FILIPINO
by Antonio C. Antonio
August 25, 2014
What is so unique about the Filipino that sets him apart
from the rest? Like most of the peoples
of the world, the Filipino also has weaknesses… but, since everybody has
weaknesses anyway, allow me to just focus on the Filipino strengths. I am sure there are more you could add after
reading this article…
Family Orientation:
Most societies limit their family ties to 3 filial generations
(therefore, grandparents, parents and siblings). The Filipino has a widely extended family but
in spite of this, expresses deep love and concern for this huge family circle. Respect and honor is always given to elders
as generosity is offered to a kin in need. Only in the Philippines will you
hear of people talking about string of relationships… 2nd, 3rd,
4th, or even 5th-degree cousins.
Deeply Religious: The
Filipino is deeply religious. It is his
understanding of the concept of good and evil that makes him adopt a high
ethical standard as well. Whatever
religion and spirituality he possesses, the Filipino is always true to his
faith. Even tragic events are viewed in
a highly religions manner… therefore: everything is God’s Will. This is a coping mechanism which makes the
acceptance of tragic events and moving on easier.
Hard Work and Industry:
The only reason why the Filipino could not succeed in his own country
are the social-political-economic barriers which keeps him poor and
challenged. But in a society where there
is equal opportunity, his success is a “given”.
Filipinos here and (especially) abroad even take 1 or 2 more jobs to
maximize his time. The Filipinos is
never lazy… he just lacks the opportunity to show his ability and brilliance.
Adaptability and Creativity:
The Filipino has a proven capacity to adapt to life-changing events, and
to his environment and surrounding. The
Filipino who migrates and merge with other societies have more often coped with
his new environs (both social and physical).
He is normally unfazed by changes since he possesses a strong tolerance
for ambiguity. His willingness to
sacrifice and learn makes integration to a new lifestyle or way of life
faster. The Filipino way of life, characterized
by poor existence makes it easier for him to cope with new found luxury or does
not mind temporary hardships. His
creativity and "remedio" mentality makes it easy for him to survive
in a highly commercialized world where everything is throw-away and DIY
(do-it-yourself).
Survivability: Throw
a Filipino in the desert, the frigid north or south poles, or alone in a
deserted island and he will survive and adapt faster than most people of
different race. This is the survival
ability and tolerance that decades of hardships has given him. While others will become hopeless and
petrified into inaction and, perhaps die where they sit, the Filipino will rise
to the occasion and challenge and find ways and means to live longer with an
endless chain of hope for salvation.
“Pakikipag-Kapwa Tao” or a deep sense of Fellowship with Others: The Filipino always treat others with respect
and dignity; with a deep sense of justice and fairness for others; and, with a
natural tendency to empathize with others.
Nowhere in the world could the “bayanihan” spirit (the willingness to
things collectively out of one’s kindness of heart) be found except in the
Philippines.
Filipino Hospitality:
Ask any foreign tourist what he thinks about the Filipino people and he
will most certainly say that he is very impressed by the hospitality he has
been shown.
“Pakiramdam” or Sensitivity:
The Filipino is always sensitive to the feeling of others. More often, he would offer the best of what
he can offer to others. Oftentimes too,
he would think less of himself and think more of others.
“Pagtitiwala” or Trust.
The Filipino is very trusting and very dependent on interpersonal
relationship which gives him a sense of security and belonging. Ask any Filipino and he will always describe
himself as belonging to an organization, formal or non-formal. His social and developed sense of camaraderie
is rooted on these organizations which he trusts with his life.
Humor: The Filipino
has the ability to make jokes out of any conceivable event and almost anything
under the sun. Oftentimes, he will be
seen laughing away at jokes at wakes and funeral processions. Through life’s ups and downs, the Filipino
can still manage to smile (or even laugh) at his own trials and
tribulations. This humorous view of life
is a playful coping mechanism to the fortunes and misfortunes of life. This also provides him with a capacity to
survive and laugh through problems. If
there is one person who could readily laugh at himself and not feel guilty
about it, it’s the Filipino.
Bravery and Daring:
The Filipino is a very daring breed.
Nowhere in the world will you find people who are willing to offer their
mortal bodies as barricades to tanks as manifested in the EDSA Revolution. In February 1986, the whole world watched and
marvelled at the bravery and daring of the Filipino. It showed that the negative attitude of
“bahala na”, mixed with nationalistic fervor, can also be a positive trait of
the Filipino.
Just my little thoughts…
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