Hoy! PINOY ako!

The Philippines is a unique country and Filipinos, indeed, is a special race. With over 7,000 islands and islets that constitutes its archipelagic nature, 55 languages and 172 dialects, and a multiplicity of religions, the Philippines possesses a variety of culture that makes it different from its neighboring countries around Asia and on the world. But, amidst the modern generation and global demands of the present, are these unique cultures still present today? Are these cultures possessed by Filipinos still introduce the national identity of the country to the world? Or are we, Filipinos, already Westernized that we already forgot that we have our own unique identity different from other races that makes us really special?

In other words, do our own cultures, traditions, and beliefs still exist today amidst the global influence of modernization? I, as a Filipino, really believe that we still have our own identity although we are being influenced by other countries especially the western ones. Let me enumerate seven things that make us different from other nations.

First, we are still religious up to this time. This trait is not only manifested by Christians but also of our brother Muslims in the country. According to Pastor Ed Lapiz, the head pastor of Day by Day Christian Ministries, as what I have read in an article entitled ‘What makes every Filipino Special?’ written by Marielle Vergara, “the Filipinos’ spirituality makes him invoke a divine presence or intervention at nearly every step of his journey in life”. We Filipinos are indeed prayerful. In Filipino Psychology, we have a unique trait called Bahala Na. It is the “frameless” reliance of confidence and trust in the Transcendent God. Actually, it is rooted on the words Bathala Na which means entrusting everything to God especially those beyond our capacity and limitations. It is a good trait if not abused and misconceived. Furthermore, our religiosity is being manifested in some ways. Who among us are not aware of the annual celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila every 9th of January? Who among us did not practice the tradition of Simbang Gabi and the colorful Christmas season? Are we not aware of the Islam practice, Ramadan? All these and many more prove that despite the modernization, we are still very spiritual in essence. This makes us the major exponent of faith.

Can you see the image of the Black Nazarene? Of course not! Because of the throngs of people gathered around Him. That's the Filipino's faith. Photo courtesy: http://m5.paperblog.com/i/40/407775/feast-of-the-black-nazarene-2013-L-Nkdzxj

Second, Filipinos still possess the world’s renowned hospitality trait. We are still accommodating to everyone especially to our guests up to this time. This image of Pinoys as being very neighborly people is something even foreigners attested. They are very happy visiting our country because they feel that they are being wholeheartedly accepted manifested by our big smiles and accommodating gestures and manners. In every Filipino homes and communities, there is always a room for one more.

Third, Filipinos today are still a celebrating people. Amidst the countless economic crises, natural disasters, political turbulence, and even personal problems we have encountered and are encountering, we do not forget to wear a smile in our faces always. We easily celebrate and we always look for any reason to celebrate. One good example of this is the fiesta, common to every Filipino community, celebrating, as if it’s our last. Who would not forget the images of the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda who struck the country in 2013 and would almost erase some provinces in the Visayas? It is beyond everyone's imagination but the resiliency of Filipinos made them stand up again and wear a genuine smile on their faces. 

A celebrating people despite hardships in life. A genuine smile in everyone's face. Photo courtesy: http://beachresortphilippines.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Friendly-Filipino

Fourth, Filipinos are still music lovers. Way back in our ancestors’ time and up to this modern age, we are still musical. We like to pour out our emotions through music. This is manifested by the culture of karaoke or videoke. It is a common way of Filipinos to recreate and a way of releasing our stress and tensions, forgetting our problems even for a while. Also, the musicality of Filipinos is manifested by the evolution of the kind of music in the Philippines, specifically, the Manila Sound. From the sounds and music popularized by the local bands such as Hotdog, VST and Co., Boyfriends, and Juan dela Cruz Band in the 1970s, it is now being carried on by the present groups like Easerheard, Rivermaya, Parokya ni Edgar, Bamboo, Cueshe, Calla Lily, and a lot more. The birth of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in the 70s gives way to the evolution of the new kind of music and sound that we have right now that is solely from the Pinoys, by the Pinoys, and for the Pinoys.

