Archive for February, 2010
What is Ningas Cogon
We often hear the term ningas cogon in Filipino culture. At times, it is often used when describing news headlines, current scandals, of Filipino traits. But what does the term really mean? And where did it come from? How does it actually occur in Filipino culture, and why?
Examining the Api Mentality in Filipino Culture
Because the country spent so many years under colonial rule, the Filipinos were often left feeling like helpless victims. In fact, it is believed that one of the main reasons it seemed so easy for Spain to colonize the Philippines was because the Filipino people were awfully kind, forgiving, and subservient.
Double Standards that Exist in Filipino Culture between Men and Women
In Filipino culture, there exists an undeniable sense of machismo and macho-ness when it comes to owning up as a real man. For instance, the rate of infidelity continues to increase as years go by. Unfortunately, it is always viewed as a greater evil when it is the woman who commits infidelity, as compared to when it is the man.
Why do Pinoys Believe that Adult Children should Support their Parents
One of the Filipino values that remain intact is the closeness of family ties. Pinoys believe that they should personally look after their parents.
Why Don’t Most Pinoys Believe in Sending their Parents to Nursing Homes
If you know Filipinos, or Pinoys, you will know that they do not usually send their parents to nursing homes. They would rather take care of their parents themselves.
Why do Pinoys Let Adult Children Live in the House After they Turn 18
So, why do Pinoys still let their adult children live with them even after they turn 18? Why is it the acceptable norm at all? Well, there are a lot of factors and reasons to consider. Some families actually consider a combination of factors. There are emotional, financial, and moral factors that all make up the cultural reason.
Can the Philippines become another Singapore?
I’ve been to Singapore and done business with Singaporeans and based on what I’ve learned, applying their model of development here would be very challenging… to say the least. Singapore got to where it is (the only First World country in ASEAN) because of several key factors, small size and smaller population, among them. In [...]
Atheist filipinos and Atheism in the Philippines
There’s quite a proliferation recently of atheism threads in many Filipino forums that question religion in general and Catholicism’s stand on evolution and social issues in particular. Some readers often post funny cartoons and videos. One particular video that is being heavily promoted to argue the absurdity of religion is George Carlin’s sketch on the [...]
Foreigners’ views of the Philippines
I get asked this a lot: How do foreigners view the Philippines and how do you respond? Most white Europeans and Americans I come across have a high estimation of Filipinos. Specially those that work with Pinoys in professional/corporate settings. They talk highly about our ability to get along with others. Our sense of family. [...]
Filipino Balikbayan Gift Giving and Gift Receiving Customs
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and thoughtfulness. One of the popular aspects of the Philippine culture is the gift giving and gift receiving customs.