Unit 7: Supernaturals: Believe It or Not

Introduction:

Spiritual self is one of the four constituents of the “self” according to William James in
his book, “The Principles of Psychology in 1890. The spiritual self is the most intimate, inner
subjective part of the self. It is the most intimate version of the self because of the satisfaction
experienced when thinking of one’s ability to argue and discriminate, of one’s moral sensibility
and conscience, and of our unconquerable will (James, 1890) is purer than all other sentiments of
satisfaction (Green, 1997).

The ability to use mora sensibility and conscience may be seen through the expressions
of religion, its beliefs and practices, In the same manner, cultural rituals and ceremonies are some
manifestations what people believe in. Moreover, seeking the meaning of life is a journey that the
spiritual self is on.

Activity #7
Art Recall

Recall: When was the first time you realized that there is a higher being than yourself? How old
were you then? What made you believe that there is a higher being?

Draw:

Make a poster about the instance or situation that made you believe in the existence of higher
being.
Analysis

a) How is the belief on higher being related to yourself?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

b) Do you consider having a spiritual self? Why or Why not?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Read………...
Religion

Rebecca Stein (Stein, 2011) work on the definition of region ‘as a set of cultural belief
and practices that usually includes some or all of basic characteristics. These characteristic are:

1. a belief in anthropomorphic supernatural being’ such as spirit and gods

2. a focus on the scared supernatural, where scared refers to a feeling of reverence an

awe

3. the presence of supernatural power or energy that is found supernatural beings as well
physical beings and objects

4. the performance of ritual activities that involves the manipulation of sacred object to
communicate to supernatural being and/or to influence or control events

5. the articulation of world view and moral codes through narratives and other means
 6. provide the creation and maintenance of social bond and mechanism of social control
within a community; provide explanation for unknown and a sense of control for individuals.

An individual live in a sociality where there are many practices of religion. The choice of
religious belief lies within the spiritual self. Although the choice maybe influenced by the society
and its culture.

Ritual

Ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a tradition or sacred law

(Britannica, 2017). Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behavior exhibited by all known
societies. It is thus possible to view ritual as a way of defining or describing humans.

There are three fundamental characteristics of rituals according to Penner (Britannica,

2017). Ritual has the characteristics of:

1. a feeling of emotion of respect, awe, fascination, or dread in relation to the sacred

2. dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed in the language of myth

3. is symbolic in relation to its reference

The self can be described as a ritual being who exhibits a striking parallel between their
ritual and verbal behavior. Just as language is a system of symbols that is based upon arbitrary
rules, ritual may be viewed as a system of symbolic acts that is based upon arbitrary rules.
Participation to rituals is expressions of religious beliefs.

Some World Religious Beliefs and Practices

There are different religions with different beliefs and practices. Some of the major
world religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Excerpt of some
religious beliefs and practices are found in the University of London’s Religion and Belief Guide
2017.
Buddhism

Beliefs

Buddhism Believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there are suffering, pain, and
frustrations. When people suffer, they want to experience the goodness of life and avoid
disappointments. It becomes a habit known as the reactive cycle of wanting and hating, like and
dislike, and craving and aversion. This reactive cycle can be broken through the practice of
meditation, acquiring more wisdom and deeper understanding, and acceptance of things as they
are.

Customs and Practices

There are two types of meditation: samatha and vipassana. Samatha is practiced as
mindfulness of breathing and development of loving kindness (Metta Bhavana). Vipassana
practices aim at developing insight into reality. Acquiring wisdom is by studying Buddha’s
teaching, the Dharma. Through the reflection of Dharma, Buddhists can achieve a deeper
understanding of life. Buddhist believe in non-violence principle.

Some of the major Buddhist celebrations are Parinirvana Day in February; Buddha Day
(Wesak) in May; Dharma Day on July; Padmasambhava Day in October; and Sangha in
November.

Christianity

Beliefs

Christians believe in Trinitarian God. One God in three personas; God the Father
(Creator), God the Son (Savior), and God the Holy Spirit (Sustainer). Eternal life after death will
be achieved though faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the God the Son, who come into flesh, to
spread the good news of salvation. He died on the Cross for the sin of the humanity but resurrected
from death, so that anyone who believes in Him will be saved and have eternal life. The Holy Bible
is a selection of books, which is divided into two, the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Customs ad Practices

Sacrament of baptism and Sacrament of Communion are practiced by Christian churches.

