is also losing the real
beauty within you. If you feel like your confidence is lacking, you might be
seeking confidence in the wrong way. You might be looking at the wrong
attributes that build confidence. You can be confident as long as you value
how wonderful human you are.

5. You Smile Often

Nothing shows true beauty like a smile. It doesn’t matter if your smile is
attractive or not, the important thing is what it represents. It represents that
you are happy. There is nothing more beautiful than wearing your genuine
happiness. You’re attracting the attention of everyone else, simply because
happiness is such a rarity. In this day and age, negativity is what surrounds us
the most. By smiling, you’re showing that you’re different. Unique. Special.
You have politely dismissed the idea of negativity and have taken to showing
off the brighter side. A smile can convey a million different things. It shouts I’m
beautiful more than anything else ever could.

If you keep on thinking about beauty in terms of physical appearance, you

take time away from understanding what beauty really is. Beauty is internal. It
is a demonstration of your soul, the being that makes you uniquely you. If
after reading this list, you still don’t feel like a beautiful person, it’s time to get
out of the house and start smiling at strangers. By making the world around
you feel more beautiful, you’ll see the reflection in yourself.

So we can conclude that being beautiful is not merely on the outer aspect of
an individual, so we also need to look to the inner aspect of one’s person. For
physical self, we need to consider that there are changes that happens along
the way.

According to Marieb, E.N.(2001) explains that the gonads

(reproductive glands that produce the gametes; testis or ovary) begin to form
until about the eighth week of embryonic development. During the early
stages of human development, the embryonic reproductive structures of
males and females are alike and are said to be in the indifferent stage. When
the primary reproductive structures are formed, development of the accessory
structures and external genitalia begins. The formation of male or female
structures depends on the presence of testosterone. Usually, once formed,
the embryonic testes release testosterone, and the formation of the duct
system and external genitalia follows. In the case of female ducts and external
genitalia since testosterone hormone is not produced.
Any intervention with the normal pattern of sex hormone production in
the embryo results in strange abnormalities. For instance, a genetic male
develops the female accessory structures and external genitalia if the
embryonic testes fail to produce testosterone. On the other hand, if a genetic
female is exposed to testosterone( as in the case of a mother with androgen-
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producing tumor of her aderenal gland), the embryo has ovaries but may
develop male accessory ducts and glands, as well as male reproductive organ
and an empty scrotum. As a result, pseudohermaphrodites are formed who
are individuals having accessory reproductive structures that do not “match”
their gonads while true hermaphrodites are individuals who possess both
ovarian and testicular tissues but this condition is rare in nature. Nowadays,
many pseudohermaphrodites undergo sex change operations to have their
outer selves (external genitalia) fit with their inner selves (gonads).

Secondary Sex Characteristics in Humans

Have you ever really considered the differences between males and
females in various species? If you have, you may have noticed the differences
in physical traits between the two sexes. Without even realizing it, you were
likely thinking about both primary and secondary characteristics.
While humans are born with very obvious primary sex
characteristics (or body structures directly concerned with reproduction) that
allows us to tell males from females, such as the penis in men and the vagina
in women, secondary sex characteristics, on the other hand, are features
which appear at puberty (though they later become equally as prominent).

What is puberty?
Puberty is the time when you physically become an adult. During puberty,
your body goes through lots of changes. And your emotions might feel
stronger and more intense. People usually start going through puberty
between ages 8 and 14. Females often start puberty before males do.
Puberty doesn’t happen all at once — it comes in stages and takes many
years. You might have some signs of puberty at an early age, while other
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changes show up years later. Bodies are unique, so puberty is different for
each person. Everyone goes through puberty at their own pace.
Puberty is a normal part of life. But it’s still common to feel anxious, excited,
and confused about it. Knowing what to expect can make puberty changes
seem less weird or stressful. And talking to your parents or other adults you
trust also helps. After all, they’ve gone through puberty too. So they probably
understand how you feel, and have good advice.
What happens to my body during puberty?
There’s no way around it — your body’s gonna change a lot during puberty.
Here’s what to expect.
All bodies:
 You may get acne (AKA zits or pimples) on your face and body. If
pimples are stressing you out or causing problems in your life, talk to a
doctor.
 You start to sweat more, and you may have body odor (when your
sweat smells bad). You may want to shower more and start using
deodorant.
 Hair grows under your armpits.
 Hair grows around your genitals — this is called pubic hair.
 You may grow more hair on your arms and legs, and the hair may get
darker.
 You may feel some pain in your arms and legs as you grow (AKA
“growing pains”)
Males:
 Your voice gets lower or deeper. It may crack sometimes while it’s
changing, but that’s totally normal and eventually goes away. Your
Adam’s apple (bump in your throat) might get bigger and more visible
as this happens.
 Your penis and testicles get bigger.
 Hair may grow on your face, chest, and back.
 Your chest and shoulders get broader.
 You may have swelling around your nipples during puberty. This can
look like the start of breasts, but it usually goes away. This happens to
about half of males, and it can last for a few months or up to a few
years.

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Females:
 Your breasts develop and get bigger.
 Your hips get wider and your body may become more curvy.
 You start getting your period.
 Your labia may change color and grow bigger.
Puberty and your feelings
Puberty is controlled by hormones, and these hormones affect your feelings
as well as your body. During puberty, your emotions may become stronger
and more intense. It’s common to go through mood swings — when your
feelings change quickly and randomly.
During puberty, you’ll probably start having more sexual thoughts and urges.
You may feel attracted to males, females, or both — this is sometimes called
having a crush. And you might notice that you’re sexually excited (AKA horny
or turned on) a lot. As you get older, these feelings probably won't be as
strong. Some people masturbate to release this sexual tension and explore
their sexuality. Others wait for the feelings to pass. Either way is totally
normal.
Puberty can be a very confusing time in your life. Your emotions may seem
like they’re out of control. One minute you feel on top of the world, and the
next minute you’re down in the dumps. Feeling this way is hard, but you don’t
have to go through it alone. Talking with adults you trust may help you sort out
your feelings. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters,
teachers, and counsellors can comfort and support you. You can also talk with
someone at your local Planned Parenthood health center.
Finding activities that are fun and healthy can help you deal with stress and
your feelings, and release extra energy. Physical activity, writing, music, art,
or talking with friends are great ways to express your emotions and feel good
about yourself.

Diseases Associated with the Reproductive System

Infections are the most common problems associated with the
reproductive system in adults. Vaginal infections are more common in young
and elderly women and in those whose resistance to diseases is low. The
usual infections include those caused by Escherichia coli which spread
through the digestive tract; the sexually transmitted microorganisms such as
syphilis, gonorrhoea, and herpes virus; and yeast (a type of fungus). Vaginal
infections that are left untreated may spread throughout the female
reproductive tract and may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility.

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Problems that involve painful or abnormal menses may also be due to
infection or hormone imbalance.
In males, the most common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis,
urethritis, and epididymitis, all of which may follow sexual contacts in which
sexually transmitted disease (STD) microorganisms are transmitted.
Orchiditis, or inflammation of the testes, is rather uncommon but is serious
because it can cause sterility. Orchiditis most commonly follows mumps in an
adult male.
Neoplasm are a major treat to reproductive organs. Tumors of the
breast and cervix are the most common reproductive cancers in adult
females, and prostate cancer (a common sequel to prostatic hypertrophy) is a
widespread problem in adult males.
Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their
late 20s. A natural decrease in ovarian function usually follows characterized
by reduced estrogen production that causes irregular ovulation and shorter
menstrual periods. Consequently, ovulation and menses stop entirely, ending
childbearing ability. This event is called as menopause, which occurs when
females no longer experience menstruation.
The production of estrogen may still continue after menopause but the
ovaries final stop functioning as endocrine organs. The reproductive organs
and breasts begin to atrophy or shrink. If estrogen is no longer released from
the body. The vagina becomes dry that causes intercourse to become painful
(particularly if frequent), and vaginal infections become increasingly common.
Other consequences of estrogen deficiency may also be observed including
irritability and other mood changes (depression in some); intense vasodilation
of the skin’s blood vessels, which causes uncomfortable sweat-drenching “hot
flashes”; gradual thinning of the skin and loss of bone mass; and slowly rising
blood cholesterol levels, which place postmenopausal women at risk for
cardiovascular disorders. Some physicians prescribe low-dose estrogen-
progestin preparations to help women through this usually difficult period and
to prevent skeletal and cardiovascular complications.
There is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men
show a steady decline in testosterone secretion, their reproductive capability
seems unending. Healthy men are still able to father offspring well into their
80s and beyond.

Everything You Need to Know About Erogenous Zones

We all have erogenous zones, but everyone’s different, so you may
not feel all that tingly goodness in the same area as another person.

