THE POLITICAL SELF

AND BEING FILIPINO

 INTRODUCTION
◦ This chapter discusses the impact of globalization, increased internet
connectivity, and easier travel access on people's awareness of the world
outside the Philippines. It highlights how in the past, exposure to other
countries was limited, but today, one can easily explore and interact with
people worldwide through the internet. This exposure raises questions about
one's nationality and sense of self. The chapter explores the challenge of
affirming one's nationality and whether one should be proud of being Filipino
in a globalized world. It also examines how one's nationality contributes to a
healthy self-view. Overall, it delves into the complex relationship between
globalization, identity, and national pride.
ABSTRACTION
◦ A genuine Filipino is defined by more than just physical characteristics or
birthplace. It's about language, ethnicity, values, and cultural identity. The
Philippines' history of colonization has only emerged in the 1890s after over
three centuries of colonization by the Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese
has left a significant impact, and colonial mentality remains an issue.
However, over the past century, Filipinos have been developing their own
unique identity, shaped by shared values and traits, unity, and a commitment
to progress. This national identity isn't solely based on the past but is
evolving to reflect the Philippines' distinct culture and values.
 WHO IS THE FILIPINO
◦ The Filipino identity extends beyond famous individuals like Manny Pacquiao
or Lea Salonga. While citizenship is defined by the 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.” (1987)., being a Filipino is deeply rooted
in culture and history. Generations have shared common personality traits and
values, influenced by their upbringing in the same culture. These traits and
values continue to shape the identity of Filipinos today, making it more than
just a legal status but a cultural and historical connection that defines who they
are.
FILIPINO VALUES AND TRAITS
◦ The Philippines is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, but it's the unique
traits, values, and talents of Filipinos that make the country special. Tourists
are often greeted with warm smiles, colorful jeepneys, and common phrases
like "Mabuhay!" and "Salamat!" Filipinos also have distinctive habits, such as
showing respect to elders with "po" and "opo," leaving shoes at the front door,
and asking, "Kumain ka na ba?" or "Have you eaten yet?".
THE FILIPINO HOSPITALITY
◦ Filipinos are renowned for their exceptional hospitality. They treat guests and
tourists like family, offering food and accommodation, going to great lengths
and sometimes even incurring debt to ensure their guests are satisfied.
Salespeople in local shops warmly greet customers and express gratitude,
whether or not a purchase is made. Filipinos gladly give free tours and treat
friends to the best local cuisine. During festivals or fiestas, they generously
serve abundant food and invite the entire community. Additionally, they're
fond of giving "pasalubong" or travel souvenirs and "pabaon" or farewell gifts
to visitors.
RESPECT FOR ELDERS
◦ Respect for elders in Filipino culture is expressed through gestures like kissing
the hand ("Mano po") and using polite terms like "po" and "opo" in
conversations. Failing to address older individuals properly is considered
impolite. Filipinos also use specific terms like "ate" for an older sister, "kuya"
for an older brother, "tito" and "tita" for uncle and aunt, "lolo" and "lola" for
grandparents, and "manong" and "aling" for older people outside the family.
These expressions of respect are deeply ingrained in Filipino society.
 CLOSE FAMILY TIES
◦ Filipinos prioritize close family ties, maintaining strong relationships with
their extended family members even when their children have families of their
own. Family reunions are common during various occasions throughout the
year. Some families choose to live together in large households, and nursing
homes are seldom considered as family members prefer to take care of their
elders themselves. This emphasis on family bonds is a significant part of
Filipino culture.
CHEERFUL PERSONALITY
◦ Filipinos are known for their cheerful personalities, often smiling and
laughing in various situations. This includes times of happiness, sadness, and
even anger. Smiling is a coping mechanism for many Filipinos, helping them
remain resilient and positive during challenging times and disasters. They tend
to maintain a positive outlook on life, which contributes to their ability to
handle difficult situations with a simple smile.
