POSITIVE

1. Respecting others
We are taught when we are young to respect others and our elders. We are told that we
have to “mano” and say “po and opo” to our elders. Although some of the kids nowadays
doesn’t perform this anymore, many of us still doing this. It’s one of the unique practices here in
the Philippines and I don’t want it to be forgotten. I think that we are Filipinos, because we give
respect to everyone.

Experience
Every time we visit our grandparents, we have to “mano” and kiss their cheeks to show
our love and respect. Even with our godparents, we are told to do it. Sometimes, if we forgot to
perform this, our parents will remind us because for them, it’s an important gesture.

2. Being Happy at all times

Philippines is a small country but the people in here have big smiles in their faces. No
matter what problem we might encounter, we will stand tall and smile in it. We can find a
source of light when we are in dark times. We will not give up and we will push our way forward.
Everyone one has different problems but we have the same smile that we share every day.

Experience
In my childhood, even though there are times that our table and stomach were empty,
no one in our family gives up and complain about our situation. I and my brothers were exposed
to the real world in our young age but it doesn’t affect our happiness.

3. Generous and Helpful

No matter who you are, when you are in a difficult situation, there will be someone who
will help you. We even have the ‘bayanihan’ were everyone cooperate to move a nipa house. It
shows that Filipinos has a sense of unity and we will surpass any problem as long as we will
cooperate. You can also witness this every day. There are those who doesn’t hesitate to help
others. Even the people who doesn’t have much will give something, sometimes everything, to
those who needs it.

Experience
When I was in grade school, I saw that my friend crying outside of our classroom. It is
just before lunchtime and I’m going back to our room from our home. I asked him why he was
crying and I found out that his stomach was aching because he doesn’t eat and they don’t have
something to eat. Luckily, I have a bread in my pocket and gave it to him. I think that my other
classmate saw my actions and they also volunteered to help him. With our actions, even though
it was small, I think that it will affect our way of thinking. It is better to help others as it will bring
everyone closer. We didn’t have to be greedy and must look for each other.
NEGATIVE

1. Crab mentality
It is the mentality where people doesn’t let other people to achieve their goals. It is
common here in the Philippines. Most of the time it was seen on politics where both sides
doesn’t value the things they do even though it was good to the people. If they can’t get the
interest of the people, they will also not let the opposing party to get their interest.

Experience
In grade school, some parents of my classmates doesn’t believe that I don’t deserve to
be one of the achievers. I can hear them talking in our backs and I think that it was my Mom
who was affected by it. I can remember her reminding me that I don’t have to think that it was a
competition and I must enjoy learning. There is also a time where as I want to do something,
there will be people who will look down on me. I think that it is always present but I learned that
I don’t have to invest my time on their arguments.

2. Filipino Time
It means being late or not following the schedule. It is called like that because we have
our own meaning of time. It can lessen our productivity and waste others time. With that, we
are affecting other people and it might lead them to lose their trust on us.

Experience
Time was important and in high school, we can’t let our time wasted. One time, there’s
a group project and one of my friend came late. He didn’t have the chance to participate and
because he didn’t have a good reason, our leader gave him a bad remarks.

3. Lack of self-discipline
Laws and rules are present to ensure the safety of the people. In the Philippines, even
those who are in the government break the rules they set. If the higher officials can’t obey it, it
is obvious that almost everyone will disobey. Even segregating our trash seems to be a problem
here. If we can’t follow something so small, we will face big problems.

Experience
Here in our area, even there are pedestrian lanes and overpasses, people doesn’t use
them. It is because they think that it is more convenient to risk their lives than using those to
ensure their safety. Even in my way to go to our school, even there’s a pedestrian lane and
police officers that stationed in the area, there are people who can’t follow the rules.