cheesewiz
8th February 2009, 00:55
The good things about Filipinos
There are really a number of things that every Filipino should see in a positive light. These nature and norms are characteristically Filipino and in them may lie the strength of the country and its people if harnessed properly.
Family ties. Every Filipino would put his or her family above all things. It is even safe to assume that to an ordinary Filipino it is almost always a case of family first before country. Family members would always find a way to look after the welfare, well-being and future of family members at whatever cost or form of sacrifice. The influx of Filipinos abroad seeking greener pasture is actually a reflection of this motivation. Unlike in other culture, a Filipino could grow old or get bed-ridden without worries that no one would take good care of him or her. A typical Filipino would less likely avoid his or her obligations to the family or abandon them, especially in times of crisis, even in situations of marital conflict when the family is supposedly divided. To a Filipino, blood is always thicker than water. And the family is always worth dying for, to paraphrase the words of a great Filipino, Ninoy Aquino.
Friendship. Next to family, Filipinos value friendship. And there is a natural tendency for a Filipino to be friendly with anyone who comes along his or her way. A Filipino would always feel good to be there for a friend in good and bad times. A close friend is consi*dered as an extension of the family and every opportunity to seal this affinity would be exerted on significant events like baptism, weddings, and similar occasions. For this reason, betrayal and infidelity among friends are deemed as grave sins and oftentimes irreparable.
Fun-loving. Filipinos are fun-loving people. They love to entertain themselves. They would always line up to watch a good movie, or spend time in the company of friends or family members over meals or a cup of coffee or a bottle or cases of beer, organize parties and reunions, or simply be glued to a favorite music or television program. People wonder why shopping malls, bars and food houses thrive and are always filled with people even at a time when the economy is bad. It is simply because Filipinos know how to have fun even if they do not have money in their pockets. Filipinos love to deliver and exchange jokes even over a serious public concern. It is not that Filipinos do not treat problems seriously. It is simply because Filipinos love a vibrant life.
Flexibility. Filipinos are capable of adjusting to every given situation. They can be in any territory, any situation or condition, or any person or group of people with a totally different orientation. Yet, they would always find themselves fit in a given environment notwithstanding language or cultural barriers. This shows how intuitive and cognitive Filipinos are. They are fast learners too.
Faith-centered. Filipinos who do not belong to, or are not identified with, a religious sect are rare. And it does not even follow that those who do not are agnostics or atheists. Chances are, they too believe in the existence of a Supreme Being. To a typical Filipino, God is always the source of strength especially in times of need, desperation and ordeals. The same faith keeps the Filipinos spirit constantly alive despite all the odds that may come along their way.
Some critics and social scientists have viewed this very nature and norms of the Filipino as the root causes of many of the evils and maladies that afflict the country. But should they be?
There are really a number of things that every Filipino should see in a positive light. These nature and norms are characteristically Filipino and in them may lie the strength of the country and its people if harnessed properly.
Family ties. Every Filipino would put his or her family above all things. It is even safe to assume that to an ordinary Filipino it is almost always a case of family first before country. Family members would always find a way to look after the welfare, well-being and future of family members at whatever cost or form of sacrifice. The influx of Filipinos abroad seeking greener pasture is actually a reflection of this motivation. Unlike in other culture, a Filipino could grow old or get bed-ridden without worries that no one would take good care of him or her. A typical Filipino would less likely avoid his or her obligations to the family or abandon them, especially in times of crisis, even in situations of marital conflict when the family is supposedly divided. To a Filipino, blood is always thicker than water. And the family is always worth dying for, to paraphrase the words of a great Filipino, Ninoy Aquino.
Friendship. Next to family, Filipinos value friendship. And there is a natural tendency for a Filipino to be friendly with anyone who comes along his or her way. A Filipino would always feel good to be there for a friend in good and bad times. A close friend is consi*dered as an extension of the family and every opportunity to seal this affinity would be exerted on significant events like baptism, weddings, and similar occasions. For this reason, betrayal and infidelity among friends are deemed as grave sins and oftentimes irreparable.
Fun-loving. Filipinos are fun-loving people. They love to entertain themselves. They would always line up to watch a good movie, or spend time in the company of friends or family members over meals or a cup of coffee or a bottle or cases of beer, organize parties and reunions, or simply be glued to a favorite music or television program. People wonder why shopping malls, bars and food houses thrive and are always filled with people even at a time when the economy is bad. It is simply because Filipinos know how to have fun even if they do not have money in their pockets. Filipinos love to deliver and exchange jokes even over a serious public concern. It is not that Filipinos do not treat problems seriously. It is simply because Filipinos love a vibrant life.
Flexibility. Filipinos are capable of adjusting to every given situation. They can be in any territory, any situation or condition, or any person or group of people with a totally different orientation. Yet, they would always find themselves fit in a given environment notwithstanding language or cultural barriers. This shows how intuitive and cognitive Filipinos are. They are fast learners too.
Faith-centered. Filipinos who do not belong to, or are not identified with, a religious sect are rare. And it does not even follow that those who do not are agnostics or atheists. Chances are, they too believe in the existence of a Supreme Being. To a typical Filipino, God is always the source of strength especially in times of need, desperation and ordeals. The same faith keeps the Filipinos spirit constantly alive despite all the odds that may come along their way.
Some critics and social scientists have viewed this very nature and norms of the Filipino as the root causes of many of the evils and maladies that afflict the country. But should they be?