ACTIVITY # 1

MAPAGPASALAMAT

Filipinos know how to enjoy life. We have many holidays, feasts, occasions, and reunions. Filipinos are
cheerful and naturally sociable. We wear smiles on our faces even in depressing situations. This is
because we always look at the bright side of life. We always have a positive outlook because we always
find things to be thankful for, even in the smallest things. We would always say “Salamat sa Diyos”
whenever good things happen because Filipinos, from whatever religion, would attribute life’s blessings
to the Higher Being. We also acknowledge the good deeds of other people towards us and we do our best
to return the favor.
 MATATAG

Being in a country prone to natural disasters, Filipinos have adapted and learned to be strong in times of
need and in hard situations life throws at us. This strength is drawn from our love for our family and to
the higher being we believe in. This is based on Filipino’s aspiration for “Kaayusan” (Order). In fact,
Filipinos’ common expression is “Ayos Na”. When we are able to get through difficulties, we say “Ayos
Na”. We, Filipinos long for “Kaayusan” and we will endure everything and be strong amidst hardships
and challenges until we surpass the obstacles.
 MASIGASIG

When Filipinos dream of something, we do everything possible to get it. We do it for our families and loved ones. This is based
on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa” (Relief). A Filipino aspires for abundance not for himself
but for his family. The Filipino translation for Happy New Year is Masaganang Bagong Taon (Bountiful New Year) because we
equate happiness and celebration with abundance. In Bisaya, “Ginhawa” means breath. And the smooth flow of breath is the
smooth flow of life which we call “Ginhawa”. “Ginhawa” according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa is the feeling of well-
being in a Filipino. An example would be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who endure being away from home to give their
families a good life – abundance and relief from hardships.
 MAPAGMALASAKIT

It is because of our love for the family extended to friends, neighbors and other people that make Filipinos naturally
compassionate. This compassion enables us to help other people without asking for anything in return. This is based on Filipinos’
aspiration for “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other People). “Loob” is the seat of Filipinos’ dignity. The personhood of
Filipino is manifested in his “kalooban”. Filipinos tune in each other’s “kalooban” by checking on each other’s condition and
chatting about each other’s lives. Due to our familistic culture, Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not just to a stranger but to a
relative, a next-door neighbor, a distant relative or a friend. Our “Mapagmalasakit” trait makes it easy for us to champion the
Bayanihan spirit – to unite and help each other during calamities and celebrate together during special occasions.
 MAGALANG

The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (kissing of the hand) are distinct Filipino ways of respect. We say these words and use this
gesture to show our respect and love for the elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other
people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people. Our language itself is also respectful because it does not have any
gender bias. Examples would be the words kapatid (brother / sister) or asawa (husband / wife) or biyenan (father-in-law / mother-
in-law) or anak (son / daughter) which do not manifest differences in gender. These words are uniquely Filipino definitely
respectful of the sexes. Our respect for other individuals is embedded in our culture and in our language. This is based on our
aspiration for “Lakas ng Loob” or “Kagandahang Loob”.

THE END …
SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

PROF. NIKKI DELA TORRE ALJOPASTRANA

KARL M. TORRES
ROBERTO BESA

ARVE BITAMOR

JEBY MORAN

CLAIRE BANTILLO

PRINCESS LABTO

BSCRIM 1-C