June 29, 2021

Expats’ Guide: Filipino Values

Your learning of the Filipino culture and tradition is not complete without knowing about the common Filipino values. These values are important because it reflects the personality of Filipinos, which you may adapt as you live in the country longer. To help you out, here are some guides on the common values you should know here in the Philippines:

1. “Bayanihan” or Community Spirit

BAYANIHAN. Neighbors help out another neighbor to transfer nipa hut. Photo grabbed from theapricity.com

One of the most common Filipino values is Bayanihan. This is exemplified through group efforts, such as helping out a new neighbor in moving out to a new place, or by lending help in times of calamities. This value is important to the Filipinos because in the Philippines, they treat neighbors as part of the family as well. With group effort, workload becomes easier; and through cooperation, they make new friends.

2. Religiosity

religiosity

ALL FOR GOD. Renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao takes time to pray before and after his boxing fights. Photo grabbed from weehash.com

You see a lot of Filipinos go to church every Sunday. Every day, you see a person or two go to chapel just to say a quick prayer. This religiosity of Filipinos is an important Filipino value. With the population comprising mostly of Catholics, Philippines is home to the most religious people you may ever meet. Whatever the religion is, Filipinos will always have devout love for the Highest Being.

3. Hospitality

hospitality

WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES. A group of students welcome a US official with a mini program. Photo grabbed from zamboangajournal.blogspot.com

If you’ve ever been to a house owned by a Filipino, you must have noticed that they treat you as a very special visitor. You are treated so special that they are willing to oblige with almost any request you ask of them. Sometimes, they’d hold a mini celebration as a welcome for you. Filipinos are very loving and accommodating especially to visitors because they want to let you know that they are happy to have met you.

4. Hardwork

TIME TO PLANT. Farmers plant rice at Barangay Midpapan in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato. Pigcawayan is one of the rice-producing towns in the province. AKP Images/ Keith Bacongco

UP FOR WORK. Two dedicated farmers work as hard as they can to provide for their families. Photo grabbed from juliannramos.wordpres.scom

Even before the roosters are up, you’d normally see Filipinos already working as early as possible. This trait of Filipinos are always admired by many expats because they see that Filipinos are serious workers and very passionate about their job. Sometimes you’d even see someone who manages to juggle three jobs just to provide for their family.

5. Respect for the elderly

MANO PO. A little girl takes the hand of an elderly as a sign of respect. Photo grabbed from seasite.niu.edu

This common Filipino value will always be an important part of the Filipino culture. Young ones are always expected to show a sign of respect through “pagmamano” (gesture), especially when visiting the elderly. This sign of respect is taught to kids which means that they accept the blessing from the elders. Aside from that, the use of words “po” and “opo” at an end of the sentence indicates that you respect the person you are talking to.

With these common Filipino values, you can now see a glimpse of the part of the Filipinos’ way of life. As you stay longer in the country, you will learn more of these values and adapt to it as you immerse with the culture.