Lesson 3 - Chapter 1 - Filipino Influences Traits and Characteristics

-To discuss and recognize and compare positive and negative Filipino traits
-Identify and appreciate Filipino values
-To determine the positive character or traits that Identify Filipinos, as well as the negative values. And
the values orientation
CHAPTER I
FILIPINO INFLUENCES TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS
The Philippine is the meeting point for cultures from all over Asia and Pacific because it has been a
crossroads between east and west and the merging of cultures reflects the country’s culture and its
people. It comes from various ethno - linguistic groups that are native to the islands or migrants from
various Asia-Pacific regions, Filipino are the people who are naturally born to or recognized with the
Philippine country.
China, the United States, and Spain mainly influence the modern Filipino identity. Though Filipinos are
racially similar to Malays but in terms of culture they are more like the Spaniards. Thus, it could be
claimed that Filipino are the most hot-bloodied and brave citizens, the Philippines has its opposing
values and labels, it is believed by the Filipinos that the country have the best values in the world.
Though it has experienced colonization by several countries, but the core values it has gained from the
Filipino ancestors remained intact and are still honoured today like the bayanihan or spirit of kinship and
camaraderie implanted by Malay ancestors and close family ties inherited by the Chinese ascendants.
THE MOST WILL - KNOWN TRAITS AND ATTITUDES OF THE FILIPINO
POSITIVE TRAITS

I. Hospitality
Hospitality is a trait displayed by every Filipino, characterized by heart-warming generosity and
friendliness exhibited to foreigners and locals alike.
Filipinos are well-known for being hospitable. This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos.
Most foreigners who have gone to the Philippines fell in love with the warm hospitality they have
experienced while staying in the country. This is a kind of value system which has existed in the country
thousand of years ago. Good things is that the hospitality of the Filipinos is not only shown to the
foreigners but to its fellow Filipino as well.
Hospitality of Filipinos is shown in the following sample situations;
1. When a person visits friends house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome. The
host will immediately let their visitor sit down and will prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks for
the visitor. The host will insist that the friend not leave the house with an empty stomach. A host
will always make sure you had a great time visiting them.
2. People offer their guest room to visitors if they’re going to spend the night
3. Meals offered to guests are very special. A host always finds a way to prepare great tasting food
that her visitor wants to eat.

II. Respect
This is often observed not just by younger people but also by people of all ages. In the
Philippines, respect for one’s elders is a tradition.
 1. Po and Opo - these words are spoken by the Filipinos when talking to elders, or in order to show
respect to persons in authority. These Filipino words mean “ yes,” when answering or talking to
the elders.
2. Pagmamano - another way of showing respect to the elders when greeting them. This is done by
putting their elders hands on their forehands
3. Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to their employers

III. Strong Family Ties and Religions

Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the
generations. Families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a
strong bond, marking God as the center of their lives. Filipino believe in only one God and majority of
the population are Catholics. It is a value system of the Filipinos to pray before eating, going to bed,
before the start of meeting, conferences of program, gathering, etc.
On weekends, most Filipino families make sure to have quality time together by watching
television or eating a family meal, watch movies or going to beach resorts.

IV. Generosity and Helpfulness

Aside from being hospitable, Filipinos are also well-known for being generous. They share what
they have to the people around them even when they only have little.
These could be felt during birthdays, weddings or fiesta ( party). when visitors came to celebrate
great tasting special foods are specially prepared for everyone. It is shared by friends, families or even
strangers.
When you will be in trouble, Filipinos cannot refuse to help you. They are always willing to assist
you or lend a hand.

V. Strong Work Ethics

Another good thing most Filipino have is being hardworking people. They are always willing to
work almost the whole day to provide the needs of their families. Filipino farmers though earning so
little but they work harder with not much compensation.
Aside fro their regular work, Filipinos always find creative ways to look for other sources of
income like creating a small business from their home where they sell foods and other items for the
convenience of their neighbors.
VI. Loving and Caring
Because of their generosity, hospitality and religiosity, Filipinos are found to be the sweetest and
most loving people in the world.
It is expressed by both foreigner and Filipino women that most Filipino men are so sweet and
romantic when it comes to love. They will send their beloved flowers, bring ńher to a very romantic
place, text her sweet quotes and tell often how special she is to them. Filipino women are also romantic
and very caring, which often makes some foreigners want to marry them. Women tend to prepare
dinner before their husband comes home. They love, and value the relationship, always staying faithful
to their husbands. They love deeply and sincerely.