The Sacrament of baptism symbolizes the birth in Christian World, While the sacrament of
Communion is an act of remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial love. Jesus Christ teaching in
unconditional love that is expressed in loving the poor, oppresses, and outcast of the society.

Christmas and Resurrection Sunday (Easter) are the two major celebrations in
Christianity. Christmas, usually on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ while
resurrection Sunday (depends on the lunar calendar, sometime in March or April) Celebrates the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from birth.

Hinduism

Beliefs

Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliefs and religious groups; thus, there is no
single founder or leader. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth,
governed by Karma. Karma is a concept where in a reincarnated life will depend on how the past
life was spent, Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next
incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. Vedas are sacred scriptures of
Hindus. Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other important texts of the Hindus.

Customs and Practices

Diwali, and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of the I=Hindus. Diwali is the
Festival of lights while Navrati is the festival of nine nights, which celebrate the triumph of good
over evil. Hindus have set dates to honor particular manifestations of God.

Islam

Beliefs

Muslims believe in Allah, who is heir “One God”. They believe in the unity and
universality of God. Muslims also have a strong sense of community or “ummah” and awareness
of their solidarity with all Muslims worldwide. Islam means “willing submission to God”.
 Muslims believe that Mohammed is the last and final prophet sent by God. Mohammed
was born in Mecca in 570 CE and received revelations from God through the Angel Gabriel over
a period of 23 years. The Holy Book of Islam is called the Quran, which was taught to be recited
in Arabic because any translation is seen as inadequate.

Customs and Practices

Muslims believe in the five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of Muslim life:

1. Shahadah- statement of faith; “There is no God but the one true God and Mohammed is His
messenger.”

2. Salat- the prayer that is practiced five times a day.

3. Zakat- the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It comprises the 2.5 % of a Muslim’s
assets.

4. Hajj- the yearly pilgrimage to mecca. Muslims who can afford are asked to do the pilgrimage at
least once in their lifetime.

5. Sawm- the fasting. Muslims do fasting, from food, drink, and sexual act, during the celebration
of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast is from dawn to
sunset.

Two of the major festivals in Islam are Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. Eidul-Fitr is the
celebration at the end of Ramadan, while Eidul-Adha is celebrated within the completion of the
Pilgrimage, the Hajj.

Judaism

Beliefs

The Jews believe in the God of Abraham, the same God that liberated the Hebrew slaves
from Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land through the leadership of Moses and later, Joshua. They
believe in the coming of Messiah, the savior. The sacred scripture of the Jews is called the Torah
or the <Aw. The Torah is the guide of the Jewish living. The study and interpretation of Torah is
part of the Jewish culture.

Customs and Practices

 There are five major festivas observed by the Jews:

1. Rosh Hashanah- the New year

2. Yom Kippur- the day of Atonement

3. Pesach- Passover

4. Shavuot- Pentecost

5. Sukkot- Tabernacles. The Jewish Sabbat begins on Friday evening at sunset and is an important
time when families gather for the Shabbat meal.

Religious beliefs, rituals, practices, and customs are all part of the expression of the
spiritual self. What to believe and how to manifest the belief is entirely dependent on the
individual, to the self. A person might believe that there is a higher being, a supernatural being,
usually termed as God, but not necessarily wants to be affiliated or identified with a certain
religious group. Others may have religious practices which are perceived to be contrary to the
practices of other groups. Religious beliefs and practices, therefore, are formed relative to its
context and culture.

Finding and Creating Meaning of Life

Another extensive study of self can be found in the works of Dr. Viktor E. Frankl. The
Viktor Frankl Institute of Vienna was created in 1992. The institute has a website where there is a
synopsis of his life and works and present programs
(http://www.viktorfranklinstitute.org/about_Viktor_Frankl.html). The following are the excerpts
from the website.

The Psychiatrist

Dr. Viktor E. Frankl was born on March 26, 1905 in Vienna, Austria, where famous
psychiatrists Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler lived. At a young age, he wrote a short paper to
Freud which was published after three years. Dr. Frankl graduated with a medical degree from the
University of Vienna in 1930. He was assigned in Vienna Hospital suicide ward and headed the
Rothschild Hospital, eight years later. A survivor of the Holocaust, Dr. Frankl published a book
about logotheraphy. In 1959, the book was translated to English and was revived in 1963 as The
Doctor and the Soul: An Introduction to Logotherapy. His book, Man’s search for meaning has
been used as a textbook in high school and college courses. Dr. Frankl died in1997.

