Chapter 2- Unpacking the Self

Lesson 4: The Political Self and Being a Filipino

Specific Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Develop a Filipino identity;
2. Identify different Filipino values and traits; and
3. Reflect on your selfhood in relation to your national identity.
Who is a Filipino?
According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Filipino citizens are:
 “…those whose fathers or 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.”
 Citizenship is not the only marker of being a Filipino; People who were born and grew up
in the same culture develop and share common personality traits and values.
Filipino Values and Traits
 The Filipino 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
Filipinos maintain a tight relationship with their families. They are fond of family
reunions during birthdays, holidays, or fiestas year-round.
 Cheerful Personality
Filipinos 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
Filipinos go out of their way to extend help to their friends, families, and loved
ones.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) sacrifice a lot. That is why they are regarded as
modern-day Filipino heroes.
  Bayanihan
It is the spirit of communal unity and cooperation of Filipinos. It is also about giving
without expecting something in return.
 “Bahala Na” Attitude
It 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, and
the phrase meaning leaving everything into God’s hands.
 Colonial Mentality
It is regarded as the lack of patriotism and the attitude where Filipinos favor foreign
products more than their own; but also the desire to look more foreign than local and keep
up with foreign beauty trends.
 “MAÑANA” HABIT
Filipino term for procrastination; derived from a Filipino phrase called “Mamaya
na” meaning dawdling things, which could have been done at an earlier time.
 “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. It is the attitude 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
It is a toxic trait among Filipinos where one resents the achievement of another,
instead of feeling happy for that person; just like crabs in a container, they pull each other
down.
 Filipino Time
Filipinos have this common attitude of arriving late at commitments, dinner, or
parties especially if they are meeting someone close to them.

Filipino Markers
PROVERBS OR SALAWIKAIN
 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
 humorous proverbs
 miscellaneous proverbs
SUPERSTITIONS
 Filipinos’ 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 according to their own experiences.
MYTHS AND LEGENDS
 Due to the Philippines’s rich culture and history, numerous myths and legends have sprung.
 These stories are aimed to explain the origin of things, at the same time, teach a valuable
lesson.
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.
 Famous Filipino icons such as Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, and our very own
national hero, Jose Rizal, have made the Filipino name more pronounced worldwide
through their own expertise.
HOW TO BE A GOOD FILIPINO
 Be an active Filipino citizen.
 Study the Philippine history.
 Support local products.
 Speak the Filipino language.
 Do not spread fake news and be democratic in engaging with dissent.