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 Share on Pi

Illustrations by Brittany England

When it comes to erogenous zones, it isn’t all about the nips, nubs, and slits.
Here are some unlikely pleasure points that are often overlooked.
Scalp-The scalp is full of nerve endings, and even the slightest brush of the
hair can send tingles through your body. To amp up the pleasure, run your
fingernails lightly over the scalp, paying special attention to the space behind
the ears and just above the neck. Don’t forget about the hair. Gentle tugging
can send waves of pleasure through the body.
Ears-With sensitive skin on the outside and hundreds of sensory receptors on
the inside, the ears top the list of erogenous zones for many people. For some
sexy aural action that’s sure to please, try lightly kissing, licking, or nibbling
your partner’s earlobes. You can also take advantage of those sensory
receptors by whispering or lightly blowing into their ear for more tingly feels.
Navel and lower stomach-Being dangerously close to the genitals makes
this area especially arousing.Use your tongue, fingertips, or even a feather to
trace circles around the navel and tease your way down and all around the

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stomach. This is a great spot for some temperature play, so use an ice cube if
your partner is into it. Playing solo? Caress the area to get yourself in the
mood.
Small of the back (sacrum)-It could have something to do with the fact that
the nerves in this portion of the spine are connected to the pelvis or the
vulnerability factor of being touched from behind that makes this area so
sensitive. Whatever it is, the slightest touch here can evoke pleasure. Tickle
the area with a feather or your lips and tongue. Feeling adventurous? Try an
ice cube, a vibrator, or pinwheel for some sensory play.
Inner arms and armpits-Think armpits can’t be sexy? Two words: “Dirty
Dancing.” You know that scene where Johnny runs the back of his hand down
Baby’s arm, grazing her armpit? She giggles at first, but once she gets past
the tickle response, it’s totally hot. A light touch is all you need to turn the
tickle to totally titillating. Run your fingertips, your tongue, or even a feather
slowly along the inner arm to the armpit.
Inner wrist-Home of the pulse point and not used to getting a lot of action, the
inner wrist is highly sensitive. Caress the skin with your fingertips while
looking at your partner suggestively from across the table, or anywhere else
for that matter, when trying to set the mood. Already in the throes of passion?
Try intertwining your fingers with theirs and graze the skin on their inner wrists
with your lips and tip of your tongue.
Palm of hands and fingertips-The fingertips are the part of the body most
sensitive trusted Source to touch, and your palms aren’t far behind. Place
your hand under theirs with your palm facing up, and tickle their palm with
your index finger. If you want to up the intimacy, maintain eye contact while
you do it. You can kick it up a billion notches by taking each of their fingers
into your mouth, one by one, and sucking lightly.
Behind the knee-This is another often neglected area that’s incredibly
sensitive to any kind of touch. It’s even ticklish for some. Give the area some
special attention during a massage, or use your mouth and tongue there
before working your way up or down the leg.

Social Factors Shape Young People’s Sexual Behavior Worldwide

Social and cultural forces shape young people’s sexual behavior to the
extent that information campaigns and condom distribution programs alone
are not successful in combating epidemics such as AIDS. These U.K. authors
reviewed 268 English-language qualitative studies from around the world
(published from 1990 through 2004) about young people’s (age range, 10–25)
sexual behavior. Most of these studies assessed behavior in unmarried,
heterosexual, young people. Several key findings emerged worldwide that
help explain young people’s sexual behavior and why they might engage in
unsafe sex:

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  Sexual partners are a key influence on behavior in general.
 Use of condoms is stigmatized and associated with lack of partner trust
and with promiscuity.
 A partner’s disease risk is based on unreliable indicators, such as
appearance.
 Societal norms continue to hold women responsible for preventing
pregnancy.
 Sexual activity continues to be positively regarded for men but not for
women.

DIVERSITY OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

1. SOLITARY- Self- masturbation is a sexual self- stimulation with the

intention of causing sexual arousal that leads to orgasm. The hand is used to
rub the genitals to experience sexual pleasure. Most masturbation is done in
private as an end in itself but it sometimes practiced to facilitate a socio
sexual relationship. For some married couples, it can be part of the foreplay in
the excitement phase.

2. HETEROSEXUAL- It is romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual

behavior between persons of the opposite sex or gender. Someone who is
heterosexual is commonly referred to as straight.

3. HOMOSEXUAL- This is romantic and sexual attraction, or sexual behavior

between persons of the same sex or gender. The male homosexual is called
gay while the female homosexual is called lesbian.

4. BISEXUAL- This refer to a person who is attracted to both sexes.

5. TRANSSESUAL- This is a person whose gender identity is opposite the

sex the person had or was identified as having at birth. The person may or
may not undergo surgery or hormone therapy.

6. TRANSGENDER- This includes not only the transsexual but people who
view themselves as third gender, transvestite(one who dresses in the clothes
of the other gender), or others who believe that traditional male-female gender
classifications inadequately characterize themselves. (Prince, 2005; Hyde,
DELamater, and Byers, 2006).

7. SEXUALLY FLUID- It refers to the idea that sexual preferences have the
capability to change over a lifetime, and in many cases is dependent on
different situations.

Your Guide to the Sexual Response Cycle

The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional
changes that occur as a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in
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sexually stimulating activities, including intercourse and masturbation. Knowing
how your body responds during each phase of the cycle can enhance your
relationship and help you pinpoint the cause of any sexual problems.

What Are the Phases of the Sexual Response Cycle?

The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and
resolution. Both men and women experience these phases, although the timing
usually is different. For example, it is unlikely that both partners will reach orgasm
at the same time. In addition, the intensity of the response and the time spent in
each phase varies from person to person. Understanding these differences may
help partners better understand one another's bodies and responses, and
enhance the sexual experience.

Phase 1: Excitement
General characteristics of the excitement phase, which can last from a few
minutes to several hours, include the following:

 Muscle tension increases.

 Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated.
 Skin may become flushed (blotches of redness appear on the chest and
back).
 Nipples become hardened or erect.
 Blood flow to the genitals increases, resulting in swelling of the woman's
clitoris and labia minora (inner lips), and erection of the man's penis.
 Vaginal lubrication begins.
 The woman's breasts become fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell.
 The man's testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins secreting a
lubricating liquid.

Phase 2: Plateau
General characteristics of the plateau phase, which extends to the brink of
orgasm, include the following:

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  The changes begun in phase 1 are intensified.
 The vagina continues to swell from increased blood flow, and the vaginal
walls turn a dark purple.
 The woman's clitoris becomes highly sensitive (may even be painful to
touch) and retracts under the clitoral hood to avoid direct stimulation from
the penis.
 The man's testicles tighten.
 Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase.
 Muscle spasms may begin in the feet, face, and hands.
 Muscle tension increases.

Phase 3: Orgasm
The orgasm is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the
phases and generally lasts only a few seconds. General characteristics of this
phase include the following:

 Involuntary muscle contractions begin.

 Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a
rapid intake of oxygen.
 Muscles in the feet spasm.
 There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.
 In women, the muscles of the vagina contract. The uterus also undergoes
rhythmic contractions.
 In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the base of the penis
result in the ejaculation of semen.
 A rash, or "sex flush" may appear over the entire body.

Phase 4: Resolution
During resolution, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning, and
swelled and erect body parts return to their previous size and color. This phase is
marked by a general sense of well-being, enhanced intimacy and, often, fatigue.
Some women are capable of a rapid return to the orgasm phase with further
sexual stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms. Men need recovery
time after orgasm, called a refractory period, during which they cannot reach
orgasm again. The duration of the refractory period varies among men and
usually lengthens with advancing age.
WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on September 07,
2018

Nervous System Factors

The entire nervous system plays a significant role during sexual response.
The autonomic system is involved in controlling the involuntary responses. In the
presence of a stimulus capable enough of initiating a sexual response, the
efferent cerebrospinal nerves transmit the sensory message and dictate what will
be the immediate and appropriate response of the body. After interpretation and

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integration of sensory input, the efferent cerebrospinal nerves receive commands
from the brain and send them to the muscles; and the spinal cord serves as a
great transmission cable. The muscles contract in response to the signal coming
from the motor nerve fibers while glands secrete their respective products.
Hence, sexual response is dependent on the activity of the nervous system.
The hypothalamus and the limbic system are the parts of the brain
believed to be responsible for regulating the sexual response, but there is no
specialized “sex center” that has been located in the human brain. Animal
experiments show that each individual has coded in its brain two sexual
response patterns, one for mounting (masculine) behavior of individuals.
Normally, one response pattern is dominant and the other latent can still be
initiated when suitable circumstances occur. The degree to which such innate
patterning exists in humans is still unknown.
Apart from brain-controlled sexual responses, there is some reflex (i.e.,
not brain –controlled) sexual response. This reflex is mediated by the lower
spinal cord and leads to erection and ejaculation for male, vaginal discharges
and lubrication for female when the genital and perineal areas are stimulated.
But still, the brain can overrule and suppress such reflex activity- as it
does when an individual decides that a sexual response is socially inappropriate.

What is sexual dysfunction in men and women?

When you have problems with sex, doctors call it “sexual dysfunction.” It
happens in both men and women. Sexual problems become more common in
men and women as they age. Other factors can cause it in younger people.
Stress, illness, medicines, or emotional problems can contribute to sexual
dysfunction. Talk to your doctor if it lasts longer than a few months. Tell your
doctor if it interferes with your relationship with your partner. Anything you tell
your doctor is private. Your doctor can diagnose the problem. He or she can
treat it.
Symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men and women
It is common for couples to have problems with sex at some time in their
relationship.
Women have five types of sexual problems:
Desire disorders. No longer having an interest in sex. Having less of a desire
than you used to have.
Arousal disorders. You can’t feel a sexual response in your body. You can’t
stay sexually aroused.
Orgasmic disorders. You are unable to have an orgasm or you have pain
during orgasm.
Sexual pain disorders. When you experience pain during or after sex.
Hormone deficiency: Reduced estrogen (the primary female hormone) can
affect sexual desire.
Men have four types of sexual problems:

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Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
Desire disorders No longer having an interest in sex. Having less interest
than you used to have.
Problems with ejaculation: Premature ejaculation (too early) or delayed
(taking longer than normal or not at all).
Low testosterone: Reduced levels of the male hormone, testosterone.

Natural Family Planning

By: Marianne Belleza, R.N.
Updated on January 19, 2017

The natural family planning methods do not include any chemical or foreign
body introduction into the human body. Most people who are very conscious
of their religious beliefs are more inclined to use the natural way of birth
control. Some want to use natural methods because it is more cost effective.

Abstinence
 This natural method involves abstaining from sexual intercourse and is the
most effective natural birth control method with ideally 0% fail rate.
 It is also the most effective way to avoid STIs.
 However, most people find it difficult to comply with abstinence, so only a
few of them use this method.

Calendar Method

The Calendar or Rhythm Method

 Also called as the rhythm method, this natural method of family planning
involves refraining from coitus during the days that the woman is fertile.
 According to the menstrual cycle, 3 or 4 days before and 3 or 4 days after
ovulation, the woman is likely to conceive.

