OPTION C

How do our writers help/problematize our self-definition of what it means to be a

Filipino? Come up with 3 or 4 generalizations of what it means to be Filipino in light of
particular stories and poems discussed in class. You may use first person point of view
to narrate a personal experience that made you reach certain insights about what it
means to be Filipino.

What is a “Filipino”, well obviously it refers to the people who live in the Philippines, but
then again what exactly does that mean? There are many ethnic groups that live in the
Philippines, a multitude of kingdoms and tribes existed in this place, just as there was a
Kingdom of Burgundy and a Principality of Moscow and a City state of Athens. No “one”
lived here, instead there were hundreds of little cultures, religions, tradition, etc. the idea
of a united Philippine nation, with a Philippine language did not exist until much of the
archipelago was united under colonial conquests and after. So one may ask, is there a
theme that exists throughout “Filipino” society? Well, this essay would like to shine some
light on a few contenders.

1.) Spainified
- Just as Rome Romanified their territories, so too did Spain Spainify theirs.
While this does not mean EVERYONE in the Philippines became
spainified, not everyone was successfully (forcefully) assimilated into the
culture, and many cultures and traditions lived on, probably through
fighting for it, nor did many people born there become Spanish citizens,
one can duly agree that they made their mark. From their ruins which dot
around the cities and forests, to the shreds of language that remain in our
lexicon, or the customs and traditions and religion that many of us follow.
They were there, and they made sure everyone remembered.

2.) Traditional
- Filipinos are traditional, perhaps a reminder of our colonial roots, we value
our traditions and rituals, our familial bonds and religious faith as well as
the longing of our native roots, whatever culture it may be. In a sense the
Filipino loves or is used to the the idea of being a Filipino, whatever
definition a “Filipino” is to them, the Filipino can be rather patriotic as
well, The Filipino notices their country and understands its problems..or
disregards them and only longs for their qualities, the Filipino is a
traditional person.

3.) Problematic?
 - The Filipino is problematic? Like all countries the Philippines has many
problems, from being in the middle of 2 far more powerful countries
warring against each other, to various political problems, drugs, corrupt
politicians, The Filipino is no perfect being nor is the Philippines a perfect
country, perhaps one could see this is also as another mark of
colonialization, old world problems that affect us today or some weirdly
convergent evolution of crime with other hispanic nations, etc. The Filipino
can be proud, arrogant, hard headed and volatile. Some wish to react to
this through penance or with a chinese made assault rifle.

4.) Patriotic?

- The Filipino is patriotic, patriotic for their idea of the Philippines. From the
Guerilla who fights to be free of the government to the writer who writes of
ancient warriors and tales long past, The Filipino loves the Philippines in
one way or another. Everyone has a sort of idealistic view of it, a country
to be liberated like a hero of old, a treasure trove of crime dramas and the
human condition, or a once great and honorable colony. This idealistic
Philippines can be found in the past, or in the future, honoring or
dishonoring traditions and culture. When one reads a Filipino’s book, a lot
of the time it will have something to do with the Philippines, from nostalgia
of it’s past and old culture, or it’s seedy underbelly, or a fantastical look at
it’s mythologies, even when a Filipino says “Damn this country sucks” you
understand that they wish for something better, because they love their
home and want to live in a bette version of it.

So in a sense, one can see some of the essences of a Filipino, what they are, and perhaps
where the idea of a “Filipino” comes from. Is it a perfect, objective, look at what makes a
“Filipino”... no, but it is something… Sometimes one wonders if that’s all there is to a Filipino, or
if there really is an objective idea on the Filipino, or whether those are all the questions that
need asking, perhaps the questions we should be asking is where did the Filipino come from,
how is the Filipino? What should the Filipino strive for? I dunnow..

THE END.