John B.

Mancia 195596
Eng 11 Section LL

Kabayan Kulture
It was a bright and sunny first day of senior high in my new school. As I approached the peach
paint washed school building, I could see students, wearing maroon coats and grey pants, freely
chatting and laughing with each other. Pushing the heavy glass door to enter, the sound of the
chatter immediately increased by tenfold. I squeezed my way through the narrow corridors and
up the menacing stairs thinking “Filipinos are loud huh.” I learned eventually that being loud and
chatty is a typical trait of the Filipino culture or how I call “The Kabayan Kulture”. The next two
years of my life in senior high made me embrace and accept the beautiful and unique culture us
Filipinos have.
It was strange and pleasant at the same time experiencing how Filipino teachers interact and
instruct students. You would get a smile or two from them as they discuss about topics related to
the class discussion, students interacting and joking around with the teachers. It really helped
with the learning experience. There were times where they would discuss on topics and issues
related to the Philippines and though I had no input or knowledge of it, there was always
something to learn about my home nation and I’d always picking up insights every school day.
I really loved the banter and humor displayed amongst Filipinos. Though at times they go too far,
I always get a crack from it and they usually make my day. I even joined along at times just
because it was funny as heck. I was amazed at seeing the contrast of a typical Filipino
environment to my previous school.
Being in a new environment was eye-opening. Adjusting was the hardest part. My conversational
Filipino was awful during the start of grade 11. I picked up the accent and pronunciation and
managed to not sound foreign or as they call “englishero” most of the times. The best ways to
learn the conversational language was through listening to OPM and just interacting or listening
to Filipino conversations. Doing this for two years has made me think in Filipino at times now
and I utter phrases here and there automatically.
Over time I embraced the Filipino culture and it was a pleasant environment to be in at most
times. Joy, smiles and laughs all around, the lively spirits of teachers and students during
discussions, I started to appreciate the Filipino environment. It was really a turning point in my
life. Not only did I learn so much about the Filipino culture, I met so many different people who
opened my eyes on what I should be and what I should not be. There were many examples from
the actions and sayings from the others to learn from.