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  The process in calculating for the woman’s safe days is achieved when
the woman records her menstrual cycle for six months.
 She subtracts 18 from the shortest cycle and the difference is the first
fertile day.
 She also subtracts 11 from the longest cycle, and this becomes the last
fertile day.
 Starting from the first fertile day until the last day, the woman should avoid
coitus to avoid conception.
 It has an ideal fail rate of 5%, but when used it has a typical fail rate of
25%.

Basal Body Temperature

 The basal body

temperature is the woman’s
temperature at rest.
 BBT falls at 0.5⁰F
before the day of ovulation and
during ovulation, it rises to a full degree because of progesterone and
maintains its level throughout the menstrual cycle, and this is the basis for
the method.
 The woman must take her temperature early every morning before any
activity, and if she notices that there is a slight decrease and then an
increase in her temperature, this is a sign that she has ovulated.
 The woman must abstain from coitus for the next 3 days.
 The BBT method has an ideal fail rate of 9% and has a typical use fail rate
of 25%.

Cervical Mucus Method

 The basis of this
method is the changes in the cervical
mucus during ovulation.
 To check if the woman
is ovulating, the cervical mucus must
be copious, thin, and watery.
 The cervical mucus
must exhibit the property of
spinnbarkeit, wherein it can be
stretched up until at least 1 inch and
feels slippery.

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  The fertile days of a woman according to this method is as long as the
cervical mucus is copious and watery and a day after it. Therefore, she
must avoid coitus during these days.
 When used typically, it has a fail rate of 25%.

Symptothermal Method
 The symptothermal method is simply a combination of the BBT method
and the cervical mucus method.
 The woman takes her temperature every morning before getting up and
also takes note of any changes in her cervical mucus every day.
 She abstains from coitus 3 days after a rise in her temperature or on the
fourth day after the peak of a mucus change.
 Symptothermal method has an ideal failure rate of 2%.

Ovulation Detection
 The ovulation detection method is an over-the-counter kit that can predict
ovulation through the surge of luteinizing hormone that happens 12 to 24
hours before ovulation.
 The kit requires the urine specimen of the woman to detect the LH.
 The kit is 98% to 99% accurate and is fast becoming the method of choice
by women.

Lactation Amenorrhea Method

 Through exclusive breastfeeding of the infant, the woman is able to
suppress ovulation through the method of lactation amenorrhea method.
 However, if the infant is not exclusively breastfed, this method would not
be an effective birth control method.
 It is also best to advise the woman that after 3 months of exclusive
breastfeeding, she must make plans of choosing another method of
contraception.

Coitus Interruptus
 This is one of the oldest methods of contraception.
 The couple still proceeds with the coitus, but the man withdraws the
moment he ejaculates to emit the spermatozoa outside of the vagina.
 The disadvantage of this method is the pre-ejaculation fluid that contains a
few spermatozoa that may cause fertilization.
 Coitus interruptus is only 75% effective because of this.

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Hormonal Contraception
These hormonal contraceptives are effective through manipulation of the
hormones that directly affect the normal menstrual cycle so that ovulation
would not occur.

Oral Contraceptives
 Also known as the pill,
oral contraceptives contain
synthetic estrogen and progesterone.
 Estrogen suppresses
the FSH and LH to suppress
ovulation, while progesterone
decreases the permeability of the
cervical mucus to limit the sperm’s
access to the ova.
 To use the pill, it is recommended that the woman takes the first pill on the
first Sunday after the beginning of a menstrual flow, or the woman may
choose to start the pill as soon as it is prescribed.
 Advise the woman that the first 7 days of taking the pill would still not have
an effect, so the couple must use another contraceptive method on the
initial 7 days.
 If the woman has skipped one day of taking the pill, she must take it the
moment she remembers it, than still follow the regular use of the
contraceptive.
 If the woman has missed taking the pill for more than one day, she and
her partner must consider an alternative contraception to avoid ovulation.
 Side effects for OCs are nausea, weight gain, headache, breast
tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, vaginal infections, mild hypertension,
and depression.
 Contraindications to OCs are breastfeeding, age of 35 years and above,
cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and cirrhosis.

Transdermal Patch
 The transdermal patch
has a combination of both estrogen
and progesterone in a form of a
patch.
 For three weeks, the woman should apply one patch every week on the
following areas: upper outer arm, upper torso, abdomen, or buttocks.
 At the fourth week, no patch is applied because the menstrual flow would
then occur.

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  The area where the
patch is applied should be clean, dry,
free from any applications. And
without any redness or irritation.
 Patches can be worn
while bathing or swimming, but when
the woman notices that the patch is loose, she should immediately replace
the patch.
 If the patch has been loose for less than 24 hours, the woman need not
use an alternative form of contraceptive, but if she is not sure of how long
the patch has been loose, she should
replace it and start with a new week
cycle and also use an additional
contraceptive method.

Vaginal Ring
 The vaginal ring
releases a combination of estrogen
and progesterone and surrounds the
cervix.
 This silicon ring is
inserted vaginally and remains there
for 3 weeks, then removed on the
fourth week as menstrual flow would occur.
 The woman becomes fertile as soon as the ring is removed.
 The vaginal ring has the same effectivity rate as the oral contraceptives.

Subdermal Implants

 The subdermal implants are two rod-like implants embedded under the
skin of the woman during her menses or on the 7th day of her menstruation
to make sure that she is not pregnant.
 It contains etonogestrel, desogestrel, and progestin.
 It is effective for 3 to 5 years.
 Subdermal implants have a fail rate of 1%.

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Hormonal Injections
Depo Provera

 A hormonal injection
consists of medroxyprogesterone, a
progesterone, and given once every
12 weeks intramuscularly.
 The injection inhibits
ovulation and causes changes in the
endometrium and the cervical mucus.
 After administration
the site should not be massaged so it could absorb slowly.
 It has an effectiveness of almost 100%, making it one of the most popular
choices for birth control.
 Advise the woman to ingest an adequate amount of calcium in her diet as
there is a risk for decreased of bone mineral density and to engage in
weight-bearing exercises.

Intrauterine Device
 An IUD is a small, T-
shaped object that is inserted into the
uterus via the vagina.
 It prevents fertilization
by creating a local sterile
inflammatory condition to prevent
implantation.
 The IUD is fitted only by the physician and inserted after the woman’s
menstrual flow to be sure that she is not pregnant.
 The device contains progesterone and is effective for 5 to 7 years.
 A woman with IUD is advised to check the flow of her menstruation every
month and the IUD string, and also to have a pelvic examination yearly.

Chemical Barriers
 Chemical barriers such as spermicides, vaginal gels and creams, and
glycerin films are also used to cause the death of sperms before they can
enter the cervix and also lower the pH level of the vagina so it will not
become conducive for the sperm.

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  These chemical barriers cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections;
however, they can be bought without any prescription.
 The ideal fail rate of chemical barriers is 80%.

Diaphragm
 A diaphragm works by inhibiting the entrance of the sperm into the vagina.
 It is a circular, rubber disk that fits the cervix and should be placed before
coitus.
 If a spermicide is combined with the use of a diaphragm, there is a failure
rate of 6% ideally and 16% typically.
 The diaphragm should be fitted only by the physician, and should remain
in place for 6 hours after coitus.
 It can be left in place for not more than 24 hours to avoid inflammation or
irritation.

Cervical Cap
 The cervical cap is
another barrier method that is made
of soft rubber and fitted on the rim of
the cervix.
 It is shaped like a
thimble with a thin rim, and could
stay in place for not more than 48
hours.

Male Condoms
 The male condom is a latex or synthetic rubber sheath that is placed on
the erect penis before vaginal penetration to trap the sperm during
ejaculation.
 It can prevent STIs and can be bought over-the-counter without any fitting
needed.
 Male condoms have an ideal fail rate of 2% and a typical fail rate of 15%
due to a break in the sheath’s integrity or spilling.
 After sexual intercourse, the condom is removed to be disposed.

Female Condoms
 These are also latex rubber sheaths that are specially designed for
females and prelubricated with spermicide.
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  It has an inner ring that covers the cervix and an outer, open ring that is
placed against the vaginal opening.
 These are disposable and require no prescription.
 The fail rate of female condoms is 12% to 22%.

Surgical Methods
One of the most effective birth control methods is the surgical method. The
two kinds of surgical methods are used by either the male or the female, and
would ensure that conception is inhibited after the surgery for as long as the
client lives.

Vasectomy
 Males undergo vasectomy,
which is executed through a small incision
made on each side of the scrotum.
 The vas deferens is then tied,
cauterized, cut, or plugged to block the
passage of the sperm.
 This procedure is done with
local anesthesia, so advise the patient that
mild local pain can be felt after the
procedure.
 Advise the patient to use a back-up contraceptive method until two
negative sperm count results are performed because the sperm could
remain viable in the vas deferens for 6 months.
 There is a 99.5% accuracy rate for vasectomy and has a few
complications.

Tubal Ligation
 In women, tubal ligation is performed by occluding the fallopian tubes
through cutting, cauterizing, or blocking to inhibit the passage of the both
the sperm and the ova.
 After menstruation and before ovulation, the procedure is done through a
small incision under the woman’s umbilicus.
 A laparoscope is used to visualize the surgery, and the patient is under
local anesthesia.
 The woman may return to her sexual activities after 2 to 3 days of the
operation.
 Educate that menstrual cycle would still occur, and make sure that coitus
before ligation is protected to avoid ectopic pregnancy.
 The effectiveness of this method is at 99.5%.
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The reproductive system is our tool as humans to multiply or procreate.
However, the earth would become unlivable if the growth of the population
continues to boom. You have a choice among all these birth control methods,
and these are only a call to be a responsible parent and citizen.

