Lesson 4: The Political Self and Being Filipino

Abstraction :

The Philippines as we know it today has only emerged in the 1890s after over the three centuries of
colonization of the Spaniards. Meanwhile, liberation from the last colonizers, the Japanese, only
occurred in 1946. Foreign culture, beliefs, language, and religion have made a huge dent on our own by
setting a foundation to the contemporary Filipino identity and culture. In this chapter you will learn that
an individuals race, ethnicity, and physical characteristics are not only factors that make a person’s
national identity. Values and traits are also important indicators that set apart one nationality from the
other. These values and traits may not always be a positive thing, but being able to identify one’s self
apart from the nationalities and point our weaknesses and mistakes, paired with unity and commitment,
make progress possibility. Through common goals, principles, and values of it’s people, a nation
empowers itself.

Who Is a Filipino?

Technically, according to the 1987 Philippine Constitute, Filipino citizen’s are “those whose fathers or
mothers are citizens of the Philippines, those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who
elect Philippine Citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, and those who are naturalized in
accordance with law”

Filipino Values and Traits

The Filipino Hospitality

A Filipino trait that is known everywhere is the Filipinos brand of hospitality. Filipinos welcome their
guests and tourist as if they are their own brother and sisters: they always make their guest feel at
home, offering them something to eat, or even place to stay.

Respect for Elders

Filipino greet their elders by kissing their hand while saying ‘Mano po!’ and constantly using “po” and
“opo” in conversations.

Close Family Ties

Filipinos maintain a tight relationships with their families regardless if the children are old enough and
already have families of their own.

Cheerful Personality

Filipinos have a habit of smiling and laughing a lot.

Self-Sacrifice

The self-sacrificing attitude of Filipinos can be seen as an extension of Filipino hospitality.

Bayanihan

Bayanihan is the spirit of communal unity and cooperation of Filipinos.

“ Bahala Na” Attitude

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

Colonial Mentality

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

“ Manana” Habit

This is the Filipino term of procrastination. It was derived from a longer Filipino phrase called “ Mamaya
na” meaning dawdling things, which could been done an earlier time.

“ Ningas Kugon”

‘ Ningas’ is a Filipino term for flame anf ‘kugon’ is a Filipino term for Cogon grass that easily burns out
after it is put into flames.

Pride

Most Filipino hold on their pride as if they are more precious than keeping a good relationship with
family and loved ones.

Crab Mentality

This is a toxic part of the Filipinos where one resents the achievement of another, instead of feeling
happy for that person.

Filipino Time

Filipino has the common attitude of arriving late at commitments, dinner, or parties especially if they are
meeting someone close to them.

Filipino Makers

1. Proverbs or Salawikain

2. Superstitions

3. Myth and Legends

4. Heroes and Icons

How to be a Good Filipino

1. Be an active Filipino Citizens

2. Study the Philippine History

3. Support local Products

4. Speak the Filipino Language

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

Group 8 Members:

- Alyssa Manlangit
- Debbie Amores
- Charles Dayono
- Llord Torrefiel
- Rodel Samante