write a short essay about filipino values and traditions brainly

12 Positive Filipino Traits and Values

The Philippines is known for its amazing sights, delicious food , colorful history, and unique culture. But at the heart of it all is the Filipinos themselves — a group of people who are recognized globally for their skills, talents, creativity, and positive attitude.

List of Positive Pinoy Traits and Values

1. hospitality.

Hands down, this is perhaps the Filipinos’ most recognizable trait. The moment you enter a Pinoy’s home, you can expect to be treated as if you are part of the family! They will go out of their way to provide you with food, comfortable accommodations, and generally make sure that you have an enjoyable stay.

2. Creativity

The list of popular Filipino singers, dancers, painters, animators, fashion designers, and other artists is definitely a long one! With a passion for videoke, for example, it’s really not surprising that many Filipinos become world-famous singers!

Here’s another example: If you go to the town of Paete in Laguna province — you will find that there are many homegrown artists with immense talents in drawing, painting, and sculpting. The town is popular for its wood works and handicrafts, an industry that requires “artistic” skills.

These are just a few examples of the vast talent and creativity that most Filipinos have, no matter what industry they are in.

3. Helpfulness

4. good work ethics.

When it comes to work, Filipinos are diligent and tend to go the extra mile, wherever they may be. This could be the reason why most employers, including those overseas, prefer to hire Filipinos. They are hardworking and like to give their best in the workplace.

5. Adaptability

Perhaps another reason why there are so many OFWs around the world is because of their adaptability. Indeed, wherever you go — be it in Europe, Asia, North or South America — you are likely to encounter a fellow Pinoy somewhere. Many have adapted well to their place of work, and some have even learned the local language. Indeed, Filipinos are known to be flexible, which is definitely a great trait to have!

6. Respect for Elders

Meanwhile, “homes for the aged” are not so common in the Philippines. Most grandmothers and grandfathers usually stay with their immediate families. This way, they get to enjoy their senior years with their children and grandchildren.

8. Strong Family Ties

There’s no doubt about it, Filipinos are some of the most family-oriented people in the world. It’s common to see families living together in one house (or one compound) — with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, etc. In fact, most cousins grow up together, treating each other almost like siblings! During special occasions, many Filipinos gather for family reunions and get-togethers.

9. Community-Centered

When you read about Filipino history, traditions, and culture, you might encounter a picture of a group of people carrying a “bahay kubo” (small hut) on their backs. This is the classic example of “bayanihan,” a symbol of Filipino unity and cooperation.

11. Cheerfulness and Optimism

If you are abroad, and you happen to encounter a group of Asians who are talking, laughing, and clearly having fun — most likely they are your fellow kababayans .

And last, but certainly not the least, Filipinos are known for their strong faith in God. Majority of the people are Catholic, though there are those who practice Christianity, Islam, and other religions, as well.

Filipinos are generally known for the above traits, wherever they may be in the world. Whether you are based in the Philippines, or you are an OFW living and working in another country, you should be proud of having these traits, which make us unique among all others.

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Be proud of being a Filipino (even if it’s not easy)

Editor’s Note: In celebration of the Philippines’ 117th Independence Day, INQUIRER.net is publishing short essays submitted by our readers.

Gemma Louise Heaton, a teacher at The Lord of Grace Christian School, asked students under her History and Social Studies classes to answer our question: “What’s the best that you have done for our country?” Here are their responses.

‘Be proud of being a Filipino’

What is the best the thing I have done for my country? I actually don’t know because at my age, it is impossible to do something big. Then I realized it isn’t important on how big it is. I think the best thing I’ve done for my country is to be proud that I am a Filipino.

Being proud that I am a Filipino is not quite easy. Sometimes, I even doubt it because of our government. The people have to rally on the streets to get what they want. I feel like it is telling me that we have to go to war first before we can gain peace. When I was in Grade 7, we studied Philippine history. I then appreciated peace. It was not just about the Filipinos fighting the Spanish but how we fought for our independence.

Now, if someone will ask me what is the best thing that I have done for our country, I will tell him or her that I am proud to be a Filipino.

–  Jen Denielle R. Hernandez, Grade 9

‘Give respect’

There are many heroes and heroines who have done big things for the Philippines: Andres Bonifacio, who sacrificed and gave everything for the sake of the Philippines; Melchora Aquino, who risked her life to help the Katipuneros; Dr. Jose Rizal, who is our national hero, and others who sacrificed their lives.

But what is the best thing a 13-year-old girl has done and can do for her country? I am not a mother who is a hero for neither her child nor a father who is a hero for his son. I am just a sophomore student, a girl who knows nothing but to eat, sleep, surf the Internet, watch television and fan-girl over Daniel Padilla. The things I have done for my country so far are to make my parents proud and to give respect. I study to make my parents, as well as my teachers, proud. It is not easy to make a person proud and, at the same time, happy.

