Filipino Culture

When world-renowned Filipino boxer, Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao was rumored to have been committing infidelity against his wife, the Filipino people were overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Of course, it led to questions regarding his morality, as well as his stature as a role model. The news was everywhere, and everyone in and around the country had his or her own opinion regarding the matter. But perhaps the most common opinion was that Manny was not as much in the wrong as his supposed lover. Why was this? Simply put, it was because Manny is a man, and his lover is a woman. In other words, there exists a double standard in the eyes of the Filipino people. Because of this double standard, it seemed more wrong for the woman to have engaged in the relationship, than for the man, even if, in reality, everyone knows that it always takes two to tango.

What is a double standard?

Double standard refers to any set of standards containing different provisions for one group of people than for another. In the US, feminists have worked long and hard for the complete level of equality between men and women, as well as for the complete eradication of the double standards that exist between them. A good example of a common double standard is, found in the case of infidelity (as mentioned earlier). Why is it that in many cases, the man is seen to have less fault in the matter than the woman?

Examples of double standards between Filipino 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. This is a very common double standard. Another double standard that you may often find between Filipino men and women is found in the corporate realm. When a man does poorly in his daily job, it seems easier for the company to ask him to leave than for them to ask a woman to leave. This is because the double standard dictates that women, being more sensitive and vulnerable, deserve more of a second chance, lest they have an emotional breakdown of sorts.

Although it may seem impossible to eradicate the double standards that exist between Filipino men and women, one must not give up trying. No matter how small the situation is, each and every Filipino must own up to his or her identity (regardless of gender), and speak his or her mind for the sake of equality and fairness.

Related questions:

1. How can we change the double standards in our culture?
2. Are Filipino women still oppressed?
3. Is there a law pushing for equality between Filipino men and women?

In the Philippines, poverty is widespread. Though it should be noted that not all Filipinos are living in squalor, there are many who struggle just to get an education, much more a decent job. There are Filipino parents who can only raise their children by feeding them and giving them basic clothing and shelter. Even more unfortunate is the fact that Filipinos who live in the streets do not have a lot of hope to hold on to in terms of one supporting the other. Education, especially beyond public schooling in the elementary and high school levels, is just a luxury for them instead of the right that it is. There are lower middle class and much poorer parents who struggle but do succeed in sending their children to school up to the end of college.

A Sign of Looking Back

In a Filipino family that does not have a lot of material possessions, much of the collective earnings in the household may be used for education or for simply raising the children. Children are constantly reminded of their parents’ great efforts. They have come to understanding the need for them to give back to the family by supporting their parents. Their parents, when older and can no longer work as hard, will be depending on them. The parents have not been able to save money for their retirement as they use the money for education expenses. Young, newly graduate Filipinos are already feeling the strain of supporting a family even before they themselves get married. Even so, they believe that it is the right thing to do and aim to support the parents they owe their education from. Even those who have not finished college or have gone to school by supporting themselves still believe in supporting their parents.

Filipino Family Values

One of the Filipino values that remain intact is the closeness of family ties. Pinoys believe that they should personally look after their parents. Looking after, in this case, entails providing emotional, financial and physical support during the times of their parents’ old age. Filipinos have a great respect for their ancestors, especially their immediate family – their parents.

Related Questions:

1. Do Filipino children, regardless of economic status, really believe that it is their duty to support their parents?
2. What do you think of the Filipino arrangement where parents send their children to school with the hopes of a return of financial support?
3. Will the setup prevent young Filipinos to start their own families on the right track?

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. If they have the money to pay for a caregiver, they would prefer someone who can take care of their parents in their own homes. Tightly knit and sometimes dependent on each other, the members of a Filipino family would rather work extra long hours to care for an elderly parent than have him or her live in a nursing home. The setup if viewed by someone outside the structure could be seen as financially impractical but for Filipinos, it is considered culturally ingrained. Pinoys value friendships. So, they should value their families more. In fact, Pinoys are very respectful and protective of their families.

Family Ties and the Parental Image

In a Filipino family, the parents provide shelter, food and clothing. If they can afford it, they also provide education. The parents do their best to raise their children, whatever their status in life is like. So, children feel it their responsibility to repay the care given to them by their parents by personally caring for them when they are old and helpless. The rare number of Pinoys who would resort to sending their parents to nursing homes are often the ones left to nannies when growing up. Of course, these are also the Filipinos who could afford to send their parents to a nursing home, in the first place. Even those who have been practically raised by their nannies would still want to see their parents close at hand.

The Filipino Caregiver

Filipinos have become known worldwide as caregivers and nurses. The nursing profession has experienced a boom in the Philippines. Filipinos have become in demand as caregivers in nursing homes outside of their native country. If Filipinos can care for other people, why can’t they take care of their own parents? Filipinos still feel that their responsibilities to their parents are not limited to the financial but also encompass the emotional and the moral.

Related Questions:

1. What is the biggest reason behind Filipino families not sending their parents to nursing homes?
2. If given enough money, will Filipinos send their parents to nursing homes?
3. Is there a connection between the fact that many Filipinos are working as caregivers abroad and their reluctance to send their parents to nursing homes?