Nationalism and patriotism

• Patriotism is love or devotion to one's own country
• Consolidation of Filipino regional loyalties into a cohesive national identity began upon a foundation of pre-Spanish "Filipino values" and cultural constructs that guided Filipino society and government for centuries
• Traditional attitudes and beliefs common throughout Filipino society and shared with much of Asia facilitated Filipinos' adoption of Filipino as an overarching identity in the twentieth century
• Core values of Filipino society include:

  • Pakikisama (social harmony)
  • Utang-na-loób (reciprocation)
  • Hiya (shame)
• Colonizers embraced and encouraged these traditional values as a means of control
• The paternalistic model in Filipino society included the cabeza de barangay, the chief patriarch of the village, who acted as a father figure to the entire clan
• Before the Spanish conquest, power was conferred upon warrior chieftains called datus, whose influence was directly proportional to their political and military power
• Pakikisama in Filipino society represents the desire to cultivate camaraderie and community harmony through a system of social interaction founded upon reciprocation
• The principle of reciprocity in Filipino society is known as utang-na-loob, meaning "debt of the soul," emphasizing an unending cycle of cultural debt
• The concept of hiya (shame) reinforces a social contract in Filipino society, where protecting one's dignity is crucial to maintaining harmony and community
• In Filipino leadership, there is a social contract where leaders and the community are obligated to serve each other based on respect and gratitude rather than strict legal precedence
• Hospitality is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos
• Foreigners who visit the Philippines often fall in love with the warm hospitality shown by Filipinos
• This value system of hospitality has existed for thousands of years
• Examples of Filipino hospitality include:

  • Greeting visitors with a warm welcome
  • Offering meals and drinks to guests
  • Providing a guest room for overnight stays
  • Preparing special meals for guests
• Respect for the Elderly:

  • Children show respect by using polite terms like "po" and "opo"
  • Younger individuals show respect by touching their elders' hands to their foreheads
  • Filipinos also show respect at work by bowing to their employers
• Strong Family Ties and Religion:

  • Filipinos value and take care of their families
  • Family ties are kept intact through generations
  • Families go to church together and pray, making religion a strong bond
  • Quality time with family is prioritized after work
• Generosity and Helpfulness:

  • Filipinos are generous and share even when they have little
  • Special occasions involve preparing lots of food to share with others
  • Filipinos are always ready to help neighbors in need
• Strong Work Ethic:

  • Filipinos work hard, even with little compensation
  • They find creative ways to earn a living, like starting small businesses from home
• Love and Caring:

  • Men and women in the Philippines show romantic gestures and care for their partners
  • Women often prepare dinner for their husbands and value their relationships
• Pakikisama:

  • Filipinos are known for their friendly and harmonious relationships with others
  • Pakikisama reflects basic human friendliness and affinity
• Hiya (Shame):

  • Hiya represents shame, modesty, and losing face
  • It involves feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and deference to authority
• Utang na Loob:

  • Filipinos feel deep gratitude towards those who show kindness
  • They have a heartfelt wish to repay kindness received
• Amor Propio:

  • Amor Propio means self-esteem, self-love, confidence, and pride
  • Filipinos desire to be treated as individuals, not objects
• Bayanihan:

  • Bayanihan involves cooperation and bonding with others
  • It represents camaraderie and helping one another in times of need
• Submissiveness:

  • Filipinos show submissiveness by accepting commands and criticisms without question
  • They quietly obey those in authority, especially political leaders
• Fiesta Grande:

  • Filipinos love festivals, especially fiesta celebrations
  • Festivals are held in honor of patron saints and involve extravagant feasts and celebrations