I gave relief items to the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” before. Yes, it is a big thing, but for me, giving respect is bigger. It is the biggest thing a 13-year-old girl can do and give. Giving respect, for me, is the sister of loving and loving is the root of caring.

Giving respect is the best thing I have done for my country and for the people around me.

–  Maureen Omanito, Grade 8

‘Study our history, teach it to others’

What’s the best that I have done for my beautiful, loving country? Even if I can’t die for my country like Andres Bonifacio and Dr. Jose Rizal, here are best things that I have done for my country and I will continue to do for my country: In our house, we separate biodegradable, degradable and recyclable trash. For that, I contribute to saving our environment. I also use “ po” and “ opo” because it is one of our Filipino traits well-known by people around the world.

But really, what is the best that I have done for our country? It is to study about its history so that I can teach it to the future young Filipino kids, that they will never forget where they belong. It doesn’t matter if what you’ve done for your country is big or small. Small things can become big things.

You don’t have to die for your country; you can simply do small things that will help the future of the Philippines.

 –  Marie Gold Vivien M. Totanes, Grade 8

‘Do good in school’

When people ask that question, the answer really depends on who you are asking. When you ask an adult, he/she would probably answer something like: “I have donated to charity” or “I have beggars on the street.” But as a sophomore student, and not a financially fortunate one at that, there is only so much I can do.

A lot of people say it doesn’t matter how old you are and stuff like that, “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” But in my perspective, I am just a little girl who is lost in a big world. What is there for a 14-year-old to do that will improve our country? After all the ups and downs in my 14 years of existence, I guess the best I can do is to do good in school, succeed as a student and be an obedient daughter to my family.

If I am an honor student, I can graduate with honors, and graduating with a scholarship is my goal. If I can make to the Dean’s List, I will succeed in the career I want to pursue. If I am going to be a film director in the future, as an adult I can change or improve the country by directing inspirational or motivational films.

– Anna Maria Mikaela Almirez, Grade 8

‘Pray for the nation, embrace our culture’

Praying for our nation is the best I can contribute to our country. When we had our field trip at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, we were told not to fold the bills. By not folding our monetary bills, I am helping our economy. Embracing our culture is one of the best things I can do for our country.

–  Jean Lalaine F. Rubio, Grade 9

‘Help victims of calamities’

I, with my dad and sister, participated in the “World Wide Walk” fund run to help the people who were affected by a typhoon in the Visayas, a run that broke the Guinness World Record for having a huge number of participants. This event helped the victims of the typhoon in Samar and Leyte. If there are more events like this in the future, I’ll be there to participate and help.

–  VJ Bagani R. Villan, Grade 9

‘Save electricity’

I think the best thing I have done for my country is to save electricity since the Philippines has a power supply problem.   By simply turning off appliances when not in use, we are helping the country.

–  Aira Joy L. Bercero, Grade 10

‘Pick up litter’

As a student, the simple things I can do for my country will snowball to bigger things.   Something as simple as picking up candy wrappers affects us all. This should not be taken lightly, as throwing small things can lead to throwing bigger things. By picking up litter, if done little by little, we are also influencing others to do the same.

– Reimart C. Sarmiento, Grade 10

‘Grow up!’

Being a citizen is a little difficult for the reason that you have to follow the rules implemented by your country. We know that people hate to follow them; if you don’t you, could be sent to jail or you will have to pay the price. You have to submit to the authorities. You have to be responsible and you need to contribute in the simplest way that you can do for your country. Actually, as a citizen, you need to be aware and remember a few things or rules.

As a student, I believe the things that I can do for my country are limitless, as long as I believe in myself. Honestly, when I’m at home, I dislike following the house rules; sometimes, even when I am in school. When I’m outside, I throw garbage anywhere. But when I entered high school, I realized I have to stop these practices because it is childish. I need to grow up in order to contribute to my country. So, I started following the rules, regardless of where I am.

Therefore, I conclude that our society has a lot of problems right now and I’m aware there will be a lot more as time goes by. So stop being a burden in our society: Follow rules and submit to our authorities. Our society has a lot to face they may not be able to help you right now. Grow up!

–  Lois Corliss Q. Rivera, Grade 9

‘Make the right decisions’

Choosing what course to take up in college and which school to apply for are the main thoughts of a Grade 10 student like me, taking up exams in the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas. Once we make the right decisions, we are doing the best we can do for our country.

–  Joan Ellaine F. Rubio, Grade 10

OTHER ESSAYS:

There is hope for Manila in Escolta

A nurse’s duty: Service and compassion above all else

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Think & Play Bigger!

30 Filipino Values: Cultural Beliefs that Shape Our Behaviors

Filipino values are cultural beliefs and assumptions about what is socially desirable , and therefore, there are expectations on how one must behave in certain situations. Filipino values are inherently positive, however, some values like utang na loob and pakikisama are often abused. Though the Filipino values system is shared by different ethnic groups, the values are ranked and expressed differently.

