What do Filipinos value?

The term kapwa or a shared inner self lies at the core of Filipino values and psychology. A
person who treats another as a kapwa has a shared a sense of identity and consciousness
with that ‘other’ person. Both in the individual and community level, strong emphasis is
placed on social acceptance and maintaining social harmony. As such, social approval and
caring about what others will think, say, or do strongly influence social behavior.

Here are some of the values that Filipinos have historically held important:

The family

The family is at the center of the Filipino community. Children are not expected to leave
their parents’ house until they themselves get married; and even after then, many couples
opt to stay with or close to their or their spouse’s parents. Also, they’re expected to care for
their ageing parents instead of sending them to a retirement home. This is why it’s common
to see different generations or multiple families living in a single residence. The value that
Filipinos put into caring for one’s family can also be seen as one of the reasons why nurses
and caregivers from the country provide their patients and clients with a high level of care.

Humor and positivity

Optimism, humor, and positivity are valued traits in the Philippines. The country has a long
list of national holidays, and many provinces and cities have their own sets of local holidays.
At the same time, in the face of difficult or challenging situations, members of the
community are encouraged to look at the brighter side of things. The inclination for finding
the good in the bad can be traced to the country’s location, which lies in the path of
typhoons and sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire. In a place where natural calamities are
commonplace, humor and positivity work as a coping mechanism, much like how some
children laugh to hide their embarrassment after slipping or falling.

Flexibility and adaptability

The term bahala na, which can be translated to whatever happens, happens, is one of the
more familiar phrases used in the country and is perhaps the most representative of how
Filipinos value adaptability and quick thinking. It exemplifies one’s belief in a higher power
and submitting one’s fate to elements that cannot be controlled. People who use the
term bahala na do not see anything wrong with it, as it serves as a sort of positive
affirmation that allows them to deal with a problem right then and there. However, those
who do see it negatively often view it as a form of fatalistic submission or a way to absolve
one from the responsibility of their actions.

Faith and religion

Spirituality is deeply ingrained in Filipinos. A form of animism was already being practiced in
many pre-colonial societies and Islam has been firmly established in the southern islands
even before the Spanish brought Catholicism to the country. These days, religion still plays
a big part in society and in the everyday lives of Filipinos. The Catholic Church’s views still
affect the passing of some laws, most towns still hold fiestas to honor their patron saints,
and many regular non-working national holidays are dedicated to celebrating various
religious activities and events. To many Filipinos, religion helps shape their values and
principles.

Filipino hospitality

Filipinos in the country and around the globe can be expected to extend a warm welcome to
their guests regardless of where they come from, how well they know their host, and why
they’re visiting someone’s home. Hosts typically provide their guest with food and
entertainment and, if there’s time, a tour around the local destinations. Before they leave,
guests are entreated to take home pasalubong or souvenirs, which often come in the form
of delicacies and local sweets.

Mapagpasalamat
This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Pamumuhay” (Life) and “Pananalig sa
Diyos at Kapwa” (Faith in God and people). Filipinos know how to enjoy life. We
have many holidays, feasts, occasions, and reunions. Filipinos are cheerful and
naturally sociable. We wear smiles on our faces even in depressing situations.
This is because we always look at the bright side of life. We always have a
positive outlook because we always find things to be thankful for, even in the
smallest things. We would always say “Salamat sa Diyos” (Thank God) whenever
good things happen because Filipinos, from whatever religion, would attribute
life’s blessings to the Higher Being. We also acknowledge the good deeds of
other people towards us and we do our best to return the favor.

Matatag
Being in a country prone to natural disasters, Filipinos have adapted and learned
to be strong in times of need and in hard situations life throws at us. This
strength is drawn from our love for our family and to the higher being we believe
in. This is based on Filipino’s aspiration for “Kaayusan” (Order). In fact, Filipinos’
common expression is “Ayos Na”. When we are able to get through difficulties,
we say “Ayos Na”. We, Filipinos long for “Kaayusan” and we will endure
everything and be strong amidst hardships and challenges until we surpass the
obstacles.

Masigasig
When Filipinos dream of something, we do everything possible to get it. We do it
for our families and loved ones. This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for
“Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa” (Relief). A Filipino aspires for
abundance not for himself but for his family. The Filipino translation for Happy
New Year is Masaganang Bagong Taon (Bountiful New Year) because we equate
happiness and celebration with abundance. In Bisaya, “Ginhawa” means breath.
And the smooth flow of breath is the smooth flow of life which we call “Ginhawa”.
“Ginhawa” according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa is the feeling of well-
being in a Filipino. An example would be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who
endure being away from home to give their families a good life – abundance and
relief from hardships.

Mapagmalasakit
It is because of our love for the family extended to friends, neighbors and other
people that make Filipinos naturally compassionate. This compassion enables us
to help other people without asking for anything in return. This is based on
Filipinos’ aspiration for “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other People). “Loob”
is the seat of Filipinos’ dignity. The personhood of Filipino is manifested in his
“kalooban”. Filipinos tune in each other’s “kalooban” by checking on each other’s
condition and chatting about each other’s lives. Due to our familistic culture,
Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not just to a stranger but to a relative, a next-door
neighbor, a distant relative or a friend. Our “Mapagmalasakit” trait makes it easy
for us to champion the Bayanihan spirit – to unite and help each other during
calamities and celebrate together during special occasions.

Magalang
The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (kissing of the hand) are distinct Filipino
ways of respect. We say these words and use this gesture to show our respect
and love for the elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but
also to other people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people. Our
language itself is also respectful because it does not have any gender bias.
Examples would be the words kapatid (brother / sister) or asawa (husband / wife)
or biyenan (father-in-law / mother-in-law) or anak (son / daughter) which do not
manifest differences in gender. These words are uniquely Filipino definitely
respectful of the sexes. Our respect for other individuals is embedded in our
culture and in our language. This is based on our aspiration for “Lakas ng Loob”
or “Kagandahang Loob”.