Martin, Emer Jerico

PSY 101 (Understanding the Self) - 102M

Friday; 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Prof. Cielo

1. What are the contributory factors of the Filipino culture of the following countries:
- Malay
o The basic component of Filipino culture is the Malay temperament
which could best be described by “niceness and pleasantness” to
others rather than by virtue of law abiding features. In its fluidness of
culture, the Malay family clan or unit is the world’s best security
system.
- Chinese
o Filial piety between parents and children, the flexibility to go along with
other people and the “sageliness within and the kingliness without” of
the Filipino is believed to be due to Chinese influence.
- Hindus
o Indian influence is found in the languages, mode of dressing,
architectural art, folk, beliefs, brass and copper ware. Also included are
their prediction of Filipino newspaper readers for horoscope and
fortune telling sections.
- Spaniards
o It is reflective of more developed societies at their point of contact,
broadened the outlook of the Filipino. Spain introduced a community
oriented, rather than a family- oriented religion in the form of
Christianity. It contributed to an elite class. A social and political
organization, according to western institutions were influenced into the
Philippines.
- Americans
o Further broadened the heritage brought influenced by the Spaniards y
introducing a democracy that called for individual liberty and equality.
They have also introduced a national political community to which
everybody was supposed to participate through national suffrage.
- Japanese
o It was noted that not much of influence were made from the Japanese,
due to the length of their colonization. However, a strict curfew was
enforced, Japanese currency was introduced, Baranggays were cut in
half and a military government was implemented during their period. In
addition, possible Japanese influences to the Filipinos were karaokes,
videokes and cameras.
2. Discuss briefly the following as a part of the Filipino culture, as a part of the Self
and as a part of the Identity.
- Beliefs System
o Filipinos are religious. They believe in supernatural powers and view
themselves as only a speck in this wide universe. This Filipino belief in
the supernatural powers taught them to trust prays rather than hard
work in the realization of their dreams. Success is considered a
blessing from above, a result of good luck and faith. It also taught them
to value traits like perseverance, patience and endurance. Good is
considered relative. What is considered good to one may not be good
to another. Happiness and success differ from one person to another.
Elders, parents and superiors are respected and obeyed. Hospitality is
one practice Filipinos believe in because it is their way of implementing
through the Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what you don’t want
others to do unto you”.
- Values System
o Filipino values can best be seen from the aspects of personal and
social relationships. Personally, the Filipinos value more their honor
and status than anything else. Majority of Filipinos takes care of their
honor rather than wealth. In decision making, the Filipinos usually
consult and take into consideration the consensus of the family
members as well as the feelings of those who are to be affected by the
decision.
- Social System
o Socially, Filipinos give more emphasis on social relationships. This can
be seen through the hospitality that they give to their visitors and
friends. Filipinos love to mingle with people; particularly with friends
and relatives. Filipinos also engage in mutual cooperation, which is
best pictured through “bayanihan”.
- According to Filipino Emotion
o In terms of emotion, Filipinos are friendly. They smile at people, even
with strangers when they are approached or when they approach.
Filipinos are warm and simple. Also, women in the Philippines are
highly regarded, respected and can be relied upon when it comes to
family affairs.