5/28/22, 7:17 PM 5.1.2.

Developing A Filipino Identity: GEC 001-CE12S11 - Understanding the Self

5.1.2. Developing A Filipino Identity

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. determine the ways of defining Filipino identity.
2. develop a sense of nationalism and,
3. be aware of the different Filipino values.

Developing a Filipino Identity

Given the diversity of the Philippines, the unifying
element of Filipino culture is a complex matter. A sense
of national identity emerged out of the long-standing
struggle for independence. In the contemporary
Philippines, many Filipinos are acutely aware of the
colonial history of their country. For example, José Rizal,
a national hero in the struggle for Philippine
independence, is a highly revered and well-known figure
whom many Filipinos look up to as a role model of a
virtuous person.
The sense of national identity is fragile, with loyalty
residing firstly to their kin group, province, or
municipality. The Philippines is a collectivist
society and individuals tend to understand
themselves as a part of a group. For Filipinos, the
interests of the collective often override the interests
of the individual. Filipinos generally feel a strong
sense of pride towards their group and will celebrate their pride through sharing stories or facts
about their family, barangay (village), or town.
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The long history of contact with Spain and the United States continues to have a significant impact
on the Filipino identity. One example is the influence of American standards of beauty, which are
often measured in the Philippines by the possession of Western physical traits – such as fair skin
and curly hair. Another example is the prominence of Christian ideology since the introduction of
Christianity by the Spanish. Indeed, when compared to other countries on the Asian continent, the
Philippines has one of the highest Christian populations.
The Filipino culture is a mix of both eastern and western cultures. The beliefs and traditions of the
pre-colonial Philippines were mainly an indigenous Malay heritage. The Malays made a large
contribution to Philippine history. The Malay temperament is a basic factor of a Filipino personality.
It can be best described as “being nice and pleasant to others.” Additionally, the important role of
the family in Filipino culture stemmed from the strength of the Malay family clan that served as a
strong security unit.
When the Spaniards colonized the islands, the Hispanic culture influenced the natives. Christianity
became the dominant religion, and a western-based social and political organization was
established in the Philippines.
The Americans shaped the modern Filipino culture, and this is primarily manifested by the
widespread use of the English language in the Philippines today. It was these influences that
formed the Filipino character. The brief occupation of the British (1762-1764) and the (1942-1945),
however, had no cultural influence in the Philippines at all

National Identity
In general, when discussing national identity, the focus tends to be on being a citizen of a country. The
role of culture on identity should never be underestimated. “The Filipino identity is not static. A
Filipino’s self-image can be as varied as his or her background. It goes without saying that all Filipino’s
self-images can be as varied as his or her background. It goes without saying that all Filipinos are
alike regardless of all these. His consciousness of being a Filipino psychologically defines him as one,
no matter how he sees and defines the Filipino” (Enriquez, 1977)
.

Who is considered a Filipino?

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines tells us who the citizens of the Philippines are:
1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this Constitution;
2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
3. Those who are naturalized in accordance with the law.

Ways on How to Acquire Philippine Citizenship

There are two (2) generally recognized forms of acquiring Philippine citizenship:

Jus soli (right of soil) is the legal principle that a person’s nationality at birth is determined
by the place of birth (e.g. the territory of a given state).
Jus sanguinis (right of blood) is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the
nationality of his/her natural parent/s.
Naturalization is the judicial act of adopting a foreigner and clothing him with the privileges of a
native-born citizen. It implies the renunciation of a former nationality and the fact of entrance into a
similar relation towards a new body politic.
However, citizenship is not the only element we need to consider in identifying who a Filipino
is. History, culture, traits, and values are also part of what makes one a Filipino. To be a Filipino is to
know the different traits and cultures that are embedded in the hearts of everyone who is called a
Filipino.