SELF SACRIFICE
◦ Filipinos demonstrate a self-sacrificing attitude, which is an extension of their
renowned hospitality. They wholeheartedly help friends and family, often
going to great lengths to improve their loved ones' lives. This includes working
abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to earn money and support their
families. Such sacrifices, including older siblings giving up their education to
provide for their family and educate their siblings, reflect the deep
commitment Filipinos have towards their loved ones. These acts of selflessness
contribute to their reputation as modern-day Filipino heroes.
BAYANIHAN
◦ The "bayanihan" spirit in the Philippines reflects a selfless act of giving
without expecting anything in return. Filipinos are always willing to assist
friends and loved ones in need, whether through monetary support or by
offering their time and effort. This spirit is particularly evident during
calamities, highlighting the generous and helpful nature of Filipinos.
“BAHALA NA” ATTITUDES
◦ The Filipino expression "BAHALA na" reflects a similar sentiment to the
famous phrase "Hakuna Matata," meaning "no worries." It originates from
"Bathala na," where "Bathala" means God, indicating a willingness to leave
everything in God's hands. This phrase embodies the cheerful and positive
attitude of Filipinos, as it signifies the act of allowing situations to unfold on
their own rather than worrying about them.
COLONIAL MENTALITY
◦ Colonial mentality in the Philippines refers to a lack of patriotism and a
preference for foreign products over their own. This extends beyond goods to a
desire to adopt foreign looks and beauty trends. This mindset is linked to the
country's history of centuries of colonization by the Spanish, American, and
Japanese, which has influenced Filipinos' attitudes and preferences.
MAÑANA HABIT
◦ Mañana habit" is the Filipino equivalent of procrastination, stemming from the
phrase "mamaya na," which implies delaying tasks that could be done
immediately. This habit reflects laziness and often leads to a more significant
workload in the future.
NINGAS KUGON
◦ Ningas Kugon" is a Filipino term describing the tendency to enthusiastically
begin tasks or projects but lose interest and enthusiasm when faced with
difficulties, much like how Cogon grass quickly burns out. This attitude is
associated with the common issue of laziness among Filipinos, contributing to
the saying "Juan Tamad," which characterizes this behavior
PRIDE
◦ Many Filipinos place great importance on their pride, sometimes valuing it
more than maintaining strong relationships with family and loved ones. In
conflicts, it can be difficult for both parties to apologize, often waiting for the
other to make the first move towards reconciliation.
CRAB MENTALITY
◦ Crab Mentality" is a harmful trait observed among Filipinos where individuals
resent the success of others rather than celebrating it. This behavior is akin to
crabs in a container pulling each other down, hindering progress and ruining
reputations. The solution is to shift the focus away from undermining others
and instead work on self-improvement by addressing one's own inadequacies.
FILIPINO TIME
◦ Filipino Time" is a common behavior where Filipinos tend to arrive late at
commitments, dinners, and parties, especially when meeting close friends and
family. Punctuality is often not observed, leading to adjusted schedules and
everyone arriving at the delayed time, contributing to the notion of "Filipino
time."
FILIPINO MARKERS
◦ He hallmarks of being a Filipino and what makes people relish in their Filipino
identity include cultural attributes, such as strong family bonds, hospitality,
resilience in the face of adversity, and a deep sense of community. These
elements serve as constant reminders of their nationality and contribute to a
sense of Filipino pride and identity.
PROVERBS OR SALAWIKAIN
◦ Filipino proverbs, known as "Salawikain," are sayings that impart wisdom and
insights into Filipino customs, beliefs, and traditions. They serve as a means to
pass down valuable lessons and reflect the cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Damiana Eugenio, often referred to as the Mother of Philippine Folklore, made
significant contributions in preserving and studying these proverbs.