What is In Vitro Fertilization?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction in which
a man's sperm and a woman's eggs are combined outside of the body in a
laboratory dish. One or more fertilized eggs (embryos) may be transferred to
the woman's uterus, where they may implant in the uterine lining and develop.
Excess embryos may be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use. Initially, IVF
was used to treat women with blocked, damaged, or absent fallopian tubes.
Today, IVF is used to treat many causes of infertility, such as endometriosis
and male factor, or when a couple's infertility is unexplained.
When is IVF indicated for an infertile couple?
IVF was initially used to treat women with blocked, damaged, or absent
fallopian tubes. Today, IVF is used to treat many causes of infertility, such as
endometriosis and male factor, when a couple's infertility is unexplained or in
women with advanced maternal age where her chances for pregnancy are
rapidly declining and IVF remains as the best possible option.
What are the steps in the IVF process?
The basic steps in an IVF treatment cycle are ovarian stimulation, egg
retrieval, fertilization embryo culture, and embryo transfer. During ovarian
stimulation, medications or "fertility drugs," are used to stimulate multiple eggs
to grow in the ovaries rather than the single egg that normally develops each
month. Using ultrasound examinations and blood testing, the physician can
determine when the follicles are appropriate for egg retrieval (Figure 1).
Generally, eight to 14 days is required. When the follicles are ready, hCG or
other medications are given.
Egg retrieval is done before ovulation occurs, usually 34 to 36 hours after the
hCG injection. It is usually accomplished by transvaginal ultrasound
aspiration, a minor surgical outpatient procedure (Figure 2) that is done with
some form of analgesia administered. The eggs are aspirated from the
follicles through the needle connected to a suction device with the guidance of
ultrasound probe inserted through the vagina. Removal of multiple eggs can
usually be completed in less than 30 minutes. In some circumstances, one or
both ovaries may not be accessible by transvaginal ultrasound and
laparoscopymay then be used to retrieve the eggs using a small telescope
placed in the umbilicus. In the phase of fertilization and embryo culture,the
retrieved eggs are examined in the laboratory for maturity and quality (Figure
3). Mature eggs are fertilized by micro-insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI). The next day, the eggs are evaluated for signs of fertilization
and are kept under special conditions to allow further growth and
development. Depending on the program, developing embryos may be
cultured in the IVF lab for two to six days after the egg retrieval and
become.embryos from 2-cells to blastocysts (Figure 4).
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During embryo transfer, the physician and the embryologist inform the couple
about the quality and number of available embryos and discuss the options
before the couple decides on the number of embryos for transfer. Once a
decision is made, the embryologist loads the embryo/s into a transfer catheter
while the physician prepares the patient. No anesthesia is necessary,
although some women may wish to have a mild sedative. Once the catheter is
prepared, it is quickly handed over to the physician who gently guides the tip
of the transfer catheter through the cervix and places the fluid containing the
embryos into the uterine cavity (Figure 5). The patient is then given additional
medications for 2 weeks after which a serum pregnancy test is done.
How long is the IVF process?
The average time that is required to complete one IVF cycle (from start of
ovarian stimulation to testing for pregnancy) is about four to six weeks,
depending on the chosen ovarian stimulation protocol appropriate for your
case.
What is ICSI?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the step in the IVF process which
aims to achieve fertilization for the collected eggs. In ICSI, a single sperm is
directly injected into each mature egg (Figure 6). ICSI is usually performed
when there is a likelihood of reduced fertilization, i.e., poor semen quality,
history of failed fertilization in a prior IVF cycle, etc.
What are my chances to achieve success in an IVF cycle?
Your chances will depend on a few factors, most crucial of which are women’s
age, presence of co-morbidities (endometriosis, previous ovarian surgery),
and quality of husband’s sperm). In addition, success rates vary from center
to center and between practicing clinicians. Generally, pregnancy rates from a
single IVF cycle may range from 20% to 80% depending on the clinical picture
per case. Do ask your doctor regarding your chances after full evaluation.
How do I increase my chances in IVF?
Patients themselves may help increase their chances by approaching their
ideal body weight and by avoiding avoiding certain lifestyle habits (smoking,
alcohol-drinking, caffeine-drinking). Studies have shown that women who are
within normal body mass index (BMI) 20-24 kg/m2 tend to have a higher
chance of success during IVF than women who have higher or lower BMI
values. Similarly, some reports have shown that cigarette-smoking and
alcohol-drinking, by either the wife or the husband especially during the time
of IVF treatment significantly decreases their chances of a successful
outcome. A similar recommendation regarding coffee-drinking has also been
reported. For these reasons, these lifestyle habits must be avoided during an
IVF try.

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 APPLICATION

1. Differentiate natural, artificial methods of contraception and In

Vitro Fertilization.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_________________________

2. Agree or Disagree. Are you in favor of legalizing marriage

among homosexuals and transgender? Why?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_________________________

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 Learning Journal

Directions: Write down in at least 100 words your realization about physical and sexual self.

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REFERENCES

 https://tranquilmonkey.com/signs-beautiful-person/

 https://www.google.com/search?q=Being+beautiful+CARTOON&tbm=i
sch&ved=2ahUKEwiN9vuSibbqAhUQh

 https://study.com/academy/lesson/secondary-sex-characteristics-
definition-lesson-quiz.html

 https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/puberty#:~:text=During
%20puberty%2C%20your%20body%20goes,start%20puberty%20befo
re%20males%20do.

 https://www.jwatch.org/pa200701240000005/2007/01/24/social-factors-
shape-young-people-s-sexual (M. Susan Jay, MD reviewing Marston C
and King E. Lancet 2006 Nov 4)
 Degho, S. E., et.al.Understanding the self( An outcome –based
workbook for college students). MUTYA PUBLISHING HOUSE
INC.2018
 Alata, E. J. P. et.al. Understanding the self ( REX book store 2018)
 https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/erogenous-zones#11-
unexpected-hot-spots

 WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on September

07, 2018

 https://familydoctor.org/condition/sexual-dysfunction/

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-
issues/conditions/sexually-transmitted/Pages/Types-of-Sexually-
Transmitted-Infections.aspx

 Adapted from Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American

Academy of Pediatrics)

 https://nurseslabs.com/family-planning-methods/

 https://www.stlukes.com.ph/health-library/health-articles/what-is-in-
vitro-
fertilization#:~:text=In%20vitro%20fertilization%20(IVF)%20is,the%20u
terine%20lining%20and%20develop.

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 MODULE 2
UNPACKING THE SELF

LESSON II
To Buy or Not To Buy? That is the Question!

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Discover the signs of a materialistic person;

 Cite ways on how to avoid materialism; and
 Evaluate the statement “ I shop, therefore , I am”

INTRODUCTION
We are living in a world of deal and shopping spree. We are given
a wide cluster of stock to buy from a straightforward set of spoon
and fork to owning a restaurant. Nearly all over, which incorporates the
advanced space, we will find advancements of item buy. Item commercials
are suggestive of making us encounter superior or see great. Portion of us
need to have that item. What makes us crave to have those stock are
associated with who we are. We need to have and already possess is related
to our self.
Belk (1988) stated that “we regard our possessions as parts of our selves. We
are what we have and what we possess.” There is a direct link between self-
identity with what we have and possess. Our wanting to have and possess
has a connection with another aspect of the self, the material self.

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 ACTIVITY ALLOWANCE CHALLENGE

If you have an allowance worth of 20 thousand pesos every semester,

how will you spend it in this pandemic time?

LIST

ANALYSIS

1. How do you feel as you do the allowance challenge?

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

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 ___________________________________________________
____________________

2. Which item is the most expensive in your bucket list? Why?

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________

3. Let someone read your list. Ask him/ her to give or write a quick
impression/comment of yourself based on the list you have
shown.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________

4. Does the quick impression/ comment reveal the truth about who
you are?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_______________

ABSTRACTION

A Harvard psychologist in the late nineteen century, William James, wrote in

his book, The Principles of Psychology in 1890 that understanding the self
can be examined through its different components. He described these
components as: (1)its constituents; (2) the feelings and emotions they arouse
– self-feelings; (3) the actions to which they prompt – self-seeking and self-
preservation. The constituents of self are composed of the material self, the
social self, the spiritual self and pure ego. (Trentmann 2016; Green 1997).
The material self, according to James primarily is about our bodies,
clothes, immediate family and home. We are deeply affected by these things
because we have put much investment of our self to them.

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 The innermost part of our material self is our body. Intentionally, we are
investing in our body. We are directly attached to this commodity that we
cannot live without. We strive hard to make sure that his body functions well
and good. Any ailment or disorder directly affects us. We do not have certain
preferential attachment or intimate closeness to certain body parts because of
its value to us.
There were people who get their certain body parts insured.
Celebrities, like Mariah Carey who was reported to have placed a huge
amount for the insurance of her vocal cords and legs Sukman 2016).
Next to our body are the clothes we use. Influenced by the “Philosophy
of Dress” by Herman Lotze, James believed that clothing is an essential part
of the material self. Lotze in his book, Microcosmus, stipulates that “any time
we bring an object into the surface of our body, we invest that object into the
consciousness of our personal existence taking in its contours to be our own
and making it part of the self.” (Watson 2014) The fabric and style of the
clothes we wear bring sensations to the body to which directly affect our
attitudes and behavior. Thus, clothes are placed in the second hierarchy of
material self. Clothing is a form of self- expression. We choose and wear
clothes that reflect our self (Watson 2014).
Third in the hierarchy is our immediate family. Our parents and siblings
hold another great important part of our self. What they do or become affects
us. When an immediate family member dies, part of our self -dies, too. When
their lives are in success, we feel their victories as if we are the one holding
the trophy. In their failures, we are put to shame or guilt. When they are in
disadvantage situation, there is an urgent urge to help like a voluntary instinct
of saving one’s self from danger. We place huge investment in our immediate
family when we see them as nearest replica of our self.
The fourth component of material self is our home. Home is where our
heart is. It is the earliest nest of our selfhood. Our experiences inside the
home were recorded and marked on particular parts and things in our home.
There was an old cliché’ about rooms: “if only walls can speak.” The home
thus is an extension of self, because in it, we can directly connect our self.
Having investment of self to things, made us attached to those things.
The more investment of self-given to the particular thing, the more we identify
ourselves to it. We also tended to collect and possess properties. The
collections in different degree of investment of self, become part of the self.

