SOCIOLOGY/PHILIPPINE

POPULAR CULTURE FOR

HIGHER EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS (HEI’s)

WMSU Dr. Adrian P. Semorlan, FEDP

Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Western Mindanao State University

WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

3 A’s of Culture
PHILIPPINE CULTURE
 1.Animism,

The belief in spirits pervades farming and

fishing practices. In many barrios, rituals
and offerings are given to the spirits to
ensure their good graces.
2.Fatalism

is shown in attitude such as “suerte”, “tadhana”, “malas”, “buenas” – all beliefs in fate, predestination, belief in horoscope, numerology and “hula” (fortune telling).

This attitude of fatalism has helped the individual to endure suffering, poverty, sickness, tragedy and bad luck. It enables him to accept with resignation and tolerance his pain and
frustrations.
 3.Social Acceptance,

The Filipino wants to be accepted by his fellowmen for what he

is and to be treated according to his status. In order to get along
with people, one favorite pastime of Filipinos is gambling.

Gambling is generally felt to offer an avenue to prosperity.

The Filipino avoids brutal frankness and direct confrontation.

He is highly sensitive, as a result, he does not want to hurt the
sensitivity of another by directly criticizing him.
4.Pakikisama,

It means yielding to the will of the majority or the leader of the group. It could result in both
positive and negative behavior, such as going yet along with the group and following what the group
is doing whether he approves the activity or not.
5.Euphemism,

It means stating an unpleasant truth,

opinion or request as pleasantly as possible.
It is the u se of white lies to please another
person. One expresses what one thinks the
other persons would like to hear, not what
one really thinks and believe.
 6.Emotional Closeness and
Security of the Family,

There is mutual dependence among family members, financially and emotionally.

It is a haven of happiness and contentment when one is confronted with problems from the outside world.
 7.Economic and Social Improvement,

Every family in the Philippines would like to raise

its standard of living and that of his community.

When a member of the family find success in his

business ventures, he finds ways to involve or
employ his kin to share his good fortune so that they
can raise the life standard of their families and
relatives.
 8.Utang na loob,

This denotes a sense of gratitude. In general, “utang na loob” requires repayment.

Among equals, the repayment may be equivalent value or quality, if not more valuable or expensive material.
 
 9.Personalism,

This emphasizes the importance of the

person with whom one has immediate face-
to-face contact over the abstract rule of law
or the common good.

It is manifested in such practices as

pakiusap (request), lagay and areglo
(fixing), palakasan (power and influence),
nepotism and favoritism.
 10.Indolence,

The Spaniard charged the Filipinos as lazy and lacking of initiative and ambition .
 11.Ningas Cogon,

Great enthusiasm marks the start of a project or of a new organization. Eventually interest dies down and the project is neglected.
 
 12.Manana Habit,

The term, of Spanish origin, means

procrastination, to put off for tomorrow
what can be done today.

Let tomorrow takes care of itself; enjoy

today. This makes the Filipino happy-go-
lucky.
 
 13.Hospitality,

The Filipinos are well known for his hospitality.

They welcome visitors with warmth and enthusiasm often inviting them to their homes to share whatever they have to offer, sometimes
even to the extent of depriving themselves of necessities just to please the guests.
 14.The Fiesta Syndrome,

In traditional society, celebrations serve very

important purposes. They strengthen family loyalty
and solidarity; they serve to acquire new friends and
allies; they serve to re-establish and strengthen the
power structure.

Criticisms have been directed to fiesta and

celebrations of special occasions because the Filipino
will incur debts and borrow money which he can ill
afford to pay just to host a party.
Thank You for Listening!