The definition of “smooth interpersonal relationship” in Philippine culture is principally supported by

and anchored on at least six basic Filipino values: the concepts of:

1. ‘pakikisama,’- is having and maintaining ‘good public relations.’ This is usually being practiced to avoid
clash with other people or a certain group. Just like other Filipino values, however, ‘pakikisama’ can
work either positively or destructively

Example : – submit to group opinion,overgenerously praise on one another, use metaphorical language
rather than candid terms, conceal negative feelings or unhappy spirits underneath a pleasant demeanor,
smile even when things go wrong, avoid to say ‘no,’ and refrain from venting anger or losing temper.

(2) ‘hiya,’- This unique Filipino concept ‘hiya’ or ‘fear of losing face’ encompasses being afraid to do bad
things as it may damage one’s reputation in the sight of other people.
Example : “unsa nalay isipon sa iba na tawo?”

(3) ‘amor propio,’ or pride- ’ ‘amor propio’ has been “characterized as the high degree of sensitivity that
makes a person intolerant to criticism and causes him to have an easily wounded pride”

Ex: for instance, a person may refuse offers even if he/she really wants to accept them.

(4) ‘utang na loob,’- The inability to repay the “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) usually makes a person
“walang utang na loob” or “walang-hiya.”

Ex: Ang eldest child sa pamilya dpat magtrabaho to repay ang iya utnag na loob sa parents

(5) Filipino hospitality,- ‘Filipino hospitality’ refers to the innate ability and trait of Filipinos to be
courteous and entertaining to their guests. Indeed, generally speaking, Filipinos are hospitable as they
are internationally known to be warm, welcoming, and accommodating.This trait, however, makes
Filipinos prone to being abused or maltreated.

Ex: Mag imbita usa kabaranggay kada handaan, or kung naa muabot na gikan sa ibang bansa,grabe kay
sila maghanda ng pagkaon

(6) respect for elders.- Concerning ‘respect to elders,’ we, Filipinos, are not only respectful to elders, but
also have unique ways of expressing this respect to elders. These include the use of ‘po’ and ‘opo’when
talking to elders and ‘pagmamano’ or the putting of the elder’s hand to one’s forehead. When excessive,
nonetheless, respect to elders makes one dependent or irrationally obedient to parents or elders.

Example: sa uban na state like USA everyone is treated equal, if you do something wrong or say
something that is out of line bsag lagas kapa, u will still be called out for your actions or words, pero sa
filipino character , bsag mali ang lagas di ta pwede magsaba kay mas lagas man sila and “anak raman ta”
tas in some cases, they don’t really listen to the youths anymore.