32 | P a g e
As James (1890) described self: “a man’s self is the sum total of all what he
CAN call his.” Possessions then become part or an extension of the self.

We Are What We Have

Russel Belk (1988) posits that ‘… we regard our possessions as part of
ourselves. We are what we have and what we possess.” The identification of
the self to things started in our infancy stage when we make a distinction
among self and environment and others who may desire our possessions.
As we grow older, putting importance to material possession
decreases. However, material possession gains higher value in our lifetime if
we use material possession to find happiness, associate these things with
significant events, accomplishments, and people in our lives. There are even
times, when material possession of a person that is closely identified to the
person, gains acknowledgement with high regard even if the person already
passed away. Examples of these are the chair in the dining room on which the
person is always seated. The chair will be the constant reminder of the person
seated their; a well- loved and kept vehicle of the person, which some of the
bereaved family members have a difficulty to sell or let go of because that
vehicle is very much identified with the owner who passed away; the favorite
pet or book, among others that the owner placed a high value, these favorite
things are symbols of the owner.
The possessions that we dearly have tell something about who we are, our
self-concept, our past, and even our future.

5 Signs Materialism Is Taking Over Your Life (And How To Take The
Power Back)
Money can't buy you happiness. Though many people know this, they still
focus on material aspects of their lives to try to find happiness and love.
Various signs and behaviors can alert you to how materialism is overcoming
your life. You can defeat this careless behavior and create a more mindful life.

Frenzied Holiday Shopping

One of the biggest signs of materialism in recent years has been the outward
show of consumer culture around the holidays. As the holidays approach, you
may find yourself always hunting for the perfect gift, leaving behind the beauty
of family time and the holiday season for society's push to shop, shop, shop.

Ambition and Competitiveness

Being very competitive and ambitious can certainly help you do great things.
But these qualities can also mean you're more materialistic than the average
person.

Problems in Your Relationship

If you're having problems in your relationship, it could be a sign that your
materialism is getting out of hand. Studies have shown that couples where

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both partners show high levels of materialism have lower quality relationships.
Materialism may make you feel less connected to others.

Feelings of Insecurity
Other research has found that insecurity spurs materialism. If you find yourself
often overcome by feelings of doubt and you question your own self-worth,
you may also have materialistic qualities. Consumerism takes advantage of
people's insecurities to sell products, so take a moment to question why you
want to buy something before you do.

Narcissistic Behaviors
Consumer culture can also lead to narcissistic behaviors. Narcissistic people
act arrogantly as they're very concerned with finding power. This obsessive
drive for prestige can compensate for feelings of emptiness. Again,
insecurities can manifest themselves in narcissistic behaviors like spending to
show wealth.

Take the Power Back

There are many things you should and shouldn't do to gain control over
materialism. Try to limit watching TV, reading magazines, and reading things
on the Internet. These sources all rely heavily on advertising, and advertising
plays into people's materialism to sell products. Likewise, avoid malls and
shopping centers. Spend a day away from spending if you want to have fun,
like by going to the beach.
There are also many things you can do to become more mindful. Make a list
of things you are grateful for so you see the things you do have right in front of
you. Take the time to nurture love in your life. Take measures to be healthy,
and practice random acts of kindness. These small, simple measures will
bring happiness to your life that you can't get from material wealth.
Materialism can overcome your life, but taking small steps to avoid consumer
culture and to emphasize positive love will help you defeat materialism and
become more mindful.

Reducing Materialism
Ending materialism doesn’t mean forsaking all your possessions. Ridding
yourself of everything you own would only prove you are still too preoccupied
with possessions themselves. Someone who has developed a healthy inner
world would see possessions as neutral. This shift is more about attitude than
specific actions.

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Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. You aren’t the things you own. The problem is that you view things as
possessions in the first place. Ownership is just a societal construct to
keep order, it doesn’t have any deeper meaning. Separate your identity
from the things you own.
2. Relationships are about doing, not having. You can’t have a
girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse. Although those terms are fairly
commonplace, they demonstrate that many people still view
relationships as possessions. The more you see relationships as
possessions, the less intrinsic value you can get from experiencing
them.
3. Create a system of goals and challenges. Materialism fills a void.
Replace that uncomfortable filler with goals and challenges. Although
many of my challenges are directed towards material gain, that isn’t the
real point. Just as winning Risk isn’t about world-domination as it is
about a fun challenge.
1. Serve. Invest your energies into helping other people. I don’t view acts
as being on a continuum from selfishness to selflessness, as acts that
directly benefit me can benefit others as well. But even in that case,
shifting your focus onto the needs of others can replace materialism.
2. Trash it. I’m the opposite of a packrat. When I need to do a major
cleaning, I usually toss just about everything I haven’t used recently.
Getting rid of old possessions can be a liberating experience, stripping
away from you what isn’t important.
3. See wealth as a challenge not a result. I view earning more money as
an interesting and complex game. I expect my minimum comfort
threshold would only be around $15,000 to $20,000 per year. Beyond
that, earning more is simply a bigger challenge.

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 4. Experience over objects. The only reason to buy an object is because
you believe it will (directly or indirectly) improve the quality of your
experience. Going straight to the source helps you avoid the middlemen
that are material goods.
5. Build intangible assets. Habits, time-management, discipline,
emotional control, understanding and learning are just a few of the non-
physical assets you can hold. Building intangible assets replaces your
need for physical ones.
6. Use money to free, not chain, yourself. When you have a larger
income, don’t simply adapt by increasing your lifestyle. Instead work to
create a buffer between your income and lifestyle so you live below your
means. This will give you more freedom to pursue goals and ideas that
may not immediately contribute to your productivity.
7. Go basic. Simplify all your material possessions so they don’t consume
your mental resources. Simple, even if less glamorous, requires less
maintenance, offers fewer distractions and uses less thinking. A simple
lifestyle affords you the ability to focus your energies on your inner
world.
8. Avoid the status game. Seek friends from all social layers. Don’t buy
into the game that decides a person’s worth based on their money or
profession. I know people I would consider smarter and more
enlightened who live on a fraction of the income that others do. Keeping
pockets of connections within all levels separates you from the
competitive aspects materialism brings.
9. Judge yourself by your ethics and your understanding. I’d be far
happier with myself if I were poor but I understood the world and lived
true to a system of ethics, than if I had the opposite. Don’t base your self
-worth on how much you’ve achieved or the admiration of your peers.
10. Let go. Buddhism teaches that attachment to things creates suffering.
Again, this is all in the mindset. I’m not a Buddhist, but as I understand
it, this doesn’t mean the only path to true happiness is to abandon
everything. It simply means that you stop trying to hold on to all the
things you own and the relationships in your life.
11. The You can’t take it with you. What is going to matter to you on your
deathbed? Looking back at your entire life, what was important? Use
that to prioritize.

APPLICATION and ASSESSMENT

1. Go back to your allowance challenge list. Put a mark on the left side of
each item with the following categories:
B- if the item is related with your body
C- if the item is related with clothes
F- if the item is related or intended to your family
H- if the item is related with home

36 | P a g e
2. Answer the following questions:
 Which among the categories you have the most in your list?

 What do you think these things tell you about yourself?

3. Make a reflection about material self. You may use your answers from the
above questions in making your paper.

Collage Making
Create a collage of your treasured possessions including your current
clothing style. You may use symbols or pictures of your treasured
possessions. Put a short note why you treasure each item.

Rubric for Collage Making

CATEGORY 4 3 2 0
Creativity All Most Only None
of the graphics of the graphics a few of the
or objects used or objects graphics graphics or
in used in or objects objects
the collage the collage reflect reflects
reflect a reflect student student
degree of student creativity, creativity.
student creativity in but the ideas

37 | P a g e
 creativity in their their display. were
display. typical rather
than
creative.
Design Graphics are cut 1-2 graphics 3-4 graphics Graphics are
to are are not an
an appropriate lacking in lacking in appropriate
size, design or design or size shape.
shape and are placement. placement. Glue marks
arranged neatly. There Too evident.
Care has may be a few much Most of the
been smudges or background is background
taken to balance glue showing. is showing. It
the marks. There are appears
pictures across noticeable little attention
the smudges was given
area. Items are or glue marks to designing
glued neatly and the collage
securely.
Time and Much time and Some time Student did do Student put in
Effort effort and some no
went into the effort went into work at additional
planning and the home. effort.
design collage.
of the collage Student
could have put
in
more time and
effort
at home.
Title and The title is A title Title and No title or
Explanation catchy is provided Labels explanation!
and creative and that relates to are
ON BACK related to the the incomplete and
OF collage. The collage. The partially relate
COLLAGE labels labels to the
are correct and describes the collage.
provides insight purpose and
to process of
the creating
p the collage
urpose/
meaning
and design
of the collage;

38 | P a g e
 LEARNING JOURNAL

Directions: Write down in at least 100 words your realization about physical
and sexual self.

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REFERENCES

 https://www.psychicsource.com/article/life-destiny-meaning/5-
signs-materialism-is-taking-over-your-life-and-how-to-take-the-
power-back/8300
 https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2007/08/15/14-tips-for-a-less-
materialistic-livestyle/
 Alata, E. J. P. et.al. Understanding the self ( REX book store 2018)

40 | P a g e
 MODULE 2
UNPACKING THE SELF

LESSON III
Supernaturals: Believe it or Not!

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Describe some common religious practices related to your beliefs;

 Integrate the self value with your religious beliefs; and
 Elaborate ways of seeking the meaning of life

INTRODUCTION
This lesson, we will discuss the “self” in a larger context,
nature vs. nurture and culture/society vs. individual and brain in a
larger context that need to relate to each of the individual person
as well we will discuss here Psychology on the cognitive functions and how it
affects the individuals and these includes other factors as well. We will be
discussing here the “self”, “self - concept” and “identity.”