NEGATIVE TRAITS OF FILIPINOS

1. Fatalism ( “ Bahala Na” or “ Come what May” Attitude)
When Filipinos are facing difficulties and shortcomings they have this attitude leaving it up to
God to sort things out. An attitude of “ What Goes Around Comes Around”. Filipinos have a tendency to
surrender the future to luck. They have that strong confidence that everything will work out in his
interest without doing anything. Filipinos often accepts bad news or circumstances without trying to stop
or change them. This can sometimes be helpful in adversity, but it can also keep us from finding ways out
of situations.Also, constantly expecting the worst can get pretty depressing.
2. Mańana Habit ( Procrastination)
True blood Filipinos have the attitude of causing delays in accomplishing things or making
transactions. When not interested or not in the mood, they wait or reserve until tomorrow or the next
day to finish what they are doing or meeting their transactions. However, there are some Filipinos
nowadays who take their time in doing things or in making decisions promptly. There are some who are
habitually late or not showing up at all. There are few Filipinos who are punctual for social meetings. In
fact, it is not expected of them to arrive exactly on time especially at a party.
The “ Bahala na” Attitude is the outcome of the “mańana habit” when the tasks are left undone.
This is usually shown and even expressed by people who do not care much of what lies ahead and just
leave everything in fate.
3. Crab Mentality
This is an attitude of some Filipinos where they tend to push each other down to clear the way for
their own gain. Filipino people with this kind of mentality or attitude try their best to ruin each other,
either by making issues against the other for him to turn out bad to the public or to the company or
organization so that people will gradually put distance and loss their confidence and trust that
eventually result to their replacement.
4. Hypocrisy
This is a trait of the Filipino where criticisms to others failure to live with the moral standards of the
society are inevitable. In the Philippines morality is set by the traditional society. However, as no one is
perfect, many of us are not actually able to sustain these standards.
The fear of being an outcast has forced a lot of people to live a double standard life. To hide our
failure in following a norm, we tend to be condemning those who are caught red handed. A perfect
example could be the criticisms faced by those who become pregnant outside marriage. The sad fact
behind this scenario is that some of these critics could have actually engaged in premarital sex too-only
that no proof is visible.
5. Ningas Cogon
 Most Filipino are very good at the start when doing something. Nevertheless, after a few hours or
days, that excitement to do or accomplish something is lost we and become too lazy finish were have
started.
6. Tardiness ( Filipino time )
Only in the Philippines that we have the so-called “ Filipino time” but not exactly referring to the
Philippine standard time, but then again we use it to refer the “tardiness” of the persons that we are
waiting or who keeps on coming late to the set time schedule of events. Instead of being something to
be proud of, “Filipino time’ brings a negative impression to our people. When the invitation says the
program will start at 7pm, it is expected to begin at 9pm. This has not only caused conflicts in
relationships, it also discourages others including foreigner from getting involved in supposedly
productive activities as too much time can be wasted on waiting.
7. Gossiping
Filipino are fond of talking about others business. It is not true that only woman are into gossiping.
Even men can also be nosy on other peoples lives. Secrets are brought out;failures and flaws are
emphasized; and relationships are destroyed. Worse, as gossips are passed around, they tend to be
twisted until the final story becomes too far from the original-thus, causing more damage.
8. Blaming
Filipinos can sometimes be too self-righteous. When mistakes happen, we do not want to take the
blame, we lack humanity to accept our failures, and instead we point at others. This attitude destroys
team work,and reliability becomes an issue.
9. Selfishness ( being insensitive of others)
Most Filipino are insensitive to the needs and situations of others. This could be an outcome of
having too many problems that Filipinos are facing and the tendency on their own needs first before
others.
10. Disobedience to Simple Rules and Instructions
Some Filipinos of the understanding of the purpose of laws and ordinances have inability to
observe and follow them. Consequently, crime victimization and accident rate in the Philippines are
constantly rising, poverty is getting more rampant and lifestyle development is relaxed.
11. Attention Taker
Filipino are fun and people loving race. Thus, attracting attention is natural for them.
Nevertheless, it is a different thing to be an “epal” or “ Kapalmuks”- simply being an attention grabber.
Sometimes, in our desperate need to be the center of attention, we do things that are already
embarrassing like butting in conversations as a know-it-all or by being scandalous. This habit is also
common to our politicians.instead of prioritizing their duty to give the best service to the people, they
rather prioritize their thick faces to grab attention that will bring them more chance of winning in the
next election. But thanks to our vigilant netizen, this kind of politicians earns more, shame than fame.
12. Being onion-skinned or too sensitive
Another habit or attitude that we need to change is our being too proud which usually results to
being oversensitive. If we think highly of ourselves, then we have the tendency to put a wall around us
and that a signboard on our forehead saying, “I must be respected.” Therefore, when someone makes a
joke or a not so positive comment about us, we feel like we are not respected and we get offended. If all
people in the country do not know how to accept constructive criticism, then we can never expect unity.
13. Living beyond their means ( social climbing)
One of the best reasons why a lot of Filipino live in poverty is because of overspending. Since
most people want to live an elite lifestyle, many resort to social climbing or living beyond their means.
Sometimes, some of us think that as long as we wear designer clothes and shoes, and we send our
children to the most expensive schools, it is alright to be swimming in credits and loans.
14. Passivity ( lack of leadership)
Filipinos lack of initiative for change is also one reason why our country does not progress. We
keep on complaining against the government and other societal issues. However, we do not do anything
about them. One of our excuses is the lack of faith that our small actions can bring change. However, the
worse reason for this could be our lack of care for what is happening around us. Common Filipinos also
lack courage and confidence. If you can notice it, in classrooms, churches, or conference rooms, most of
us don’t like to sit in the front seat.
15. Other Negative Traits
Some Filipino women give birth at an early age 16 ( Teenage Pregnancy). Some just don’t mind
their own business. Some have many bad habits, like drinking, smoking etc. Some poor teenagers engage
in prostitution. There are many broken families. A lot of bad words to choose from which Filipinos just
can’t avoid saying those. Most Filipinos tend to be with friends most of the time than to be with their
parents.

