Filipino Culture Identity: Our Peculiar Values and Traits

Every country has its own standardized, and the Philippines is no exception. Philippines is an island country of Southeast Asia located in the Western Pacific Ocean. It contains a various set of languages, traditions, landscapes and cultures. Despite the fact that our country has been colonized by several countries, our core values and traits from our forefathers still stay alive. Filipinos are sometimes known as being procrastinator. However, it is an undeniable fact that we have our peculiar values and traits that every one of us should be proud of.

Communal Unity (Bayanihan). In the Philippines, we promote a culture of collaboration and empowerment of every individual through teamwork, innovation and action. The sense of unity and solidarity lives within the heart of every Filipinos. This trait is particularly visible among the people within every barangay (baryo) that share their foods with their neighbors. Another is the fishermen who would sail in groups and help each other haul in nets full of bounty from the seas.  In times of calamity, an empty stomach for those victims is inevitable. Nevertheless, through this communal unity the government officials and non-officials give donations and medical assistance to those who suffer. Even now in this pandemic, we showcase this trait even with great distance. It really runs through the veins of every Filipino wherever we are, even in abroad, the essence of communal unity will never disappear.

Hospitality (Mabuting Pakikitungo). One of the most popular traits for the Filipinos that still exist even for a longer time, is being hospitable for every tourist who visits the country. You will surely see this trait whenever you step your feet in our country. Filipinos will start the day with a loudly and energetic yell of “Mabuhay!” at the airport, hotel, restaurants or any place within the country. It means Filipinos offer their warm hearts with open arms to welcome their visitors. In addition, a blessed family would be typically welcome their guests by preparing some meals with the phrase of “Feel at home” as it is a sign to ensure that they are at ease during their stay. Not just that, they will also insist to offer their guest room if they are going to spend the night. Hospitality is definitely a trademark of Filipinos, whoever you are, you will entirely accept by our nation. 

    Resilient (Matatag). The uncontrollable arrival of destructive typhoons causes ruckus to Filipinos at the same time the global outbreak of pandemic that recently arises added to the burden of our country’s dilemma. Many lives were lost, the establishments were put into shutdown, people became unemployed, families were seeking for food and many starved to death. Despite the turmoil that the Philippines has been facing off. The Filipinos learn to embrace these unmanageable phenomena with a smile on their faces. It is true that the resiliency of the Filipino is undeniably exceptional. Just like the bamboo that is not shaken by the wind gust, the Filipino’s irrepressible spirit will never sway off.

Perseverance (Matiyaga). The perseverance of our Filipino farmers cannot deter even the blistering heat from the sun or the torrential rain that clouds drop. The dedication that they show to provide agricultural products for our country is indeed amazing. This value is also obviously seen in our ancestors who built our famous Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordillera 2000 years ago without any machinery or equipment being used. Only the bare hands did our ancestors apply with persevering and hardworking power for this splendid masterpiece. In addition, our modern heroic Overseas Filipino Workers that have been serving their employer is another proof that we are perseverant. Despite the fact that they are adapting to their environment, they can still be persistent to finish their job and offer their best-quality of service that they could make. And lastly, our medical frontliners that gave their thorough efforts to aid our fellow Filipinos who are infected with the COVID-19. It is accurate that no hardship can deter the innate perseverance of Filipinos.

No one is perfect, Filipinos are not too. Although we have some negative attitudes, fact remains that we are one of the countries that have the best characters. Moreover, these peculiar values and traits of Filipinos should be preserve as it is a manifestation of our identity.