Filipino values are taught in school, but they are quickly evolving because of the influence of social media and the changing priorities of Filipinos.

Filipino values influence how we relate with people at home, at church, and in the workplace. Filipinos possess admirable values that, when reinforced, will create a great work culture and authentic leadership . By understanding their values, you can bring out the best in Filipinos.

What are Filipino values?

Filipino values refer to the shared cultural beliefs of what is socially desirable in the way Filipinos deal with each other. These values were cultivated by our experiences as a nation through centuries. This means you can find the origin of our values hundreds of years before the coming of the Spaniards.

Spain colonized us for 400 years. America tried to change the way we look at ourselves for 50 years. We cannot deny that they reshaped some of our values. But our love for the bayan, our people, is based on our being communal.

Filipino values serve as Filipinos’ lenses on how they appreciate the issues around them. To appreciate Filipino culture, begin with their values.

Like all other humans, Filipinos are not conscious of our values because we have internalized them in the process of growing up. We are swimming in values that we do not notice how our decisions are informed by them.

Values are the community standards of what’s valuable. They are the guiding principles of our lives.

We have personal values , which are like lighthouses that tell us what to avoid and what to pursue. And we balance our personal values with communal values.

Since Filipinos are grouped into many islands, dialects, and ethnic groups, some values may be emphasized more in one group than others.

I will describe later 30 Filipino values. You will understand why Filipinos do what they do. Use these values to educate, empower, and motivate Filipinos. Use these values to teach personal development and leadership.

I won’t attempt to be academic. I understand that the younger generation of professionals may find some of the values unfamiliar.

But they’ll surely recognize each when I show the asal (behaviors) that demonstrate each value.

30 Filipino Values

If you want to understand Filipinos, start with our values. You can start with these 30 cultural Filipino values. Each of us carries a different set of values, and we may have a unique way of seeing and understanding each value.

We don’t study all of these in schools. Our parents taught us these as we were growing up. We learned them while playing with other kids. And we caught them while watching adults. It is quickly evolving because of the influence of social media, but the essence of these values remains.

1. Amor Proprio ( Loving Oneself )

Amor propio is means self-love or self-regard. We Filipinos value self-respect. It is related to dangal, which means dignity. We honor our words, and we fight for our honor . It is also related to the Filipino term hiya I will explain below.

The greatest love of all, according to Whitney Houston, is loving yourself. Every line of that song tells us about Amor Propio.

Because the greatest love of all Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all Inside of me The greatest love of all Is easy to achieve Learning to love yourself It is the greatest love of all

Amor Propio is a Spanish phrase. We used the phrase, but we did not inherit the value. That’s because Filipinos, like many Asians, value themselves. They have high regard for themselves. They respect themselves as they respect others ( kapwa-tao ).

When the Spaniards went to the Philippines, they were looking for slaves. the Filipinos, on the other hand, offered themselves as allies.

During the American colonialization in the Philippines, there was an effort to paint love for self in a negative light.

Our ancestors were told that too much of this is kayabangan (something that colonizers often say) and that our sense of hiya prevents us from reaching our potential.

This is why when a person is shy, he is called mahiyain. A criminal is walang-hiya (shameless) and kahiya-hiya (shameful).

But hiya means self-regard.

In the workplace, Filipinos do not want to be embarrassed. They resent being shouted at. And they also do not want to embarrass others.

When I was young, I often hear Nonoy Zuniga’s Doon lang. When I was young, I saw the value of education as a way to earn dangal. If you like listening to old songs, you can find Doon Lang on Youtube .

Amor propio is a Filipino value that we bring with us everywhere. And everywhere I go, I find Filipinos whose amor propio makes them excellent workers.

2. Awa ( Compassion for Others )

Awa may mean compassion, grace, sympathy, charity, or pity. The meaning of awa changes slightly based on context, but as a community value, it means compassion for others. Because of our heart for others, we give whatever we have even though we need help. One good example is the mushrooming of community pantries throughout the country during the pandemic.

Because we value others, Filipinos tend to be compassionate. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the Philippines, Filipinos took care of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

Many Filipino managers, for example, have to think twice before they let go of employees. Western companies consider it a good business decision to let go of people to maximize profits. If one employee can do the work of two persons, they’ll let go of one.

Most Filipino managers are people-oriented. They do understand that employment means a lot to Filipino workers.

Being let go means that they will stop supporting their family.

So, we find ways to keep someone on the job.

As a result, we have loyal employees. They’ll do everything to help your organization. Employees consider this generosity which they have to pay somehow.

Awa: A Deep Sense of Shared Suffering

3. Bahala Na ( Let Go & Let God )

Bahala Na is a Filipino attitude that expresses courage and faith in God. It means to let go and let God. It has always been an expression of optimism.

Bahala na is a quality shared by most entrepreneurs. It is almost equivalent to the Western concept of risking forward. American entrepreneurs typically say that to succeed, one has to embrace the unknown instead of standing still.