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Filipino Traits and

Values
Any geographical unit has
common traits and values. For
Filipinos, the following are what
we are most known for (some of
them are positive traits, while
some are negative traits, can you
tell which is which?):

1. The Filipino Hospitality

A true trademark of Filipinos that
involves;
welcoming guests and tourists as
if they are blood-related
making their guests “feel at home”
bringing out their best sets of
plates and utensils for honored
guests and would even go as far
as spending a lot of money and
going into
2. Respect for Elders
Filipinos greet and address their elders
in distinct ways to show respect.
Mano culture, po at opo
Ate for older sister, Kuya for older
brother, Tito for uncle, Tita for
aunt, Lola for grandmother
and Lolo for
grandfather, Manong and Aling for
older people outside the
3. Cheerful Personality (Joy
and Humor)
Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-
loving approach to life. We have a
pleasant, happy disposition. that
contributes not only to Filipino charm
but also to the indomitability of spirit.
It has been said that smiling is
a coping strategy for many
Filipinos especially during trying
times and
Filipinos always try to maintain
a positive outlook in life which makes them

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4. Self-Sacrifice
the giving up of one's own interests or wishes in order to help others
Filipinos often wish comfort and better lives for their loved ones and would even go to the extent of
working abroad hundreds of miles away to earn more money and save up for themselves (OFW).
5. The Spirit of Bayanihan
Derived from the word Bayan which
means town, nation, or a community
in
Bayanihan literally means “being
a bayan” and is thus used to refer to
the spirit of communal unity and
cooperation of
A traditional system of mutual
assistance in which the members of
a community work together to
accomplish a difficult task. In later
use also: a spirit of civic unity and
cooperation among
Usually observed during calamities,
but best exemplified by the old
tradition of neighbors helping to
relocate a family by carrying the whole house (bahay kubo).
6. “Bahala Na” Culture
“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.
7. Colonial Mentality
Colonial mentality is regarded as the lack of patriotism and the attitude where Filipinos favor
foreign products more than their own. It does not only concern goods, but also the desire to look
more foreign than local and keep up with foreign beauty trends.
Attributed to the centuries of colonization Filipinos had experienced under the Spanish, American,
and Japanese
8. Manana Habit
Filipino term for procrastination.
Derived from longer Filipino phrase “Mamaya na”.
Poor habit of laziness that results in heavier workloads
9. Ningas Kugon
“Ningas” is a Filipino term for flame and “kugon” is a term for Cogon grass that easily burns out
after it is put into flames.
Refers to the attitude of eagerly starting things but quickly losing eagerness soon after
experiencing difficulty, just like how fast fire burns Cogon grass.
10. Pride
A high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as
cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
Filipinos are known for being prideful (e.g. holding on to their pride as if they are more precious
than keeping a good relationship with family and loved ones)
A lot of Filipinos find it hard to apologize first.
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11. Crab Mentality

Resents the achievement of another,
instead of feeling happy for that person.
Just like crabs in a container, they pull
each other down and ruin each
other’s reputation rather than bringing
them up, resulting to no progress.
12. Filipino Time
Arriving late at commitments, class, dinner
or parties especially if they are meeting
someone close to them.

Filipino Folkways
The hallmarks of being a Filipino, a constant
reminder of our nationality.

1. Proverbs or Salawikain
These are sayings that convey lessons and
reflections on Filipino practices, beliefs, and
traditions.
An example of a Filipino proverb are the
sayings “Kung may tiyaga, may
nilaga” and “Kung ano ang itinanim, siyang
aanihin”.
2. Superstitions
A belief or notion, not based on reason or
knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of
a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence,
proceeding, or the like. Some Filipino
superstitions are passed down from generation
to generation.
Some of these may be influenced by beliefs
from other cultures but Filipinos have retold
these superstitions according to their
own. Some examples are:
Serving pancit (noodles) at birthdays - believed
to represent long life.
Referred to as either “usog” or “bati”, this
superstition says that when a person with
strong energy greets a child, the child may
soon after suffering from unexplainable
discomfort.
Now, ask yourself, are you a Filipino?

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Alata et. al. (2018) Understanding the Self First Edition. Published by Rex Bookstore
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-
philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-iii/

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