CHAPTER 6: CULTURE – THE FILIPINO WAY
The Filipino Culture
Despite a string of largely unsympathetic rulers, the turbulent history of the Philippines
has nonetheless managed to produce a friendly, resilient, family-oriented, deeply
religious and artistic population, most of whom are indigenous, Spanish or of mixed
heritage.
The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish
Catholic traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos
are family oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and
food.
Filipinos are also hospitable people who love to have a good time. This often includes
getting together to sing, dance, and eat. The annual calendar is packed with festivals,
many of which combine costumes and rituals from the nation’s pre-Christian past with
the Catholic beliefs and ideology of present day.
6.2 Filipino Cultural Identity/Way
Compassionate
A Filipino trait of being sympathetic to others even if the person is a stranger. An
example of this is giving alms to beggar. This is observed when we hear Filipinos saying
“kawawa naman or nakakaawa naman”.
Hard Work and Industry
With resourcefulness comes hard work. Filipinos are very determined and
persevering in accomplishing whatever they set their minds to. Filipinos over the years
have proven time and time again that they are a people with an industrious attitude. Sadly,
this is seen by others as Filipinos being only useful as domestic helpers, working abroad
to help their families in the country. This is also present in the country’s workforce
particularly the farmers. Even with little support, technological weaknesses and the
country’s seasonal typhoons, the Filipino farmer still strives to earn their daily meal.
Spirit of Kinship and Camaraderie
A Filipino community spirit and cooperation wherein a group of individuals extends
a helping hand without expecting any remuneration. It is characterized by communal work
towards one goal exemplified in carrying a nipa house or pushing a passenger jeepney.
Ability to Survive
The Filipinos as a people who have been constantly under the rule of numerous
powerful countries has over time, developed a sense of resourcefulness or the ability to
survive with whatever they have. They have the extraordinary ability to make something
The Filipino Culture
Despite a string of largely unsympathetic rulers, the turbulent history of the Philippines
has nonetheless managed to produce a friendly, resilient, family-oriented, deeply
religious and artistic population, most of whom are indigenous, Spanish or of mixed
heritage.
The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish
Catholic traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos
are family oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and
food.
Filipinos are also hospitable people who love to have a good time. This often includes
getting together to sing, dance, and eat. The annual calendar is packed with festivals,
many of which combine costumes and rituals from the nation’s pre-Christian past with
the Catholic beliefs and ideology of present day.
6.2 Filipino Cultural Identity/Way
Compassionate
A Filipino trait of being sympathetic to others even if the person is a stranger. An
example of this is giving alms to beggar. This is observed when we hear Filipinos saying
“kawawa naman or nakakaawa naman”.
Hard Work and Industry
With resourcefulness comes hard work. Filipinos are very determined and
persevering in accomplishing whatever they set their minds to. Filipinos over the years
have proven time and time again that they are a people with an industrious attitude. Sadly,
this is seen by others as Filipinos being only useful as domestic helpers, working abroad
to help their families in the country. This is also present in the country’s workforce
particularly the farmers. Even with little support, technological weaknesses and the
country’s seasonal typhoons, the Filipino farmer still strives to earn their daily meal.
Spirit of Kinship and Camaraderie
A Filipino community spirit and cooperation wherein a group of individuals extends
a helping hand without expecting any remuneration. It is characterized by communal work
towards one goal exemplified in carrying a nipa house or pushing a passenger jeepney.
Ability to Survive
The Filipinos as a people who have been constantly under the rule of numerous
powerful countries has over time, developed a sense of resourcefulness or the ability to
survive with whatever they have. They have the extraordinary ability to make something