Logotherapy

Logotherapy is a psychotherapy introduced by Dr. Viktor Frankl, who considered the

Father of Logotherapy. The main belief of logotherapy Is that “man’s primary motivations force
is search for meaning.” Logotherapy aids individuals to find personal meaning of life, whatever
life situation they may be.

In logotherapy, meaning can be discovered by creating a work or doing deed experiencing

something or encountering someone and the attitude toward unavoidable suffering. According to
the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy, it uses the philosophy of optimism in the face of
tragedy, where people are capable of “turning suffering into human achievement and
accomplishment deriving from guilt the opportunity to change oneself for the better; and deriving
from life’s transitoriness an incentive to take a responsible action.

Basic Concepts of Franklian Psychology

The Franklian Psychology has the basic concepts. These are the following:

 Life has meaning under all circumstances.

 Main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life.
 Freedom to find meaning.

Furthermore, Franklian Psychology aims to: (1) become aware of spiritual resources, (2) make
conscious spiritual resources, and (3) use “defiant power of the human spirit” and stand up against
adversity.

Logotherapy Assumptions

All psychotherapies make philosophical assumptions about the human persons that can
be proved with certainty. Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy states the assumptions of
logotherapy, which include the following:
 1. The human being is an entity consisting of body, mind, and spirit. This first assumption
deals with the body (soma), mind (psyche), and spirit (noos). According to Frankl, the body and
mind are what we have and the spirit is what we are.

2. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable. Assumption two
is “ultimate meaning.” This is difficult to grasp but it is something everyone experiences and it
represents an order in a world with laws that go beyond human laws.

3. People have will to meaning. The third assumption is seen as our main motivation for
living and acting. When we see meaning, we are ready for any type of suffering. This is considered
to be different than our will to achieve power and pleasure.

4.People have freedom under all circumstances to activate the will to find meaning.
Assumption four is that we are free to activate our will to find meaning, and this can be done under
any circumstances. This deals with change of attitudes about unavoidable fate. Frankl was able to
test the first four assumptions when he was confined in the concentration camps.

5. Life has a demand quality to which people must respond if decisions are to be
meaningful. The fifth assumption, the meaning of the moment, is more practical in daily living
than ultimate meaning. Unlike ultimate meaning this meaning can be found and fulfilled. This can
be done by following the values of society or by following the voice of our conscience.

6. The individual is unique. The sixth assumption deals with one’s sense of meaning. This
is enhanced by the realization that we are irreplaceable.

In essence, all humans are unique with an entity of body, mind, and spirit. We all go
through unique situations and are constantly looking to find meaning. We are free to do these at
all times in response to certain demands.

Frankl’s Sources of Meaning

Popova (2017) discussed Viktor Frankl’s work. There are three possible sources of the
meaning of life: purposeful work, courage in the face of difficulty, and love

1. Purposeful Work. To find the meaning of life starts with holding a future goal. Each individual
has each own future goal to achieve or a task to perform. The task or goal to fulfill becomes the
meaning of their life. Therefore, meaning of life is unique to every individual.
2. Courage in the face of Difficulty. A meaningful life is a life with suffering. Suffering is
inevitable part of life. To find meaning of life is to recognize suffering, pain, and death as part of
life and to have the courage to face these life difficulties.

3. Love. Popova (2017) quoted Dr. Frankl’s notes about his experience in the Nazi Camp: “For
hours I stood hacking at the icy ground. The guard passed by, insulting me, and once again I
communed with my beloved. More and more I felt that she was present, that she was with me; I
had the feeling that I was able to touch her, able to stretch out my hand and grasp hers. The feeling
was very strong; she was there, Then at the very moment. A bird flew down silently and perched
just in front of me, on the heap of soil which I had dug up from the ditch, and looked steadily at
me.”

Dr. Frankl’s wife, parents,and some relatives were victims of gas chambers, His love for
his wife kept him fight for his life. Popova (2017) also quoted Dr. Frankl’s definition of love:
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. No
one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he loves him. By
his love, he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more,
he sees that which is potential in him…. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the
beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of
what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true.”

Costello (2015) captured Viktor Frankl’s message: “The ultimate secret on the spiritual
foundation of life is that love is salvation and joy eternity.” The ultimate factor to find the meaning
of life is love.