Bahala na is like that and more.

Bahala na means that Filipinos consider all possible solutions. And when it seems that there is only one solution left, though they don’t have all the information they need, they’ll risk forward.

They run away from safety to get something that will make them free. This is the same quality we admire among heroes.

It may seem safe to be in prison but freeing oneself outweighs everything.

But, just like I said, Bahala na is more than that!

Bahala Na is an expression of courage and faith. It was like David facing Goliath. Bahala Na means I will win because God is with me. Bahala na is a 100% commitment to succeed.

But, like the Biblical David, Filipinos will use everything they have to win.

4. Bayanihan ( We Are Heroes to Each Other )

Bayanihan, derived from the words bayan (community) and bayani (heroes), happens when Filipinos unite to do heroic acts for individuals and communities in need without expecting anything in return. Giving aid, without being asked, even to strangers, is an enduring Filipino culture.

We are Filipinos, and we value bayanihan. We are nation-loving people. We support our countrymen in times of need.

Because what happens to some of us happens to all of us.

You will notice that Filipino values are very much connected. When we speak of Bayanihan, for example, we will notice that it has something to do with malasakit, pakikipagkapwa-tao, pagdadamayan, pakikisama and utang na loob.

5. Mabuting Pakikitungo : Hospitality

Tourists to the Philippines know us because we value mabuting pakikitungo. We are friendly. Filipinos are excellent hosts. This is because of our sense of pakikipagkapwa-tao and hiya. Our hospitality is for everyone.

They want you to get the best experience when they host you. They want to show their best all the time.

In most organizations, we talk about the Western concept of customer service. We preach the idea that the customer is king.

You should use our Filipino sense of hospitality when you talk about creating a delightful customer experience. Because that’s what we do naturally.

We find it difficult to consider our customers as kings . We are not their slaves. Teach instead that customers as guests. For we do want our guests to feel at home. We Filipinos want our guests to know they can trust us because we want the best for them, as we want the best for ourselves.

We serve not because we get paid but because we want to give and add value.

6. Delicadeza ( We Value Our Reputation )

Filipinos value delicadeza. It refers to the value we place on maintaining the dignity of our institution, office, or family by avoiding embarrassing situations. When there is controversy, we expect them to resign from their posts, not because they are guilty but to shield their company or organization from further embarrassment.

Because of this, the DOJ Secretary was asked to resign.

We often say that we lose our sense of delicadeza when we talk about our politicians who are kapit-tuko . They grip their posts like a gecko.

Our sense of justice requires that at least they take a leave of absence or avoid a conflict of interest.

A local executive, for example, with delicadeza will not appoint his relatives to government posts. Filipinos do not value nepotism in the government. It is common for us to recommend our relatives to the government, but not to the same office that we are leading.

We do not want to put ourselves in a position that will make people question our agenda.

When a President appointed his people from the city where he was the former mayor, we consider the actions lacking in delicadeza.

It is not illegal, but it is not appropriate. When he used his power to give favor to those who supported his election campaign because of utang na loob, we felt that he abused his power.

Talk about delicadeza if you want people to observe good governance.

=>. Delicadeza: Doing the right thing (even when no one is watching)

7. Pagpapahalaga sa Pamilya ( Family First and Last )

Pagpapahalaga sa pamilya is a value that considers the interest of the family more important than personal interest. Filipinos are willing to sacrifice prestige and even happiness for the sake of family.

Because of our love for family, many Filipinos choose to work abroad. They are not doing this to achieve personal success. They do this to ensure that their children get a good education.

An employee, for example, may leave work to care for a sick mother or father.

It is to your company’s advantage to be family-oriented. Create programs for the family. Know the members of your employee’s family.

When the family is loyal to your company, you get a loyal employee.

8. Kasiyahan ( Joy & Humor )

We expect kasiyahan when we gather together. The gathering can be a birthday party, a reunion, or a meet-up in Starbucks. We are attracted to people who make us laugh.

Our superpower is our ability to smile even in the most challenging situations. This does not mean that we take things lightly. Smiling in difficult circumstances allows us to be centered and in control.

To have humor is human.

We stay in companies where we can find meaning and joy. Filipinos can survive the most challenging tasks but not the most psychologically toxic environment.

Create an environment of fun and fellowship because that’s how Filipino workers thrive.

Filipino Time: The Habit of Being On Time

I resolve to make the most of my time.

14. magalang (respectful).

We show many ways of respecting people. Our house helps, for example, are often called Ate and Kuya. We want our children to know that those with us deserve our respect.

If we don’t know people on the street who call them sir or ma’am. Or, in the case of tricycle drivers, boss.

If we buy something, we say thank you. And the seller will say, “thank you too.”

We address people in the ways they want to be addressed.

I think it has something to do with our concept of dangal. We don’t want to offend people. At all times, we want to show that we do respect them. And anything that violates this value we condemn.

You can build a better workplace if you find time to ask people what makes them feel respected. They will appreciate it.

