NARRATIVE ESSAY
The Philippines, like any other country, has its own set of values and norms. We Filipinos
are convinced that our country possesses the best traits and characteristics in the world. Despite
the fact that we have been colonized by several countries, many of our ancestors' core values
have survived and are still honored today. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great qualities
that each of us should be proud of.
I believe I have both good and bad Filipino character traits. Good qualities include being
hospitable, respectful, helpful, optimistic, diligent and patient, having collective pride, and
having a strong faith in God. I am hospitable just because I'm a very welcoming person; no
matter who I eventually meet, I will always welcome him or her. When it comes to visitors and
guests, I would welcome them into my home and provide them with food. I am respectful
because whenever I address someone, regardless of their age, social status etc., I always use "po"
and "opo" as a sign of respect, especially to the elderly. I am optimistic because even when I am
in despair and/or something serious or negative is happening to me or the people around me, I
nevertheless anticipate and hope for a better future. I am diligent and patient because I am
hardworking; as a student, I tend to dedicate every work I do for myself and for the people I
love, and I don't easily give up on things; if I fail at something, I will try again and again until I
am satisfied. I have collective pride because I am happy for the accomplishments of others,
especially those close to me, such as my friends. Lastly, I have a strong faith in God. I've been
through a lot, especially the past year, but I'm still here, alive and well, because of my faith in
God.
I presume I have crab mentality and colonial mentality, both of which are negative
characteristics of Filipinos. Crab mentality, yes, I am happy for other people's accomplishments,
but we all have what we call internalized misogyny, which leads to putting down other people or
myself. Colonial mentality, on the other hand, because I am more knowledgeable about other
countries than my own.
These Filipino character traits, or simply being Filipino, help me balance things and the
people around me, or do they? I can live in harmony with these, and it helps me become a better
version of myself. Because I am aware of the traits and characteristics that I possess, I am able to
contribute goodness, kindness, and a small amount of change to society in my own simple ways.
I also believe that being Filipino, or any other nationality or race, has no direct effect on who I
am, because not only Filipinos possess the characteristics that I do. Furthermore, knowing that I
possess these characteristics increases my self-esteem. And I believe that what really affects
myself is my free will; it will always depend on the decisions that I make for myself, and I
choose to be better every single day because I believe in a better future for the youth and for all
of us.
The Philippines, like any other country, has its own set of values and norms. We Filipinos
are convinced that our country possesses the best traits and characteristics in the world. Despite
the fact that we have been colonized by several countries, many of our ancestors' core values
have survived and are still honored today. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great qualities
that each of us should be proud of.
I believe I have both good and bad Filipino character traits. Good qualities include being
hospitable, respectful, helpful, optimistic, diligent and patient, having collective pride, and
having a strong faith in God. I am hospitable just because I'm a very welcoming person; no
matter who I eventually meet, I will always welcome him or her. When it comes to visitors and
guests, I would welcome them into my home and provide them with food. I am respectful
because whenever I address someone, regardless of their age, social status etc., I always use "po"
and "opo" as a sign of respect, especially to the elderly. I am optimistic because even when I am
in despair and/or something serious or negative is happening to me or the people around me, I
nevertheless anticipate and hope for a better future. I am diligent and patient because I am
hardworking; as a student, I tend to dedicate every work I do for myself and for the people I
love, and I don't easily give up on things; if I fail at something, I will try again and again until I
am satisfied. I have collective pride because I am happy for the accomplishments of others,
especially those close to me, such as my friends. Lastly, I have a strong faith in God. I've been
through a lot, especially the past year, but I'm still here, alive and well, because of my faith in
God.
I presume I have crab mentality and colonial mentality, both of which are negative
characteristics of Filipinos. Crab mentality, yes, I am happy for other people's accomplishments,
but we all have what we call internalized misogyny, which leads to putting down other people or
myself. Colonial mentality, on the other hand, because I am more knowledgeable about other
countries than my own.
These Filipino character traits, or simply being Filipino, help me balance things and the
people around me, or do they? I can live in harmony with these, and it helps me become a better
version of myself. Because I am aware of the traits and characteristics that I possess, I am able to
contribute goodness, kindness, and a small amount of change to society in my own simple ways.
I also believe that being Filipino, or any other nationality or race, has no direct effect on who I
am, because not only Filipinos possess the characteristics that I do. Furthermore, knowing that I
possess these characteristics increases my self-esteem. And I believe that what really affects
myself is my free will; it will always depend on the decisions that I make for myself, and I
choose to be better every single day because I believe in a better future for the youth and for all
of us.