ACTIVITY

Describe one of your common religious practices that you have still performed
today. Explain how it is done.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

RUBRICS for ESSAY

Cox, J. (2020, FEBRUARY 19). ThoughtCo. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/essay-rubric-

2081367:www.thoughtco.com

ANALYSIS

1. How these experiences shape your beliefs towards higher being?

______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
___________________________________

2. As human being, should you consider having a spiritual self? Why

or why not?

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

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 _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

ABSTRACTION

Religion

Religion refers to an organized system of beliefs and practices

revolving around, or leading to, an excellent spiritual experience. In ancient
times, religion was alike from what is known as 'mythology' in the present day
and unchanging of regular rituals based on a belief in higher supernatural
being who created and continued to maintain the world and surrounding
creation. (Mark, 2018)

Some World Religious Beliefs and Practices

There are different religions with different beliefs and practices. Some
of the major world religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and
Judaism. Excerpt of some religious beliefs and practices are found in the
University London’s Religion and Belief Guide 2017.

Buddhism

Buddhism is a philosophy of life stated by Gautama

Buddha means the "enlightened one", who lived and
taught in northern India in the 6th century B.C. The
Buddha was not a god and the philosophy of
Buddhism does not include any theistic world view.
The teachings of the Buddha are aimed purely at
liberating sentient beings from suffering.

The Basic Teachings of Buddha which are core to

Buddhism are:
• The Three Universal Truths;
• The Four Noble Truths; and
• The Noble Eightfold Path.

https://tinyurl.com/y5vm8q4g

43 | P a g e
 Over 2,400 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, through a complete
investigation of his own mental process, come up with a complex
psychological understanding of the human condition, as well as a means of
liberation from the universal of human suffering. He did this without positing
the intervention of creator and concerned himself not at all with philosophical
and metaphysical investigations. His was an endless practical concern:
understanding suffering and the end of suffering. During the last three
decades, many aspects of Buddhist thought have penetrated modern Western
psychology (Buddhism & Psychotherapy: Part I, 2014).

Buddhism and Suffering

The Pali word dukkha is refers to “suffering.” Dukkha presents in a

group of emotions from happiness to despair. While unreasonable, it is a
central concept in the Buddha’s teachings. In these passages, adapted from
longer teachings on Lion’s Roar, nine teachers expound what suffering is,
how we feel it, and why it isn’t a criticism it’s a joyous opportunity (Littlefair,
2020).

The Buddha taught there are three types of dukkha. The first kind is
physical and mental pain from the unavoidable stresses of life like old age,
sickness, and death. The second is the distress we feel as a result of
transcience and change, such as the pain of failing to get what we want and
of losing what we hold. The third kind of dukkha is a kind of existential
suffering, the anxiety of being human, of living a constrain existence and
being subject to rebirth (Buddhism for beginners, 2019).

Christianity

The Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the birth, life,

death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Christianity is the most widely
practiced religion in the world, with more than 2 billion followers. Many
historians regard the spread and adoption of Christianity throughout
the world as one of the most successful spiritual missions in human
history even it started with a small group of follower (Christianity,
2017).

Beliefs

 Christians are monotheistic, they believe there’s only one God, and he
created the heavens and the earth. This divine Godhead consists of
three parts: the father (God himself), the son (Jesus Christ) and the
Holy Spirit.

44 | P a g e
 The essence of Christianity revolves around the life, death and
Christian beliefs on the resurrection of Jesus. Christians believe God
sent his son Jesus, the messiah, to save the world. They believe
Jesus was crucified on a cross to offer the forgiveness of sins and
was resurrected three days after his death before arise to heaven.
 Christians contend that Jesus will return to earth again in what’s
known as the Second Coming.
 The Holy Bible includes important scriptures that outline Jesus’s
teachings, the lives and teachings of Major Prophets and disciples,
and offer instructions for how Christians should live.
 Both Christians and Jews follow the Old Testament of the Bible, but
Christians also embrace the New Testament.
 The cross is a symbol of Christianity.
 The most important Christian holidays are Christmas (which
celebrates the birth of Jesus) and Easter (which commemorates the
resurrection of Jesus).

Hinduism

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion,

https://tinyurl.com/yyxnat89
according to many scholars, with roots and
customs dating back more than 4,000 years.
Today, with about 900 million followers,
Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind
Christianity and Islam. Roughly 95 percent of
the world’s Hindus live in India. Because the
religion has no specific founder, it’s difficult to
trace its origins and history. Hinduism is
unique in that it’s not a single religion but a
compilation of many traditions and
philosophies (History.com editors, 2017)

Beliefs

Some basic Hindu concepts include:

 Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. For this reason, it’s

sometimes referred to as a “way of life” or a “family of religions,” as
opposed to a single, organized religion.
 Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic, which means they worship a
single deity, known as “Brahman,” but still re cognize other gods and
goddesses. Followers believe there are multiple paths to reaching
their god.

45 | P a g e
 Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of
life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause
and effect).
 One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul.
This philosophy holds that living creatures have a soul, and they’re all
part of the supreme soul. The goal is to achieve “moksha,” or
salvation, which ends the cycle of rebirths to become part of the
absolute soul.
 One fundamental principle of the religion is the idea that people’s
actions and thoughts directly determine their current life and future
lives.
 Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that
emphasizes good conduct and morality.
 Hindus revere all living creatures and consider the cow a sacred
animal.
 Food is an important part of life for Hindus. Most don’t eat beef or
pork, and many are vegetarians.
 Hinduism is closely related to other Indian religions,
including Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.

Islam

Islam is the second largest

religion in the world after
Christianity, with about 1.8 billion
Muslims worldwide. Although its
roots go back further, scholars
typically date the creation of Islam
to the 7th century, making it the
youngest of the major world
religions. Islam started in Mecca,
in modern-day Saudi Arabia,
during the time of the Prophet
Muhammad’s life. Today, the faith
is spreading rapidly throughout
https://tinyurl.com/y67xmq5e the world. (History.com editors,
2019)
Islam Facts

 The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”

 Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
 Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in
Arabic is known as Allah.
 Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah.
They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission, but
humans have free will.

46 | P a g e
 Islam teaches that Allah’s word was revealed to the
prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
 Muslims believe several prophets were sent to teach Allah’s law. They
respect some of the same prophets as Jews and Christians, including
Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus. Muslims contend that Muhammad
was the final prophet.
 Mosques are places where Muslims worship.
 Some important Islamic holy places include the Kaaba shrine in
Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the Prophet
Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
 The Quran (or Koran) is the major holy text of Islam. The Hadith is
another important book. Muslims also revere some material found in
the Judeo-Christian Bible.
 Followers worship Allah by praying and reciting the Quran. They
believe there will be a Day of Judgment, and life after death.
 A central idea in Islam is “jihad,” which means “struggle.” While the
term has been used negatively in mainstream culture, Muslims believe
it refers to internal and external efforts to defend their fait h. Although
rare, this can include military jihad if a “just war” is needed.

Judaism

Judaism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, dating back

nearly 4,000 years. Followers of Judaism believe in one God who
revealed himself through ancient prophets. The history of Judaism is
essential to understanding the Jewish faith, which has a rich heritage
of law, culture and tradition.

Beliefs

 Jewish people believe there’s

only one God who has
established a covenant or
special agreement with them.
Their God communicates to
believers through prophets and
rewards good deeds while also
punishing evil.
 Most Jews (with the exception of
a few groups) believe that their
Messiah hasn’t yet come—but
will one day.

 Jewish people worship

in holy places known as

47https://tinyurl.com/y57qndep
|Page
 synagogues, and their spiritual leaders are called rabbis. The
six-pointed Star of David is the symbol of Judaism.
 Today, there are about 14 million Jews worldwide. Most of them
live in the United States and Israel. Traditionally, a person is
considered Jewish if his or her mother is Jewish.

FINDING THE MEANING OF LIFE

Throughout modern history, one of the questions that humans have

asked the most is “What is the meaning of life?” We are all hungry for
meaning, for purpose, for the feeling that our life is worth more than the sum
of its parts.

Luckily, humans are resourceful – we have infinite ways of finding meaning,

and infinite potential sources of meaning. We can find meaning in every
scenario, every event, every occurrence, and every context. We can find
meaning in the sublime, in the absurd, in the dull and dreary, and in the
perfectly wretched in life.

According to Gomez, 2012 these are the tips on how to find meaning of life

1. Stop Playing by the rules

Some people find that the meaning of life is to have a career, get
married, and raise a family. However, that doesn't mean that everyone
is meant to do that in their lives.
2. Step out of your comfort zone
The term comfort zone is code for a place you live in yourself without
fear.
3. Find your joy
This step again relies on a solid grounding in making adventurous
activities that you may just find bring you an incredible amount of
freedom and happiness. When you know what truly makes you happy
and joyful in life, then you will find a sense of purpose to your life. You
will find a direction that you need to go in order to create the most
meaningful life possible for you.
4. Listen to your intuition
Your intuition is connected to your inner-self. Don’t get caught living
your life in complete superficiality. Superficiality is meaningless; it is
short term and soulless. Finding the real person inside yourself is not
easy but will definitely help you see what is really important in your life.
5. Appreciate the individual moments
Don’t let the fast-paced superficial world take over your life. The world
is fast paced and it keeps people in their comfort zones. It stops people
from thinking and keeps them busy. Being busy searching is wonderful,
but don’t get so busy doing that you don’t allow yourself to feel.

48 | P a g e
 APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT

1. Have a conversation with your family members/relatives and ask

about how do they value their religious beliefs especially during
this pandemic time?

III. A LETTER TO MYSELF

Write a letter to yourself in which you will elaborate ways on how

you find meaning in your life.

