POLITICAL SELF

• The word politics is derived from the Greek word politika which is etymologically defined as affairs of the cities.
• Politics is the process of making decisions that applies to all members of a group.
• Politics is also the ability to govern and control over a group of people.
• Philippines as we know it today has emerged from over three centuries of colonization of Spaniards, liberation from the last colonizers, and a problematic political situation.
• According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Filipinos are:

  1. Those whose fathers and mothers are citizens of the Philippines;

  2. Those born before January 17, 1973 of Filipino mothers who elect Philippine citizenship upon the reaching the age of majority;

  3. Those who are naturalized in accordance with the law.
• Citizenship is not the only marker of being a Filipino. We must consider culture and history.
• People who were born and grew up in the same culture develop and share common personality traits and values.
• Generations after generations, common traits and values have been passed on that the Filipinos of today still embody.
• Hospitality

  We welcome guests and tourists in a different brand of hospitality by making them feel at home.
• Respect for the elders

  The use of pagmamano, po and opo, and a wide array of references to older people.
• Close family ties

  Tight relationship to their families regardless if children are old enough.
• Family ties are strong among Filipinos
• Cheerful 


  A habit of smiling and laughing a lot.
• Self-sacrifice

  Going out of their way to help families, friends, and loved ones.
• Bayanihan 


  The spirit of communal unity and cooperation.
• Resilience 


  A unique trait of still being happy despite calamities and other challenges
• Bahala na

  Leaving everything to God and allowing situations take care of themselves.
• Colonial mentality

  lack of patriotism by preferring foreign products over our own.
• Mañana habit

  poor habit of laziness or procrastination.
• Ningas kugon

  the attitude of eagerly starting things but quickly losing eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty.
• Pride


  difficulty in keeping a good relationship because they find it hard to apologize.
• Crab mentality


  a toxic trait by pulling others down.
• Filipino time


  always late.
• The hallmarks of being a Filipino also serve as constant reminders of our nationality.
• Proverbs are sayings that convey lessons and reflections on Filipino practices, beliefs, and traditions. Example is “Kung may tyaga, may nilaga”.
• Superstitions are passed down from generation to generation that influence beliefs and even other cultures. Example is a belief that a woman singing while cooking will end up a spinster.
• Myths & legends are stories that aim to explain the origin of things and teach a valuable lesson. A famous legend is the origin of the pineapple fruit.
• Heroes & Icons serve as a reminder of true patriotism & nationalism as they have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country’s freedom.
• To be a good Filipino is to Be an active Filipino citizen by being aware of current events and participates in government programs such as voting.
• To be a good Filipino is to Study history so we can fully understand the events.
• To be a good Filipino is to Support our local products. It is also one way to strengthen our economy.
• To be a good Filipino is to Speak the language. It serves as a unique identifier of being a Filipino.
• And finally to be a good Filipino do not spread fake news and engage with dissent. Verify what you read online before believing in it and spreading it.