Fifth, Filipinos today are still sociable. We love to be in the company of people. We have our own term of barkadahan. In our community working together, there should be bayanihan or mutual help. During our childhood years, when we are playing, we want a kalaro (playmate) more than a laruan (toy). It is also usual that in social gatherings, invitations are open that we never forget to bring a friend or friends along. Furthermore, we don’t want to be separated from the group when we are commuting, for example, so if the bus or jeepney is full, there’s no problem, we have our instant answer and that is kalong kalong (sitting on the lap). Also, when we are sleeping, we prefer most that we are tabi-tabi (side by side) than to sleep alone. These manifest that every Filipino is very comfortable with, and derives pleasure in human company. That is why, we have unique and distinguishing characteristics among others - the pakikisama and the pakikipagkapwa. Today, even after we are being modernized, our kapwa tao still matters to us. Our kapwa, according to the Father of Filipino Psychology, Virgilio Enriquez, is our recognition of our shared identity, an inner self shared with other. That is why pakikipagkapwa simply means that we treat other people as our co-equals. In addition to, it is also unique today in every Filipino the different terms we used, that if we trace back, were derived through the simple word ‘ka’. Examples of these are kasama (of the same company), kaisa (of the same cause), and kapanalig (of the same belief). There are still other ka words such as kaibigan, katulong, kasangga, kabatak, katoto, katropa, kapamilya, and even, kapuso. Truly, these cultures and traits are only unique among Filipinos.

Sixth, amidst the modernization today, we Filipinos are still unique in our dishes, delicacies, ingredients, and condiments. Filipinos really love to eat. Who among is not familiar with our very own sinigang, a dish of either pork, beef, shrimp, or fish in vegetable broth soured with acidic fruits? It is everybody’s favorite. Who among us is not aware with our very own perfect pulutan during social drinking- the kinilaw or kilawin? It is the uncooked fish marinated in vinegar using salt and pepper. Who did not even taste the Pinoy’s balut, a boiled fertilized duck’s eggs developed into an embryo peppered with salt and vinegar when eaten? Ask a Filipino about how one can acquire instant energy and you will hear him saying: “Kumain ka ng balut!”. Also, we have our very own fish delicacies such as the tinapa, danggit, tuyo, and fish pinaputok. Lastly, we have our favorite Filipino meat dishes such as the papaitan, kare-kare, kalderetang kambing, dinuguan, and adobo. We still even have our bagoong (fish paste) and patis (fish sauce), our native condiments. All these are still present in every Filipino family’s dining table especially during celebrations which suggest that we are still unique among others when it comes to food.

The Pinoy food - Only in the Philippines. Photo courtesy: http://i0.wp.com/www.romblonlifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/filipino-food

And finally, we still have our own possessions unique in us. Where in the world can you find passenger jeepneys like our very own Sarao? Jeepneys are one of the major means of transportation especially in the metropolis. They usually come in different designs and slogans such as “Katas ng Saudi”, “Basta Driver, sweet lover”, and other amusing lines that suggest the creativity and the uniqueness of Filipinos. Furthermore, only in the Philippines you can find the near-perfect cone of Mayon Volcano which is in Albay. Every Filipino should be proud knowing that the world’s beautiful volcano rests in our soil. On the other hand, if Mayon is nature’s gift to the Philippines, we Filipinos have a gift to the world- the Banaue Rice Terraces. The beautiful staircase-like rice fields is included in the United Nations Cultural Heritage List. Unfortunately, it is not being taken care of now due to the lack of farmers because of the call of modernization. Let’s just hope and pray that this wonder will not come to its end. Lastly, it is also unique in Filipino culture today are our native products made of indigenous materials such as the banig, buntal hats, tampipi, and others which showcase the creative and excellent Filipino craftsmanship. Surely, these hinabi products are for exports around the world.

THE BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES IN MY CAMERA LENS

The world renowned Chocolate Hills in Bohol

The beautiful beach of Calatagan, Batangas

Behind me is the century-old Paoay Church in Ilocos

It's as if I'm holding the top of the bell tower of one of the old Churches in Ilocos (Sorry I forgot the name...hehehehe)

Those seven things I mentioned above are not even enough when we talk about the beautiful culture of the Filipinos. There are still many more that if we enumerate all, we’ll surely run out of words. I believe that amidst the global demands of modernity, our own culture still lives, which make us different from others. According to His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, the Archbishop Emeritus of Manila: “We are called as Filipinos, a people who have a history of struggle and promise, a people endowed with character, soul, and a culture of our own. Let us not forget that we are one nation”. Surely, we are a unique race and we are in a unique and beautiful country. Let us not forget that we are Filipinos and we will always be. Don’t let the culture of modernity eat our own national identity. Let us stand firm and proudly and hold on to our culture as we grasp the idea of the modern times.

References:
Vergara, Marielle. WHAT MAKES THE FILIPINO SPECIAL?
Losorata, Yugel. THE PINOY IN EVERY BALIKBAYAN