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50 | P a g e
REFERENCES

Scherer, C.A. (2019). Spiritual Self care. Desert Alchemy Publications Retrieved from
https://www.desert-alchemy.com/article/spiritual-self-care/

Mark, J. J. (2018, March 23) Religion in the Ancient World. Ancient History Encyclopaedia,
retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/religion/

Buddhism for Beginners (2019) What did the Buddha mean by suffering. Tricycle, retrieved
from https://tricycle.org/beginners/buddhism/what-did-the-buddha-mean-by-suffering/

Littlefair, S. (2020, April 30) what is suffering? Retrieved from

https://www.lionsroar.com/what-is-suffering-10-buddhist-teachers-weigh-in/

History.com editors. (2019, October 08) Christianity. Retrieved from

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history-of-christianity

History.com editors. (2017, October 06) Hinduism. Retrieved from

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism

History.com editors. (2019, August 20) Islam. Retrieved from

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/islam

History.com editors. (2020, February 21) Judaism. Retrieved from

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/judaism

51 | P a g e
 MODULE 2
UNPACKING THE SELF

LESSON IV
The Political Self and Being Filipino

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

 Identify Filipino values and traits

 Appreciate the identity of being a Filipino through a creative illustration
 Build up Filipino feeling of patriotism

INTRODUCTION

Political Self refers to a representation of oneself about him/herself.

A public identity one makes and constructs about him/herself to be.
(Humbe, 2019) For example, how do you act when you are with your friends?
With organization? Or in a gathering? You act differently if you are alone, with
your friends and in organization. Each one will show self-identity of being a
Filipino.

In this chapter, you’ll learn that an individual’s race, ethnicity, and physical
characteristics are not only factors that make a people national personality.
Values and characteristics are too vital markers that set separated one
nationality from the other. These values and characteristics may not
continuously be a positive thing, but being able to recognize one’s self apart
from other nationalities and point out shortcomings and mistakes, combined
with solidarity and commitment, make progress a possibility. Through
common objectives, standards, and values of its individuals, a country
engages itself.

52 | P a g e
 ACTIVITY INTERVIEW

Conduct interview to the senior citizen, Middle Adulthood and Teenager

regarding Filipino values and traits. List at least ten (10) values and traits from
your respondent.

Senior Citizen Middle Adulthood Teenager

( ages 61- 80) ( ages 35-60) ( ages 14-21)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

ACTIVITY 2

Show or illustrate five features and/or activities that show who is a

Filipino. Do this through cut-out pictures from magazines (preferably old) or
through sketch or drawing if you have the skill.

53 | P a g e
ACTIVITY 3

Fill in the blanks with descriptions of a Filipino/Pinoy.

PINOY KA KUNG……

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

ANALYSIS

Answer the questions below in relation to what you have posted in the
previous activity.

1. How do the cut out pictures/descriptions remind you of your being a

Filipino?

2. Are you proud of being a Filipino? Why and why not?

3. Imagine that you were of a different nationality. What would change in

you aside from your citizenship and origin?

4. How will you differentiate the values and traits identified by the senior
citizen, middle adulthood and teenager?

54 | P a g e
 ABSTRACTION

Based from the activity and analysis above will tell us who is Filipino
and what are the values and traits of a Filipino.

Who is a Filipino?

https://tinyurl.com/y38foo42
The Filipino character is basically formed from its Malay origin with a
hint of Chinese, Arab, Spanish and American. According to the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines has a total population of
100,981,437 (inclusive of the 2,134 Filipinos in embassies, consulates and
missions abroad) based on the Census of 2015. This makes it difficult to
precisely determine the characteristics of a Filipino based on the different
foreign contributors. The Philippines has a long colonial history under the
Spanish rule and American Commonwealth Government and the short
Japanese regime on top of its intermingling with Chinese traders and other
foreign Asian merchants even before the coming of the colonizers. Hence, the
Filipinos, their character, culture and appearance, are a mixture of the Eastern
and Western cultures.

A number of cultures can be seen in the Filipino character. For

instance, the common Filipino trait Bayanihan or a spirit of unity and
cooperation of a community where Filipinos are famous for being readily
helpful was taken from our Malay ancestors. Close family ties or relationship
is another famous trait of the Filipinos which was inherited from the Chinese.
The devoutness or religiousness of Filipinos were influenced by the Spanish
who introduced Christianity during the 16th century. However, in spite of the
almost four-century rule of the Spanish empire, not all Filipinos were

55 | P a g e
converted into the Roman Catholic faith. There were still about 10% of the
population who practice Islam and other religions.

Since the Philippine archipelago was divided into three main island
groups (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao) and further divided into regions, the
Filipinos showcase diverse traits and dialects. Some prominent ones are the
thrifty Ilocanos of the north, the hardworking Tagalogs of the central plains,
the happy and music-loving Visayans from the central islands, and the colorful
and religious Moslems of Mindanao. As such, we can find tribal communities
scattered throughout the archipelago. Due to the diversified subdivision of
regional cultures, one can experience linguistic varieties in the country with
175 languages and dialects. Approximately 9 of these are commonly used by
larger parts of the population namely Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon,
Waray, Kapampangan, Chavacano, Bikolano and Pangasinense (The Filipino
People, 2016).

Filipinos are fond of celebrations, music, the arts, presentations and

appreciating/adopting cultures into their own. Celebrations are everywhere in
the country from barrio fiestas, regional festivals, religious practices on top of
the regular celebrations of birthdays, christenings, weddings, and
anniversaries with the most widely practiced in our present generation – the
monthsaries. Filipinos are music lovers from mothers’ lullabies, folk songs,
tribal songs, rock, rap, R&B, country songs, acoustic, reggae, contemporary,
and the relatable love songs. All of these genres are sung in events, while in
the bathroom, all alone in the room, and most of all in videoke and karaoke
get togethers. Filipinos are art lovers be it in the forms of paintings,
sculptures, poems (rap and spoken poetry), music and music composition,
dance, acting (stage play and on-screen), murals, digital art and even the
appreciation of tattoo art. Lastly, Filipinos are also good in adopting cultures
into their own such as clothing designs from Eastern and Western influence,
hair styles, food dishes, foreign practices and languages from telenovelas (e.g
Spanish, K-dramas). Because of this, we readily understand other cultures
which forms the Filipino’s hospitable, fun-loving and welcoming character.

Filipino Values and Traits

The Philippines is a rich island paradise famous for its

impressive mountain views, beaches, and wealthy and various culture
changing from province to province. While the Philippines may be well known
for its stunning beauty, perhaps the Filipinos’ unique traits, reputable values,
and praiseworthy talents make the country a place to be.

Tourists who have visited the Philippines can never forget the big and
bright smiles that greeted them, the colourful and loud jeepneys, the common

56 | P a g e
Filipino phrases such as “Mabuhay!” and “Salamat!” and habits such as
saying “po” and “opo” to the elders, leaving shoes or slippers at the front door
before entering a house, and the persistent asking of “Kumain ka na ba?”
meaning “Have you eaten yet?” Indeed, it is a marvel to experience these
unique traits of the Filipinos firsthand. Few of these traits are as follows.

The Filipino Hospitality

This is one of the most

well liked qualities of
Filipinos. Foreigners who
have gone to the Philippines
find themselves falling in love
with the warm hospitality they
are manifest.
It's a variety of value system,
which has existed for
thousands of years.
Here are some examples of
the hospitality that Filipinos
https://tinyurl.com/yyxovqq4 manifest, not only to foreigners, but also to
their countryman:

 As a Filipino when a person visits a friend's house, the host greets him
or her with a very warm welcome, they let their visitor sit down and will
prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks, will insist that the friend not
leave the house with an empty stomach and will always make sure you
had a great time visiting them.
• If they're going to spend the night they will offer their guest room to
visitors
• The meals offered to guests are very special (Jujanester, 2020).

Respect for Elders

This is often notice by younger people and people of all ages.

• To show respect to the elders children saying "po" and "opo," which
mean "yes" and putting their elders' hands on their foreheads.

• In the workplace, Filipinos also show respect by making a bow to their

employers (Jujanester, 2020).

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Close Family Ties

The typical Filipino family has a

https://tinyurl.com/y3uttc63
Cheerful Personality
unique nature of close family ties. They
are considered to be family oriented
people that keeps their family intact
throughout the generations. Filipino family
have strong family values and closeness
that keeps them together to go to church
on Sunday, holidays and even after they
married. It is also a trait that each Filipino
is proud of because it preserves the good
family relationship and the value that
each child should learn.

It is the nature of Filipinos to smile and laugh a lot. Both are said to be
their coping mechanism in times of adversities especially during calamities
and pandemics. It's no longer a surprise to see Filipinos smiling, and at times
waving behind a field reporter reporting live while trying to stand still in a
waste-deep flooded street coupled with strong rain and wind. Positive outlook
in life is embedded in Filipinos which makes them a resilient race who doesn't
backout with what life throws at them. They face problems head on with a
smile.

Self-sacrifice

The self-sacrifice attitude of Filipino can be seen as an extension of the

Filipino hospitality. Filipinos’offer to extend help to their friends, families and
loved ones. They desire for their loved ones is the comfort and better lives,
and would even go to the extent of working abroad hundreds of miles away to
earn more money and save up for them. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
sacrifice also times when the eldest among the children of the family would
surrender school to work and provide for the family and educate his or her
siblings (Alata, et.al, 2018).

Bayanihan

Bayanihan derived from the word bayan meaning

https://tinyurl.com/y6z272jq
58 | P a g e
town, nation, or community in general. It refers to
a spirit of communal unity and cooperation.
Bayanihan can show itself in many forms, it is
probably most clearly and awe-inspiring displayed
in the old tradition of neighbors helping a
relocating family by getting enough volunteers to
carry the whole house and moving it to its new
location. By placing long bamboo poles length-
wise and cross-wise under the house (traditional
Filipino houses were built on stilts), and then
carrying the house using this bamboo frame.
 It takes large number of people often 20 or more working together to
carry the entire house and this is done in a happy and festive mood. At the
end of the day, the moving family expresses their appreciation for everyone.

