Interview on Filipinos and their Values
Filipino values refer to a set of values or the value system that a majority of the Filipino have historically held important in their lives. This Philippine value system includes their own unique assemblage of consistent ideologies, moral codes, ethical practices, etiquette and cultural and personal values that are promoted by their society. Though, as with any other society, these values that an individual holds sacred can differ on the basis of religion, upbringing and other factors. Throughout this paper, I will be reflecting and analysing on the interview and address the most important values that Filipinos carry within themselves as well as with their community. I will also be linking those values with the different series of events Filipinos have combated, as I believe that these events have played a big role in the way Filipinos carry themselves.
When interviewing Gilda Funcion, I got to a lot of depth on what is like to be a Filipina American, more specifically, their values and the way they carry themselves. Filipino values have long been established through life experiments. Florentino Timbreza, a cultural philosopher, concludes in his book “Pilospiyang Pilipino,” that Filipino values are based on the significance of the world of man. Life experiences dictate the philosophy and values of the Filipino, with the enhancement of other sources, such as, proverbs, folk sayings, folk tales, etc. According to F. Landa Jocano, there are two types of Filipinos value models. The first refers to the exogenous model, or the “foreign” model, while the second one refers to the indigenous model or the “traditional” model. The foreign model is described to be a “legal and formal” model, on the other hand, the indigenous model is described as a “traditional and non-formal” model or guide, but is deeply embedded in the subconscious of the Filipinos. Filipinos inherited the foreign model from Western cultures, particularly a combination from the Spaniards and the Americans. An example of a foreign or exogenous influence is bureaucracy exhibited in the government of the Philippines. The reason for that kind of assimilation could because of the fact that in 1898, the United States obtained the Philippines. Through there, the United States started establishing social norms, new language, new education, which meant, learning about Western cultural factors and history. During this time, the United States had brought several of their troops over to the Philippines for the purpose of settlement and protection. Americans basically surrounded Filipinos, so it is no surprise that there was some kind of assimilation.
Some elements and composition that I got a sense on when Interviewing Gilda in relation to Filipino social and core values, along with the Filipino character and identity of an individual, it is that the Filipino value system are found to posses inherent key elements. Among them are optimists about the future, pessimism with regards to the present situations and events, the concern and care for others, the existence of friendship and friendliness, the habit of being hospitable, religious nature, respectful to self and others, respect for the female members of society, the fear of God, and abhorrence of acts of cheating and thievery. Gilda also explained the concepts of “loob,” also known as “kalooban.” Loob, as Gilda explained, is the meaning of one’s inner self, or one’s identity. When referring to Gilda’s values, it was clear that the existence and maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships, as well as the sensing of the feelings and needs of others was extremely important.
Filipino values can be understood by getting to know their roots.
Firstly, the roots of the Filipino are Malay and Chinese. The Malay temperament is a main component to the Filipino culture. Yet, there are the Indian, Persians, Arab, and mainly the Chines elements, too. Thus, the Filipino can adjust to a new situation because of these Malayan roots. Gilda identified four basic values, she mentions: close family ties, respect for elders, obedience, economic and social uplifting, and lastly, patience and endurance.