Filipino Theory

Filipino Theory 

(Pilipinohiya at Sikolohiyang Pilipino)

What is Filipino Theory? There were no studies in the present that define exactly what this particular theory means. But why does it exist? Perhaps this theory subjects the collective thinking, attitude and behaviors of every Filipinos. Accommodating, generous, respectful, loving, caring, jolly etc., these were regarded as the characteristics we Filipinos are known for. The list goes on and on when we talk about features and qualities of Filipinos. But one of these cannot stand-alone and define what Filipino theory is. It has to be a collective idea or summation of our basic characteristics.

I would like to discuss the positive characteristics of Filipinos and the irony it faces in reality. First, Filipinos as being accommodating and generous. Philippine culture is highly based on that of Spain. We got the culture, which is very fond of having festivals in commemorating religious icons. We celebrate and prepare foods for everyone who will be visiting our place, our town. Our houses. Truly, we are a very festive people. But on the other hand, and the downside of this festive culture we have, people, sometimes do things just to please others. Most Filipinos, especially those who belong to the lower and middle classes, commit debts in order to bring something on the table during feasts. It is to signify and show to their visitors how prepared they are for them and to show they are capable of being accommodating and generous. This can be viewed positively but there is a negative perspective as well. We are generous people that sometimes put ourselves in situations wherein we are the one who will suffer.

Next, we value respect in our society. In a Filipino family, being respectful is one essential characteristic that one should learn and have. We, then, use it when we are in school, work and elsewhere. But the essence of being respectful is being tampered by wrong doings, especially in our Philippine Government. Client-patron relationship has been eminent in any government, even ours. It is when government officials have certain patrons, constituents and “padrinos” that they develop conditional relationships with because they are benefitting from each other. They have respect for each other in the sense that they would cover up something that they are both benefitting for, even if it is not legal. In here, being respectful does not mean having a high appreciation of someone’s status or rights.

In regards to loving someone and being caring for others, we Filipinos are the best of it. We are in a society that deeply appreciates the meaning of love. But sometimes, people take for granted their partners. Filipinos are then regarded as martyrs of love. In a relationship, one should always put both feet forward so that an ideal relationship can be obtained.

Last but not the least is Filipinos as happy people. It is very noticeable that even when the country is hit by calamities and disaster, we have the capability of surpassing any challenges in our lives through laughter. But then, in reality, laughter cannot cure everything.

The Culture of Filipinos is a very colorful and also is a complicated one. One may say that we display our good characteristics for other in exchange for self-burden. In the end, obtaining what really is the meaning of Filipino theory is still unexplainable. It is then we can conclude that we are complicated individual, that makes it hard for scholars to define who and what we are. That’s what makes a Filipino special. We are unique in our own special ways.