M2 Check-In Activity 2

Reflection:
1. What cultural values I am proud of as a Filipino?

Being “makipamilya”, or family-oriented is one of our

cultural values that I am proud of as a Filipino. It is a virtue
that outweighs sacrificing our own interests for the
betterment of our family. That is because we value our love
for them highly enough to sacrifice things for their sake. In
return, they provide us with genuine solace and joy, and I'm
grateful that I was reared in a nation that values families.
Being a Filipino, I also take pride in our "awa" or
compassion for others. This enables us to help others since
we value our empathy and compassion for them. By doing
so, we are not only aiding or offering our hands to others
but also helping ourselves and fulfilling our heart's desire to
help those in need. We Filipinos are also "masikap," or
diligent, and I am pleased that this virtue is part of our
culture. Giving up is never an option, regardless of the
struggles we ought to encounter. The mechanism we use to
keep pursuing a goal until it is achieved is diligence. We
consistently work hard to accomplish our goals, and
therefore we should be proud of it.

2. What cultural values of Filipinos I would like to

change if given a chance?

If I were given a chance to change a certain cultural value

of Filipinos, it would be the debt of gratitude or known as
“utang na loob”. It is good but at some point, it is abused. It
is a value wherein we ought to give back to those who
helped us. Utang na loob is an endless debt, there’s no limit
to it. In this case, if we are indebted to someone, no matter
how simple it may seem, as long as it helped us with a
specific circumstance, we are already obligated to pay them
back not only with money but with everything that they
wish we’d do for them. Like I can’t say no to their favors,
and I will always consider them in my decisions. It’s like a
cell for me – something we can’t get rid of and a cell that
locks us up. Once the favor is not given, they will brag
about how they helped us and that we wouldn’t be here if
it weren’t for them and I think that is suffocating – it is
suffocating me. If we owe someone something, it's always
appropriate to repay them, but I'd like to change “utang na
loob” into something like “we can repay our debtor but the
debtor cannot demand limitless payment for the help they
offered”.

Kathleen Joy A. Foliente

BSN2E