Every country has its differing values and stereotypes, and the Philippines is no exception. We Filipinos firmly believe that our country has the best values in the world. Although we have been colonized by several countries, many core values from our ancestors remained intact and are still honored to this day. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great characteristics and qualities every one of us should be proud of. Below I've listed some of the most well-known positive and negative traits of Filipinos.
1. Hospitality
This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos. Foreigners who have gone to the Philippines find themselves falling in love with the warm hospitality they are shown. It's a different kind of value system, which has existed for thousands of years. Here are some examples of the hospitality that Filipinos show, not only to foreigners, but also to their fellow citizens:
When a person visits a friend's house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome. The host will immediately let their visitor sit down and will prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks for the visitor. The host will insist that the friend not leave the house with an empty stomach. A host will always make sure you had a great time visiting them.
People offer their guest room to visitors if they're going to spend the night.
Meals offered to guests are very special. A host always finds a way to prepare great tasting food that her visitor wants to eat.
2. Respect
This is often observed—not just by younger people—but also by people of all ages.
Children respect elders by saying "po" and "opo," which mean "yes," when answering their elders.
Children or young adults also show respect by putting their elders' hands on their foreheads.
Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to their employers.
3. Strong Family Ties and Religions
Yes. Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the generations.
Families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond, marking God as the center of their lives.
Families make sure to have quality time together especially after a day's work. Just watching television or eating a family meal will be valued and prioritized in everybody's schedules.
4. Generosity and Helpfulness
Filipinos are generous people. Even when we have very little, we always share with those around us.
During special occasions such as birthdays or "fiestas" —parties when people from other places visit your home to celebrate with you—there are lots of foods specially prepared for everyone! Friends, family, friends of friends, and even strangers can gather and they are always willing to share food and help out.
When a neighbor is in trouble, Filipinos are always ready to help them
5. Strong Work Ethic
Yes, we are hardworking people to the point that we are willing to work almost the whole day just to feed our families. That's how Filipinos are.
One example of a hardworking person is a farmer. They earn so little but they still work very hard for not much compensation.
Filipinos always find creative ways to earn a living, like creating a small business from their home where they sell foods or other items for the convenience of their neighbors.
Pinoy Life: Classic Filipino Traits and Characteristics
Updated on August 9, 2020
Characteristics of Filipinos
Every country has its differing values and stereotypes, and the Philippines is no exception. We Filipinos firmly believe that our country has the best values in the world. Although we have been colonized by several countries, many core values from our ancestors remained intact and are still honored to this day. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great characteristics and qualities every one of us should be proud of. Below I've listed some of the most well-known positive and negative traits of Filipinos.
You Know You're Filipino When... | Source
Positive Traits
A Filipino host will always offer food to a guest.| Source
1. Hospitality
This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos. Foreigners who have gone to the Philippines find themselves falling in love with the warm hospitality they are shown. It's a different kind of value system, which has existed for thousands of years. Here are some examples of the hospitality that Filipinos show, not only to foreigners, but also to their fellow citizens:
When a person visits a friend's house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome. The host will immediately let their visitor sit down and will prepare a meal or a snack plus drinks for the visitor. The host will insist that the friend not leave the house with an empty stomach. A host will always make sure you had a great time visiting them.
People offer their guest room to visitors if they're going to spend the night.
Meals offered to guests are very special. A host always finds a way to prepare great tasting food that her visitor wants to eat.
Filipinos love to get together for big family meals. | Source
2. Respect
This is often observed—not just by younger people—but also by people of all ages.
Children respect elders by saying "po" and "opo," which mean "yes," when answering their elders.
Children or young adults also show respect by putting their elders' hands on their foreheads.
Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to their employers.
3. Strong Family Ties and Religions
Yes. Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the generations.
Families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond, marking God as the center of their lives.
Families make sure to have quality time together especially after a day's work. Just watching television or eating a family meal will be valued and prioritized in everybody's schedules.
Everyone helps out and gathers together at Filipino parties. | Source
4. Generosity and Helpfulness
Filipinos are generous people. Even when we have very little, we always share with those around us.
During special occasions such as birthdays or "fiestas" —parties when people from other places visit your home to celebrate with you—there are lots of foods specially prepared for everyone! Friends, family, friends of friends, and even strangers can gather and they are always willing to share food and help out.
When a neighbor is in trouble, Filipinos are always ready to help them.
5. Strong Work Ethic
Yes, we are hardworking people to the point that we are willing to work almost the whole day just to feed our families. That's how Filipinos are.
One example of a hardworking person is a farmer. They earn so little but they still work very hard for not much compensation.
Filipinos always find creative ways to earn a living, like creating a small business from their home where they sell foods or other items for the convenience of their neighbors.
6. Love and Caring
This is so true! Filipinos are the sweetest and most loving people in the world. I'm not just saying this because I'm a Filipino; if you know us well, you will soon figure this out.
Men are so sweet and romantic when it comes to love. They will send their beloved flowers, bring her to a very romantic place, text her sweet quotes, and tell often how special she is to them.
Filipino women are also romantic and very caring, which often makes foreigners want to marry them. Women tend to prepare dinner before their husband comes home. They are loving, and value the relationship, always staying faithful to their husbands. They love deeply and sincerely.
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