Filipino Personality and Culture

FILIPINO PERSONALITY AND CULTURE
1. Smooth Interpersonal Relations (SIR) – the ability to get along with others in such a way
that any signs of conflicts are avoided.
SIR is acquired by:
a. Pakikisama - derived from the Filipino word “sama” meaning to go along. It refers to
the yielding of a person to the will of the leader or majority to make the group’s
decision unanimous. It is the “we” identification to the group.
b. Go-between – the need for a mediator or facilitator. A third party is used to avoid the
feeling of inadequacy in a face to face encounter, or to act as an intermediary when
asking for favor.
c. Euphemism – stating an unpleasant truth, opinion, or request with beautiful
language and a fine manner. Harsh and insulting speech is frowned upon and
regarded as a sign of ill breeding.
2. Hiya – such sentiment is associated with the unpleasant experience of embarrassment
that prevents one from wrongdoing.
3. Bahala Na – an expression derived from the Filipino word “Bathala” or God. It is the
“come what may” or “que sera sera” attitude and at times rests on the line of least
resistance that one need not exert any effort because God will take care of everything.
4. Ningas kugon – “ningas” which literally means to catch fire and “kugon” is a fast-burning
kind of grass. It is defined as the enthusiasm which is intense only at the start but
gradually fades away. It could be hindrance towards initiative and productivity.
5. Utang na loob – reciprocity or debt of gratitude is of primary importance in the Filipino
value system.
6. Hospitality – welcoming others to one’s home and offering the best to visitors while
denying the same to members of the family.
Developmental tasks a Filipino adolescents need to learn. These are:
1. Developing occupational skills – skills that can help the adolescent develop responsibility
as a preparation for gainful employment ahead.
2. Self-reliance – the ability to identify their own skills and knowledge, capabilities, and
resources to engage in meaningful activities and not rely too much on others.
3. Ability to manage their finances – be able to discern what is difference between “wants”
and “needs,’’ and be able to learn self-control when handling their finances. As early as
possible, the adolescent should learn finances. As early as possible, the adolescent
should learn financial literacy through various means available to them.
4. Social responsibility – adolescents should be able to see beyond themselves, take into
consideration the greater community around them, and see their role in improving and
developing these communities, serving as change agents.
5. Mature work orientation – develop pride in what they do and raise standards of
excellence in the quality of their work.
6. Personal responsibility – to be fully responsible for their own decisions and actions by
owning them, become aware of the repercussions or results of the decisions they make
and be mature enough to “own” these results, and refrain from putting blame on others
for the results of their decisions and actions.
7. Positive attitude toward work – in the book, The Prophet by the Lebanese poet, Kahlil
Gibran, he wrote, “Work is Love made Visible.” Developing a healthy and positive
attitude toward work as an expression of our love for people who are important to us,
including ourselves. One can learn new things and grow to become highly skilled,
knowledgeable, and loving person if he or she sees work as a way toward self-
improvement and as an expression of love for his or her significant others.
Here is an additional list of developmental tasks and skills a Filipino adolescent should acquire:
1. Being courageous in standing up and being different from your friends. The adolescent
needs to feel the or she belongs to a group. While this is important, belonging to a group
does not necessarily mean losing one’s identity and being guided by “mob rule,” or what
the majority does. This is especially effective when being offered to smoke a cigarette or
to drink alcoholic beverages, or even to try out dangerous drugs. Being courageous
means learning to say “NO” to what one thinks is going against his or her belief and
values system even if this would mean rejection by the group.
2. Developing self-esteem. Learn to understand, accept, and appreciate oneself as a
unique person. Avoiding comparisons between you and other people is also a healthy
way to develop self-esteem.
3. Being true to yourself and avoiding the tendency to please others. Adolescents find it
difficult to assert their individuality or uniqueness because they are afraid others will not
approve or like them, or will not allow them to become a member of a group.
Conformity often occurs during this stage of development. By developing one’s self-
esteem, the need for approval from others become less.
4. Learning how media and advertising are trying to influence your thinking and feelings.
Understand that news is reported for a reason, usually to serve the purpose of someone
or some organization. Understand that advertising employed to sell consumer products
works on either fear or desires.
5. Becoming aware, critical, and being involved with social issues. Ask questions and
speak up whenever possible to address social issues such as poverty and corruption. Let
our leaders know how you think and feel about our society and learn to suggest
solutions in improving our lives.
6. Embracing a healthy lifestyle. Becoming aware of your health and the food you eat, and
engaging in sports and other physical activities is beneficial to your well-being. Learn to
relax.
7. Developing your spirituality. Finding what gives meaning to your life and to all the
experiences you are going through.

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