Filipino Traditions and Values That Stood Still

You first see it in their smiles: spontaneous, warm, infectious; the Philippines shining through. Charming, you might say, though there is much more to it than just charm. The Filipino's easy smile reveals a cheerful approach to life, a sense of humor, a pleasant disposition and, most important, an indomitable spirit.

As Filipinos comfortably combine work and play, they find countless reasons for celebration - a good harvest, a raise in pay, the arrival or departure of a relative or friend, baptisms, weddings, birthdays. "Hospitality" is also potently practiced, that even spending too much which is not in the budget, just to entertain the guests, could be done.

The family is the center of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends often called aunts and uncles though they are not.

Concern for the welfare of the family is expressed in the honor and respect bestowed on parents and older relatives, and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person; many of the Filipino people still follow the tradition of "mano po" when greeting, and saying "po" or "opo" especially to the elders.

Filipinas generally strive to portray the Maria Clara image. But, a lot of women already possess the qualities of an aggressive woman today; which description includes one who is open and mixes freely with men, immodest female when it comes to personal, social or business relationships with men.

A lifelong debt of gratitude or "utang na loob" (debt from within) thereby creates binding relationships of love, respect, and obedience; but sometimes even cause a lot of misunderstandings, and problems.

Filipinos find humor in most things. Through good times and bad, they laugh and make jokes. Sometimes misjudged as frivolity, laughing at themselves and the mess they are in, is actually an important coping mechanism.

For Filipinos hope is founded on religion. With a deep faith in God, their innate religiosity enables them to comprehend and accept reality in the context of divine will and plan. Faith in the Resurrection and in one's just reward in the hereafter eases the suffering even of the poorest lives.

Beneath the laughter is a resilient spirit that enables Filipinos to weather the worst economic and social conditions. Whatever bonding took place in that mythical womb persists to this day. Modern Filipinos like to compare themselves to the bamboo that sways and bends with the wind, no matter how strong, but never breaks.

Every beginning is a season of hope, every new regime promises a better life; like the bamboo, which thrives in the harshest environment, Filipinos survive the most trying of times, and with abiding hope, they face a brighter future.