Volunteerism

It was about midnight in New Jersey when I saw the first posting of a historic event on FaceBook. I was so moved by the development that I couldn?t sleep till almost daybreak. It was my moment to savor alone the coming true of a wish, not yet in the fullness of it, but enough to see the light at the end of a tunnel shine brightly through the darkness. In that one moment, it was as though ten years of personal effort became all worth it.

A co-advocate and volunteer in the work known as Gawad Kalinga had sent through FaceBook the news that House Bill 3474 had been filed the day before. House Bill 4374 will not be any less dramatic as the RH Bill, but it definitely will produce a sharp contrast in any drama that ensues. Entitled Volunteerism for Nation Building, or VBN, is as literal as it sounds. The filing of the bill is a virtual recognition and appreciation of the work of Gawad Kalinga. It also is the signal that poverty has found a David to take it down.

Hard Working

Filipinos are regarded as excellent workers who perform well, be it physical labor or sophisticated and technical types of work. This natural tendency for hard work, is driven by the desire for economic security and improvement for oneself. Filipinos are hardworking as evidenced by the number of OFW's worldwide. The innate ability of Filipinos to please the people whom they serve, even if that would mean personal sacrifice, is the greatest proof of this trait. The great ability of our countrymen to work with their hearts is proof of our being hardworking because we’re motivated to help our families and our nation.a

Nationalism

 Nationalism is an imperative of authentic development. We cannot have true development unless it promotes the common good and the national interest of our people. This means expressing a preference for things Filipino. This means having faith in our own capacity to accomplish our goals. Filipinos are very nationalism because even though they are on the other countries they bring our nationality and our authentic values their. They don't forget to share our learning's here in our Country.

Honest

HOLDING a lighted lamp in one hand, Diogenes was said to have roamed the
streets of Athens in search of a honest man. The cynic Greek philosopher
had a passion for honesty and self-sufficiency and utterly despised social
conventions.

Diogenes should look no further. We have in our midst, in this cynical time
and materialistic world, Filipinos who, by their honesty, have made their
fellow Filipinos proud of their upbringing and uprightness deeply ingrained
in their race.

Religious

Filipinos are the same as other people around the world. Those who are poor and ethical know that there is an external power that is at work in the world. When one is poor or lacking in a particular attribute, one knows that there is always hope that the situation can change.

When there is no one else to turn to, one finally turns to his God. It is possible that one's God will intervene and provide the solution to an intolerable situation. While many people in better circumstances will scoff at the idea that there is a God and that He is interested in the affairs of the world, the poor know that this is so; they have no other option than to know that God watches.

So if you think that a particular person is too religious, consider that the person has proven this thesis to himself. Miracles happen and the less fortunate know that such miracles are not made by man. When one has faith, one knows beyond a doubt that the faith is tested and rewarded by a higher power. Love for this higher power will manifest itself as "being too religious." S/he will do the acts of his/her religion as an act of love, faith, and duty. People of faith in all countries do this, not just Filipinos.

Also because we are partial Asian and partial Spanish and if Ur either of those categories you know that if u say you don't wanna go to church Ur gonna get Ur butt kicked. and both combined into one Filipino and a double whammy on the punishment.

Polite

One of the firsts complaints I heard from an expat is that Filipino are extremely compliant. He informed me of this with all to well known tone that the self proclaimed Philippines expert.

To mistake Filipino politeness as extremely compliant is underestimating and misunderstanding the kultura Filipino (Filipino Culture). They are not compliant at all. They often just choose not to argue. The Filipino I know are masters at allowing someone to be wrong.

Respectful

Filipinos are respectful. We see this in how we address our elderly people. Tagalogs say "po" and "opo" when addressing someone older than them (an equivalent of the French "vous" and the Spanish "usted"). We also have various titles like Kuya for an older brother or older male cousin, ate for an older sister or older female cousin, and many others like Aling, Mang, Manong, Manang, diko, ditse, Ingkong, Lolo, Lola, etc. as respect for older relatives and people. There's also the popular "mano" where younger people reach for the hands of their elderly and touch it to their foreheads.

Responsible

Proud, dignified, and socially responsible Filipinos! Filipino Matters combines advocacy and social business to instill national pride, develop a greater sense of social consciousness and uplift the dignity in every Filipino. It is engaged in developing creative solutions that change people's mindsets.
We aspire to stir the flame in every Filipino. We want to engage all Filipinos in the national enterprise of social progress and development through practical and doable people-based programs that will impact significantly and directly to communities involved in our socio-economic projects and activities.

Filipino Matters is about matters concerning Filipinos because Filipinos indeed matter!

Family Oriented

The Catechism for Filipino Catholics describes the self-identity of Filipinos as family-oriented.The family as the basic unit of Philippine society is very significant to the Filipino. Filipinos are culturally and emotionally attached to their respective families. The Filipino’s interest and loyalty is demanded by his or her family more than any other institution in the larger society. When referring to families we do not just speak of the immediate nuclear family, but our notion of a family is extended to a wider kin group even if our household is nuclear in form. Most members of the same kin group assist one another in times of need, and they participate in joint family activities even if they do not live together in the same household. This characteristic of the Filipino still prevail despite modernization where society is becoming characterized by more impersonal relationships. The modern Filipino family continues to be closely knit and centered on the family. Relationships among extended kin continue to be marked by reciprocal obligations and privileges even across great geographic distances. We also typically try to make our friendships into family-like relationships that are mutually supportive.

Hospitable

 There are many aspects of Filipino hospitality.

Guests are automatically invited to a meal, even when food is scarce. If someone turns up unexpectedly at a Filipino home during meal times, whatever food is on the table is shared with the visitor, even if it means not having enough for the rest of the family. Guests are entitled to the best room and bed in the house and are provided with clothes and other amenities as needed. The best food that a family can provide is served during a visitor's stay. Filipinos are very pleasant and warm to visitors and take the time and effort to entertain them and make the feel comfortable and part of the family. Filipinos love to laugh and joke, even in the worst of conditions or circumstances. When visitors leave, they are given gifts to bring home. In short, there is an unusual desire to please the guest.