Love, Duty, and Patriotism: Social Standards in The Philippines

Andrea Melyn C. Catalan

GED104

I used to believe that the "Maria Clara" concept revolved around Catholic

activities before I studied the essay. But after reading the essay, I understood that

the country's culture had a significant influence on the Filipino practice of premarital

sex. The contemporary Filipinos adhere to social standards based on societal

conventions. This social pressure led to the creation of "MariaClara," which stands

for the "ideal" Filipino lady who behaves elegantly and remains "clean" or

"untouched" until marriage.

I used to believe that due to modernization and outside pressures, sex workers

were already accepted in society before reading the article. However, after reading

the essay, I understood that sex place of employment, which goes against the Maria

Clara principle, still produces strong prejudices that make it challenging for women to

work in the business since they are perceived as "sinful" or "excluded" members of

society.

Because I am more aware that other nations have these criteria thanks to the

gender identity movement, I used to believe that the field of entertainment provides

an equal standard for men and women in sexual enjoyment before reading the

article. However, after reading the essay, I recognized that the film and television

industry strongly holds the belief that women exist just for the sex enjoyment of men.
that there are sexual double standards since women are obligated to stay devoted

while males have the freedom to purchase sex.

Regarding the article, there are three points that are unclear to me. First, how

contemporary Filipino youth, particularly Manila teenage girls, are characterized by a

lack of control whenever the parental guardians are aware of how much power they

have to influence the culture of the nation and are aware of the results because they

have more experience in this area. Second, the lack of sexual counseling,

particularly from families in the Philippines, led people to delegate their

responsibilities to the state and schools. Finally, the Philippines is a one-sided

battleground for love and sex. where the women are the ones who determine the

dignity, love, and identity in a sexual relationship.

After reading the paper, I have a few unresolved queries, foremost among

them: How is this idea of the "forced" dilemma presented in the essay, particularly as

it relates to culture, religion, and society? Will the Filipino culture be positively or

negatively affected by the need for contemporary society and modernization? And

will many contemporary movements, particularly those that deal with sex and

gender, leave out the Philippines' entertainment sector's double standards?