◦ A.Proverbs expressing a general attitude towards life and the laws that govern
life;
◦ B. Ethical recommending certain virtues and condemning certain vices;
◦ C. Proverbs expressing a system of values
◦ D. Proverbs expressing general truths and observations about life and human
nature
◦ E. Humorous proverbs; and
◦ F. Miscellaneous proverbs. An example of a Filipino proverbs is the saying
"kung may tiyaga may nilaga." which means that hard work will be rewarded.
SUPERSTITIONS
◦ Filipinos hold a variety of superstitions that have been passed down through
generations. These beliefs, often influenced by other cultures, have been
adapted to Filipino experiences. For example, one superstition warns against
women singing while cooking, suggesting they'll end up unmarried or
"spinster." Another superstition advises against taking pictures in groups of
three, as it is believed that the person in the center will die. These superstitions
reflect the rich tapestry of Filipino cultural beliefs and traditions.
MYTHS AND LEGENDS
◦ The Philippines has a wealth of myths and legends that explain the origins of
various things and offer valuable lessons. One renowned legend recounts the
pineapple's origin, featuring a lazy girl named Pina who always asked for
things without looking for them. Her mother's wish for Pina to have eyes on
her face led to her disappearance, leaving behind a fruit with "eyes" around its
body, which became known as the "pineapple." This story highlights the
creative and imaginative nature of Filipino folklore.
HEROES AND ICONS
◦ Heroes in the Philippines are revered for their sacrifices in the name of
patriotism and nationalism, with a dedicated day each year to honor their
bravery and resilience. This celebration falls on the last Monday of August.
Renowned Filipino icons like Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, and the national
hero Jose Rizal have played crucial roles in elevating the Filipino name on the
global stage, showcasing their expertise and contributions.
HOW TO BE A GOOD FILIPINO
◦ Now you know that your traits and values are
important indicators of your being Filipino, the
problem now is how to truly become one and how
you can be useful to the development and progress
of your country. Below are a few ways on how you
can practice nationalism and patriotism:
 BE AN ACTIVE FILIPINO CITIZEN
◦ Being a responsible Filipino citizen involves staying informed
about current events and actively participating in government
programs aimed at the country's progress. Exercising your right to
vote is a crucial part of this civic duty, as it allows every Filipino
citizen of legal age, regardless of their socio-economic status, to
have a say in selecting leaders who genuinely care for the nation's
well-being.
STUDY THE PHILIPPINE HISTORY
◦ Studying Philippine history, with its long and tumultuous journey,
provides insights into the importance of loving one's country,
offering assistance to fellow Filipinos, and recognizing political
power abuses. It serves as a valuable source of understanding,
emphasizing the significance of these principles in shaping a
responsible and informed Filipino citizen.
SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCTS
◦ Supporting local products not only benefits local manufacturers
and businesses but also bolsters the local economy. Increased
demand for local goods leads to job creation and new employment
opportunities. Moreover, when business owners invest in the
country, they are more likely to stay. This support showcases the
creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness of the local community,
contributing to a thriving and self-sustaining economy.
SPEAK THE FILIPINO LANGUAGES
◦ Speaking the Filipino language is a significant way to express love
for one's country, as emphasized by Jose Rizal. It serves as a
distinct marker of Filipino identity. The use of Filipino as an
instructional language and translating textbooks into Filipino has
been debated for years, but strict implementation is yet to be
realized. Nevertheless, promoting the use of the national language
remains important in preserving and celebrating Filipino culture
and heritage.
DO NOT SPREAD FAKE NEWS
AND BE DEMOCRATIC IN ENGAGING
WITH DESCENT
◦ In the age of the internet, Filipinos must be cautious about
spreading fake news and approach political dissent democratically.
While the internet facilitates communication, it has also led to the
proliferation of misinformation. Engaging in political arguments
with people worldwide is common, but being a responsible Filipino
involves verifying information before sharing it and engaging in
debates with tolerance and intelligent discourse instead of resorting
to name-calling. This is essential for fostering a responsible and
informed digital citizenship.
◦THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING GODBLESS
EVERYONE❤