In some companies, there are efforts to westernize their culture. Calling people by their first name, absent the honorifics madam or sir, may seem a good idea.

But it does not mean it is much better than respecting the place’s culture.

People do not leave their cultural values when they enter your company. Do not force them to live double lives.

15. Magpasalamat (Being Grateful)

When I was in college, people often went to the store of Mister Salamat. His surname is not Salamat. Students gave him that name because he always said thank you to everyone.

Even if you just want to stay in his store and don’t buy anything, he’ll be thankful to you for dropping by. This made the students love him. And yes, they go to his store to eat or buy school supplies.

They reciprocated his goodness.

There are many ways of expressing our gratitude. In the workplace, that means going the extra mile.

I often tell my clients that if they want employees to be grateful, they have to express their gratitude to employees often. Our sense of gratitude is best expressed in utang na loob.

16. Malasakit (We Care for Others)

Aside from bayanihan, malasakit is the most popular value among Filipinos. Malasakit means caring or concern for others. We expect every Filipino to care.

A good leader, for example, is expected to show malasakit. Leaders cannot be public servants if they don’t care for people.

We expect business entities to show malasakit. They must take care of their employees – and to a certain extent, be concerned about their families too. They must not create products that will harm communities.

Often, companies manifest malasakit through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Because of malasakit, you will hear of teachers who spend extra hours teaching students. They use their own money to buy school supplies too.

Because of malasakit, you have employees who work the extra mile to serve their customers.

Because of malasakit , we hear of a movie star who sold her luxury car for charity.

When you work with Filipinos, remember that they care for people. They help those who are in need without expecting anything in return.

You will find it easy to sell a social business to Pinoys, who are always ready to do meaningful work.

17. Malikhain (Creativity)

What makes Filipino thrive is their ability to come up with solutions. We are inventors and innovators.

We seek opportunities, and when we don’t find them, we create them. One excellent example is Rags2Riches which helps many women while recycling textile waste.

18. Mapamaraan (Resourcefulness)

One lesson I learned from my grandfather is this: kapag may gusto may paraan, kapag ayaw may dahilan. Those with desire find ways, and those who have no desire have excuses. These days, people talk about embracing a growth mindset . This aphorism explains both growth and fixed mindsets.

Filipinos don’t expect you to give excuses. If you want something, you’ll find ways.

Though we lack resources, we should not lack resourcefulness. Our resourcefulness helps us do extraordinary things with what we have.

Find out how you can leverage the resourcefulness of Filipinos. Those who are passionate about working with you and making your business successful will certainly find ways.

Filipinos also value diskarte , which to me is about being resourceful and resilient.

19. Masikap (Diligent Worker)

We believe that work feeds us. Work provides for our family. Work sends our kids to school. Work makes us achieve what we want in life.

We believe that whatever we earn must come from the sweat on our brows. Whatever we feed our children must not come from stealing other people’s money. We work with honor.

I wonder how your employees will work if you start giving Masikap Award. By doing so, you will emphasize the value of stick-to-itiveness and doing our job like a vocation. That we are not selling our hours for pesos.

20. Matino (Sensible)

A sensible person is matino because he aligns his actions with accepted principles. He does not do anything that will compromise his integrity and the welfare of the people he serves.

Judges are matino if they are fair and just. They don’t favor anyone who has connections or money.

Students are matino if they pay attention to their studies. Teachers are matino if teachers set themselves as models to students.

We expect our leaders to be matino. But often, because of our electoral practices, we elect the incompetent and the corrupt.

At work, Filipinos try very hard to be deemed matino. They avoid doing anything that will tarnish their reputation.

Be clear about your work expectations because Filipinos will strive to abide by them.

21. Pakikipagkapwa-tao (Interpersonal Relationships)

When I was young, a popular TV program was “Kapwa ko, Mahal Ko’. It was hosted by Orly Mercado, who later became a senator. The program provides help to those who are in need. Many viewers give financial assistance too.

Kapwa means “of the same nature” or “of equal status.” It is like saying that kapwa is your other self. You ought to love your other self, right?

In the workplace, this means that regardless of your station in life or your organizational chart, remember that we are both humans. I respect you, and I expect you to respect me.

Filipinos will follow you because you are the boss. But don’t you dare insult them or make them feel inferior.

I often conduct workshops on interpersonal relationships and on building interpersonal communication skills. If you begin with pakikipagkapwa-tao, interpersonal relationships will make more sense to Filipinos.

For us , pakikipagkapwa-tao is not a means to survive. We aim to have harmonious relationships with our other selves.

22. Pakikiramay (Sympathy)

We often go to a lamay (wake) to show our pakikiramay. We want to show the bereaved family and friends our sympathy. It is also an occasion when relatives and friends who have not seen each other for a long time meet again.

This value is not for the dead but for the living.

If you are a manager, pakikiramay is the quickest way to relate with your employees. Pakikiramay shows that you have empathy. It shows that you care for them.

