It's more fun in the Philippines!! Yes, you're right! I am back and this time let me take you to my beloved country The Philipines. But hold on, this is not a travel blog as most people do as I observed. Actually, I often saw too many travel blogs about our country but do they know really about the people and their story?
This is about understanding the Filipino people. You can't just go to one country without knowing traits of local settlers, right? In this article, I'll give you a glimpse of our daily lives, What are our good and bad habits that you might not understand and a quick time machine experience on how our nation became what we are now.
Why our country is named Philippines/Pilipinas?
A glimpse of History
Philippines is named after King Philip II of Spain way back from Spanish colonial times. Spanish colonization was triggered by the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan way back in the year 1521. Some historians believe that Ferdinand Magellan discovered the country looking for spices they can use for their exploration around the world.
From there, let's take a little rewind. The Philippines early settlements are composed of many different ethnic groups. They those people ruled over around more than 7000 islands led by Rajahs, Datus, and Sultans. They live their economic life by bartering goods from neighboring countries around Asia such as China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and many more. They are also engaged in competing for maritime resources both local and international.
When Magellan came he immediately he build a friendship with the Rajahs and Datus in the Visayas region it was solidified by so-called blood compact. It was a smooth run for him as he gains the trust of all the leaders until he crosses path with our considered to be the first national hero Lapu-Lapu.
Lapu-Lapu is said to be a brave warrior and leader of his tribe. During that encounter, Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu in what we call *The Battle of Mactan*. After the fearsome battle Historians never had a trace of Lapu-Lapu or his family. After The Battle of Mactan, Spanish explorers came and one of them named the country Las Islas Filipinas.
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi is the first and the one who brings Spaniards to the Philippines. They settle in all of the islands and gain control over 300 years. Under Spanish government, Filipino people soon gain an identity for having a Family name and Catholic as the dominant religion, Although There is still Muslims especially in the southern part.
Many Filipinos fought the Spanish Empire and finally weakens it in the late 1800s. It is 1898 when the first President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared our independence and Las Islas Filipinas became Republika ng Pilipinas(Republic of the Philippines).
In the early 1900s, Spain totally lost control and defeated by the Americans in the famous Battle of Manila Bay. The United States took over control until the end of World War II. Well, that's maybe the explanation why I have an English name and a Spanish Family name.
This is us, This is how we roll!!
The Filipino People
A Filipino is a person that originates or native of the country Philippines. I heard the news that our population grows up to 100 million people making it 12th largest population in the world as I remember. In fact, it is televised when they give gifts to the suspected number 100 million Pinoy upon her birth.
Filipinos always wear a smile whenever they go. Whatever the circumstances maybe we always find a way to smile. But what is to be a Filipino? For me as a Filipino, I think life is so simple and full of joy. It could be hard sometimes but having my family along with me I felt like invulnerable.
Our life every day is like a roller coaster ride. You wake you wake up in the morning have your breakfast and get ready for whatever lies ahead on your path. Every day is a different journey, from traffic jams to events along the street.
Knowing the People...
== Positive Traits ==
Filipinos are known for their positive traits that most of the other nationality loves so much. I'll try to explain to you some of our traits.
Hospitality
This may be the most common and most famous traits we Filipinos have, being hospitable. Filipinos welcome any visitors with so much treatment. We sometimes sacrifice our own comfort for the sake of our visitors' comfort. We often show so much affection, especially to foreigners. We even cook delicious delicacies for our visitor and let them into our room while we sleep in the living room.
Respect
It is the number one trait that was taught to us since we were just a child. This is critical for us especially when we visit the elders. We use "po" and "opo" as a sign of respect while answering questions from elders. As a sign of respect, we place our elder's hand on our foreheads or we call it " Pagmamano".
Strong work ethics
As an OFW I often hear employers that they love to have a Filipino worker in their company simply because of the work ethics. Filipinos are widely known to be a hard worker. Many countries around the world trying to employ Filipino workers because of this attitude. They also have this creative way to make the task easier and on top of that, the smile we bare even we are tired or pressured.
Strong Family ties
A strong bond inside the family is what separates us from the other. We are making sure that our family stays together whatever happens. This trait is something that is present to us from every generation. We are fun of get-togethers as often as possible. Family bonds come not only inside the house but in all activities, we are doing even sports.
==Negative traits==
Although I'm so proud of all the positive traits we Filipino possesses, there is always a room for negative traits and hopefully we try to do what it takes to get rid of it.
Crab Mentality
This attitude is so common, especially in politics. Crab mentality comes from the idea of a crab when they are pulling each other down when someone is trying to climb out of the basket. This bad habit is one of the reasons why our nation progresses very slow. Not only in politics but for normal people as well when someone is doing good people find things to put down or ruin one's reputation.
Fatalism
Fatalism or Bahala Na (come what may) habit is one negative traits that Filipinos have. It is like they don't care what will happen next or what may be the outcome of their actions. They tend to leave everything to fate. The effect of this habit is somewhat related to danger. A person with this attitude is always near to danger and can be fatal at sometimes. Filipinos are like this they used to say bahala na when doing something risky. They act with less thinking of what will happen next and often says if it's your time it's your time.
Mañana Habit
This trait means mamaya na (i'll do it later). in This is present mostly in all Filipino wherein we intentionally set aside a task for later even if they can do it now. This negative attitude resulting in wasted oppurtunity is already like a tradition for most of us. They missed those things they could have accomplished. People are unaware doing this habit.
==Finale==
Now you guys know about our people. It's time to browse those traveling guides and book your way to our humble country. A country where people always smile. A nation that is ready to welcome you anytime. This is our people, this is our origin, Welcome to The Philippines!!
As a Filipino, I am proud of what I am and what we can offer around the world. We should bond together to achieve our common goals and start making changes by trying to get rid of our bad habits. Grown-ups should set an example for the next generation cause they are the one who will take over in the near future. Lastly, be proud of who you are a Filipino.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you all learned from what I've present. See you next time!!
Resources
Photos
References
- Wikipedia
- And my High School Teacher.
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