Fading traditional Filipino traits and family cultures

By Nicanor C. Villaralvo, Jr.

Nowadays, children got engrossed in playing computers and other gadgets forgetting most of Filipino traits and family cultures. Why is this true today? It is so today, because of the effect of modern technology. Technology is good provided that we are not forgetting the essence of true family solidarity. Filipino cultures like “pagmano” at “po at opo” shouldn’t be forgotten.

Our Filipino heritage is rich in good traits and cultures. This is the reason why we should not let it fade as time passes by. Rather, let us all enrich it with favorable and appropriate attitude to remember that Filipinos really are fun-loving and hospitable people. This has been true even during years back. We do have positive feedback from our foreign friends. They love to stay in the Philippine especially in the Bicol Region and Naga City because of our being a Christian nation. Of course, we have “Ina” in our midst. Really, our “Ina is there to protect and guide us. She showers us with rich cultures.

Traditional Filipino traits and family cultures really do exude the remarkable breeding of a modest, simple, peace-loving, and true Filipino. Such characteristics are present in all of us may we be rich or poor. What is important is that we treat people fairly and with respect. We should be careful in our words and deeds especially when we are clamouring for our rights and privileges. The rich and the poor should be equal as we are equal in the eyes of God and men.

What else can we say about the Filipino traits and cultures? According to French people, Filipinos are known to be the race with the greatest sense of humor. They say that we can laugh at our own mistakes. While the Spaniards commented that we are “very-much-like” the Spaniards – very “Christian.” Yes, look at it, even foreigners do have good words about us, Filipinos. That’s why instead of letting such good traits and cultures fade away, let us all boost them with positive feedbacks and moves that will enhance them even more

Filipinos are known to be very religious. Aside from being “home-bodies”, especially the women; we love to go to church. Life goes on as we become more closer to God each day.

Traditional Filipino traits and family cultures may be simple, yet are good to emulate or follow. Simple beliefs are carefully followed because they are innate in our system and habits. Take one example: “The kissing of the hands” or “pagmano”. This practice shows respect to our elders. It is a kind of “sweet manner” to our “Lolos and Lolas”, “our ninangs and ninangs”, and the likes. We kiss the hands of all people who are important to us. This attitude shows that Filipino are “closely-knit families”. Good Filipino traits are present in our norms and traditions. Some traditions like our adherence to “Ina” are shown in our practices every year. People gather to Naga City because it is the Pilgrimage city. Millions of people go to different churches in Naga; and join the “Traslacion”, “Fluvial Procession”, and other Festival activities as we express our closeness to “Ina” – the “Patroness of Bicolandia.” Really, this manner is one example of a very good Filipino trait and culture. We are happy and proud that we belong to a Christian nation. Filipinos like the Bicolanos in particular, are simple people. We are simple in our ways. We may not be that rich, yet we are contented in life. We value simple life style and apostolic or philantropic work. Rich and poor love to extend help to everyone especially those belonging to the marginalized sector. We know that the pursuit of happiness is to make us share a part of ourselves to everyone. “We should live for others so that we will not die in vain.” Really, our Filipino traits and cultures are coupled with “value-laden” beliefs and practices.

Why is it true that simple traits and cultures abound in richness and good meaning? It is this way because “there is beauty in simplicity.” “Little or simple things mean a lot.” Life is intricate even in its simplest beauty.

Now, are you happy being a Filipino? Yes, we should be, because our traits make us “stand-out.” We may be considered as a developing country, but we are globally-competent. Yes, there are a lot of Filipinos who are globally-competitive. We are ready to face challenges amidst difficulties. Our foreign-friends are there to support and encourage us. They believe that Filipinos can make it. Foreigners know that we can rub elbows with the rich, the famous, and the powerful because we are deserving. We just have to be industrious and willing to learn, be humble and persevering, have a happy disposition in life, be true and fun-loving. Yes, our simple Filipino traits and cultures will come out for as long as we are careful in our ways, and we are God-fearing. Let us all love peace and happiness. Be thankful to God.

We, Filipinos may lack resources in our country that’s why most of us migrate to other countries; but we can avoid this “brain-drain” if we will give our country a chance to “hone-up” Filipino talents and abilities here in our country.

Good Filipino traits and characteristics will make us remember that if you do good things to others you will surely be blessed by God. Blessing will pour-out because you don’t expect that “big things” will happen at once. We just have to be positive and diligent in our respective jobs.

We can enhance our traits and cultures by doing what is right and acceptable. Let us give due respect to other people’s beliefs and preferences. Traditional Filipino traits and family cultures should be respected and remembered because they exemplify our origin. We regard them as the traditions we followed long time ago. And these beliefs are rich in culture and heritage. We value them the way we value our government and traditions.

So, therefore we must bear in mind that our having rich traditions make us proud to be Filipinos. We, Filipinos are “unique” in our own way. One heritage makes it so.

So, to all of these we can already claim that we are “Proud to be a Filipino!”