Many artists has been has been a favorite subject of Bayanihan. The
mural painting on the picture above is from a Filipino National Artist Carlos
"Botong" Francisco, by UNILAB founder Jose Y. Campos, and currently on
display at UNILAB's administration building in Manila. There is also an
spectacular real-life photograph of bayanihan in action in National Geographic
Magazine, March 1977.

“Bahala Na” Attitude

It is one of the most widely used phrases in the Philippines "Bahala

na". Filipinos usually say “Bahala na” when they are not able to decide their
next action and when they have no idea what will happen next. The phrase
means to go with the flow, that they don't mind what the result will be. The
expression of que sera sera, which means “whatever will be, will be” can be
considered as closest in meaning based on its common use stated above is
the Spanish (Aleah, 2013).

Colonial mentality

It refers to the attitude that indigenous people perceive that they are inferior in
some way to their colonizers. In contemporary times, however, the mentality that
minorities or citizens from other countries believe their own cultures are inferior to
those found abroad. In the lengthy history of colonialism, the attitude of colonial
mentality can largely be attributed to the Philippines. The Philippines is not an
independent country, wherein there are existed under rulers such as Spain and the
United States of America (Chubbyplatypus, 2017).

“Mañana” Habit

Mañana habits simply means putting off important tasks for later and hastily
make it to the last minute when the deadline draws closer. Filipinos have been
cursed by Mañana habit at one time or another when they increase how much time
they have to complete a task or lessen. Wherein forces them to work under pressure
resulting to half-baked ideas and solutions. For students, this habit shows the
culture’s lack of sense in time. Filipinos are under an illusion when they are dealing
with important urgent tasks but realize in the end that they are just wasting their time
(Joaquin,2014).

“Ningas Kugon”

It begins ardently and dies down as soon as it begins. This trait renders one
inactive and unable to initiate things or to persevere. In a positive way, it makes a
person unconcerned, disconnected, indifferent, confused on anything go wrong, and
hence conducive to calmness and tranquillity (Quito,1994).

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 Pride

Showcasing Philippine made products from winning international competitions.

Filipino loves to observe the amazing talent and creativity that naturally flows out of their
fellow countrymen or kababayan. The Filipino celebrates with every feat and recognition,
big or small, the nation still unites. Every Pinoy holds with pride and nationalism, lifting
each other up and working together to keep the Filipino identity in a good light (Brandy,
2019).

Crab Mentality

It refers to the behavior of preventing someone from achieving something due

to jealousy or envy. Someone with crab mentality would think “if I can’t have it, then
you can’t as well” instead of praising or rendering assistance, someone with crab
mentality would think “if I can’t have it, then you can’t as well” and will purposely try to
bring his/her victim down. And just like the crabs who could have escaped from the
bucket if they only stopped pulling each other down, nothing ever gets accomplished
(FilipiKnow, 2019).

Filipino Time

Filipino time is related to the mañana habit. Filipino time known to be minutes
or hours behind the standard time in other words it refers to the Filipinos’ own unique
brand of time, which is. As a Filipino we are tend not to observe punctuality at all.
Filipinos are easy-going in a way that somewhat used to Filipino time that result to a
bad habit that needs to be dropped (FilipiKnow, 2019).

How to be a Better Filipino

“You must be the change you want to

see in the world”
– Mahatma
Gandhi

The Philippines face many

issues like the pork barrel scam,
poverty, and China bullying, the
urge to yell profanity at the
President is hard to resist.
However, we fail to realize that
running this country towards a
better future is not just the job of
the government. As a Filipino we
are also responsible in making
this country a better place to live
in through allowing the change
(How to be a better Filipino, 2014)
to start within ourselves. These
https://tinyurl.com/y6o849o5
are the following tips to become
60 | P Filipino:
a better age
  Teach yourself and everyone you know about the art of Discipline

Discipline is standing up against the wrong, the bad and the

destructive.Our grandfather or grandmother would say “Kaya di maunlad ang
Pilipinas kasi walang disiplina ang mga Pilipino.” because we all know that
discipline here in our country is very hard to see. It’s not just about following
orders or not littering or behaving. It is something that is appropriate or not.
Discipline is knowing to contribute to its progress, your place in the society
and doing whatever you can to contribute to its progress.

 Seriously, follow the traffic rules

The main cause of road accidents and road-related violence explained on

the drivers. Most drivers cannot follow simple rules that cause to car accidents
they don’t even know the first thing about road safety. Staying in your lane,
no u-turn, one way only is an example so that road accidents will not happen.
A driver should know the responsibilities when behind the wheel because
every time you drive, there are always lives at stake. As a driver If you cannot
recognize the amount of responsibility you have, you should not drive to avoid
road-related violence and road accidents. For those who love to jaywalk and
are too damn lazy to use the overpass, gambling with your life every time you
play hit or miss with fast vehicles. Avoiding the overpass just to make time is
not worth dying for.

 Complaining does not solve anything

We see statuses on Facebook condemning corrupt politicians, it will make

wonder if they truly care or at least know about the issue they’re complaining
about. Too many people just join in on what’s trending and are just content
with complaining online. Make sure that when we complain we do something
about it and make sure that your opinion is worthy. The government does not
read your Facebook posts nor do they care about your political statuses.
Instead of complaining, our country needs people who will help instead of
endlessly criticizing people that won’t even listen.

 Be Positive About Your Country

Our country had been down on the dumps way too many times and
everyone knows it. We’re a third world country and most of the population is
poor. Our government is stealing from us and bigger countries are bullying us.
It’s hard to be proud and say that you’re happy to be a Filipino but do you
really have to be so negative about it? Do you really have to wish the USA
would just adopt us? Do you really believe that there’s no hope for us? Do you
really have to kick your own country down just because you can’t take it
anymore? That’s a typical Filipino attitude. Always ready to take the easiest
61 | P a g e
way out. The truth is, we’re the only ones who can get ourselves out of
poverty. Not the USA, not the government or the President, it’s just us.
Imagine if every Filipino right now, rich or poor, suddenly realize that the only
way to improve the economy is to improve ourselves first, things would
change so fast! It is the lack of patriotism and optimism that’s keeping us
poor.

According to Alex Lacson (2005), stated “We cannot address the major
issues that challenge us like illegal drugs, like plunder, like poverty, like good
governance, when we do not first address the simple things, from our
childhood all the way onwards.”

APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT

1. Make an acrostic word below which will describe you in relation to

your being a Filipino:
F
I
L
I
P
I
N
O

2. How do you practice patriotism? Cite an example of behavior

practising patriotism.

________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
____________________________________

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 REFLECTION

One of the traits of Filipinos are being obedient. In the modern scenario, we are test
to obey some guidlines of our governement. Do you obey the guidelines of the Inter-
Agency Task Force (IATF) in terms of:

 Wearing Masks
 Appropriate sanitation
 Curfew hours
 Back riding
 Quarantine Passes

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Rubrics for Explanation
Criteria Outstanding - 4 Proficient - 3 Basic - 2 Below
Expectations -
1
Critical Rich in content; Substantial Information Rudimentary
Thinking insightful information; is thin and and superficial;
analysis, evidence of common little analysis,
synthesis and analysis, place; synthesis or
evaluation, clear synthesis and attempts, evaluation; little
connection is evaluation: made at or no
made to real; - general analysis, connections
life situations or connections synthesis with any other
to previous are made, but and material or are
content. are evaluation; off topic.
sometimes connections
too obvious are limited,
or not clear. vague
generalities
are posted
Personal Entries are high Connects Little Clack of
Reflection quality ideas and evidence of connection to
consisting of thoughts to personal personal life.
personal personal life; connections
reflections that Evidence of need further
connect personal explanation
between real - connection to or
life, learning, earning, justification.
and reading. community.
Surface An occasional Few Obvious Obvious
Features grammatical or grammatical grammatical grammatical or
stylistic error. or stylistic or stylistic stylistic errors;
errors. errors; errors make
errors content very
interfere difficult to read.
with
content.
by:albany.edu/images

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 LEARNING JOURNAL

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REFERENCES

Republic of the Philippines. (2016). The Filipino People. Retrieved from

https://ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph/2016-06-30-08-29-54/the-filipino-people

Owlcation. (2020). Pinoy Life: Classic Filipino Traits and Charateristics. Retrieved from
https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Filipino-Traits-and-Characteristics

Wordpress. (2014). Mañana Habit is a Disease. Retrieved from

https://ayajoaquin09.wordpress.com/2014/10/20/manana-habit-is-a-disease/

https://groups.csail.mit.edu/cag/bayanihan/bayanfnl.jpg

Aleah, (2013). The Psychology behind the phrase “bahala Na”. Retrieved from
http://www.anythingpsych.com/2013/12/the-psychology-behind-bahala-na/

Chubbyplatypus, (2017). Colonial Mentality in the Philippines. Retrieved from

https://themindofthegarrett.wordpress.com/2017/04/02/colonial-mentality-in-the-
philippines/

The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy. (1994). Values in Philippine Culture and
Education Philippine Philosophical Studies, I. [PDF file]. Washington, D.C. Retrieved from
http://www.crvp.org/publications/Series-III/III-7.pdf#page=49

Brandy, E. (2019, May 7). Valuable traits that make us believe in the Filipino. Retrieved from
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/693499/valuable-traits-that-
make-us-believe-in-the-filipino/story/

Wordpress. (2014). How to be a Better Filipino. Retrieved from

https://thelordofthenerds.wordpress.com/2014/07/30/how-to-be-a-better-filipino/

Alata, E.J.P., Caslib, B.N., Serafica, J. P. J., & Pawilen R.A. (2018) The Political Self and being a
Filipino. RexBookstore

Humbe, P. M. (2019, February 14). The Political Self [Powerpoint slides]. Slideshare.
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/399622905/Political-Self-1

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