GEE 12: PHILIPPINE POPULAR CULTURE

MODULE 3: Philippine Culture and Its Issues

INTRODUCTION

This module is a self - guided learning for students who are enrolled in GEE 12 –
Philippine Popular Culture.

PHILIPPINE CULTURE is surrounded by vast cultures and traditions due to the truth
that this country is being influenced by varied races. The UNICEF once said that Filipino values
are a blend of trust in divine providence and self -reliance. This blend comprises of traditional
Filipino and Spanish catholic traditions, with the influence from USA and some parts of Asia.
Filipinos are known of their being hospitable, they love to have a good time which often
includes getting together to sing dance and eat.

Family bonds to us Filipinos are so essential. The elderly are honored and respected. The
heartfelt expression of “PO”, “OPO” and/or “APO” are manifestations of respect and reverence
to our grandparents. Bayanihan, bravery and the like are also some of the few cultures and
traditions that are still existing to this date.

It is in this Chapter that we come to visit and revisit our own practices, cultures and traditions
if they are worth preserving.

MODULE III. Philippine Culture and Its Issues

Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students be able to:

1. explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different values of the Filipino;
2. discuss the issues on the different Filipino values; and
3. explain certain motivations in people’s behavior in each group.

• Engage.

What are Filipinos known for? Are there different values and traits of Filipino that are
known internationally? It is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Philippines to help people,
even complete strangers, without being asked. What is this? Filipinos value bayanihan. They
love their country as much as they love their fellow countrymen. These are only some of the
positive traits of Filipino that are appreciated by other nations because in this module we will
discuss and analyze more of the traits and values of Filipino known globally.
 In this module, we will be dealing with the Philippine cultures and its issues and the
different values of the Filipinos.

Values is one important aspect in the presentation of Filipino culture, hence, let us
discuss the concept of values.

The word “value” comes from the Latin word valere, meaning strong and vigorous

Values are concepts which we use as points of reference or criteria from recognizing,
expressing and evaluating social realities in the environment in terms of their desirability,
importance, significance, worth, quality, merit, price and usefulness to us. Value means
whatever is liked, prized, esteemed, desired, approved or enjoyed by anyone anytime. It is
the actual experience of enjoying a desired object or activity. Hence, value is an existing
realization of desire.

However, there is reason or justification for doing things depending on some valid
criteria that would provide credibility to pursue such action. More or less, one is guided with
his/her own commonly accepted norms in realizing a particular end. We call that standard
value, because of its function to direct our way of looking at things towards a desirable result.

A value system is one of the important elements in Filipino culture (others are basic
personality, basic social unit, politics, economics, technology and ecology). To understand the
complexities of Filipino culture, it becomes necessary to significantly discover and analyze
these sub-components which can furnish a relevant picture in the appreciation of Filipino
behavior. In other words, knowing what we value in life and why we value them at all can
provide some foundation in the cultivation of our identity as a people. Filipino values are
considered basic building concepts of the Filipino cultural system.

Filipino values can be translated as buti, pamantayan, halaga and ganda. It is buti
because it is something desired of what is good. We always value what is good (at least we
are safe) and our main source of peace of mind is that we choose to act in good faith
(choosing what is good as the object of desire.) Since values are our standards which enable
us to organize our ideas and interpret our experiences within the context of commonly shared
meanings of thing, events or actions, values are referred to us our pamantayan, halaga
because of their worth, importance, evaluation, or assessment. Finally, values, for us are also
said to be gandafor encompassing everything to be pursued. What is beautiful must be
realized.

A. Amor Propio
One interesting thing about Philippines is the Amor Propio of one’s sense
of self. It’s very important for an expatriate to understand this whole concept of
Amor propio and everything that comes with it namely: the hiya, utang na loob,
& euphemisms as this will be a part of your living as they communicate & from
relationships with locals.

To an outsider or an expatriate, amor – propio seems like a simple characteristic,

& understood exactly as its literal translation: self – love.

But this high sense of dignity strengthens all other traditional characteristics of
Filipinos that may see contradicting to a westerner who grew up with a strong sense of
individuality & frankness.
 B. Hiya or Social Propriety
An example of this is the hiya or shame, if translated literally Sociologist –
anthropologists described hiya as a sense of social propriety. This instigates the need
for Filipinos to conform to society’s standards of what’s normal and what isn’t. You wouldn’t
want to do anything that will cause your bloodline shame.

C. Utang na Loob/Debt of Gratitude: Infinite Responsibility

Another traditional characteristic is the utang na loob or debt of
gratitude. Although utang na loob is not exclusively a Filipino belief, it’s highly
respected and followed by the citizens. This concept of reciprocity isn’t As
simple as the regular debt, as utang na loob is highly subjective being based
heavily on one’s manners or etiquette and quantified solely by emotions and
sometimes hiya, or social propriety.

Utang na loob portrays our identity based on our concern and response to others
When we are facing others, we have no guts to rebuke responsibility (pagharap sa
responsibilidad). “Will I be able to face others?” or “I have no guts to face others.”