23. Pakikisama (Fellowship)

Filipinos value being part of a group or community. Events that make us together energize us.

Some companies conduct fellowship sessions as part of their team-building efforts.

Company initiatives will succeed if Filipinos feel they belong. Policies that are imposed on them do not often succeed. Make a project a communal effort, and people will support it.

An initiative like 5S, a lean manufacturing methodology, often becomes successful in the Filipino workplace when you sell it as a community project. It is good for the company.

Get leaders that employees trust to champion the concept, and you’ll have everyone follow the system in no time.

Pakikisama, like other Filipino values, is often presented in a bad light when we were still a colony of the United States. Your grandparents and even your parents have likely been miseducated about it.

But be that as it may, pakikisama is an enduring belief. We want to belong.

24. Pananampalataya (Faith in Supreme Being)

Filipinos are known for their faith in the Supreme Being. Even those who do not consider themselves religious would say that they have faith in God.

It is this faith that makes us say “Bahala Na”. I will do it because God is with me.

Some believe that what they do for your company is a service to God. And when you do things that do not help the community, they think of you as selfish.

Some Filipino companies have chapels and allow Bible study sessions. Somehow, they believe that allowing Filipinos to have time for spiritual growth help in building good relationships and improving work performance.

25. Tibay ng Dibdib (Fortitude)

Filipinos dare to fight even when the chance of winning is tiny. We often associate it with puso (heart) or the will to go on until we win.

Fortuna favet fortibus. Fortune favors the brave. We adhere to the same principle.

We love the underdog, for we are always the underdog. Give Filipino challenging projects, and they’ll likely take on the project. Even if it is their first time.

We often succeed because we find ways to make things happen.

26. Tiyaga (Patience)

We value hard work. Quietly we do what we ought to do. Our younger generations have been fed the idea that they don’t need to work hard if they can work smart.

Working hard does not mean we don’t work smart. Filipinos dare to do the job, no matter how hard. Our overseas Filipino workers are often praised for their excellent work attitude.

When I was young, I was told repeatedly that “kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga”. Those who have patience have something to stew.

We keep working, no matter how hard, because it is the smartest thing to do.

Quitters won’t get anything.

Instead of calling Filipinos lazy (an insult to us), encourage them to have patience. Say instead, “Tiyaga lang, uunlad din tayo. ” Let us be patient, for we shall succeed.

27. Utang na Loob (Debt from Within)

Filipinos are intrinsically motivated to give back what they have received from you, even though you don’t expect anything in return. It involves reciprocity. People do not pay utang na loob with money.

If you give Filipinos money to do something for you, we call it payment. We call it a bribe if you give money so they’ll violate policies and procedures.

But when you help them when they need help the most, we call it utang na loob. It has no price tag. We intend to repay you soon.

Filipino workers consider it utang na loob when you do good for them. An employee got promoted because you had coached and mentored him. That promotion allowed him to send his children to college.

You consider it your job, but he considers himself indebted to you.

Never look down on your Filipino subordinate. Support them. Don’t talk about how much money you pay them. Talk about what their work can do for their families.

28. Makatao (Humane)

We expect Filipinos to be humane. We want those in power to think about the welfare of the people.

A boss who is harsh with his words and has a habit of putting down people is deemed as “hindi makatao”. That means you are disrespecting people and treating them less than human.

Filipinos can ensure working with a bad boss. They need their jobs. But don’t expect them to stay longer than necessary. As soon as they find another, they’ll leave your company.

But you don’t like to become makatao for Filipinos to stay. It is a critical leadership practice that you can use anywhere. Employees trust those who respect them as human beings.

29. Makabayan (Love of Country)

I said that bayanihan is essential a demonstration of the love of our country. We do it together. Makabayan is a value we expect from someone wherever they are.

We held Ninoy Aquino as a hero because he was willing to die for his country. On the other hand, we deemed Ferdinand Marcos Sr a villain because he killed many Filipinos and plundered his country’s wealth.

Though many Filipinos elected his son to the presidency, many voters are ashamed of what they did. They don’t want to be associated with plunderers. For this reason, plundering politicians employ the services of paid trolls.

It is usual for those who earn their keep to defend even the indefensible. For the poorest of the poor, money is not a bribe. It is a help. And any support people receive becomes utang na loob. You did not buy them; they are paying utang na loob.

But being makabayan, once in a while, trump utang na loob. People do what is suitable not only for themselves but for the country.

Makabayan is the essence of our belief that goes,” bayan muna bago ang sarili”.

30. Masagana (Abundance)

Masaganang buhay means abundant life. Filipinos pray for abundant life all the time. Of course, each family defines abundance in different ways. 

But most Filipinos consider being healthy, joyful, and being with the people we love as having an abundant life.

We may not have gazillions of money in our bank accounts, but as long as we get to send our kids to school, have a good harvest from our labor, and have not met sickness, we deem our life  abundant.