Application and Assessment

1. Reflection Paper. Reflect on Viktor Frankl’s sources of the meaning of life.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Unit 4: The Political Self and Being Filipino

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. develop a Filipino Identity;

2. identify different Filipino values and traits; and

3. reflect on your selfhood in relation to your national identity.

Read……………………
What makes a Filipino a genuine Filipino? Do physical characteristics such as having
dark hair, flat nose, and dark complexion make one a Filipino? Or is it a person’s language,
birthplace, and ethnicity? If you were to introduce yourself as a Filipino to a person of another
nationality and he or she ask, ‘’Who are Filipino?’’, what will you reply?

The Philippines as we know it only emerged in the 1890s after over three centuries of
colonization of the Spaniards. Meanwhile, liberation from the last colonizer, the Japanese, only
occurred in 1946. Foreign culture, beliefs, language, and religion have made a huge dent on our
own by setting a foundation to the contemporary Filipino identity and culture. To date, colonial
mentality remains an issue. Given the wide discrepancy between the liberation period and today’s
time, would it be safe to say that Filipinos have truly developed an identity of their own? Or are
still living in the shadow of our colonial friends?

In this chapter, you will learn that an individual’s race, ethnicity, and physical
characteristics are not the only factors that make a person’s national identity. Values and taits are
also important indicators that set apart one nationality from the other. These values and traits my
not always be a positive thing, but being able to identify one’s self apart from the other nationalities
and point out weaknesses and mistakes, paired with unity and commitment, make progress a
possibility. Though common goals, principles, and values of its people, a nation empowers itself.

Who is a Filipino?

Filipinos are often referenced to globally renowned personalities like Manny Pacquiao,
Lea Salonga, and Michael Cinco who have made Filipinos recognized around the world through
their expertise. However, being a Filipino is far more than just being related to these notable
figures. Independence Day and Buwan ng Wika celebrations prompt us to go back to our roots and
reflect on the question: Who is a Filipino?

Technically, according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Filipino citizens are

“...those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines, those born before January 7,
1973, of Filipino Mothers, who elect Philippine Citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, and
those who are naturalized in accordance with law.” However, citizenship is not the only marker of
being a Filipino. Culture and history have greatly influenced the manner Filipinos learn, live and
behave to date. People who were born and grew up in the same culture develop and share common
personality traits and values. Generations after generations, common traits and values have been
passed on that the Filipinos today still embody.

Filipino Values and Traits

The Philippines is a lush island paradise famous for its grandiose, mountain views,
pristine beaches, and rich and diverse culture changing from province. While the Philippines may
be well known for its awe-inspiring beauty perhaps the Filipino’s’ unique traits, reputable values,
and laudable talents make the country a palace to be.

Tourists who have visited the Philippines scan never forget the big and bright smiles
that greeted them, the colorful and loud jeepneys, the common Filipinos phrases such as Mabuhay,
and “Salamat” and habits such as saying po”” and “opo” to the elders, leaving soes or slippers at
the front door before entering a house, and the importunate asking of “Kumain ka na ba?” meaning
“Have you eaten yet?” Indeed, it is a marvel to experience these unique traits of the Filipino
firsthand. Few of these traits are as follows.

 The Filipino Hospitality

A Filipino trait that is known everywhere is the Filipino’s brand of hospitality. Filipnos
welcome their guests and tourists as if they are their own brothers and sisters; they always make
their guests feel at home, offering them something to eat or even place to stay. They will bring out
their best sets of plates and chinaware for their honored guests and would even go as far as
spending a lot of money and going into debt just so they can satisfy them. In most local shops,
Filipino salespersons will greet their customers with warm welcome and say thank you when they
leave even without buying anything. Filipinos also anticipate giving tours to friends who will visit
their hometown and treating them to the best restaurants and delicacies for free. During festivals
or fiestas, Filipino serve heaps of festive food and invite the whole barangay over. They also fond
of giving pasalubong or tokens from their travels and pabaon or farewell gifts to their visitors.

 Respect for Elders

Filipinos greet their elders by kissing their hand while saying “mano po” and constantly
using “po” and “opo” in conversations. Forgetting to address older people properly will regard
them as rude and impolite. There is also a wide array of references to elder people such as ate for
elder sister; kuya for older brother; tito and tita for uncle and aunt, respectively; lola and lolo for
grandfather; and Manong and Aling for older people outside the family.