FILIPINO CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY

THREE MAIN TRAITS UNDERSCORING FILIPINO VALUES
( Excepted from the Philippines Australia Business Council)
 1. Personalism
Filipinos valued interpersonal relationship. It is firmly believed that harmonious personal
relationship is the key to successful endeavour. Amicable settlement of dispute is the primary means of
restoring broken relationship and face-to-face open forum is considered once conflict is recognized in an
organization or the community.
2. Familialism
Filipinos are family-oriented. Development programs and projects in the community are
concentrated on the family. Decision on matters is centered on the welfare and best interest o the family
rather than on the betterment and interest of some individuals. The mistakes committed by a family
member affects the credibility and of the immediate members of the family and relatives.
3. Particularism
Displayed behaviour by the individuals may it be good bad is blamed against the family. It is
based on the principle that home is the cradle of human personality and character that is, the product of
goodness is always good and those who are moulded in wickedness, will always show-off badness.
Individuals strive to promote their own and their family interests over community interests.
On the other hand, knowing how to entertain people ( marunong umasikaso ng kapwa) is
important Conformity to proper codes of conduct reaps the rewards of cooperation and assistance; non-
conformity is punished by withdrawal of support.
FILIPINO VALUES ORIENTATION
Values Orientation - is the approach that may influence work or social relationships by persons
relating to objects, events and ideas.
THREE MAIN OBLIGATIONS UNDERLYING FILIPINO VALUE ORIENTATION
The relational or face-to-face interactions and their resulting responsibilities are called
interpersonal obligations. This is in relations to the value in Filipino cultural orientation, the personalism.
Pakikiramay,pakikisama, bayanihan, and galang are the natureof the interpersonal relationships that are
inherent to the pure-blooded Filipino people.
1. Pakikiramay
It is in the Filipino value of going out of the way to help, without being asked, i.e.,unsolicited help.
2. Pakikisama ( Smooth Interpersonal Relations)
Regardless whether someone’s views are agreeable or not, Filipinos are capable of getting
along with it. Camaraderie, trust, confidence, and loyalty are enhanced and developed by this Filipino
value.
3. Bayanihan
As mentioned in the preceding topics, Filipinos are able to render services and generous
enough to extend help without compensation.-somebody can request help in time of need from those to
whom it is extended.
4. Galang
Filipinos are basically oriented to revere to the opinions of elders, peers, or those in authority,
during important discussions during social encounters. Verbal clash or any sign or extreme familiarity in
public meetings is a sign of disrespect to elders or persons in authority.

Now lets proceed on Chapter I - Filipino Influences Traits and Characteristics

--we all know that there are different countries who visited our land during ancient times.Bringing items
or products is one of their primary roles or that what we called trading. And because of that foreignmen
or visitors it influence our character traits.
We have the most will-known traits and attitudes of the Filipino
in Positive traits..
we have Hospitality, it is characterized by heart warming generousity and friendliness exhibited to
foreigners and locals alike..
--isa sa pinaka kilalang katangian ng mga Filipino ay ang mabuting pakikitungo sa kapwa, dayuhan man o
kauri. halimbawa nalamang kapag meroon tayong bisita, ipinaghahanda natin ito ng masasarap na
pagkaen, inumin at gayoon din ang maayos na matutuluyan. at kapag aalis ay may pabaon pang bagay o
ano mang alaala ng pagbisita
Second one is the Word..
we as a Filipino is unique in different aspect of life, like respect that cannot be compared from the
others. we greet as a sign of respect, we kiss the hand or head as a sign of respect. the use of words
like..opo,po,as a sign of respect for the elders while we are communicating or talking to them,
"pagmamano" another way of showing respect for the elders, done by putting hand of elders on the
forehands of the young ones...other that that is we bow to give respect for our boss or our employers.
Strong family ties and religions
--we as a Filipino valued our families because we ten to keep families intact through generation, we go to
church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond, making God as a
center of our live..
--tayong mga Filipino ay malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa pamilya,bata palang tayo ay isinasama na tayo ng
ating mga magulang upang magsimba sapagkat isa ito sa paraan upang lalong tumibay ang samahan ng
pamilya, dahil itinuturing ang diyos bilang sintro ng ating buhay.
Generosity and helpfulness...
---one of the will known character of Filipino is generosity and helpfulness..we give help without asking
and we share our foods