Interestingly, we say Happy New Year in English. But we often say Masaganang Bagong Taon, which means prosperous our abundant new year.

Promote Positive Filipino Values

We have examined 30 positive Filipino values. And understanding them can help us leaders. I encourage you to consider how these Filipino values support your corporate values. It is a way of making it easy to connect corporate values to what we already know.

Promoting these values is easy and simple.

Firstly, managers should exemplify these values. Actions speak louder than words. By embodying these values, managers set the right example for the team. For example, malasakit can support the idea of customer care. We have to show malasakit to employees so they too will extend this value to customers.

Secondly, integrate chosen values into training programs. When these values are clearly communicated and explained, employees can better adopt them. Repeat these values in regular team meetings too.

Thirdly, foster an environment of open dialogue. Encourage employees to voice their thoughts. This cultivates respect and the spirit of “pakikisama” or camaraderie.

Fourthly, appreciate and reward employees who live these values. This can inspire others to follow suit. Recognitions can be simple shout-outs, awards, or even opportunities for growth.

Lastly, incorporate these values into daily routines. Let them guide the decision-making process. This way, these Filipino values become a lived experience, enriching the workplace culture.

Jef Menguin

5 thoughts on “30 filipino values: cultural beliefs that shape our behaviors”.

How true! You may be surprised to learn that we Scots have very similar values. I worked 10 years in Saudi and even longer in PI. My crews were always happy and great to work with as they were treated correctly.

Nice collection here of Filipino Values, Jeff Menguin. It may be interesting for non-Filipinos to see how these 27 compare with values from different countries and cultures.

Thank you Raju,

That is something worth looking into. I hope my non-Filipino readers will share the similarities of cultures.

Use some of these Filipino values for your “core values”. And when you do, clarify your message so that all of your people are on the same page. One way to do that is to look for three to five behaviors that exemplify the values.

Explore also the behaviors that people must not do.

Instead of using the word excellence, which I believe most companies used, you can come up with a combination. For example, you can use “matino at mahusay.”

By putting these values together and identifying the behaviors aligned to these two values, you are creating something which is uniquely yours.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — National Identity — I Am Proud To Be Part Of The Filipino Culture

I Am Proud to Be Part of The Filipino Culture

• Categories: National Identity Philippines

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Words: 997 |

Published: Sep 19, 2019

Words: 997 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

What is it like to be a part of filipino culture, final thoughts, works cited.

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• Haas, J. S., Lee, L. B., Kaplan, C. P., Sonneborn, D., Phillips, K. A., Liang, S. Y., & Pasick, R. J. (2005). The Association of Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Health Insurance Status with the Prevalence of Overweight Among Children and Adolescents. American Journal of Public Health, 95(4), 660–667.
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• Palaganas, R. T., Eusebio, R. A., Lu, K. V., Labrague, L. J., & Ulep, V. G. (2019). Influence of Filipino culture on health-related quality of life of Filipino immigrants in New Zealand: a mixed-methods study. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 17(1), 120.
• Santos, R., & Hu, F. B. (2004). Prevention of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Comparison of Lifestyle Factors in Westerners and East Asians. Journal of Hypertension, 22(5), 963-970.
• Yusuf, S., Hawken, S., Ôunpuu, S., Dans, T., Avezum, A., Lanas, F., ... & Gerstein, H. (2004). Effect of potentially modifiable risk factors associated with myocardial infarction in 52 countries (the INTERHEART study): case-control study. The Lancet, 364(9438), 937-952.

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Filipino Bayanihan: Towards a National Value Formation

2021, Froilan S. Rivera

Bayanihan is a traditional value that has practiced by Filipinos since time immemorial up to our contemporary times. It is authentically Filipino culture that unifies the heterogenous communities across the Philippine archipelago. This essay aims to present the underlying concepts for the term Bayanihan and the regional variants of this valued tradition among the ethnic groups in the country. It also attempts to explore the resemblance of Bayanihan with other social virtues practiced in Southeast Asia. Moreover, this paper intends to cite some historical and contemporary accounts - particularly in times of national disasters and pandemics - that would validate the tradition of Bayanihan as distinguishing Filipino national value.

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Dave Avenido

This research aims to explore the concept of Bayanihan as conducere of the notions of Filipino Sakop and Filipino Religiosity that strongly manifest in man-made disasters and also the natural ones. The research will be divided into several parts. First, the writer will posit an operational definition of Bayanihan and its relation to the notion of Sakop in the context of Leonardo Mercado's analysis on the Filipino people and society. In it, Bayanihan is the term for the communal spirit of the Filipino which correlates with Sakop as the term for the interpersonal orientation of the Filipino people. Second, the writer will discuss Filipino Religiosity that harmonizes the sacred and profane while holding it distinct from one another. This implies the inseparability of religion to the life of the Filipino people to the point that it is incarnational. Third, the writer will attempt to show that Bayanihan calls the Sakop and Religiosity within the Filipino people in times of disasters. Scenarios will be given accordingly. Here, the writer does not argue that Bayanihan does not manifest in the everyday situations of other people. In fact, it does. However, the manifestation is stronger when disasters are present for it evokes the feeling within to help the others and to call for help to the Divine.