 Close Family Ties

Filipinos maintain a close tight relationship with their families regardless if the children
are old enough or having families of their own. They are also fond of family reunions during
birthdays, holidays, or fiestas year-round. Some Filipino Families even opt to live in a big house
where everyone can stay together. Nursing homes are almost always not an option for family
members and choose to take care of their elders themselves.

 Cheerful Personality

Filipinos have a habit of smiling and laughing a lot. They smile when they are happy, or
sometimes even when they are sad or angry. Smiling has been a coping strategy for many Filipinos
especially during trying times and calamities. For instance, Filipinos smile and wave at the camera
while being interviewed even after a fire or flooding incident. They always try to maintain a
positive outlook in life which makes them resilient and able to manage almost everything with a
simple smile.

 Self- Sacrifice

The self-sacrificing attitude of Filipinos can be seen as an extension of the Filipino

hospitality. Filipinos go out their way to extend help to their friends, families and loved ones. They
wish to comfort and better lives to their loved ones and would go even go to the extent of working
abroad hundreds of miles away to earn more money and save up for them. Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFW) sacrifice a lot; that is why they are regarded as the modern day Filipinos heroes.
There are also times when the eldest among the children among the children of the family would
give up school to work and provide for the rest of family and educate his or her siblings.

 Bayanihan

Bayanihan is the spirit of communal unity and cooperation of Filipinos. It is also about
giving without expecting something in return. Filipinos are always ready to hare and help their
friends and loved ones who are in need. It may not always in monetary form, but the time and
effort they give also count as a form of help for them. This trait is particularly manifested in how
Filipinos rally themselves to send aid to those who are severely affected by natural calamities.

 “Bahala Na” Attitude

“Bahala na” is the Filipino version of the famous line “Hakuna Matata,” meaning no
worries. The phrase is said to have originated from “Bathala na” where Bathala means God, and
the phrase meaning leaving everything into God’ s hands. It can also be viewed as something
similar to the cheerful and positive attitude of Filipinos and allowing situations take care of
themselves instead of worrying about them.

 Colonial Mentality

Colonial Mentality is regarded as the lack of patriotism and the attitude where Filipinos
favor foreign products more than their own. This does not only concern goods, but also the desire
to look more foreign than local and keep up with foreign beauty trends. It is attributed to the
centuries of colonization Filipinos had experienced under the Spanish, American, and Japanese
rule.

 “Mañana” Habit

This is the Filipino term for Procrastination. It was derived from a longer Filipino Phrase
called “Mamaya na” meaning dawdling things, which could have been done at an earlier time. It
is a poor habit of laziness that results in heavier workloads.

 “Ningas Kugon”

“Ningas” is a Filipino term for flame and “kugon” is a Filipino term for Cogon grass that
easily burns out after it is put into flames. Ningas Kugon refers to the attitude of eagerly starting
things but quickly losing eagerness soon after experiencing difficulty, just like how fast the fire or
Cogon grass burns out moments after being ignited. Laziness is a common problem among
Filipinos; that is why Filipinos are regarded as “Juan Tamad” or Lazy Juan.

 Pride

Most Filipinos hold on to their pride as if they are more precious than keeping a good
relationship with family and loved ones. When two parties are not in good terms, they find it so
hard to apologize and wait until the other party asks for an apology first.

 Crab Mentality

This is a toxic trait among Filipinos where one resents the achievements of another,
instead of feeling happy for that person. Just like crabs in a container, they pull each other down
and ruin each other’s reputation rather than bringing them up, resulting to no progress. Filipinos
should change this troublesome attitude and focus more on their own inadequacies to improve
one’s self.

 Filipino Time

Filipinos have this common attitude of arriving late at commitments, dinner, or parties
especially if they are meeting someone close to them. They tend to not observe punctuality
altogether. The 7:00 PM call time becomes adjusted to 7:30 PM, and almost everyone arrives at
the same time because is using Filipino time.
Filipino Markers

What then are he hallmarks of our being a Filipno? What makes us truly relish in our
being a Filipino? The following are constant reminders of our nationality.

1. Proverbs or Salawikain

Filipino proverbs, just like any other proverbs, are sayings that convey lessons and
reflections on the Filipino practices, beliefs, and traditions. Damiana Eugenio, regarded as the
Mother of Philippine Folklore, classified proverbs into six categories (Eugenio, 2000):

a) proverbs expressing a general attitude toward life and the laws that govern life;

b) ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues and condemning certain vices;

c) proverbs expressing a system of values;

d) proverbs expressing general truths and observations about life and human nature;

e) humorous proverbs; and

An example of A Filipino proverb is the saying “Kung may Tiyaga, may Nilaga.” Which
means that hard work will be rewarded if one is persistent.

