THE FILIPINO CHARACTER

VALUES AND CULTURE,

COLONIAL, PRE-COLONIAL,
AND POST-COLONIAL ERA

SUBJECT: CFLM1
TIME: 14:00-15:00
CN: 3255
THE FILIPINO
CHARACTER VALUES AND
CULTURE

• Filipino character refers to the collective set of

values, traits, and cultural characteristics that are
commonly associated with the Filipino people. It
encompasses the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs
that shape the identity and interactions of
Filipino individuals and as a society.
• Filipinovalues are a set of beliefs, principles, and morals that the
Filipino people recognize and hold dear. These values are deeply
ingrained in their culture and guide their behavior and decisions in
various aspects of life.

Pakikisama: This value emphasizes

harmonious relationships and the
ability to get along with others.
Filipinos value social cohesion and
strive to maintain a sense of
camaraderie and unity within their
communities.
Respect for Elders: Filipinos hold great
respect for their elders. They value their
wisdom, seek their guidance, and take care of
them in their old age. Elders are often
regarded as the heads of the family and are
given utmost respect.

Utang na Loob: This concept emphasizes

gratitude and indebtedness. Filipinos believe
in reciprocating acts of kindness and showing
appreciation for the help they receive. It
fosters strong relationships and a sense of
obligation towards others.
Generosity: Filipinos are naturally helpful
and generous people. They give as much as
they can and extend help to family members
and even strangers when needed. This is seen
through the abundance of charity drives and
foundations in the country, especially when
calamities arise.

Bayanihan: This refers to the spirit of

communal unity and cooperation. Filipinos
value helping one another and working
together for the common good. It is often seen
in community projects, such as house-
building or organizing events.
• CULTURE- everyone has different character and values
because of the different cultures where everyone is exposed.
The collective customs, traditions, beliefs, values, and
practices that are characteristic of the Filipino people.
Filipino culture continues to evolve and adapt,
embracing both traditional and modern influences while
preserving its unique identity.
Strong Family Ties: Family is at the core of
Filipino culture. Filipinos prioritize close-knit
family relationships and often live in extended
family setups. Family gatherings and
celebrations are significant, fostering strong
bonds and support networks.

Faith and Spirituality: Religion plays a

significant role in Filipino culture, with the
majority being Roman Catholic. Religious
practices, such as attending Mass, praying the
rosary, and participating in religious
processions, are important aspects of Filipino
spirituality.
Warmth and Hospitality: Filipinos are
known for their warm and welcoming nature.
Hospitality is deeply rooted in Filipino
culture, and guests are treated with generosity
and kindness, often being offered food and
accommodations

Festivals and Celebrations: Filipinos have a

rich tradition of vibrant festivals and
celebrations all year round. These events
showcase Filipino culture, history, and
religious beliefs, often involving music,
dance, food, and colorful costumes.
.
PRE-COLONIAL ERA
During the pre-colonial time there was already an
indigenous spiritual traditions practiced by the people in
the Philippines. Generally, for lack of better terminology
prehistoric people are described to be animistic.
Their practice was a collection of beliefs and cultural
mores anchored in the idea that the world is inhabited by
spirits and supernatural entities, both good and bad, and
that respect be accorded to them through nature worship
thus; they believed that their daily lives has a connection
of such beliefs.
These spirits are said to be the anito or diwata that
they believed to be good and bad. The good spirits
were considered as there relatives and the bad were
believed to be their enemies. Some worship specific
deities like Bathala a supreme god for the Tagalog,
Laon or Abba for the Visayan, Ikasi of Zambal,
Gugurang for the people of Bicol and Kabunian of
Ilocano and Ifugao. Aside from those supreme
deities they also worship other gods like Idialao as
god of farming, Lalaon of harvest, Balangay god of
rainbow and Sidapa god of death.
Others also worship the moon, stars, caves, mountains, rivers,
plants and trees. Some creatures are being worship too like the
bird, crow, tortoise, crocodile and other things they believed
has value and connected to their lives. The variation of
animistic practices occurs in different ethnic groups. Magic,
chants and prayers are often key features. Its practitioners
were highly respected (and some feared) in the community, as
they were healers, midwife (hilot), shamans, witches and
warlocks (mangkukulam), babaylans, tribal historians and
wizened elders that provided the spiritual and traditional life
of the community. In the Visayas region there is a belief of
witchcraft (kulam) and mythical creatures like aswang, Nuno
sa Punso and other mythical creature.
COLONIAL ERA
The Colonial era in the Philippines refers to the period when
the Philippines was under the control and influence of various
colonial powers. The most significant colonial era in the
Philippines is associated with Spanish colonization, which
lasted for around 333 years from 1521 to 1898

During the Spanish colonial period, the Philippines

experienced significant changes in its political, social, and
cultural landscape. The Spanish introduced Catholicism and
established a system of governance that included the
encomienda system and later the hacienda system. The Spanish
also brought their language (Spanish) and introduced Western
education and legal systems.
The Philippines was also briefly occupied by the
British from 1762 to 1764 during the Seven Years’
War. This period is known as the British occupation
of the Philippines.

The Spanish colonial era in the Philippines laid the

foundation for the introduction of Catholicism, the
Spanish language, and Western institutions. It also
led to the fusion of Spanish and indigenous cultures,
resulting in a unique Filipino identity. The Spanish
influence can still be seen today in various aspects of
Filipino culture, such as religion, language, and
architecture.
POST- COLONIAL ERA

The Post-Colonial era in the Philippines refers to the period

after the country gained independence from its colonizers.
Specifically, it refers to the time following the end of Spanish
colonial rule in 1898 and subsequent periods of American and
Japanese occupation. After the Spanish-American War in 1898,
the Philippines came under American control and became a
U.S. territory. During this time, the United States implemented
various reforms and modernization efforts in the country,
including the introduction of a public education system and the
establishment of democratic institutions. However, tensions
between the Filipino people and the American colonial
administration led to the Philippine-American War, which
The Philippines eventually gained independence from the United
States on July 4, 1946, becoming a sovereign nation. The post-
colonial period was marked by efforts to rebuild the country and
establish a stable government. The Philippines faced numerous
challenges, including political instability, economic struggles, and
social issues. In the post-colonial era, the Philippines experienced
various political administrations, including the presidency of
Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 to 1986, which was marked by
authoritarian rule and human rights abuses. The country also faced
economic challenges, such as high levels of poverty and inequality.
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