Yolanda G Ealdama

Social work as a profession in the Philippines emerged during the colonial era, as such it was heavily influenced by deficit and vulnerability perspectives. The early social work professionals who were educated in the United States became the first social work educators and relied on western perspectives. Social workers were saddled with rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts right after World War 2, that they glossed over the need to rediscover indigenous concepts and perspectives for the indigenization of the social work profession. Although the Filipino people have exhibited strengths through the years of colonization and disasters, it is only recently that strengths perspective entered the Philippine social work parlance via western reference books. This paper is an attempt to rediscover strengths perspective in the indigenous Filipino culture and use this towards a more culturally sensitive social work practice.

Rhodius Noguera

Bayanihan is a salient pre-and-post-colonial organic community pedagogy in the Philippines. It captures the lifestyle, consciousness, decision-making, and character of Filipino communities. The Filipinos generally understand it as a community collective positive relationship and voluntarism by which community members volunteer to help each other to address personal and communal needs. As a geographically and culturally fragmented nation, the practice of bayanihan is unique and diverse to each province. However, as a social resource, there is a dearth of studies that explored the capacity and potential of bayanihan in addressing perennial community problems such as poverty, violence, and ecological degradation. This article describes the author's more than a decade of collaborative work with Filipino communities as a researcher and psychologist. More specifically, it elaborates on the role of research in understanding how a community can utilize its indigenous strength to manage human and ecological challenges. It also highlights how scientific inquiry can strengthen the community awareness of their century-old pedagogy that persistently serves and protects community interest. It hopes to draw attention among Filipino psychologists and community social workers to continue to expand the potential of bayanihan in reconnecting the Filipino to a reliable community spirit.

Regina Galigao

This study analyzes the content of the selected Cebuano folklore which primarily depicts the original values of the Filipinos. This study used the interpretative-appreciative-analytical method in examining the values delineated in Cebuano Folklore. The tools used for interpretation and analysis were gathered from selected areas in Cebu. The study identified the common Filipino values that reflect the ideal way on how Filipinos value family, community, and profession. These original values are strongly intuited and expectedly gleaned in the four categories of folklore being studied such as: (a) folktales; (b) folksongs; (c) riddles; and (d) sayuings/proverbs.

Juan Rafael Macaranas

Filipino values embody the Filipino culture and reveal its underlying philosophy. Coherence in a value system is a presumed healthy sign, both at the individual and social level. In this essay, we employ an expository and reflective analysis of Filipino values, starting with those ambivalent in application. It is the task of philosophy to review values as part of critically examining the most fundamental assumptions that underlie our lives. To improve and develop society, philosophers must be able to promote mindfulness of both positive and negative value implications. By offering holistic and alternative views of Filipino values, philosophers can positively influence the maturation of the Filipino culture and philosophy. The Filipino family, being the most primal and most stable institution in the Philippine society, must be included in projects promoting a more coherent value system.

Eleazar L Simon

Hiya and Other Misinterpreted Filipino Values Hiya is another concept indigenous to the Filipinos, and it is literally translated as " shame. " This interpretation of hiya is inadequate because it does not consider the other meanings of the word in different circumstances and form. Armando Bonifacio said that nakakahiya (embarrassing) is different from napahiya (placed in an awkward position) and ikinahihiya (be embarrassed with someone). Zeus Salazar also said that there are internal and external aspects of hiya. Foreign scholars have captured only the external aspect. The more appropriate translation of hiya is not " shame, " but " sense of propriety. " For Western psychologist Charles Kaut, utang na loob is " debt of gratitude. " This definition identified the utang (debt) only, ignoring the other concepts related to loob such as sama ng loob, kusang loob, and lakas ng loob. Utang na loob became convenient in perpetuating the colonial status of the Filipino mind. For Enriquez, reciprocity maintains the image of colonizer as benefactor. When utang na loob is looked at in the Filipino context, it becomes not " debt of gratitude " but " gratitude / human solidarity. " It is not a big a burden as " debt " is because in the Filipino culture of interpersonal relations, there is always the opportunity to return a favor. It is not obligatory in the immediate future; it could be fulfilled in the next generation. It binds a person to his/her home community.Pakikisama is another Filipino value that has been misinterpreted by foreign psychologists. For Frank Lynch (1961), it is maintaining " smooth interpersonal relations by going along with the majority; conformity. " For Enriquez, though, it is just one

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Home / Essay Samples / World / Philippines / The Main Filipino Values: Family, Respect, Bayanihan and Hiya

The Main Filipino Values: Family, Respect, Bayanihan and Hiya

• Category: World
• Topic: Philippines

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