There is also a widely followed idea in the country where the child owes her
parents for supporting him and giving them their needs from their birth up to
adulthood. This social and emotional indebtedness encourage the children to give back
once they get their diploma. When he gets a job, he is expected to help support the
family as a way of giving back to his parents after raising him up to adulthood. This is
frowned upon and considered irrational by free – thinkers and misunderstood by
expatriate but the acceptability of this concept mostly depends on the families
themselves.

D. High Context Communicators

Filipinos are also more of high context communicators farther than low –
context. Confrontation will be avoided as much as possible, as this might
express negative intentions. Most Filipinos will be very shy to say “no” to you
and would rather say something considerate and hope that the other person gets
sit that he meant “no”. Examples of this are, “maybe”, “I will try”. “I will
make an effort to,” “I’m not sure but I will try” “we’ll see how it goes,” “I don’t
know”

E. Filipino Time
One thing to also take note of is the Filipino’s concept of time. Filipinos
are polychromic as opposed to monochromic like most western countries.
schedules must remain loose. In general, the Filipinos are very welcoming and
optimistic. There are lot of festivals, or fiestas, and there’s always a reason a
reason to celebrate and have a good time. There are also a lot of superstitions
that are all widely believed all over the country, but especially on the provinces.
Like all transactions, relocating to the Philippines won’t be easy and will
take a lot of understanding and patience. But the Filipinos are in general, very
hospitable and helpful, and with help you as much as possible to make your
transaction manageable.
F. Bahala na
Bahala na is an expression which expresses the fatalistic outlook of the
Filipin. It happens when one simply resigns to the consequences of life’s
difficulties. It is this attitude which is responsible for the backwardness of the
Filipino. Expressions which reflect bahalana are iginuhit ng tadhana (declared by fate),
malas (bad luck), swerte (good luck), gulong ng palad (life’s ups and down) or tsamba
(undeserved success brought by luck).
In a very positive way, bahalana is what makes peo ple move, take risks and
plan.

G. Hospitality: A Welcome Attitude

Call it being naïve, but Filipinos open their hearts to complete strangers
and offer them the best in their homes. They make the bed for visitors and ask
them to make themselves feel at home, while, the hosts, sleep on the cold floor.
They prepare water for their morning rituals, wait for them at the table and
make life worthwhile for them. Let us cite hospitable attitudes of the Filipinos.

H. Family Closeness and Security

Home is where we all start to be encultured and where we form or inherit
values. The Filipino family is attentive to everything that promotes or hinders
its own well – being.
Family closeness and security would refer to natural dependence and
mutual sharing among family, members financially and emotionally. Due to
this value, Filipinos have extended family structure where married sons and
daughters remain under the roof of their parents for protection.
Parents should realize that true values cannot just be imposed on or
dictated to their children. They should give their children the opportunity to
make choices. It is of vital importance that children be leeway enough to be able
to know themselves better and understand others. By doing so, the parents are
teaching their children self – reliance. Parents must establish attainable and
realistic values for them.
The Filipino family experiences fellow – feeling or being involved in
family matters. What happens to one happens to all. This is an affirmation of close –
knit family ties. This close – knit phenomenon is a binding element as threads of society
of are rewoven by giving attention on what the individual experiences in his/her
capacity as a member of the community.
The family is seen as a defense against a hostile world and a unit where one can
turn to in case, he/she has a serious problem:

I. Pakikisama
Pakikisamais yielding to the will of the majority or to the leader which
could result both to positive and negative behavior. It refers to one’s effort to get along
with everybody.
Pakikisama is defined the ability to get along with others in such a way as to
avoid signs of conflict. Camaraderie among Filipinos makes them flexible and easy to
be with.
Sometimes pakikisama occurs when teenagers join their peer groups in a
drinking spree for fear of incurring the group’s disapproval.
 J. Euphemism
It is stating an unpleasant truth, opinion or request as pleasantly as
possible. In order not to offend others, direct, harsh and brutal words must
avoided.

K. Pakikiramdam
It is a value affecting the team’s spirit. This value should be used
positively to ensure rational problem – solving, decision – making and family
formation.

L. Personalism
It emphasizes the importance of the person with whom one has
immediate face – to – face contact over the abstract rule of law or common good.
This is manifested in practices such as pakiusap (request), lagay and regalo (fixing),
palakasan (use of power and influence), nepotism and favoritism. Friendship and
kinship play important roles in the reciprocal relationship between parties. Nepotism is
the employment of relatives to share an individual’s good fortune.

M. Nonrationalism
It refers to the tendency to perceive thoughts, objects, events and persons as
sacred. These belies are deeply rooted in our culture and history. Non-rationalism is
exemplified when barrio folks conduct rituals to expect a good harvest.
Animism is the belief that a spirit pervades in activities.

