BY: MS.

M
1. Develop a Filipino identity
2. Identify different Filipino values and traits
3. Reflect on your selfhood in relation to your
national identity
In this chapter, you will learn that an individual’s race, ethnicity, and physical
characteristics are not the only factors that make a person’s national identity. Values
and traits are also important indicators that set apart one nationality from the other.
These values and traits may not always be a positive thing, but being able to
identify one’s self apart from other nationalities and point out weaknesses and
mistakes, paired with unity and commitment, make progress a possibility. Through
common goals, principles, and values of its people, a nation empowers itself.
 Filipinos are often referenced to globally renowned personalities like Manny Pacquiao, Lea
Salonga, and Michael Cinco who have made Filipinos recognized around the world through
their expertise.
 Filipino cetizens are “...those whose fathers and mothers are citizens of the Philippines,
those born before January 17,1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon
reaching the age of majority, and those who are naturalized in accordance with law.
 However, citizenship is not the only marker ofbeing a Filipino.
 Culture and history have greatly influenced the manner Filipinos learn, live, and behave to
date.
 People who were born and grew up in the same culture develop and share common
personality traits and values.
 Generation after generations, common traits and values have been passed on that the
Filipinos of today still embody.
  The Filipino Hospitality
- A Filipino trait that is known everywhere is the Filipino’s brand of hospitality.
Filipinos welcome their guests and tourists as if they are their own brothers and
sisters; they always make their guests feel at home, offering them something to
eat, or even a place to stay.
 Respect for Elders
- Filipinos greet their elders by kissing their hand while saying “Mano po!” and
constantly using “po” and “opo” in conversations.
 Close Family Ties
- Filipino maintain a tight relationship with their families regardless if the children
are old enough and already have families of their own.
 Cheerful Personality
- Filipinos have a habit of smiling and laughing a lot. They smile when they are happy, or
sometimes even when they are sad or angry. Smiling has been a coping strategy for many
Filipinos especially during trying times and calamities.
 Self-sacrifice
- The self-sacrificing attitude of Filipinos can be seen as an extension of the Filipino
hospitality. Filipinos go out their way to extend help to their friends, families, and loved
ones.
 Bayanihan
- Bayanihan is the spirit of community unity and cooperation of Filipinos. It is also about
giving without expecting something in return.
 “Bahala Na” Attitude
- “Bahala na” is the Filipino version of the famous line “Hakuna Matata,” meaning no
worries.
 “Manana” Habit
- This is the Filipino term for procrastination. It is a poor habit of laziness that results in heavier workloads.
 “Ningas Kugon”
- “Ningas” is a Filipino term for flame and “kugon” is a Filipino term for Cogon grass that easily burns out
after it is put into flames. Ningas kugon refers to the atittude of eagerly starting things but quickly losing
eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty.
 Pride
- Most Filipinos hold on to their pride as if they are more precious than keeping a good relationship with
family and loved ones.
 Crab Mentality
- This is a toxic trait among Filipinos where one resents the achievement of another, instead of feeling happy
for that person.
 Filipino Time
- Filipinos have this common attitude of arriving late at commitments, dinner, or parties especially if they are
meeting someone close to them.
 Colonial Mentality
- Colonial mentality is regarded as the lack of patriotism and the attitude where Filipinos favor foreign
products more than their own.
1. Proverbs or Salawaikain
- Proverbs expressing a general attitude toward life and the laws that govern life
- Ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning certain vices
- Proverbs expressing a system of values
- Proverbs expressing general truths and observations about life and human
nature
- Humurous proverbs
- Miscellanous proverbs

An example of a Filipino proverb is the saying “Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga,” which
means that hard work will be rewarded if one is persistent.
2. Superstitions
- Filipino also subscribe to their own set of superstitions passed down from generation to
generation. Some of these may be influenced by beliefs from other cultures, but Filipinos
have retold these superstitions accoding to their own experiences and they sometimes end
u even more interesting.
3. Myths and Legends
- Due to the Philippine’s rich culture and history, numerous myths and legends have sprung
about things that are beoynd one’s imagination. These stories are aimed to explain the
origin of things, at the same time, teach a valuable lesson. Some of these stories stemmed
in pre-Christianity period, but have evolved to the stories we know today.
4. Heroes and Icons
- Heroes serve as a reminder of true patriotism and nationalism as they have sacrificed
their lives for the sake of their country’s freedom and progress. Every year, we lend a
whole day to celebrate our heroes, usually the last Monday of August, to remember their
greatness, bravery, and resilience that has led to the freedom we know today.
1. Be an active Filipino citizen.
2. Study the Philippine history.
3. Support local products.
4. Speak the Filpino language.
5. Do not spread fake news and be democratic in engaging with dissent.