2. Superstitions

Filipinos also subscribe to their own set of superstitions passed down from generation to
generation. Some of these may be influenced by beliefs from other cultures, but Filipinos have
retold these superstitions according to their own experiences and they sometimes end up even more
interesting.

According to a Filipino superstition, a woman singing while cooking will end up a

spinster so parents remind their daughters to avoid singing while preparing their meals. Filipinos
also avoid taking picture in threes as the one in the center is said to die, according to another
superstition.

3. Myths and Legends

 Due to the Philippines’ rich culture and history, numerous myths and legends have sprung
about things that are beyond one’s imagination. These stories re aimed to explain the origin of
things, at the same time, teach a valuable lesson. Some of these stories stemmed in pre Christianity
period, but have evolved to the stories we know today.

A famous Filipino legend is about the origin of the pineapple fruit. It is about a story of a
young and lazy girl named Pina who always asked where her mother kept the things she needed
without looking for them first. When Pina’s mother got tired of being asked where she hid her
things, her mother wished that eyes be planted on Pina’s face so she would start using them. To
her mother’s surprise next morning. Pina was gone and a fruit sprung in the yard, implanted with
“eyes” all around its body which was later called “pinya” the Filipino term for “Pineapple”.

4. Heroes and Icons

Heroes serve as a reminder of true patriotism and nationalism as they have sacrificed their
lives for the sake of their country’s freedom and progress. Every year, we lend a whole day to
celebrate our heroes, usually the last Monday of August, to remember their greatness, bravery, and
resilience that has led to the freedom we know today.

Famous Filipino icons such as Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, and our very own national
hero, Jose Rizal, also serve as important Filipino markers as they have made the Filipino name
more pronounced worldwide through their own expertise.

How to be A Good Filipino

Now you know that your traits and values are important indicators of being a Filipino.
The problem now is how to truly become one and how you can be useful to the development and
progress of our country. The following are a few ways on how to be a good Filipino:

1. Be an Active Filipino Citizen

A good Filipino citizen is aware of the current events and participates in government
programs that aim for the country’s progression and development. By simply exercising your right
to vote, you also become an active citizen. When it comes to voting, the rich and the poor have
equal voting rights—every Filipino citizen of legal age have a chance in choosing the right leaders
for the Philippines who are genuine in helping and caring for the Filipino People.

2. Study the Philippine History

The road of the Philippine History is long and bloody, and by learning and fully
understanding the events of the Philippine history, you will learn so much as to why it is so
important to you to love your country with your life, extend help to your fellow Filipinos in need,
and recognize abuse of political power.

3. Support local Products

When you buy local products, you do not only support local manufacturers and
businessmen, but you also help strengthen the local economy. How is this so? There will be more
demand of local products, thus local businesses will be in need of more employees, which will
open new job opportunities. The business owners will also invest within the country and are less
likely to leave. Supporting our local products also displays our creativity, innovativeness, and
resourcefulness.

4. Speak the Filipino Language

The history of the Filipino language was a long and hard as the Philippine History. Jose
Rizal highlighted the importance of speaking a national language as a way of displaying the love
for one’s country. Speaking Filipino also serves as a unique identifier of being a Filipino. It has
been a decade-long debate whether to use Filipino as the Instructional language in school and to
translate textbooks into Filipino, however, this is still not strictly imposed.

5. Do not spread fake news and be democratic n engaging with dissent

This period in the history of the Philippines has seen how the internet has spawned tons
of possibilities for people, both good and bad. For instance, it is easier for Filipinos working abroad
to communicate with their loved ones left in the Philippines through the internet. Despite this, the
internet has also made the spread of fake news very common. Likewise, the internet has also made
us engage in intense arguments with people across the globe about our political positions, for
example. It is a part of being a good Filipino and verify what you read online, especially in social
media, before actually believing in it and spreading it like wildfire. It is also the responsibility of
every Filipino to recognize disagreement in political views, be tolerant, and argue intelligently
without having to resort into name-calling people.

Application and Assessment

Make an acrostic below which will describe you, in relation to your being a Filipino.

F-

I-

L-

I-

P-

I-

N-

O-