Me and Social Acceptance

In my opinion, social acceptance is the ability to accept, or to be able to tolerate differences and diversity in other people or groups of people. Some opposite notions of social acceptance would include racism, sexism, homophobism, and prejudice in general.

Me and the Principles and Values embodies in the Filipino National Traditions

'Mano po' - When children or young people greet or say goodbye to their elders they typically do so by taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and touch the back the elder's hand lightly on their forehead. This act is called Mano Po. It is a way to give respect to elders and I've also understood it to be a way of accepting a blessing from the elder. Mano is spanish for 'hand' while the word Po is often used at the end of a sentence when addressing elders or superiors.

'Po' - The word Po is often used when speaking with an elder or to a superior. Typcially, it is added to the end of a sentence. For example, thank you would be thank you po. In tagalog, salamat means thank you. To an elder you would say salamat po. The word po doesn't really have a meaning but adds formality as a sign of respect.

Filipinos are All Related to One Another

Lolo = Grandfather, Lola = Grandmother

Tito = Uncle, Tita = Aunt

Kuya = older brother, Ate = older sister

Living with Parents

Adult children living with their parents is another commonplace filipino tradition. In fact, I would have to say it is actually the norm. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home after finishing high school or college, Filipino children often continue living with their parents until they are married or even after they are married.

Eating with a Fork and Spoon
Filipinos usually eat with a fork and spoon. The fork, usually in the left hand, is used to place or push the food into the spoon which is held by the right hand. The spoonful of food goes into your mouth.



Eating with Hands (Kamayan)
In addition to the fork and spoon method, eating with your hands or kamayan is another common filipino tradition. Gather a small portion of meat or fish and a bite size portion of rice on your plate. Then use all your fingers to gather the food into a small mountain or mound. Pick up the little mound and put it in your mouth using your thumb to gently push the food in.



Balikbayan Boxes
It is very common for Filipinos to leave the Philippines to live and work abroad. A balikbayan is a filipino who is returning to the Philippines from living or working abroad. A balikbayan box is a box of items sent by the balikbayan to their family in the Philippines. The box can be sent or it can be brought by the sender when they themselves return to the Philippines.

Me and the Characteristics of Filipino Traits by Camilo Osiasis

1. Hospitality - I very much agree with Camilo Osiasis that Filipinos are very hospitable. Actually, sometimes you would think other Filipinos are over reacting about hospitality, but no, that is what really Filipinos do. A good example is how a Filipino citizen welcomes and assist a Foreigner visitor.

2. Politeness - this trait is also ample in us Filipinos. Most Filipinos are very humble to other people, taking others as greater than themselves.

3. Modesty - nowadays, modesty in Filipinos are very much questionable. Because not all Filipinos have normality and propriety of manner. Many are indulged in drug addictions, alcohol, sex, etc.

4. Devotion to Families - I agree on this. Example: pag inaway mo yung isang miembro ng pamilya nila, kaaway mo na ang buong pamilya.

5. Love of Home - this is very true. In such cases that Overseas Filipino Workers will die abroad, they would want their burial to be in the Philippines.

Filipino Values

My own perspective on Filipino Values is quite similar to the Values and Ideal Social Life to w/c Filipino Aspire by Encarnacion Alzona. Here are the components:


1. Coutesy - Filipinos are a very friendly and hospitable people, sometimes even to a fault. Take the time to smile and say "thank you", and you'll receive much better responses. You will receive an even better response if you throw in a little Tagalog, such as "salamat", which means "thank you".


2. Manliness - We stand to what we know is true and correct.


3. Dignity - we very much value our dignity as Filipinos. We would always want others to see us as good and trust-worthy citizens.


4. Prudence - We protect our reputations as Filipinos, specially family reputations to such gossips and wrong comments about us.


5. Honesty - Filipinos are very Honest to their word. Pag sinabing 'oo', oo talaga yun.


6. Tolerance - most Filipinos are very tolerant to others. Mapagtiis ang mga Filipino, hangga't mapagbibigyan pa, pagbibigyan yan..


7. Belief and Relevance to God and Super-Natural Beings - Filipinos are very Religious. The Philippines have so many religious organizations.

My Definition of "Values"

Values are those things that really matter to each of us ... the ideas and beliefs we hold as special. Caring for others, for example, is a value; so is the freedom to express our opinions.

Most of us learned our values - or morals, if you prefer - at home, at church, at school. But, where do kids start to learn their values? Maybe from parents, teachers and religious leaders, but society has changed. Too often young people today are most influenced by what they see and hear on television or on the street. That causes have different & unwanted attitudes replicated from cartoon characters such as Spongebob Squarepants who does everything in curiosity in a dumb way. Well maybe I can define it like that..

Children nowadays don't want to play outside their homes after school, have physical activities with friends.. They much intend to play games using computers, tablets, PSPs, Xbox, and many more gaming consoles. This typically affects the values and attitudes of children and also affect their physical health.