Fatalism expresses the bahalana attitude which means leaving matters as they
are because nature will take it occurs. It is believing that life depends on swerte or
buenas(good luck ), tadhana ( decried by fate ), and malas( bad luck ) which are beliefs
in fate, predestination, in the horoscope and numerology.

N. Bayanihan: Team Spirit

Bayanihan is the Filipino value that denotes camaraderie among the
people in the community and connotes helping one another in time of need (Andres,
1989). It demands unity of spirit, heart and mind among members of a group towards
an objective.
The value of Bayanihanis directed towards the group’s welfare. It is part of the
Filipino’s philosophy of life and should be put into full force.

OUR TESTS OF VALUE

To identify whether a certain practice is considered a value, Robin Williams presented

the four tests of value.

1. Extensive of the value in the total activity of the system. What proportion of the
population manifests the value? How many of the people in the community are
applying the value?
2. Duration of the value. When was this value implemented? Was it persistently
important over a period?
 3. Intensity with which the value is sought or maintained as shown through efforts,
choices, verbal affirmations and by reactions to threats to the value.
4. Prestige of value carriers. Who are the implementers of the value? Do they possess
the integrity to be such models of the value?

STAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FILIPINO VALUE FORMATION

There are three stages in the development of Filipino value formation (Andres, 1989).

A. The Preconditional Stage: Childhood

It is the phase wherein children comply with the of those who assert
power on them (parents, teachers, nuns and priests).

B. The conventional Stage: Youth

During this stage, the adolescent identifies with their peers, idols and
teachers due to interpersonal communication.

C. The Postconventional Stage: Adulthood

In the postconventional or principal stage (adulthood), the people internalize the
values they have imbibed in the first two stages without fear.

REFERENCES

Agoncillo, T.A. (2010). Philippine History Expanded and Updated Edition.Quezon City:
C & E Publishing, Inc.

Panopio, Isable S. & Rolda, Realidad Santico.(2000). Society and Culture. Quezon City:
JMC PRESS, INC.

Omas – as, Roberta L. et al.(2003).General Sociology: Trinitas Publishing, Inc.

Filipino Values Retrieved Fromhttps://www.education.com/lesson-plan on July 20,

2020
IT’S YOUR TURN. Let’s see how far you understood the lesson.

 Elaborate.

Instruction: Read carefully, copy and answer the following questions, Write your answer
on a A4 band paper, follow the given format at the last page.

Answer the following questions and write your answer on space provided in every
number.

1. Complete the chart below through writing the difference of standard value from
system value.

2. Create a timeline on the stages in the development of Filipino value formation. Use
the space provided for this task.
3. Complete the bubble of words below with ten words you associate with the word
“value”.

4. Explain why you think these words are related to value.

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 Evaluate

Reflect on the different Filipino values in our discussions, then write a reflective essay
on the positive and negative effects of these values to every individual. Narrate an
example observation or experiences.

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Criteria
15 %

Needs
Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Outstanding
Improvement
1 pts 3 pts 5pts
2 pts

Content & Unsatisfactory Needs Satisfactory Outstanding

Development Improvement
- Content is - Content is - Content is
incomplete. - Content is not accurate and comprehensive,
- Major points are comprehensive persuasive. accurate, and
not clear. and /or persuasive. - Major points are persuasive.
-Specific examples - Major points are stated. - Major points are
are not used. addressed, but not - Responses are stated clearly and
well supported. adequate and are well supported.
- Responses are address topic. - Responses are
inadequate or do - Content is clear. excellent, timely
not address topic. -Specific and address topic.
-Specific examples examples are - Content is clear.
do not support used. -Specific examples
topic. are used.

Organization Unsatisfactory Needs Satisfactory Outstanding

& Structure Improvement
- Organization and - Structure is -Structure of the
structure detract - Structure of the mostly clear and paper is clear and
from the message. paper is not easy to easy to follow. easy to follow.
- Writing is follow. - Transitions are - Transitions are
disjointed and lacks - Transitions need present. logical and
transition of improvement. - Conclusion is maintain the flow
thoughts. - Conclusion is logical. of thought
missing, or if throughout the
provided, does not paper.
flow from the body - Conclusion is
of the paper. logical and flows
from the body of
the paper.

Grammar, Unsatisfactory Needs Satisfactory Outstanding

Punctuation Improvement
- Paper contains - Rules of - Rules of
& Spelling numerous grammar, usage, grammar, usage,
- Paper contains few
grammatical, grammatical, and punctuation and punctuation
punctuation, and punctuation and are followed with are followed;
spelling errors. spelling errors. minor errors. spelling is correct.
Spelling is correct.
FOLLOW THE ANWER SHEET FORMAT
NEXT PAGE
(DO NOT PRINT THE ACTIVITY, HAND WITTEN PO YHAN)

GEE 13: PHILIPPINE POPULAR CULTURE

ACTIVTIY 2: MODULE3
NAME: LAST NAME, FIRST NAME AND M.I DATE:
CODE & SECTION: SCHEDULE: