Utak Henyo 1.0: Personal Leadership (Unedited Version)
Utak Henyo 1.0 Personal Management & Leadership: Achieving the Filipino Youth Potential (Unedited Version)
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking Lupang Sinilangan
Tahanan ng aking lahi
I love the Philippines, the land of my birth,
The home of my people;
I am standing at the back seats of the Singson Hall in Ateneo de Manila University. Raising my Novena to God’s Love, an applet in my smartphone from the FEAST every Sunday to pray for the dreams inspired by God in my heart after the Catholic Mass conducted by a Jesuit Priest, and worship and talk organized by Brother Mac Aseron. The QC Feast Ateneo, a charismatic movement led by Brother Eng Si had this ritual of publicly citing as a repetitious chant or creating oral ritual creatively written by its Founder Brother Bo Sanchez:
“Today, I Receive All Of God’s Love For Me
Today, I Open Myself To Thee Unbounded Limitless, Overflowing Abundance Of God’s Universe
Today, I Open Myself To Your Blessings, Healings, and Miracles
Today, I Open Myself To God’s Word So I Would Become More Like Jesus Everyday Today, I Proclaim That I Am God’s Beloved, I Am God’s Servant, I Am God’s Powerful Champion
And Because I Am Blessed, I Will Bless The World. In Jesus Name
AMEN.”
After this enchanting cultural performance, a song of worship will be sung along with interminable prayer captivating my senses and lifting my hands in awe. The worship performance was a panata performed to display one’s faith in the Lord’s providence to grant petitions. Tiatco writes “most literature about Catholic rituals in the Philippines reports panata as the core of these performances”1. In Jeremiah 29:11,
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Personal dreams and visions have a way of giving us a sense of meaning and hope for a better future. The real Filipino never dreams for himself solely but also for the common good of Philippine society.
International Center for Youth Development (ICYD), an organization I founded envisions globally competent and character centered Youth Leaders. ICYD achieves its vision and mission through the diligent effort of teaching Utak Henyo, a study techniques and leadership program recognized by the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR). I could have used it for business enterprise but I decided to invest in youth and make the program available in Baao and NCR first and in the entire Philippines through a nationwide scholarship supported by government institutions, Non-government organization, and corporate sponsors. Being a developing country, the Philippine youth who struggles even with basic needs and rights is not yet ready to invest financially in an after- school youth development project. Even if they desire to venture, their financial lack is a hindrance. I have to engage in fund raising to ensure that the Utak Henyo program will be accessible to every youth. I feel blessed that Pastor Ed Pilapil Jr, the owner of Power Memory gave me a full scholarship in college to avail their study techniques integrated with Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). His compassion to help less privilege geniuses and potential poor students inspired me to develop innovative academic and leadership techniques based from applied psychology and theological studies that I learned in UP, PNU, and Ateneo to help the Filipino students and out-of-school youth.
I believe that molding the competence and character, and investing unconditionally on youth development would one day cause a great prosperity, promote altruistic society, and love of country.
Rizal made several prophecies that would happen within the next 100 years in his essay, The Philippines A Century Hence, written in 1889: First, that the Philippines would be independent of Spain; second, that Filipinos would defend this independence with so much vigor and blood; third, that America would be our second colonizer; fourth, that Japan would figure in Philippine life; fifth, “[once liberated] the Philippines will, perhaps, establish a federal republic” 2and sixth, the Philippines would one day “enter openly the wide road of progress and will work jointly to strengthen the Mother Country at home, as well as abroad.” The first four prophesies had been fulfilled. Let us not lose hope that the fifth will come to pass3.
Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero of Malay and Chinese ancestry has a vision of progress, not just liberation after being colonized by Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese. He was known as a 19th century man of multiple intelligence- a historian, poet, novelist, political commentator, doctor, elementary school owner, orientalist, anthropologist, sculptor, botanist, surveyor, farmer, essayist, teacher, and a polyglot knowing 22 languages. He casted the vision in his novels and essays that inspired Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan (revolutionists) to fight for freedom; Emilio Aguinaldo, “El Presidente” to establish the Philippine Republic; and Filipinos to dream for prosperity.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish”- Proverbs 29:18
To start the road of development, Rizal initiated the rewriting of the Philippine History. He emphasized the significance of the past on his quote:
“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.”
“He who does not know where he came from, will never reach his destination.”
Dr Jose Rizal was rewriting Philippine History because there were numerous Spanish chronicles who wrote erroneously from the late 16th to 19th century.4 He presented the character of Pre-hispanic Filipinos and disproved the Spanish claim that Filipinos had no culture of their own prior to their introduction to the Hispanic way of life.
To present the rich culture of Pre-colonial Philippines, he wrote annotations to Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Isla Filipinas that presented an amazing report about the archipelago and its people opposite to the claim made by Spanish contemporaries. He also cited Ancient writers, like Chirino, Colin, and San Agustin on His essay, “On the Indolence of the Filipino People”.
Dr Rizal summarized, “All the histories of those first years, in short, abound in long accounts about the industry and agriculture of the natives; mines, gold-washings, looms, farms, barter, naval construction, raising of poultry and stock, weaving of silk and cotton, distilleries, manufactures of arms, pearl fisheries, the civet industry, the horn and hide industry, etc., are things encountered at every step, and considering the time and the conditions in the islands, prove that there was life, there was activity, there was movement.”
According to Dr. Ernest Rafael Hartwell, a fellow professor at Harvard University who has fascinating interest in Philippine studies writes, “This knowledge of the past allows Filipinos to know themselves and to ‘study their future’ (vi).5
Philippine History might be referring to the history of the geographical place or history of the people in the Philippines. Ocampo asserted that Filipino did not exist until Rizal’s time. Filipino Nation did not exist until the establishment of the Philippine Republic under Aguinaldo in 18986. Dr. Hartwell challenges the notion of the First Filipino and has these queries:
“What does it mean to be first?”,
“How do they construct Filipino identity?,
“What is the relationship between nation and race within these constructions?”7
Dr Hartwell presented three strategies that Rizal used to construct this Filipino identity and concept of nationhood such as follows,
First, Rizal, the first Filipino historian who authorized himself “by subversively supplementing official documents”. He cited ancient writers to prove the abundance of pre-Philippine culture and inserted his “own voice into discussions over the past, present, and future of [his colony] through the annotations that [he] append[s] to the original texts”. (Appropriation of authority)
Second, he racialized “by reconstructing the pre-Hispanic Philippine greatness” and claiming “that have been all destroyed through the process of conquest”. (Racialization and Authority)
And lastly, he “sets out to let the shadows of ‘prehistory’ re-conquer the light of conquest in the official history; he wields doubt as a weapon against imperial entitlement and irresponsible historiography”.8 (Historiographies of Doubt)
Historiography “is the art of writing. It also refers to the theory and history of historical writing. The term historiography is rooted from the Greek word historia which means past and graphier which means to write”.9
The colonizer asserted their authority through destruction under “civilizing project of the Spanish empire” instead of “the ability to supplement a text, community, law, or idea with their own voice, transforming it at the same time preserving it”. As a result of this imperialistic agenda leading to a colonial mentality, De La Salle University Dean Dr. Jazmin Llana Badong writes, “Indigenous anthropologists should ‘question, redefine, and if necessary, reject particular concepts long established in Western anthropology because the cultural biases of Western anthropologists have at times produced distorted, incomplete, or simply incorrect models of reality.”10
Real leadership authority cannot be attained through oppression and coercion. “Leadership is Influence,” one concept I learned from International Leadership Expert Dr. John Maxwell when I attended the 1999 National Leadership Conference at Cuneta Astrodome. I think I was the only teenager who attended the session along with my mentors, church heads, and best friends Dr Rod Santos, former leadership dean at International Graduate School of Leadership (Formerly, International School of Theology Asia), Pastor June Raynes of Greenhills Christian Fellowship (GCF), Dr. Greg Harvell of Southern Baptist Mission and more.
I pondered similar questions raised by Dr Hartwell and applied it to Filipino leadership,
What makes you a leader? Who authorize you? (Appropriation of Authority) What makes a leadership Filipino and effective? (racialization and authority)
What can we learn from the light and shadows of the Nation’s Heroic leaders? (Historiographies of Doubt)
These are the three major questions that will be tackled as we search for an answer leading to the understanding of Filipino Leadership. No human or imperfect author has the capacity to have full understanding and perfect the right concepts and application of leadership no matter how lofty the educational attainment and achievements, and great the purpose but this endeavor can be a starting step or guide for the Filipino youth in reaching progress or development and strengthening the Philippine nation that glorifies God. Like Jose Rizal, I will help you in achieving Utak Henyo (Genius Mind) in order to maximize your leadership potential, in the process, not only beneficial to you but for the Mother Country. It will present step-by step process of leadership development from developing oneself (Part 1 Personal Leadership) to enhancing your relationships around you (Part 2 Social Leadership), and to influencing others for a community development project (Part 3 Organizational Leadership and Management) that creates transformational impact to Philippine society.
In psychology, leadership is defined “as the process of influencing others toward achieving group goals”11.
I defined Filipino leadership as an indigenous approach on leading oneself (Personal Leadership), influencing others (social leadership), and managing situations (organizational management & leadership) towards achieving organizational goals that value Philippine history, culture, development, and societal contexts.
CHAPTER 1
LEADING THE SELF
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungan
Upang maging malakas, masipag, at marangal.
It protects me and helps me to be strong, industrious and righteous.
The notion of failing before the anticipated high school graduation date was a worst bad dreams. Some of my classmates need to take summer classes before the seniour year due to missing credits because they had failed in one or more classes, others find themselves in the predicament of unplanned life events, such as teenage pregnancy, illness, financial breakdown in the family or major violation of school rules. My high school was tough at Hope Christian High School, a naga city branch of the best Filipino-Chinese Evangelical secondary school in the country where matinee idol Enchong Dee and Pinoy Big Brother winner Beatriz Saw also graduated. I was a shy boy when I entered the Christian school. I feared speaking English in class under a teacher who graduated from PNU. I was not good in Mathematics and Science. I had the following grades from first to fourth year:
Subjects | First Year(%) | Second Year(%) | Third Year(%) | Fourth Year(%) |
English | 81 | 83 | 80 | 82 |
Mathematics | 84 | 85 | 80 | 80 |
Science | 84 | 89 | 81 | 80 |
My military spy dad and extremely kind stepmother Rexie enrolled me and my sister Wheng (Rowena Rafer- Palma now) in a high standard school to prepare us for a better future. But looking at my mediocre grades, it seems I had reached a dead end. I felt that I will not measure up to study in UP Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University. I did not even try to take their entrance exams. I saw that less than 3-5 students can pass the exams in both public and private high schools. Their schools were so proud that they were given special awards during graduation and created a tarpaulin posted in the schools’ entrance. I had the desire but felt incompetent that I would survive in those English, Math and Science
classes. I was not even qualified to apply for scholarship that requires at least 85%. My total average grade in high school was 84.93%.
Realizing my weakness was the first step to change. I was able to overcome my insecurities and incompetence because of the Christian education at school and discipleship program of Brother Al Dela Torre of Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ. I also love reading self- help books in the library.
There’s no shortcut to academic success. A student learns addition first before multiplication. He/she learns algebra first before calculus and increases vocabulary before grammar studies. What will I do to overcome this academic incompetence? I decided to wake up in the morning as early as 4am. I spent time with God first by praying and reading one chapter of the Bible a day before studying my textbooks in English, Math, and Science from first year to fourth year.
After passing the entrance exam, I enrolled in Ateneo de Naga University where Uncle Dr Arnulfo Reganit worked as Dean of Education, and used my second legal name Peter Reganit Breboneria II. My first choice was mass communication or music related course but my dad wanted me take computer related course. One of the toughest courses was Computer Science and required a grade of 90% in Mathematics and English. Dr Allan Sioson advised me to take first Bachelor of Science in Mathematics minor in Computer Science and worked out a grade of at least 90% to shift into Computer Science degree.
I worked hard the whole semester while facing serious emerging family and financial crisis. I even participated in Mathematics department tutorial classes until I met Mr. Jason and Aileen Murillo. Mr Jason Murillo, former Math student of UP Diliman trained me in Algebra and Trigonometry free of charge. We had spent countless hours night and day solving algebraic expressions, equations and worded problems in their house. I just brought muffins from Dunkin Donut.
After intensive training, Math Department Head Ronald SP Elicay endorsed me to be one of the representatives of the university at National Statistics Quiz Bee. I ended the semester 2nd honors and passed to enter the elite computer science degree. I became also the main host of Misyon Kabataan 711 at the Gospel Broadcasting Network. And in the year 2008, I received the 2008 Atenistang Utitok, a model youth awards for hard work, diligence, and spirituality. My dad was so proud of me. My dream was simple just to finish studies in the province but God changed my path to a different direction finding myself in the University of the Philippines, Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University, and Philippine Normal University(PNU) passing all their mind-blowing entrance exams or getting exemptions for a remarkable and noble education related achievements. The rest is history.
If I can overcome insecurities and impossible incompetence by strategy and hardwork, you can also breakthrough the difficulties of English, mathematics, and sciences. That moment of upward spiral achievements began the dawn of Utak Henyo. In a culture of relational self, personal achievement is insufficient in the search for meaning. I decided to visit and teach Utak Henyo my relatives and friends in San Isidro, Baao, Camarines Sur and founded Sararo(United) Utak Oragon(Mind-Genius) Youth Organization- SUYO (International Center for Youth Development-ICYD now) in May 2008.
Where did my influence or power come from to start ICYD? Who authorize me to teach Utak Henyo? Do I have it or do the followers give it to me?
In psychology, power has been defined as “the capacity to produce effects on others or the potential to influence others.”12
I influenced others to believe in my vision through the 5 sources of power identified by French and Raven:
- the power of Utak Henyo (Expert Power). Expert Power is “the power of knowledge. Some people are able to influence others through their expertise in particular area;”
- relationships when I started with my relatives and friends (referent power), Referent power refers to “the potential influence one has due to the strength of the relationships between the leaders and followers. When people admire a leader and see her as a role model, we say she has referent power;”
- position of the first or foundership (legitimate power). Legitimate power “depends on a person’s organizational role. It can be thought of as one’s formal or official authority. Some people make things happen because they have the power or authority to do so;”
- power of Utak Henyo benefits (reward power). Rewards power “involves the potential to influence others due to one’s control over desired resources;”
- and creating fear of being fool or ignorant(coercive power). Coercive power is “the opposite of reward power. This is the potential to influence others through the administration of negative sanctions or the removal of positive events”.13
This is partly relevant but incomplete because the theory was based from western concept of individualism- the “Me” mentality or his will towards himself different from the Filipino perspective of Loob (collectivism) or his will towards others. The authority or
power or influences bestowed in me were personally shared. I am the first and expert on these techniques but I have the natural instinct (loob) to help others learn the same techniques. “Sana all” (Hope everyone has) is a response that you can hear when conversing about blessings or post in social media when sharing about an achievement. Chapter 2 will discuss further the Filipino self (loob).
I lead others by leading myself first.
Part I of this book is called “Personal Leadership.” It focuses on the leader himself. To lead others, the leader needs to lead oneself first. A psychological axiom states, “You cannot give what you do not have.” Dr. John Maxwell writes,
“All great leaders have understood that their number one responsibility was for their own discipline and personal growth. If they could not lead themselves, they could not lead others. Leaders can never take others father than they have gone themselves, for no one can travel without until he or she has traveled within. A great person will lead a great organization, but growth is only possible when the leader is willing to “pay a price for it.” Many potentially gifted leaders have stopped short of the payment line and found out that shortcuts don’t pay off in the long run. “14
Dr Virgilio Enriquez defined Filipino psychology as “the study of emotions and experienced knowledge (Kalooban and kamalayan), awareness of one’s surroundings(ulirat), information and understanding (isip), habits and behavior (another meaning of diwa), and the soul (kaluluwa) which is the way to learning about conscience.”15
By using the definition of the Father of Filipino Psychology, Personal leadership is an indigenous approach to lead oneself by managing “isip (information and understanding), kalooban ang kamalayan (emotions and experienced knowledge), diwa (habits and behavior) and the soul (kaluluwa) in social contexts”.
I defined it as an indigenous approach to lead loob or self- in –relation. Outside of self refers to the distinct relationship of others (kapwa) and situations like fellow being of the western. But the concept of self and others are one in the Philippines. Thus, the reason I attach the phrase “in –relation” to person or self.
I could simply define personal leadership as leading loob or self that influences.
The best example of personal leadership is the Lord Jesus Christ.
The New Testament did not explicitly narrate the early years of Jesus Christ as a child and youth. There was an event about Jesus teaching in the temple (Luke 2:49) but beyond that, all we have is two verses from the gospel of Luke. In Luke 2:40-52,
“There Jesus grew up, maturing in physical strength and increasing in wisdom, and the grace of God rested on Him…And Jesus kept on growing—in wisdom, in physical stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others.”
Notice the present perfect progressive and future perfect tense that describes the implications from past to present, and to the future:
[Jesus] was “maturing in Physical strength” (Past Implication)
[Jesus] is “increasing in wisdom” (Present Implication)
[Jesus] will have “kept on increasing in wisdom” (Future implication)
The Lord exerts an effort to develop himself spiritually, physically, intellectually, and socio-culturally. His personal development in the private years is what God the Father uses for his public ministry effectiveness.
Be intentional on your personal growth as the Lord that impacts others for a transformed Filipino community.
CHAPTER 2
UNDERSTANDING THE FILIPINO SELF
I had this opportunity to interview Team Chef, the third runner up at Amazing Race Philippines Season 2 while hosting Aksyon Kabataan Asia (AKA), an International youth development program at Radio Veritas Asia, a giant catholic media network in the world. My program was also endorsed by Philippine Superstar Dingdong Dantes through Pocholo Gonzalez’ Voice of the Youth Network.
Amazing Race is a multi-Emmy Award reality series created by Elise Roganieri and Bertram van Munster in the United States. The original series has aired since September 5, 2001 in which teams of two people race around the world competing with other teams in a series of challenges, “some mental; and some physical, and only when the tasks are completed will they learn of their next location. Teams who are the farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first team to arrive at the final destination winning the $1 million prize (One million pesos in the Philippines)16.
The Amazing Race Philippines season 2 was premiered on October 6, 2014 hosted by Matinee Idol Derek Ramsay on TV 5.
Rochelle Hernandez-Danguilan and Elijah Estillore was fully engaged inside the radio booth. Roch, an instructor for pastry at culinary Arts school for the most part spoke with amazing enthusiasm while Chef Eji, the head of a culinary studies department, eloquent with a voice rising and lowering for emphasis.
Rappler reported,
“The two teamed up for the show because they both found out they were race aficionados.Just like cooking, for Eji and Roch, their strategy must be executed to perfection. Roch sees the race as an opportunity – if she wins, she plans to settle down with her long-time boyfriend (now her husband). Eji said he plans to share the prize for Roch’s grand wedding”.17
After airing the station ID and the warm introduction,
“How did you discover about the Amazing Race? I asked at the outset.
“Actually, We are a big fan of the show even before we met each other. He heard about the auditions in the radio. “Nagkayayaan” (enticing one another to join).We auditioned in Eastwood.” Roch replied while we are shifting seats. Ejie continued,
“You know our personality “Kaladkarin” (easily sway to join). I invited her at her house. She said yes immediately.”
Roch smiled and said, “We auditioned. Luckily, we passed.”
“What motivates both of you to join.” I asked.
“Actually, it’s the adventure aside from the prize. Of course…the one million. House and lot. and the car. It is amazing that you will be part of that adventurous reality show. You are able to do the challenges you had watched on TV,”Roch replied. Then, Ejie continued,
“Just a thought of a once in a lifetime experience… We are super fan of that show. We never expected that one day will do it ourselves.” Ejie continued. Roch nodded and agreed,
“We never expected that will be part of it.”
I exhorted, “if the Lord establishes the plans, it will definitely occur. God has a wonderful plan for all of you.” They affirmed and replied, “True.”
I asked, “What are the tough challenges that have overcome?” I asked.
“Actually, there’s a lot. Initially, our goal is not to be eliminated. We will do our best shot to finish each challenges…” Roch replied.
“We have a motto that we shall do our best for every leg. Never give up(Wag susuko), no matter how difficult the challenge. “Elijah continued.
“In the first few legs, ganado ka pa (you have all the enthusiasm). You are inspired to do everything. As the tasks become difficult…No food…physically draining work, gradually exhausting our energy. In the last few legs before leg 10, we began to lose our spirit. It is like we want to go home.”Roch shared. Ejie continued,
“Physically and mentally draining.”
“There were last two challenges…Mental block na talaga ako (I am experiencing mental block). What I did, I pray. After that, I was able to do the challenge. When it was aired, I discovered that Ejie was also praying. We were amazed that prayer really helped us.” Roch said. Ejie agreed,
“We were doing the task separately on that ‘roadblock’ task. I discovered later that we both prayed. I prayed the Lord’s Prayer. Lord gusto namin manalo (Lord, we want to win).Not our will but Your will.”
There are two indigenous concepts that the interviewee uttered: “Nagkayayaan” and “Kaladkarin” that I translated earlier and connoted to being persuaded easily by others. American Psychologists could interpret this behavior as approval addiction or weak ego (self) because of Hiya. Sibley(1965) and Lynch(1961), american scholars translated Hiya as “shame” and “the uncomfortable feeling that accompanies awareness of being in a socially unacceptable position, or performing a socially unacceptable action.” This is a general foreign translation or definition but inadequate for not considering the various affixations or different word-forms in Philippine languages. Bonifacio (1976) cautioned us to the different forms and meanings of Hiya—“nakakahiya (embarrassing), napahiya (placed in an awkward position), ikinahiya (be embarrassed with someone), etc. With some fixes, it becomes negative, e.g. napahiya; with others, positive, e.g. mahiyain (shy);
and in still other forms, it can either be positive or negative depending on the context, e.g. kahihiyan (sense of propriety, or embarrassment)”. Salazar (1981, 1985b) expounded the meaning of Hiya and presented its internal and external aspects. It is evident that foreign scholars just observed the explicit behavior Hiya. The more appropriate translation of hiya in English is not “shame” but “sense of propriety.”18 Propriety defined as “the state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.”19
In the context of Roch and Ejie, being “nagkayayaan” or inviting friends to come along means fun and adventure. Being “kaladkarin” or persuaded easily by others means treating Ejie as tagaloob(family), not Roch having unindividuated ego or weak selfhood. Ejie and Roch have an individuated or strong selfhood being able to overcome the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical hardships in Amazing Race Philippines Season 2.
If American or European self focuses on individuality, the Filipino self is an integration of Ka-ako-han (individuality) and Ka-kami-han (social self). Filipino is both the Ako and Kami (Kapwa). In psychology, Ka-ako-han (individuality) refers to concepts of the self in a personal level where meaning and consciousness are independent of external influence. In contrast Ka-kami-han refers to concepts of the self where meaning and consciousness are dependent on other selves called Kapwa20.
Luisito V. Dela Cruz made a classification to identify and differentiate the kaakohan (individuality) and Ka-kami-han (Social Self) when he wrote The Language of the Self: A Critical Assessment of Filipino Philosophy Theses Exploring the Filipino Self in University of the Philippines – Diliman.
Ka-ako-han | Ka-kami-han |
Loob | Labas |
Kalooban | Kapwa |
Utang na Loob | Pakikipagkapwa |
Dangal/Karangalan | Pakikisama |
Taos-puso | Sakop |
Pagkatao | Pagkakawanggawa |
Pagpapakatao | Puri |
Kusa | Damay |
Budhi | Dama/Damdam |
Kamalayan | |
Hiya |
Even though the terms under Ka-ako-han (Individuality) reside the inner self of the individual, it cannot be inaugurated without the kapwa (Social self). Dela Cruz (2015) writes, “There seems to be no line that draws between the ka-ako-han and the ka-kami han. Though there is the essence of the self’s individuality, the part of the Filipino self that extends to his social relations has always been central and emphasized”21.
Individuation happens when a Filipino Self starts to realize the distinction from another. There were really no boundaries between mom and the infant inside the womb. The child in the womb solely depends on “mother’s life…food… air”. There’s no sense of self yet. The ego (self) comes into being when he/she was born and began to distinguish himself/herself “as an unchanging ‘self’ from an ‘other’ which is here now and is gone in a while, a world which is warm now and cold later, which is lighted up now and is dark later.” The “ako” still remains extremely linked to the “kami” because developing strong self takes a process. According to Father Jaime Bulatao S.J, a Jesuit priest psychologist, “The degree of individuation of the individual from his primary group will differ in different cultures”. There is a continuum running from “embeddedness” on one end to “individuation” on the other end. The extreme form of “embeddedness” is when a Filipino self totally conforms to the norms and traditions of the groups without questions even if it is harmful. Even when he is a leader, he acts like a dictator enforcing or imposing rules and traditions to his followers. On the other hand, the extreme form of individuation leads to walang hiya (sociopath). Sociopath “is independent of society’s domination because he has never acquired sensitivity to others’ needs. He has never entered into positive relationship with the authority figure and cannot feel the painful emotion of hiya because he has no love to lose.” 22
The strong Filipino Self knows when to resist authority and power or give in to the demands of Kapwa (Social Self) through his/her malay (rationality/consciousness) and pakiramdam(emotions and feelings). Father Bulatao writes,
“His (The Filipino self) thinking is ‘allocentric’, objective. He experiences others in their manifold relations to himself. He is open to them, allows them to reveal themselves to him as they wish to be revealed. He does not feel obliged to impose a set of blind categories upon their mutual relationships, to judge them by traditional, tribal norms as though these were absolutes. Thus, he is problem-oriented rather than traditional bound. He dares to be ‘innovational’ because he dares to be himself. If he is a leader, he will look on his group not as ‘followers’ but as individualized members of a team, whose activities he has to coordinate rather than initiate”.23
CHAPTER 3
REDEEMING IDENTITY
I enrolled in a theatre arts class at the University of the Philippines. Professor Sir Anril Pineda Tiatco asked us to create digital archives. I chose to help preserve Badjao culture and the arts.
PNU Balingsasayaw of the Philippine Normal University, the National Center for Teacher Education was the National Champion in 2018 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in Contemporary Dance Category performing “Badjao” held at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao last November 30, 2018. I was a former member of this organization and had the opportunity to practice for the National Championship.
I spoke and interviewed personally (Performance Ethnography) and via facebook (Virtual Ethnography) Coach Jay Anthony “Tonjie” Mangao, a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts about the inspiration, preparation, and challenges as he discover the identity of Badjao. He answered,
“I was actually given 2 months to prepare for the PASUC regionals competition with the theme- WATER. Last July 2018, I was invited by Sir Stephen Biadoma to observe the training of his dancers from the PNU- Balingsasayaw Dance Troupe and was asked to choreograph for their entry in the PASUC-Contemporary Dance Competition.
August 2018 came, I started to take over as coach for that moment. I studied the nature of the competition- its former winners, platform, and usual styles etc. One of the main factors that made me choose Badjao as my concept was having volleyball players as my dancers without any background on ballet or contemporary dance or at least jazz and folk dance but able to perform.
Since it was also the year of having the first college students from the K-12 program, I had no dancers left to work with so we had to be resourceful enough to invite some students from Dance Sports team, Folk Dance team, Hip Hop team and even from the volleyball team. I had to come up with a style that fits the physique and natural movements of my dancers.
The volleyball players are used to diving and digging balls. I worked with it and looked for a concept associated with diving.
As a dance coach, observing and appreciating their strengths and weaknesses as dancers is a very crucial part for me in my design process. I didn’t focus on training them in ballet and jazz but I used their organic movements and fun and playful personalities.
Hence, I came up with the concept— Badjao…From then on, we started studying the ways of diving and swimming of our Badjao brothers. All of the movements used were inspired by how the Badjao kids swim and dive and even the way they celebrate or bond.
The formations/blockings were also connected to the concept. The music used was inspired by the tin cans that the Badjao kids use as their drums. The costume was also gotten from the fish net to complement the sea gypsies and with the wooden goggles to fully show the Badjao experience.
At the end of the piece, I created a Budots dance as a way that the Badjao kids celebrate. Everything was in synch with the concept to fully give the message that we wanted the audience to understand.”
There were 9 dancers: Regienald Andrew M. Katindig, Jeffrey Dorado, Richard Barcelona, Mark John Detondoy, Rekka Limpin, Josh Beltran, Emmanuel Ycoy, Gabriel Angelo Albay, Aeron Kreg Crisostomo and Noel Adel Jr. I also talked and interviewed them personally and via facebook on how the Badjao contemporary dance performance inspired them at the present:
“Actually, Folk dancer talaga ako(I am a folk dancer) and kinuha lang kami nila(we were invited) due to lack of dancers hehehe pero(But) I think yung(the) inspiration ay galing(comes) from bicol kase madami-dami dun sumisisid(many are diving) especially sa Matnog, Sorsogon and totoo syang nagyayari(it happens in real life)”- Noel Lim Adel Jr.
“It inspired me to do things that I can’t do which also made me realize that through passion and hardwork, we can do all things. It inspired me also to face all the challenges,
academically, physically, and mentally. It made me stronger and better than who am I in the past.”- Rekka Limpin
“As a new contemporary dancer, Badjao piece inspires me every day because this is a new experience for me. I converted myself from dancing ballroom to contemporary. The adjustments are really hard and full of challenges, but I tried my best to make myself fit into the team.”- Gabriel Angelo Endaya Albay
“Creating and performing the dance piece “Badjao” is a total inspiration that I could always look back to as a dancer. It teaches me to value research when creating dance, we undergo some research about the life of badjao in order for us to tell their story.”- Josh Beltran
“We were inspired by this original concept because of coach’s raw approach that leads us that anyone can dance, and every movement that we do has a form of dance. We were able to cope to his training and manage to make a lot of moves. Honestly, there were so many moves that were not included in the dance because he, as an artist, wants to make this concept a beautiful masterpiece, portaying the life of a “Badjao” diver. With the help of us and other coaches, we were able to win the regionals, and even win the Nationals.”- Aeron Kreg Crisostomo
Badjao dance inspired me to appreciate the diverse culture and simple lifestyle of our very own Badjao people. As a former president, I managed to prepare all the dancers to be very united on and off stage knowing that all ten dancers did not come from a single group, troupe or team. The frequent conversation is a big help to increase unity, sensitivity, and artistry of the dancers by discussing possible internal arrangements, efforts, adjustments, positioning and more. –Regienald Andrew M. Katindig
Indeed, the badjao performance was not just a cultural preservation tool but also an inspiration to the coach, performer, and the whole community.
The “Badjao” is a timely performance due to the recent ethno-genesis after the diaspora of the non-aggressive and respectful Badjaos to escape from horrible situations under Abu Sayyaf and take refuge to their neighboring regions. Ethno-genesis is commonly understood as the formation of new identity of an ethnic group under adverse circumstances that demand change. These horrible and forced changes might affect their culture and identity as a sea- faring tribe: “From the house boats to the inland stilt houses, from fishing to begging, from the moorage to the barangay, from Islam to Christianity, and from traditional music to the digital discs.”24
The dispersion of the Badjaus, their painful “dusa” (sufferings), the castration of their ego(walang mukha) by begging impacted negatively their identities and culture. According to Datu Saada and Maulana, “extreme poverty and changes in the environment are turning Badjao into endangered tribe.”25
De La Salle University Dean of Liberal Arts Dr. Jazmin Llana-Badong wrote,
“using performance as an epistemic tool that is equally as valuable as the archive in the production of social memory and historical knowledge”.26
The main identity of the Badjao is a sea- faring tribe. It is a responsibility of “Kapwa”(others) to preserve their kakanyahan (Essence) and maintain their dangal (Dignity). One Filipino identity is “Nakikiramay.”(Sympathizing/Empathizing). The dignity of every Badjao is also a dignity for every Filipino.
When we treat Badjaos as a Sea Faring Tribe or based from their essential identity, not beggar, we treat them for who they are- equal, gifted, capable, and brilliant. Their tribe might currently be at their rock bottom. But there is no other way but to rise.
In articulating the Filipino Identity, I attempt to answer: “Who am I?” (Ka-Ako-Han) in light of person-in-relation to others (Ka-kami-han) or social self(Kapwa) and the “face of God”(Spiritual Nature). Distinguishing the difference of essential and cultural identity is significant in understanding the Filipino identity.
The essential Identity of a Filipino is the nature of a Filipino person(Ka-Ako-han) shared with the rest of humanity (ka-kami-han).
In Genesis 1:27,
“So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them”.
The Filipino is made up of two integrated parts: physical bodies(katawan) and soul (loob). Being created in the view of a Creator, we can nevertheless mention several aspects of the soul (loob):
- rationality
This is the ability to think logically, reason, learn, reflect, understand abstract concepts, and synthesize or putting ideas together or rather reject ideas.
- morality
This is the ability to discern right and wrong (conscience), do good or evil, and be accountable.
- relationality– ability to relate with God and others.
- spirituality– ability to understand and be involved with spiritual matters such as prayer, worship or mass, Bible studies, and community ministries.
- creativity– ability to explore and innovate for the advancement in the field of arts, music, literature, scientific and technological inventions.
- servant-leadership– ability to lead and serve the family and community.
- emotionality– can handle various degrees and complexities of emotions and feelings.
- Interconnectedness– understand the essense and connection of all beings- living or non-living things.
While the Physical Body has aspects of
- sexuality– distinction of male and female
- procreation– ability to produce offsprings
- sense perception– Ability to see, hear, speak, touch, talk, and smell
- practicality- physical movements, demonstration of skills, moral judgments, learning, religious practices, and demonstrations of love and care for one another is done by means of physical bodies.
Filipino Body (Katawan) | Filipino Soul or Spirit(Kaluluwa) |
Sexuality | rationality |
Procreation | morality |
Sense Perception | relationality |
Practicality | spirituality |
creativity | |
Servant leadership | |
Emotionality | |
Interconnectedness |
The Filipino identity has the physical body (katawan) and soul or spirit (Kaluluwa) oriented to an intelligent designer called Yahweh for Christians, Allah for Muslims, and Bathala for Pre-colonial Filipinos. The view of God has influence on how a person behaves. It depends upon where he belongs.
I used the creator as a reference for a Filipino Identity rather than evolution. Chicago Tribune Journalist and Yale Master of Law graduate Lee Strobel interviewed Dr. Walter L. Bradley, the co-author of The Mystery of Life’s Origin and a professor at Texas A&M University and writes:
Darwinism can offer no credible theory for how life could have emerged naturally from nonliving chemicals. Earth’s early atmosphere would have blocked the development of the building blocks of life, and assembling even the most primitive living matter would be so outrageously difficult that it absolutely could not have been the product of unguided or random processes. On the contrary, the vast amount of specific information contained inside every living cell-encoded in the four-letter chemical alphabet of DNA-strongly confirms the existence of an Intelligent Designer who was behind the miraculous creation of life”27.
Relative identity refers to the Filipino personhood distinct from the rest of humanity. Filipino language and dialects, culture and virtues/values (loob, hiya, utang na loob etc) unique to Philippine society is an example of relative identity.
Nowadays, whether you are in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao speaking in different languages and dialects, practicing different religions, and living in various cultural performances they will all give the same answer: “I am a Filipino.”
The cultural identity of a Filipino is a nature of a Filipino person (Ka-Ako-Han) distinct with the rest of the humanity but explicit characteristics of fellow Filipinos (Ka Kami-Han), for example, Hiya, Utang na Loob, Bahala na, Filipino time and more.
Sister Bernardita Dianzon, one of my professors at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University wrote a “Best Book in Spirituality Award” entitled “Glimpses of Paul and his message”. She writes,
“Pauline ethic may be summarized in three simple yet loaded words: Identity informs behavior. In other words, what one externalizes in action must flow from the interior conviction of who one is. It is an appeal to become in one’s character and conduct what God’s action in Christ has made a person to be. This appeal implies two things—first, a person is morally obliged to work for a clear, honest, and profound knowledge of self; and second, one is to make a sincere effort, in response to God’s grace, to align one’s actions with what one discovers to be his/her true identity.
In Quoran 59: 24
He is God: the Creator, the Originator, the Shaper. The best names belong to Him. Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him: He is the Almighty, the Wise.” ([3], QUORAN 59:24
CHAPTER 4
DEEPENING THE FAITH
Seeing Pope Francis along estimated six million Filipinos28 at Rizal Park had been electrifying despite of heavy rain last January 2015. The Pope’s visit had been a gigantic success with a relevant theme focusing on—helping the poor, solidifying family, and protecting the environment. I had witnessed the event with my friends at the Quezon City Feast. Pope Francis was known for his inclusive statement that gay people should not be marginalised but integrated into society. While he was responding to questions about whether there was a “gay lobby” in the Vatican, he said,
“If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” He was not just concern about discriminated homosexuals, but also the women’s role when he said that he wanted a greater role for women in the Church, but insisted they could not be priests29.
Prior to Pope’s visit in Manila, I had seen great and visible changes in the church since Pope John Paul II asked for forgiveness last March 2000 during the day of pardon mass in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome30. The holiness of the church as the mystical body of Christ remains intact. He is apologizing for the violence fell in Jews, Muslims, and Eastern Orthodox perpetrated in the name of faith through the crusades, war of religions, tribunals of inquisition, and forced conversion to Catholic Faith.
Not just the catholic leaders who’s issuing statement of repentance but also the Protestants churches in the mid-1990s for the support of slavery among the Southern Baptists, anti-Jewish writings by the Reformation leader Martin Luther, and for the brutality of a lay preacher from United Methodist church who led a Civil War resulting to Indian massacre in Colorado31.
This has been one of our problems for centuries but the merciful, compassionate, and humble church will not allow itself to anchor its identity on the messes of the past. Proverbs 24:16,
“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again”,
But despite of terrible brutality committed by Catholics and Evangelical Protestants in a specific era, historians have long marveled about the amazing speed of Christianity. The church has always been good to the poor, rejected, sick and suffering that attracted new adherents to Catholic Faith. In fact, the Roman Catholic Church was the world’s charitable organization. The World Vision Philippines, an evangelical protestant founded and largest non-profit organization in the country “helps over 1.5 million children every year, with the support of thousands of Filipino sponsors and donors”32.
Not just the Christians but also the Muslims in partnership of The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Islamic Relief began working in the Philippines in 2013, “delivering vital aid in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan and giving out 1,636 tents and 3,000 tarpaulins, supplied 2,000 kits that included tarpaulin, rope, a ground sheet, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, tools and a plastic tool box, and put up 270 resilient shelters”33.
Church history has been having full of disgusting stories of corruption, coercion, oppression, and violence all over the world using the name of Christ. Beware of false prophets and teachers who led their sheep astray. In Matthew 7:21-23,
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
Skeptics had used war of religions as an argument against Christianity or Islam. Many had turned away from God. They asked:
“How can a loving God allow suffering, war of religions, oppression, and violence inside the church?”
Honestly, some of the evil deeds in history were authentically committed by real Christians because of free will (personal decision or influenced of external factors). God is not the source of evil. He created human person the possibility to do evil because of free will. Humans chose to do evil, as a result, suffering and death in this world. Dr Bill Bright, the founder of Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ believed,
“that we could trace all of our human problems to our view of God.”
The Filipino who had incomplete view of God tends to see Him as compadre or friend who can help him, an indulgent grandfather whom he can obtain favor, a policeman whom he can bribe through prayers and novenas, a vengeful dictator who “shoot to kill” for violating orders, perfectionist teacher who love criticizing students, and a chameleon politician tries to please everyone.
Dr Rod Santos, the book author of “Turned off by Church” wrote:
“During a religious ritual, the people called upon the anito to indwell the wooden image and then present their petitions. The lowlanders, on the other hand, called these ancestral spirits Nono. Aside from these, they sought help from mediators called babaylanas. They are called babailanes in the Visayas and katalones in Southern Luzon. These priestess are “woman shamans” who are called to make sacrifices, usually for physical healing and other personal petitions…
Another feature of pre-Christian Filipino spirituality that needs to be considered is the belief in a creator god Bathala. Artifacts show that the thirteenth-century Javanese Madjapahit Empire from India greatly influenced the locals through trading and the Hindu religion. They were the ones who introduced the Bathala concept. Interestingly, Bathala was an impersonal and distant God who needed to be appeased by his worshippers”
Some scholars will interpret it as misconceptions of God or distortions. I would rather use the word “incomplete.” It is understandable that the ancient Filipinos had inadequate concept of God due to inaccessibility of the special revelation through the Scripture, prophets, and Holy Spirit. They were dependent on what they could observe on their surroundings or nature. But their religious practice proves the rationality and innate spiritual nature of the Pre-colonial Filipinos seeing the general revelation of God. Romans 1:20,
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
Some of the pre- colonial Filipinos who were unable to handle the struggles of incomplete view of God engaged in head hunting or human sacrifice to please anitos or spirits. This is abomination and inhuman religious practice that no one wants to defend today34.
Your view of God touches every facet of your life or influenced by your perception of who God is—your dreams, passions, attitudes, words, feelings, and actions. How you view yourself will be enhanced once you realize the awesome character of God and his love for you.
I enumerated the character of God in the table below as God perceives by Christians and Muslims.
Character of God | Catholics Protestant/ Evangelicals | Muslims |
Independent | Yes (Acts 17:24-25) | Yes (Quoran 3:97) |
Unchangeable | Yes (Psalm 102:25-27 | Yes (Quoran 8:53) |
Infinite | Yes ((Psalm 147:5) | Yes (Quoran 6:14) |
Eternal | Yes (Revelation 1:8) | Yes (Quoran 3:2) |
Present everywhere | Yes (Jeremiah 23:23-24) | Yes (Quoran 2:115) |
Just | Yes (Deut 32:4) | Yes (Quoran 3:18) |
Merciful | Yes (Exodus 34:6) | Yes (Quoran 3:31) |
Truthful | Yes (Jeremiah 10:10-11) | Yes (Quoran 2:147) |
All-powerful | Yes (Romans 14:4) | Yes(Quoran 2:209) |
All-knowing/Wise | Yes (Job 37:16) | Yes (Quoran 2:129) |
Love | Yes (1 John 4:8) | Yes (Quoran 2:165) |
One | Yes (Deuteronomy 6:4) | Yes (Quoran 2:133) |
Holy | Yes (Psalm 77:13) | Yes (Quoran 35:10) |
Good | Yes (Psalm 34:8) | Yes (Quoran 4:113) |
Gracious | Yes (2 Chronicles 30:9) | Yes (Quoran 1:1) |
Peaceful | Yes (1 Corinthian 14:33) | Yes (Quoran 6:12) |
Creator | Yes (Hebrews 13:7) | Yes (Quoran 15:86) |
Wrath | Yes (Romans 1:18) | Yes (Quoran 16:106) |
Observing that Christians and Muslims had similar concept of God made me realize the futility of war of religions leading to violence and disunity. One strategy used by colonizers and enemies to defeat us were lack of unity. Our goal as a nation shall be unity, not uniformity.
Searching for God will not be served to you in a silver platter or delivered without so much effort. Seek and you shall find.
Knowing that God is all -powerful, I can ask Him to help me achieve my dreams.
Knowing that God is present everywhere, I am not alone. I can speak and cry out to Him anytime.
Knowing that God is all- knowing and wise, I can ask for guidance.
Knowing that God is love, I am certain of His commitment for my well-being. I am fully accepted and loved.
Knowing that God is merciful, I can be assured that I am forgiven.
Knowing that God is just, I cannot abuse his mercy. I will be treated fairly. Knowing that God is Holy, I can worship him in truth and purity.
Knowing that God is absolute Truth, I will believe his words and obey him. Knowing that God is righteous, I will live by his standards.
Knowing that God is in control, I can submit to His will.
.
Before coming into Manila, I was living inside the convent of St Bartholomew in Baao, Camarines Sur. I felt blessed that I never saw corruption and immorality inside the Parish that inspired me to study theology and pursue my dreams today. My most favorite parish priest Father Wilfred Almoneda viewed God as servant imbibed to him by his family since childhood. He shared,
“I came from a priestly family: had a Lolo who’s a priest, an uncle who is a bishop; all three brothers entered the Seminary, ako si youngest(I am the youngest), ako lang su naka Padi(I was the one who became a priest). One of my nephews is also a seminarian now. Obviously, I got my priestly vocation from my family ever since I was a child.
Hindi madali ang buhay sa Seminary(Seminary life is not easy). Hindi rin naman sobrang hirap(Not so difficult). Every day we encounter challenges which is of course part of the Seminary Formation. I started 1st year High School in the seminary. Hindi ako lumabas(I did not go out), after 12 straight years, Pari na ako(I became a priest). Gaya din nang Seminary Formation, araw-araw din ang challenges(Like seminary formation, I encountered daily challenges) which again I consider part of my Priesthood. I still submit to an on-going formation.
I constantly submit to formation because I like it. I feel that I am called by God to this ministry and I like it… I need to be formed so that I will be worthy to be an Alter-Christus and I like it… When I say ‘I like it’, it’s not about my will being followed, it’s always to follow God’s will… And I like it.
We were trained to be community organizers, trained to be with people; since we would be leaders, we were trained to be good followers. Ito yung mga factors(This is the factors) na nakatulong sa pag-aaral ko sa seminary(that helps me in the seminary): Spirituality, Academics, Pastoral capacity and community life. Yan ang basehan(This is the basis) if one is suited for priesthood. Kung walang kaibigan sa seminary(If there is mo friend in the seminary), most likely magiging loner sya pag naging Pari(he will become loner once become a priest). Kung hindi marunong makisama(if he does not know how to connect), magiging mahirap ding pakisamahan yan in the future(( it will be difficult to relate with him in the future). Mabuti na lang marami akong kaibigan noon(Good that I have a lot of friends), at sobrang nakatulong yun sa pag-aaral ko sa Seminary(And big help in my seminary studies).”
CHAPTER 5
REASONING FAITH
Mr Rhany V. Torres was a record producer at Alpha Record Corporation. He became an Assistant / Supervising Producer, OctoArts-EMI . He created Album Projects for both secular and religious. His recent produced album Ignite: Songs inspired by Ignacio de Loyola Original Motion Picture won best inspirational album award at the Catholic Mass Media Award. He also produced COMPLETELY YOURS : Tribute to Pope John Paul II.
He produced secular albums that was nominated or won in Awit Awards or Katha Awards that includes “Bossa Sessions” of Pavi with Tropicalla, Siakol, and Brownbeat Allstar. He produced album projects for Bayani Agbayani, Session Road, Maverick & Ariel, Frio, Kawago, Jhego, Retrospect, Manila Bossa, Isha, Freesouls, Ethnic Faces, Amie, Pur3ska, Manilyn Reynes, Rannie Raymundo, Ex-president’s combo, Martina Hernandez, and True Faith.
I met and invited him the first time at Radio Veritas Asia as guest in my youth program. I was inspired with his humility and advocacies to defend the Catholic Church. He wrote a booklet, “Nasa Bibliya Ba Yan? Sagot sa mga tanong sa aral katoliko.” I interviewed him in the studio and facebook. I started,
“Any instances that you doubted about the faith you believe in?”
“Thanks for considering me. Yes, may time na nagkaroon na medyo kinuwesiyon ko(there was a time that I questioned) kung ano ba ang truth sa turo ng simbahan at bible(the truth about the church and the Bible) .” He answered.
“When did it start?” I asked.
“Ah, mag- mid to late 90s yun(In the 90s). I was attending a prayer group at that time, catholic group that is Bible-based ang karamihan ng teachings (majority of the teachings). Napansin ko na protestant yung eschatology nila(I observed that their eschatology or study of the future was in line with Protestant theology)- mentioning the word “rapture”(rapture refers to secret return of Christ to take believers out of this world), yun ang tinuturo (that is their teaching). Protestant rapture. Yung may pre- tribulation( about pre-tribulation. Tribulation refers to great suffering on earth. Pre-tribulation means rapture before tribulation), 1,000 year reign of Jesus in Jerusalem etcetera. Alam ko hindi yan ang turo ng simbahan(I know that is not the teaching of the Catholic church) and interpretation of catholic church in biblical data. So nagresearch ako sa(I researched) in church history, catechism, bible interpretation of Catholics and testimonies of ex protestants… tapos (and) from there, na-reinforce ang drive ko (my motivation was reinforced) to study further the faith. Malaking(Big) factor yung(the) role ng(of) history.”
“Please feel free to add some details.” I continued.
“Ah , kasi yung sakin(In my case), doubt kung ano ba talaga ang turo ng simbahan na itinatag ni Jesus( doubt about the real teachings of Christ), not much dun sa nag-doubt ako sa diyos (Not much on doubting God)…” He clarified.
“How did you resolve these doubts?” I asked.
“Nalaman ko ano talaga ang tinuturo sa Bible pagdating sa end times(I learned about the Bible teachings related to end times) based in authority given by Jesus to the church + burado lahat ng doubts sa catholic faith (all of my doubs in the Catholic faith were gone.) He replied and continued,
“Di totoo yung pre tribulation(Pre-tribulation is not true), hindi literal na jesus will reign in Jerusalem(Jesus will not reign in Jerusalem literally, the 666, whore of babylon, heads of beasts in revelation, end-time prophecies etcetera are all traditions of men. Also, the idea of rapture as taught by Protestants originated in the US during the early part of the 20th century. Sadly, many Catholic Christians are swayed into believing this, like me before. Malaking tulong na kinikilala ng isang katoliko ang magisterium or church authority (It is helpful that Catholics recognize magisterium or church authority).”
Mr Torres was standing for his view and criticizing the pre-millennial views of the evangelical protestant taught in a Catholic Bible Studies. Basically, there are three views about the coming of Christ, a subject on the study of the future. I will not discuss it here in detail due to the complexity of the topic. Each view has strengths and weaknesses. It has biblical support. Realizing this, guard the self from dogmatism or standing for a belief that the scripture was unclear or did not explicitly explain. Focus on clear and major teachings of Christianity.
Having a stand like Mr. Torres is significant in forming strong and reasonable faith. But you should know what to major or minor. A mature Christian respects individual perspectives and open for interreligious dialogue.
If faith without action is dead, faith without reason and evidence is a blind faith. Maybe you are basing your faith from the evidence that you have observed, faith experience, cultural performance, traditions, book readings, debate with colleagues, and discussion with professors or parents. But is your research and conclusion best explanation for your evidence if you are going to dig in and systematically find proofs? What will you find after confronting your misconceptions, distortions, and biases?
I tell you there are clever arguments, pithy quotes, philosophical, scientific and historical studies that could support your skepticism or unbelief. Similarly, Christianity has enormous truthful evidence for God. The choice is yours. If there is no God, nothing will be
gained. But if there is a God, I win, you lose. In the arena of life, it is a score of zero (o) versus one(1). Realizing this, if I stand to believe in God, I won. Did you get the logic?
Proposed Truth | Believer of God | Atheist |
If there is no God | Zero (Nothing to Gain) | Zero (Nothing to Gain) |
If there is a God | One (Gain Happiness and Heaven) | Zero (Nothing to gain) |
Total | One (Winner) | Zero (Loser) |
Development of strong character or Filipino self (loob) depends on the unchanging and absolute standard of God. Evil is a reality, not a creation of mind or feelings. The concept of evil depends on the concept of universal good. This argument leads to Supreme Good-God.
Whether you are a Catholic, protestant, or Muslim, find truthful reason and evidence for your faith. The limited mind and human weakness do not have the capacity to know everything but a person can maximize the available evidence shown as general revelation or special revelation of the Creator. Reasonable faith will motivate you to live in righteousness, give you wisdom on dealing with doubts, defend your faith, protect yourself from being easily swayed by false teachers or religious hypocrites, and stay in the church despite of some disobeying His will.
In this quest for truth or reasonable faith, you can look at numerous categories of proofs to defend your Christian or Muslim faith. As a Christian, I will present evidences of Christianity being a Catholic. In the Philippine Rule of Court, Evidence is the “means of ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth respecting a matter of fact… Evidence is admissible when it is relevant to the issue”. Documents as evidence “consist of writing or any material containing letters, words, numbers, figures, symbols or other modes of written expression offered as proof of their contents.”35
Can the Gospel writers of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John be trusted?
Matthew known as Levi was a tax collector and one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.
Mark is a companion of Peter, one of the twelve disciples.
Luke is physician of Paul, one of the apostles.
John is not just a disciple, but one of the three inner circles of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sister Niceta Vargas OSA, one of my professors at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University, the President of the La Consolacion College-Manila, and the author of the Book Word and Witness: an Introduction to the Gospel of John wrote that there was a disagreement regarding the authorship of Disciple John. I investigated the writing of Papias, the Bishop of Hierapolis that was used as an evidence for dispute.Papias wrote in Hist. Eccl. III, 39 states,
“I shall be glad to tell you, in the course of my exposition, everything that I once learned from the presbyters. I remember it all very well, and I guarantee its truth…But if it happened that someone who followed the presbyters came this way, I used to ask for the words of the presbyters, what Andrew or Peter said, or what Philip, or Thomas or James or John or Matthew or any other of the Lord’s disciples (said), and what Ariston and the presbyter John, the disciples of the lord were saying. “
Indeed, he wrote distinguishing the word for “Presbyters” and “Disciples”. But looking at the context of the letter, aside from that he was not discussing about the written Gospel of John, he was also calling the disciples “presbyters” or “presbyter.” He repeatedly mentioned the words: Disciples, Presbyter, and John for emphasis. In short, Presbyter John or Disciple John is implicitly stated as one and the same person. The letter of Papias was insufficient evidence to question John’s authorship. In addition to that, there was an explicit written record recognizing the authorship of John the Disciple. Irenaeus, the Bishop of Lyons writes,
“After that, John, the disciples of the Lord, he who had leaned on his breast, also published the Gospel, while living at Ephesus in Asia.”36
Clement of Alexandria and the Muratorian Canon recognized Disciple John’s authorship. Dr. Craig Blomberg, one of the best New Testament scholars in the world supports John’s authorship.
The biographies of Jesus were documentary evidence.
The gospel writers were direct and indirect eyewitnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The letter from Irenaeus and Papias was corroborating evidence- evidence outside the gospels.
Was Jesus crazy when he claimed to be the Son of God or God? Does archaeology confirm or contradict Jesus biographies? Did Jesus really died and resurrected?
I emailed Chicago Tribune Journalist and Yale Law Graduate Lee Strobel about this book I am writing. I have been reading his books on the evidence of Christianity couple of times since I was a teenager. Even though he was an evangelical pastor, he interviewed and quoted as reference both the best catholic and evangelical protestant scholars in the world. He writes,
“Well-known psychologist Gary Collins said Jesus exhibited no inappropriate emotions, was in contact with reality, was brilliant and had amazing insights into human nature, and enjoyed deep and abiding relationships. ‘I just don’t see signs that Jesus was suffering from any known mental illness,’ he concluded. In addition, Jesus backed up his claim to being God[or Son of God] through miraculous feats of healing, astounding demonstrations of power over nature, unrivaled teaching, divine understanding of people, and with his own resurrection, which was the final authentication of his identity.
Archaeologist John MeRay stated that there’s no question that archaeological findings have enhanced the New Testament’s credibility. No discovery has ever disproved a biblical reference. Further, archaeology has established that Luke, who wrote about one quarter of the New Testament, was an especially careful historian. Concluded one expert, “If Luke was so painstakingly accurate in his historical reporting [of minor details], on what logical basis may we assume he was credulous or inaccurate in his reporting of matters that were far more important, not only to him but to others as well?” Like, for instance, the resurrection of Jesus.
By analyzing the medical and historical data, Dr. Alexander Metherell concluded Jesus could not have survived the gruesome rigors of crucifixion, much less the gaping wound that pierced his lung and heart. The idea that he somehow swooned on the cross and pretended to be dead lacks any evidential basis. Roman executioners were grimly efficient, knowing that they themselves would face death if any of their victims were to come down from the cross alive. Even if Jesus had somehow lived through the torture, his ghastly condition could never have inspired a worldwide movement based on the premise that he had gloriously triumphed over the grave.
The evidence for the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus didn’t develop gradually over the years as mythology distorted memories of his life. Rather, said Resurrection expert Gary Habermas, the Resurrection was ‘the central proclamation of the early church from the very beginning.’ The ancient creed from I Corinthians 15 mentions specific individuals who encountered the risen Christ, and Paul even challenged first century doubters to talk with these individuals personally to determine the truth of the
matter for themselves. The book of Acts is littered with extremely early affirmations of Jesus’ resurrection, while the gospels describe numerous encounters in detail. Concluded British theologian Michael Green, ‘The appearances of Jesus are as well authenticated as anything in antiquity… There can be no rational doubt that they occurred’.”37
If Jesus was psychologically healthy when he claimed to be Son of God or God and sets the standard for morality, I can now have an unshakable foundation for my choices and decisions.
If Jesus personally knows the pain of betrayal, loss, and suffering, he can understand and comfort me in the midst of adversities.
If Jesus conquered death and did rise from the dead, my faith is reasonable and meaningful. He can offer me eternal life.
In John 3:16,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
CHAPTER 6
STRENGTHENING THE SELF
Dr. Archie Manalo was the head of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) at the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) in 2017. I felt blessed that I was introduced to the pillars of DepEd-NCR during their ALS conference being the developer of the Philippines first internet based ALS. I had a one-on-one interviewed with him inside his office for Radio Veritas Asia. I had seen the integrity in his character during the interview. He shared,
“Actually being one of the educator and father, kung sino ako ako yon (Whoever I am, I am). Parang kung ano iyong treatment ko with other clients sa alternative learning system(Whatever my treatment with clients)…same treatment that I am giving to my family because to me service is equal with the service that you are giving to your family. Simpleng buhay lang(Simple life only).Trabaho(Work). Pamilya (Family). Discuss all the details happened in the office. Discuss in family. Wala masyado date(No so much date).Wala masyado night out(No heavy night outs). Kasi focus talaga sa work(Because I am focused at work)..Kasi parang iyon na ang buhay ko(Because it is my life). Family, work, and church. One of the requirements in the family we see to it that we go together to church. Then, kung anuman iyong mga problems(Whetever problems we have) that we are encountering, dini discuss namin(We are discussing it). That is one of the legacies to my daughter, to my children, and that is the inspiration na ibibigay ko sa mga kliyente( that I am going to give to my client).Gusto ko maging simple lang ako (I like to be simple). Kung sino ako, gusto kong maging isang inspiration para sa mga kliyente na nangangailangan ng tulong(Whoever I am, I want to be an inspiration to my clients who need help). That’s a simple as that. Kung ano tinatrabaho ko sa loob ng opisina dala ko yon hanggang sa labas(Whatever work I have inside the office, I am carrying it outside).Kung sino ako sa loob ng opisina, ganun din ako sa labas (Whoever I am inside the office, I am the same outside). I am the same.Paano ako makipag-deal?(How I deal?) Paano ako makipag socialize sa clients?(How I socialize with clients?). I am the same outside the office. kasi sa akin wala ako stereotype life(For me, I have no stereotype.) kung happy ako, happy ako.
Being an educator, same with some of our listeners, dumaan din ako sa buhay na may balakid(I encountered a life of obstacles) but because of determination… because of pag-asa(hope) and prayers. Nalampasan namin lahat ng mga problema(We overcome all of the challenges). Hindi tumitigil(Never giving up). Hanggang may buhay nga tayo patuloy tayong lumaban sa hamon ng panahon (While having this life, we continue to fight challenges of life).Hwag iyong kung nadapa ka hanggang don ka lang(Avoid staying at the rock bottom when you fall).To all our listeners, hindi ka nag-iisa(You are not alone) naging ganyan din ho ako dati(I was in the same circumstances) at nagkaroon din ako ng problem(I faced problems) from basic education noong hayskul pa ako(in high school).. noong kabataan ko(in my youth) hanggang college(until college) but because of the inspiration coming from God sa mga nakasama ko( from people around me) bumangon ako sa mga pagkakataon nadadapa ako(I rise after I stumbled)…hindi po natatapos ang panahon natin sa isang yugto (Life does not end in one stage) kung may pagkakataon na nadapa tayo sa unang yugto(If you fall unexpectedly in one stage) may pangalawang kabanata(There is a second chapter) hindi natatapos ang kABANATA NG BUHAY (Chapters of life has no end) para tayo tumulong (to help), para magbigay ng inspiration (to give inspiration) sa lahat ng tao lalo na sa mga kabanata natin ngayon (to all people especially the youth of today).”
Dr Archie Manalo has a strong self or character because of virtues in him. He is a man of integrity. He is hard working and single- minded. He has nothing to hide and fear. He is the same in private and public life. He encountered hardships and failures but stand up again. His identity and life is anchored on his family and God. His loob (self) is anchored in God and others. The Filipino Self values achievement and personal development (ka-ako han) but consider its social impact (Ka-Kami-han). The strong Filipino self is anchored with
virtues that guide him on making moral decisions and life’s choices.
More than eighty percent (80%) of the Philippines population are Christians.38 And the recent report from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago shows that the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation, was found to have the highest percentage (84 percent) of people who “know God really exists and … have no doubts about it,” and the lowest percentage (less than one percent) of people who said they “don’t believe in God” at all39.
According to Philippine National Survey, while only a tenth claim to be active members of religious organizations, 9% of the youth assess themselves as extremely religious, 29% as very religious, and 49% as somewhat religious or a total of 87% who can be considered religious. A similar high level of self-assessed religiosity is seen among the average adults. This also translates into practice, with about seven in ten of the youth and similarly among average adults, attending religious services at least once a week. About six in seven of the youth and among average adults pray at least once a day (Table 6). 40
Table 6. RELIGIOSITY AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Philippine Youth, April 1996, and Adults, July 1991
Philippine Youth April 1996 | Philippine Adults July 1991 * | |
Self-Assessed Religiosity | ||
Extremely religious | 9% | 8% |
Very religious | 29 | 28 |
Somewhat religious | 49 | 50 |
Neither religious nor non religious | 6 | 10 |
Somewhat non-religious | 5 | 4 |
Extremely non-religious | 0 | 1 |
Frequency of Attending Religious Services | ||
More than once a week | 10 | 13 |
Once a week | 59 | 55 |
Less often than once a month 31 | 32 | |
Frequency of Praying | ||
Several times a day | 28 | 37 |
Once a day | 57 | 49 |
Less often than once a day | 15 | 14 |
* ages 18 and above, n=1,200, SWS ISSP Survey in July 1991 for religiosity, SWS World Values Survey in April 1996 for frequency of attending religious services and SWS December 1993 Survey for frequency of praying.
This is an amazing statistics but it doesn’t show on the way they live. Filipinos love religious practices and observances such as prayer meetings, religious processions, novenas, fiestas and multiple devotions to Christ, to Mary, and other saints. But sadly, the Philippines had been ranked in 2007 as the most corrupt country.41 And UNICEF ranked the Philippines fourth among countries with the highest number of child prostitutes42 for a country that has a strong and popular devotion to the Child Jesus.43 This is alarming because Character education has been part of the country’s educational system since 1901.
What is happening with the essential Filipino Self? How can the soul(kaluluwa) and body(Katawan) be strengthened for the common good?
The loob of Filipino self refers to the integrated or holistic parts of the soul that includes rationality, morality, relationality, spirituality, creativity, servant-leadership, emotionality, and interconnectedness. The literal translation of Loob in English is inside, like inside the house, pot(container), or temple.
The katawan (body) of Filipino self includes sexuality, procreation, sense perception, practicality
Strengthening the soul and body is a process that involves the effort of one self (ka Ako-han), others (Ka-kami-han), and God’s transforming power (Ka-itaas-an). This is a triangular interconnected process, not a lone ranger task.
In Positive Psychology, virtues refer to the universal moral habits of the human person valued by moral philosophers and religious thinkers: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. The classification of universal virtues is based from the most widely influential traditions of thought in human history. Dr. Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology and his colleague, Dr Christopher Peterson followed Dr Ninian Smart studies on World Philosophies (1999) that focuses on the “Great Three”- “Confucianism and Taoism in China, Buddhism and Hinduism in South Asia, and ancient Greece, Judeo-Christianity, and Islam in the West” and defined the virtues44 as follows,
- Wisdom and knowledge—cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge
Creativity [originality, ingenuity]: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it
Curiosity [interest, novelty-seeking, openness to experience]: Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering
Open-mindedness [judgment, critical thinking]: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly Love of learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one’s own or formally; obviously related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency to add systematically to what one knows
Perspective [wisdom]: Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself and to other people
- Courage—emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal
Bravery [valor]: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it
Persistence [perseverance, industriousness]: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles; “getting it out the door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks
Integrity [authenticity, honesty]: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions
Vitality [zest, enthusiasm, vigor, energy]: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated
- Humanity—interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others Love: Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated; being close to people
Kindness [generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, “niceness”]: Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them
Social intelligence [emotional intelligence, personal intelligence]: Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick
- 4. Justice—civic strengths that underlie healthy community life
Citizenship [social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork]: Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one’s share
Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance
Leadership: Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same maintain time good relations within the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they happen
- Temperance—strengths that protect against excess
Forgiveness and mercy: Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful
Humility / Modesty: Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves; not seeking the spotlight; not regarding oneself as more special than one is
Prudence: Being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted
Self-regulation [self-control]: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one’s appetites and emotions
- Transcendence—strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning
Appreciation of beauty and excellence [awe, wonder, elevation]: Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks
Hope [optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation]: Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about
Humor [playfulness]: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes
Spirituality [religiousness, faith, purpose]: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort
Character strengths are the moral processes or mechanisms that define the virtues. For example, the virtue of humanity can be achieved by love, kindness, and gentleness.
Situational themes are specific habits that lead people to manifest character strengths in given situations. The themes describe how one relates to others in the workplace, at home, in school and neighborhood etcetera. For example, situational themes in the workplace are empathy, inclusivity, teamwork and strategic planning. Situational themes are neither good nor bad. It could be a personality trait like planning ahead or being organized. Looking at empathy, inclusivity, and inclusivity reflect character strength of kindness and falls into category of humanity. Situational themes reflect also on Filipino values.
Integrity is defined as “the state of being complete, unified”
Filipino Integrity is a unified body and soul oriented towards God and others that applies virtues or moral standards for the common good of Philippine society. Dr. John Maxwell writes,
“When people have integrity, their words and deeds match up. They are who they are no matter where they are or who they’re with. People with integrity are not divided (that’s duplicity) or merely pretending (that’s hypocrisy). They are ‘whole’ and their lives are ‘put together.’ People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are open books.”45
CHAPTER 7
PLANTING THE FILIPINO CHARACTER
Forbes reported that Duterte is turning the Philippines into a more corrupt and less democratic state according to the recent rankings published by international agencies. The Philippines is the 113th least corruption nation in 2019 out of 180 countries from 99th in 2018 as of January 24, 2020.46 On the other hand, the same year that Duterte’s administration received excellent rating according to Social Weather Stations (SWS). 81% of the adult Filipinos were satisfied with his leadership47. The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) was also recognized as “Best SEA Games organizer’ by Sports Industry Asia48. Great achievement for the Philippines.
Distorted assessments from foreigners were historical. I mentioned in the introduction that the reason why Rizal needs to rewrite the Philippine history by writing annotations or commentaries on Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Isla Filipinas to disprove Spanish erroneous report about the pre-colonial Philippines. Some foreigners were not only responsible for creating negative image towards our country. I had read some works of Philippine studies expert and Former Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines(NHCP) Dr Ambeth Ocampo who made Rizal appear to be exaggerating the truth and depending more on imagination than historical evidence, for example, ‘‘no full document written in pre-Hispanic Philippine script has ever been found’’49. His work became a reference of some foreign scholars. I need to email back Dr Ernest Hartwell, fellow at Harvard University after he sent his article Imperial Endnotes: The First Filipino and Boricua Historians to show the evidence that there was evidence of pre-hispanic writings in Baybayin. The archive was preserved by the Pontifical University of Sto Tomas and documented by i-witness of GMA7, a top TV network in the Philippines50. In short, Jose Rizal is not making stories. I checked other evidences used against his credibility. I find the archaeological evidence as a corroborating evidence of boat and cannon making industry, but insufficient to disprove Rizal’s claim. Filipino Scholars and Archeologists shall see it in different perspective to avoid errors on making a scholarly writing like Dr. Ocampo had committed. Rizal is innocent until proven guilty.
Fighting for truth based from factual evidence, not opinion is an example of virtue.
Filipino Character Strengths are moral habits in the soul(ka-ako-han)of the Filipino Self reflected on bodily actions based from universal principles anchored in God(ka-itaas an), the standard of morality developing good relationship with others(ka-kami-han). On the other hand, vices refer to immoral habits in the soul based from universal principles of evil that tarnish relationship with God and others (Kapwa).
The level of Filipino Character Strengths in a Filipino self has a great role in determining how power can be exercised or restrained. It has a great role in eliminating or lessening vices, evil, or corruption. A competent and intelligent leader without character tends to fall into temptation of unethical use of power, sex, fame, and money and will cause of lot of broken relationships.
Values are “constracts representing generalized behaviors or states of affairs that are considered by the individual to be important.”
Filipino values are instrumental values or situational themes that lead people to manifest character strengths in given situations. The situational themes describe how one relates to others in the workplace, at home, in school and neighborhood etcetera. Values is the neutral part of oneself and a venue for freedom. Filipino values is neither good nor evil. I separated Filipino character strengths from Filipino values because a man of Filipino values does not guarantee a man of Filipino character. A Filipino Self might nakikisama o nakipapagkapwa for two reasons: out of peace(virtue of humanity) or out of political agenda and business (vice of pakitang tao or materialism). St Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10;23,
“I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right(freedom) to do anything”–but not everything is constructive(helpful)”.
Developing Filipino Character Strengths is like planting trees. It takes time to grow until bearing its fruit. In Galatians 5: 22-23,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Set A. The Filipino Character Strengths
Image of God (Ka-itaas-an) | Universal Virtues | Filipino Character strengths | Filipino Values |
God is Love | Humanity | Pagmamahal | Family Oriented, Meal Oriented |
Joy in the Lord | Transcendence | Kagalakan | Fun in the Philippines |
God of Peace | Humanity | Kapayapaan | Pakikisama, Pakikipagkapwa, Smooth Interpersonal Relationships(SIR), Ibang Tao, Hindi-Ibang-Tao, Euphemism, Padrino system, pakikisalamuha, pakikitungo, pakikilahok, pakikibagay, pakikipagpalagayang loob, pakikisangkot, pakikiisa |
God is Patient | Courage | Pagtitiis | Kundiman Oriented, Alay Lakad, Pag-abot ng mga Pangarap (Filipino Dreams) |
God is Kind | Humanity | Kabaitan | Charity Programs in the Philippines |
Let me present an integration of universal virtues, Filipino Character Strengths, Filipino values, and Image of God, the absolute standard of morality regardless if you are Protestant, Catholic, or Muslim. Here are the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
- Love (Pagmamahal)
– In New Testament (NT), agape is the greek word for Love means unconditional love51. A virtuous Filipino self seeks the highest good of kapwa (others) with all his/her soul no matter how the self was treated badly by way of insult, injury, and humiliation. The Filipino self loves others as he/she loves himself/herself. I used the the word “virtuous Filipino self” instead of “virtuous Filipino soul” because of the integration of the Filipino soul and body in the application of virtues.
The virtuous Filipino self loves like a mother to his rebellious daughter who got pregnant or love of a father to the prodigal son. The Filipino self is known for the traditional love for family or being family- oriented. CFC 34 states,
“Ama(Father), Ina(Mother), and Anak(Children) are culturally and emotionally significant to us Filipinos who cherish our filial(Philia love) attachment not only to our immediate family but also to our extended family (ninongs, ninangs, etc.).”
The Filipino self is known also for meal –oriented(salu-salu, kainan). We treat everyone as family,(parang pamilya). Filipinos are generous and grateful host that tries his/her best to offer something, meager as it maybe. (“Kain ka.” “Isang Tagay pa.”)
- Joy (Kagalakan)
– In NT, chara is the greek word means joy whose foundation is God52. It does not depend on outside circumstances. The Filipino Self smiles and persists in natural disasters such as typhoon, tropical depression, and non-stop monsoon rain etc. The Filipino self posts funny content in social media in the face of corona virus. Call it humor, resilience. The Filipino Spirit. According to Gallup survey in 2008, Philippines is the third(3rd) happiest country in the world.53
In CFC 140 states,
“Christ himself taught his disciples ‘so that my joy may be yours, and your joys may be complete’ (John 15:11), a “joy no one can take from you”(John 15:11).
For Christian faith, joy is our response to Christ’s good news. In James 1:2-3,
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
- Peace (Kapayapaan)
-In NT, eirene is the greek word for Peace means “tranquillity of heart which derives from the all-pervading consciousness that our times are in the hands of God.” It is good that the contemporary used of the word means “serenity which a country enjoyed under the just and beneficent government of a good emperor; and it was used of the good order of a town or village”54. Peace can be used for societal use and interrelated to Pakikisama.
For Lynch (1961,1973), Pakikisama is literally translated in Engish as “smooth interpersonal relations”(SIR) by conforming or going along with the group or the majority of the decision.
Enriquez (1978,1994) discovered that the Filipino shared self “concerned not maintaining SIR but pakikipagkapwa which means treating the other person as kapwa or fellow human being. There are two categories of kapwa: the ibang- tao (outsider) and the Hindi-ibang-tao (‘one -of- us’). In Filipino social interaction, one is immediately ‘placed’’ into one of these two categories, and how one is placed determines the level of interaction one is shown. For example, if one is regarded as ibang- tao, the interaction can range from pakikitungo (transaction/civility with), to pakikisalamuha (interaction with), to pakikilahok (joining/participating), to pakikibagay (in-conformity with/in accord with), and to pakikisama (being along with). If one is categorized as hindi-ibang tao, then you can expect pakikipagpalagayang loob(being in rapport/understanding/acceptance with), or pakikisangkot (getting involved) or the highest level of pakikiisa(being one with).”55
The Filipino self also use euphemisms or courteous language and padrino system or go between for breaking bad news. Being frank is a sign of ill-breeding or lack of refinement.
Foreign scholars who were naturally direct might negatively interpret pakikisama and SIR as lack of confidence, plastic or dishonest. But The Filipino self is behaving out of the genuine concern of the person and maintaining peace.
- Patience (pagtitiis)
-In NT, makrothumia is the greek word for patience means slow to anger56. The Filipino virtous self has the power to take revenge but chose not to. Filipinos used the word Pagtitiis for patience and perseverance. Perseverance(hupomoné in greek) can be used for being persistent in relationships or overcoming obstacles or achieving dreams. The Filipino self is Kundiman-oriented. CFC 39 states,
“The Kundiman is a sad Filipino song about wounded love. Filipinos are naturally attracted to heroes sacrificing everything for love. We are patient and forgiving.”
- Kindness (Kabaitan)
-In NT, chrēstotēs is the greek word for kindness means goodness, sweetness, lovely, and mellow57. The Filipino self is kind to the poor, sick, and persons of disability. Jesus Christ healed the leper(Matthew 8:1-4), casted out demons, dine in with sinner Zaccheus, the tax collector(Luke 19:1-10, forgave those who hurted him(Luke 22:47-52), showed compassion to the sick (Luke 8:40-48), Fed the five thousands(Matthew 14:13-21) and make friend with prostitute and woman caught in adultery(John 8:6-8). He taught,
“But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful((Matthew 5:38-48)”.
CHAPTER 8
GROWING THE FILIPINO CHARACTER
I worked as a customer service representative in Concentrix for 8 years before I became a customer service manager at Transcom. I asked Boss Lora Felin, one of the senior managers at Concentrix how she break bad news and confront employees with a behavior problem. I clarified if she used sandwich principle (Praise-Criticism-Praise). She answered,
“Not a fan of sandwich principle but at some I did apply it. How to break bad news? Focus on the facts not on the person. Attack the issue but never the person”.
Because the Filipino self(Ka-ako-han) is integrated with others (Ka-kami-han), the person tends to take criticism personally no matter how constructive. It is totally different in western countries. A boss who criticizes employee’s output inside the board room is the same coffee friends outside. “Walang personalan. Trabaho lang” (No personalism, just work).
Ronald Molmisa writes,
“Not us(Filipinos). To criticize a part of our personality is undertood as criticizing the whole being. Kahit gaano kagaling ang isang tao, hindi natin pinakikinggan kung may issue tayo sa kanya(No matter how competent the person is, we do not listen if he has issues with us).”58
A virtuous Filipino self understands that confrontation, coaching, and rebuking are means to help us improve our character and attitudes. It may be painful. But that is another form of love called tough love. In Proverbs 27:6,
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses”.
Confronting the person for areas of improvement is the character strengths that the New Testament mentioned as goodness. It takes time to grow goodness because it needs to be watered and fertilized with other Filipino virtues and values.
Set B. The Filipino Virtues
Image of God (Ka itaas-an) | Universal Virtues | Filipino Character Strengths | Filipino Values |
God is good | Courage | Kabutihan | Pakikialam, Pakikibahagi, Lakas ng loob |
God is Faithful | Courage | Katapatan | Maaasahan, Honesty Store, Filipino Time, Utang na Loob |
Gentleness | Temperance | Kaamuan | Pakikiramdam, Pagpapakumbaba, Nagpapasakop, Amor Propio, Dangal, Bahala na, Sampalataya, Ah Basta, Respect to Elders and Seniority |
God is sovereign | Temperance | Pagpipigil sa sarili | Hiya, Puri |
- Goodness (Kabutihan)
In New Testament, agathosune is the greek word for goodness means a “virtue equipped at every point.” It is the kindness that “rebukes and discipline”. Jesus showed agathosune “when he cleansed the Temple and drove out those who were making it a bazaar.”59 The Filipino Self confronts others who is not doing the right thing, like a parents who discipline their children, and a friend who warns for making wrong choices. In society, the Filipino Self shows goodness and courage (lakas ng loob)when a person criticizes extra judicial killing (EJK), violation of human rights, and corruption in the government based from evidence based facts, not opinion. Late senator Jovito Salonga was asked why he left University teaching and pursued politics. He replied,
“It is partly because of a strong, deep seated conviction that I had no right— whatever to condemn or criticize the governance of public affairs—as I usually did—If I were not prepared or willing, in my own little way, to do something about it. How could I talk about the need of cleaning up the much talked about mess in the government unless I was prepared to disregard, for the moment, personal interests and get something done.”60
Makialam sa mga nangyayari sa lipunan(intermeddle in public concerns) for the common good. If you can be part (Pakikibahagi) of the government leadership team, much better. But study and prepare for leadership first. Do not criticize the government for the sake of your political group (Dilawan or DDS) and anti
government ideology.
- Faithfulness (katapatan)
.In NT, pistis is the greek word for Faithfulness means “the man who is reliable.”61 Filipino Self is honest and trustworthy. If you go to Batanes, there is a coffee shop operating through honesty. You will not encounter anyone managing a place. You will prepare your “cup of coffee or a bottle of cola, or can munch of biscuits, fried bananas and sweet potatoes.” After enjoying the meal, you will “pay for the service box by dropping cash or coins into a wooden payment box at the counter”.62
Switzerland and Western countries have definite sense of time. They measure time with numbers. Foreign scholars tend to misinterpret Filipino time as reliability issues. In contrast, the Philippines measures time based from approximation or estimation(Tantya-meter) called Filipino Time. Filipinos value the people involved rather than programs and events. They are willing to wait(paalis na, on the way na, traffic kasi) and make sure everyone is included (Kasali). Filipino Spirit of inclusivity. The Filipino self does not love to engage in an event without their friends or start an event without the expected guest. “Hindi pa tayo makakapag-start. Hindi pa naman late. Wala pa ang guest.” (We cannot start. Not yet late. The guest is not around). The Filipino self knows perfect timing. Kapag wala pa (If not yet around), chillax muna (chill and relax). Kapag andyan na (If around), he/she moves like the flash. There was a famous quote,
“Huli man at magaling naihahabol din”
“Better late than never”
The Filipino self knows when to be on time or late. It is based from the value of the activity. He/she tends to be late if it is not urgent and important. Being late in the Philippines does not always mean a reliability issue.
The Filipino self knows how to adjust and know what is important. If a Filipino is working for a foreign company or multi-national company like call center, he make sure that he is in the office at least 15- 30 minutes before the start of the shift. One second late is behavioral problem. The Filipino self is maasahan (reliable). No wonder, the Philippines remains the world’s call center’s capital.63
Filipino Time refers to a value driven use of time.
If a person is faithful and just, he has a sense of “Utang na loob” or giving back for the good things received. Foreign scholars misinterpreted this Utang na loob. Kaut(1961) translated Utang na Loob as “debt of gratitude. Andres (1994) defined it as ‘the principle of reciprocity incurred when an individual helps another. The person helped then feels an obligation to repay the debt in the future when the helper himself is in need of aid, or he may repay his debt by sending gifts. It is often not clear when a debt has been fully paid, so that the relationship becomes an ongoing one’. Hollnsteiner (1961) took this interpretation further by claiming that the recipient of the favor is forced ‘to show his gratitude properly by returning the favor with interest.’
Enriquez(1977) dared to speculate than there is an element of wanting to promote reciprocity which is useful for maintaining the image of the colonizer as benefactor. But looking at utang na loob more closely in the context of Filipino culture, it actually means ‘gratitude/solidarity.’ It is not necessarily a burden as the word ‘debt’ connotes, because in the Filipino pattern of interpersonal relations, there is always an opportunity to return a favor. It is not absolutely obligatory in the immediate future, for the opportunity to show utang na loob might come only in the next generation, maybe not in your lifetime. Your children will see to it that it is recognized and respected. It is a beautiful element of Filipino interpersonal relationships that binds a person to his or her home community or home country. In fact, this is expressed in a popular Filipino saying, ‘Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan’. (Those who do not look back to where they came from will not reach their destination).”64
- Gentleness (kaamuan)
In NT, praotes is the greek word for gentleness. It has three main meanings: “(a) It means being submissive to the will of God (b) It means being teachable, being not too proud to learn (c) Most often of all it means being considerate.” 65
Pakikiramdam (shared inner perception) is being sensitive to non- verbal cues, concern of the feelings of others (empathy) and being truthful and honest but not at the expense of hurting others66.
Pagpapakumbaba (Humility) is acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses without feeling superior or inferior. Pagpapakumbaba is not timidity. Brother Bo Sanchez writes,
“You can be humble and confident at the same time…The bible calls Moses the most humble man on Earth (Numbers 12:3). And yet this, ‘most humble’ man challenged Pharaoh and told the guy, ‘Let my people go!’”67
In spite of high status, the Filipino self is still willing to do menial tasks(I know a CEO of a company whose cleaning the rest room in the church ) for the sake of service never forgetting how difficult and poor his/her past.
Being gentle means avoiding to step on amor propio of kapwa(others), sense of self-respect of a Filipino self. It is also behaving that will maintain their honor (dangal) and purity (puri). Amor Propio is not pride but recognizing dignity being created in God’s likeness and protecting the trophy of achievement and education completed.
Being gentle means being submissive (nagpapasakop) to God. Despite of difficulties, Filipinos thrive because of ‘Liwanag sa dilim’ belief. They put so much hope in God that they say, “Bahala na” Bahala na attitude is a total submission in God that the Filipinos distort (fatalism) by their mediocrity or laziness or ‘Juan Tamad’ attitude. God did not stop creating after the Sixth day. He continues to support everything that exists-visible and invisible. However, sometimes we have distorted ongoing creation with ‘Bahala na’ attitude. We placed so much hope on God’s providence and gentleness that we have forgotten our responsibility to exert effort or personal responsibility. God is calling us to do good works in love and to put our faith into action that excels for God’s glory.68
Being gentle means considering the sakop. Dr Leonardo Mercado,
“He is… expected to sacrifice his own interest for the sake of the sakop. If he happens to be the eldest of the family or has a job, he supports not only himself but also his sakop. The Filipino sees the fulfillment of his sakop as his own fulfillment.Thus if he supports his brother through college and therefore remain only a high school graduate himself, he looks on his brother’s fulfillment as his own.”
Paciano Mercado, eldest brother of Rizal who worked hard to finance his expenses while studying abroad. He was the “Kuya” (Big Brother) of broken dreams because he prioritized Rizal’s studies rather than finishing his law degree69.
- Self-control (Pagpipigil sa sarili)
In NT, egkrateia is the greek word for self -control means “self-mastery, It is the spirit which has mastered its desires and its love of pleasure. It is used of the athlete’s discipline of his and of the Christian’s mastery of sex. Secular Greek uses it of the virtue of an Emperor who never lets his private interests influence the government of his people. It is the virtue which makes a man so master of himself that he is fit to be the servant of others”70.
The Filipino self has pagpipigil sa sarili to maintain honor(dangal) and purity (puri). Filipinos have delicadeza and avoid embarrassment(ayaw mapahiya) by conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behaviors and morals. The virtue behind Hiya is Self-control.
CHAPTER 9
The Making of Filipino Dreams
Philippines: The Second Richest country in Asia in the 1960s. This is one of the facts that I want to validate. I checked credible sources. Philstar Global writes,
“The three major East Asian economies represented the first wave of the East Asian economic miracle during the 1960s to the 1970s.
At the end of the Pacific war, the Philippines was judged much better prepared by experts and international institutions to overcome the challenge of postwar reconstruction and to build a strong economy, next only to Japan.”71
I searched for other documents to corroborate this claim. Asian Development Bank (ADB) writes,
“The Philippines’ development performance during the past several decades has been less impressive than that of many of its East and Southeast Asian neighbors. In the 1950s and 1960s, the country had one of the highest per capita gross domestic products (GDPs) in the region—higher than the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, and Thailand”.72
Nation Encyclopedia writes, “The Philippine economy has experienced repeated boom-and-bust cycles in the 5 decades since the nation achieved independence from the United States in 1946. In the 1950s and early 1960s its economy ranked as the second most progressive in Asia, next to that of Japan.73
If the Philippines can prosper in the past, the mother land can do it again.
In October 11, 2016, The executive Order (EO) no. 5 was issued by the Malacañang signed by the authority of President Rodrigo Duterte casting the vision of “Ambisyon Natin 2040”, a 25 year long term development planning for the Philippines to enjoy a strongly rooted(matatag), comfortable(maginhawa), and secure life(panatag na buhay)74. To study the aspirations, values and principles of Filipino people, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) commissioned a nationwide survey75.
Majority of Filipinos “aspire for a simple and comfortable life (79%), followed by a smaller segment of the population who want an affluent life (16.9%) while a very small portion aspires for the life of the rich (3.9%)”.
Desired Status | Number of Filipinos (%) |
Life of the Rich | 3.9% |
Prosperous of Affluent | 16.9% |
Simple and comfortable lifestyle | 79.2% |
Simple and comfortable life means obtaining a “medium-sized house, having enough earnings to support everyday needs, owning at least one car/vehicle, having the capacity to provide their children college education; and going on local trips for vacation”.
Filipinos envisions for self: “In 2040, all Filipinos will enjoy a stable and comfortable lifestyle, secure in the knowledge that we have enough for our daily needs and unexpected expenses, that we can plan and prepare for our own and our children’s futures. Our families live together in a place of our own, yet we have the
freedom to go where we desire, protected and enabled by a clean, efficient, and fair government”.
The Filipino self is not just involved on personal affairs (Ka-ako-han) but also on matters that concern the nation (ka-kami-han). The Filipino Self dreams for others (kapwa) as dreams for the self.
- Vision of Filipinos for country
Three-fourths of Filipinos (72.1%) considered that by 2040, “the standard of living for all is having a simple and comfortable life while one fourth (25%) indicated that all Filipinos should have a prosperous and affluent life.”
The primary economic goal is the “eradication of poverty”, “hunger” and “adequate jobs”. Furthermore, “housing”, “education”, and “health” were classified as secondary most important goals. The survey results revealed “leader in science and technology,” and “modern lifestyle” as among the least important goals.
In the case of jobs, eighty -eight percent (88%) agree that it will be good for the country if citizens will work here rather than abroad. More than 69% would choose a job in the Philippines having an option for good quality employment(marangal na trabaho) that supports a comfortable life. Marangal na trabaho(decent jobs) means acquiring a “good salary that would support a comfortable life and paid on a regular basis; some would refer to having a business where the revenue is high. Second most frequently mentioned is job stability or job security. Next are benefits and incentives, followed closely by the type of work”.
Filipino Self envisions for country: “By 2040, the Philippines shall be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor. Our peoples will enjoy long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative, and will live in a high trust society.”
Major Goals: “By 2040, the Philippines will be a predominantly middle-class society. Poverty and hunger will have been eradicated. There will be a sufficient good quality local jobs available”.
- In terms of good governance, Filipinos agree that eliminating corruption from petty to giant ones is necessary to achieve a better future. Most Filipinos desire “ease and efficiency of government transactions”, “affordable services,” and “polite, helpful, and knowledgeable government employees”.
- Filipinos believe that peace and security are significant and necessary in achieving personal standard of living(75.2%) and national progress(77.7%).
Residents of certain regions (1, 6, 9, 10) seem “to feel particularly vulnerable to peace and security issues in their communities”.
Duterte administration is aiming for strongly rooted(matatag), comfortable(maginhawa), and secure life(panatag na buhay) of every Filipinos.
However, 48.5% of those who desire a “simple and comfortable life” are uncertain that they could reach their goals, particularly, the poor respondents. The uncertainty is normal for charting a new course of action. But take courage. Courage is not absence of fear. It is taking action in the midst of uncertainty.
Aiming these Ambisyon Natin 2040 does not rely solely on the government efforts. Each citizen has the responsibility to take action in conformity to this Filipino dreams. To create a strong vision, a Filipino self must learn the universal principles anchored in God, the standard behind the Filipino virtues of Matatag, Maguinhawa, and Panatag na buhay. It will give a foundation as the Filipino Self creates or writes vision statement for the self.
Image of God (Ka-itaas-an) | Universal Virtues | Vision for Filipinos |
God is Love | Humanity | Matatag |
God is kind | Courage, Transcendence, Prudence, Justice | Maguinhawa |
God of peace | Courage, Transcendence, Prudence, Wisdom & Knowledge, Justice | Panatag na buhay |
In Psychology, Bennis and Goldsmith presented vision, empathy, consistency, and integrity as four qualities that generate trust.
First, we tend to trust leaders who create a compelling vision that reflects shared core values.
Second, we tend to trust leaders who empathize by showing “how they understand the world as we see and experience it”.
Third, we tend to trust leaders who are consistent.
Fourth, we tend to trust leaders who possess strong integrity demonstrating “their commitment to higher principles through their actions”.76
People incline to follow leaders with a crystal clear vision. Personal vision refers to your core values while Personal mission refers to your purpose in life.
Find your purpose. It is not an accident that you are a Filipino. In Acts 17:26,
“God began by making one person, and from him came all the different people who live everywhere in the world. God decided exactly when and where they must live.”
What are the things you value the most?
What are your core principles in life?
What do you want to achieve?
What is your life purpose?
What legacy do you want to leave?
After reflecting on these questions, you can start developing your vision statement. My vision and mission statement is based from great commandment and great commission.
Vision statement for myself:
“To love God with my whole life
And, to love others as myself. “
Mission statement for myself:
“To develop globally competent and character-centered youth leaders for nation building and greater glory of God”
I call this as my primary purpose in life. This is my lifetime goal. The big picture of myself.
Create your vision statement, mission statement, and build your activities around it. Let me share a sample a mission statement from Christa Mae Dela Cruz, one of my former students in the Utak Henyo program and currently working as a teacher: “To guide the youth towards living a life with a purpose, to serve God Almighty, and their countrymen”.
Dr. Eduardo Pilapil Jr. writes,
“No two persons are exactly alike especially when it comes to destiny. Whether you believe it or not, you have a unique purpose to fulfill. You have a destiny unlike any other. It is unwise to make goals based on what most people have. Never feel obliged to buy what
others bought. To give in to peer pressure, or to keep up with the Joneses, will only lead you in a meaningless chase. In the end, you will feel unsatisfied, unfulfilled, physically exhausted and psychologically worn out. You will find more joy in life if you have personal goals that are close to your heart.”77
Western countries that have individualistic culture decide for their dreams alone. They value personal dream achievement than relationships. On the other hand, the Filipino Self decides for their own dreams after considering family or significant others. This is not a sign of a weak ego(self) in a collectivistic or Asian culture. Filipinos value relationships than personal dream achievement. They value obedience to parents than taking courses they want to pursue. In Exodus 20:12,
““Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
Honestly, this is a good training for selfless living leading to happiness. Harvard research suggests “meaningful relationships are a prescription for better emotional, mental, and physical health”78.
Obey your parents before you follow your heart. Mother knows best. Pursue your passion without compromising good relationships to others and God. You do not want to achieve top level of success only to find out that you are leaning against the wrong wall. I tell you God’s will does not always mean following your heart desire or passion. Focusing extremely to your passion leads to selfish living.
When I took Computer Science degree, my life started to get hard because I was focusing on the area of my weakness. I am very good in Mathematics, but not in computer programming. Even if I study, I will fail. But I chose to endure the difficulties to obey my parents. They just want to ensure that I would get a better job after college. My dad and I quarreled a lot about my computer studies but I was still obeying him. I left my passion for Taekwondo after the National Championship to focus on my difficult studies.
For a long time, I thought I made a wrong choice for pursuing Computer Science and obeying my parents. until the time I involved in Department of Education(DepEd) projects. God has a wonderful plan. He has a special task for me I will be asked to create the Philippines first internet based DepEd Alternative Learning System(ALS) for the out of school youth and adults documented by GMA News and Public Affairs. I was operating in my weakness but still part of God’s will.
Yes, I obey my parents first. As a consequence, I am reaching my passion and dreams now–getting the school degrees and work closest to my heart’s desire. Psalms 37:4, -“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Ashok Natarajan writes,“In India, the ultimate freedom of the individual to pursue a unique spiritual quest was preserved in the spiritual institution of sannyasa, in which a mature man after fulfilling his obligations to family and society was entitled to abandon all social responsibility to pursue the ultimate freedom of the spirit”.
CHAPTER 10
WRITING HEART’S DESIRE
To be coached by a National Champion in Guitar is a privilege and blessings. I interviewed my coach, Mr Alann Isaiah Pacpaco, a graduate of Philippine Normal University-National Center for Teacher Education and the National Champion for Guitar Performance at Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in 2018.
“How do you plan for your life? How do you prepare to achieve your goal?” I asked.
“When I make plans for life, I first seek for God’s will, then next is to consult with my parents. Since my family is a god-fearing family. We always look for God’s will before having final decisions in life.” He replied.
“How did you prepare for the national champion?” I probed. He responded,
“When I prepared for my national competition, I started preparing myself years before it. Even though there’s no assurance of having that kind of competition, I still did my part in practicing and learning new things, with classical guitar. August, 2018, when I heard about the guitar competition, I already searched about the competition. I practiced not for the NCR. I practiced for the national level. I always look forward. I prepared myself for the bigger prize.”
I reacted, “Wow. When did the passion for music start?”
He answered,” I started studying music at 6 years old. Pero yung passion for music nag-start 2nd year high school (But my passion for music started when I was in my sophomore years in high school).”
I continued, “Who is your influencer? Tell something about your membership in a music group at University of the Phillippines?”
He replied, “My Kuya(Big Brother). Yung guitar group sa UP(The guitar group in UP), it was founded by sir Eman Jamisolamin. They call the group GuiGuil (guitar guild). The members of the group are mainly music education students majoring in guitar. Even
though there are some members who are not guitar major, and non- music education student. ”
For my last queries, I asked, “What are your top priorities in life?”
He answered, “God, family, education and personal goals.”
If Filipino virtues help the Filipino self chooses right from wrong, and between ethical and unethical behavior, Filipino values help in identifying priorities in life.
There are ten (10) classifications used for assessing values in Psychology: Recognition, Power, Hedonism, Altruism, Affiliation, Tradition, Security, Commerce, Aesthetics, and Science79.
First, leaders with high Recognition values fame and publicity. They seek employment or jobs where they can be noticed, for example, politicians and celebrities.
Second, leaders with high Power values achievement and success. They search for a job where they can accomplish, get ahead, and reach their dreams.
Third, leaders with high Hedonism values enjoyment and amusing others and often found in “entertainment, hospitality, recreation, sports, sales, or travel industries”.
Fourth, leaders with high Altruism values helping the poor, powerless, and sick. They create programs that will improve society and promote social justice, for example, lawyers, doctors, nurses, social worker etc.
Fifth, leaders with high Affiliation values relationship oriented environment where they can meet new people, connect, and work as a team for example, call center team leaders.
Sixth, leaders with high Tradition values family values, rules, morality, protocols, and standards, for example priest, nuns, military leaders, police etc.
Seventh, leaders with high Security values “stable, predictable and risk free environment.” For example, administrators
Eight, leaders with high Commerce values financial success, and wealth management, for example, stockmarket investor, insurance agent, network marketer etc.
Ninth, leaders with high Aesthetic values environment that enhances creative and artistic expression, for example, film directors, ballet dancers, theatre actors, musical conductor etc.
And lastly, leaders with high Science values research and development, and technology, for example, engineers, scientists, geologists, astronomers etc.
Values are neither good nor bad. It depends upon the level of the person’s virtues.
In the AmBisyon 2040 of Duterte Administration, the survey reported that majority of Filipinos desire a “simple and comfortable life.” The government looked at all dimensions of development: “economic, human and physical capital, institutional, social and cultural” to enjoy strongly rooted (matatag), comfortable (maginhawa), and secure life(panatag na buhay) for every Filipinos.
Filipinos are strongly rooted: matatag means “Family is together”, “Time with friends”, “Work-life balance”, and “Volunteering” to help others.
Filipinos are comfortable: maginhawa means “Free from hunger and poverty”, “Secure home ownership”, “Good transport facilities”, and “Travel and vacation”.
Filipinos are secure: panatag means “Enough resources for day-to-day needs”, “unexpected expenses and savings”, “Peace and security”, “Long and healthy life”, and “Comfortable retirement”.
These are the vision and mission statement of Duterte administration for the Filipinos that represents holistic development.
Looking at the table below, I did not fill out values on Recognition, Power, and Science. The survey results revealed “leader in science and technology,” and “modern lifestyle” as among the least important goals. However, finishing college education is the second most important goals in order to get a secure job after graduation. Marangal na trabaho(decent jobs) means acquiring a “good salary that would support a comfortable life and paid on a regular basis; some would refer to having a business where the revenue is high. Second most frequently mentioned is job stability or job security. Next are benefits and incentives, followed closely by the type of work”. Filipinos associate college education and regular employment with financial security.
Western Psychology | Filipino Virtues/Vision | Filipino Values |
Recognition | ||
Power | ||
Hedonism | Maginhawa, Panatag | Free from hunger, Good transport facilities, travel and vacation, Long and Healthy Life, Comfortable retirement |
Altruism | Matatag | Volunteering to help others |
Affiliation | Matatag | Time with friends |
Tradition | Matatag | Family is together |
Security | Maginhawa, Panatag | Secure Home Ownership, Peace and Security |
Commerce | Panatag | Enough resources for day to-day needs, unexpected expenses and savings, Education, Business, Regular Employment |
Aesthetic | ||
Science |
In accomplishing your personal vision and mission, you need to start on writing your lifetime goals based from balanced coverage of all important areas in your life. Set goals based from the following life areas:
- Spirituality: How is your relationship with God? Do you spend time reading scripture (Bible or Quoran), praying, fasting, worshipping and meditating? Do you tithe or give 10% of your income to the Lord?
- Finance: Do you strategically allocate money for savings, investment, emergency, runway funds, retirement, charity works, and education?
- Education: Do you plan to finish college, masters, and doctoral degree? Are you going to study abroad?
- Career: What kind of career? What do you want to achieve?
- Relationship: Do you plan to have your own family? What are your relationship goals? Do you spend time with a family member?
- Health: What is your target weight? How do you take care of yourself? What kind of food do you eat? What is your regular diet? What are your leisure and hobbies? Do you read self- help books? How do you want to enjoy life? Any travel plans and vacations?
- Talent: What are the talents you want to improve?
- Public service: How do you want to serve your community?
Select life areas that best represents your values and spend time brainstorming and writing it down. Goals that are not written down are just wishes. I have written and detailed goals that I prayed for every day. Written goals keep me on track and help me visualize it.
Create written goals that are highly Filipino. Do not base it from the Individualistic and materialistic culture of the west. Filipinos belongs to the East. What are the differences of the East and the West?
Western Values | Eastern Values | Filipino Values (East) |
Mental | Social | Filipino values relationships than power and being a leader in science (Pakikipagkapwa) |
Emphasizing Ultimate Value of the Individual | Emphasizing value of social collective | Filipino values social conformity than individual freedom (Pakikisama) |
Founded on Individual uniqueness and freedom liberating the mind from the dominant social culture and the past and perceiving the society as the context and field for individual development and achievement | Founded on Social Unity and Harmony subordinating the mind to the wider social goal of collective unity, integration and continuity of the past, and basing on a consciousness of the immense contribution of the social collective to individual achievement | “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan” |
Exercising their freedom based from self-interest, | Adhering to the underlying spiritual values of society through subordination of the individual self to the social collective. | Respect for elders, Father as “Haligi ng tahanan”(Refuge), culture on seniority |
Individual egoistic subordination to a higher value | Collective subordination to a higher value | Filipino values of Ambisyon 2040 founded on principles: strongly rooted (matatag), comfortable (maginhawa), and secure life(panatag na buhay) for every Filipinos. |
Colonial mentality is an example of a Filipino who jeopardizes the Filipino self by extremely adapting the western values. It began from thinking that Filipino values are inferior compared to Americans and European values. Foreign scholars made inadequate description of the Filipino values in the past by describing it in a negative light. I did not say incorrect but incomplete, for example, they defined “Hiya” as solely shame. Without realizing that it has positive meaning that depends upon the usage, it could be used for sense of propriety or social grace for Filipino self that has good self- esteem. On the other hand, Hiya can be defined as toxic shame for a Filipino self that has low self-esteem.
Let us not commit the same mistake as foreign scholars did. Do not judge western values. Western and eastern values are neither superior nor inferior. The Opposite East
and the West are both complementary. Dr. Ashok Natarajan, Fellow at World Academy of Art & Science writes,
“When any truth or power is followed in the extreme, it inevitably turns into its very opposite…Mind(Like logic of the West) has the power to clarify the insights of spiritual intuition(of the East) that inevitably manifest in social superstition. But, we see from this case that without the continuous inspiration of spiritual knowledge, mental knowledge inevitably degenerates into narrow rigid principles that suppress the vitality and complexity of life. Without that spiritual influence, mind cannot continue to grow”80.
CHAPTER 11
KNOWING YOUR SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS
I had the opportunity to interview Best Selling Author and Motivational Speaker Jayson Lo in my youth program at Radio Veritas Asia. I had also witnessed his jam-pack talks at Kerygma Conference, the largest Catholic Conference in the Philippines. He was able to create goods and services by “pioneering companies in various industries that includes direct selling, manufacturing, trading, and the restaurant business. He has made his first million at age 22. From being a millionaire, he lost it at age of 30. His misfortune cost him Php 10 million and incurred an additional P2.5 million debt. God is good though; he was able to pay his debts in 2 years. This experience has made him stronger and wiser as he shared it in his talk ‘Be Debt-Free’ to thousands of people…He is now a public speaker and consultant to companies. non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, he endeavors to develop their top asset people.”81
The interview started, “How did you achieve where you are today?”
He answered, “Nang magsimula ako mag-speak noong(I began to give a talk when I was) 21 years old. Now I am professional speaker pero hindi ko inisip na magiging speaker ako(But I never thought that I will become a speaker) dahil madami ako pinagdaanan(Because I went through a lot). Kanina ngang umaga binibilang ko iyong mga businesses na sinimulan ko(This morning I was counting the businesses that I started).Umabot na pala ako ng more than 15 businesses(I have reached more than 15 businesses)…na iba-iba(various enterprises). Most of them are small scale. Some of them became bigger size. Lumaki siya(become bigger) and Hindi ko alam na iyong mga experiences ko as businessman(I never expected that my experiences as businessman)…iyong mga times na nahirapan ako(the time I was struggling).Iyong pala ang mga I s share ko sa mga audiences(That’s the one that I will sharing to audiences). So wherever I go when I speak to corporate groups, school, and churches marami dyan(many of them) hash tag #hugot. Hindi ko alam iyong mga experiences na(I did not expect that my experiences)…very same worst experience of my life… eventually… actually the best experiences of my life.
Kumita ako ng first million ko( I earned my first million). Maaga sya nangyari(I was young) pero nawala din lahat(But I lost everything). Nagkautang-utang(Incurrred debts). Don ko talaga nalaman kung ano talaga(I learned the real) definition of success. Kasi noong bata ako(When I was young). Hindi ako(I am not) studious. Hindi ako nag-aaral masyado(I do not study hard). Hindi ako mahilig mag aral(I do not like studying). Something that if I can go back in time. Isang bagay na babaguhin ko(Something that I will change). Sa mga nakikinig syan na mga kabataan(To all our young listeners), focus kayo sa pag-aaral nyo (Focus on your studies). Unfortunately, hindi ganun ang nangyari sa akin(that is not what happened to me). Pero after school, don ko na nakita ang value(I saw its value later). I started learning, self-taught, going to seminars, reading books, and iyong time na nag negosyo ako(The time I involved in business) for ten years. Biglang nag s speak na ako non(I started to give a talk). Biglang na-i-invite na ako(I was invited). Hindi ko alam na iyon na pala ang gagawin ko(I never thought that’s the one that I will do) in the future. Nagkaroon na ng demand(There is a demand). Nagkaroon nang request(There is a request) to speak in different companies. Madalas na I invite ako sa school(I am often invited in school)…churches…ministries. Nagkaroon na ako ng mga invitation sa mga corporate(There was invitation from companies). Ito iyong mga time na dire-diretso na(This is the time that I made speaking a career). So I spoke on different countries Bhutan, India, China, Australia and Kuwait. Never have I imagined in my mind that I am going to different countries to speak.
Remember when you do something give your best every single time. Hwag kayong panghinaan ng loob(Do not get discouraged). Huwag nyo maliliitin iyong mga trabaho na maliliit(never underestimate small jobs). When I speak before in Jollibee, to franchise owners..some of them start as a crew(waiter). Iyong mga kakilala ko na nag- gugupit ng pagkamura-mura(Acquaintances that offers low cost hair cut). Ngayon may mga salon na(Now an owner of beauty salon). May isa akong kakilalang singer si(I have known a singer) Richard Poon ang kinikita nya lang dati sa isang gig mga 800 to 1000(he is earning Php 800 to Php 1000 for every gigs). Nag j jeep lang yan papunta sa mga gigs nya(He is riding a jeep for his gigs) pero ngayon iyong kinikita nya malaking-malaki(But now he is earning big). Nagsimula sila sa hardwork(They started as hardworking).Tiyaga(persevering).Never ever give up and remember give your best every single time because you are doing it not for yourself but for the Lord. Colosians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men.’”
Brother Jayson Lo had seen the value of starting small when he shared about valuing low paying or small jobs. He shared that some of the franchise owners of Jollibee started as a crew or waiter. He never forgets how he started and the adversities he had overcome. Knowing where you are and where you want to be is important in achieving your goals in life. The most important goals of Filipino people are “eradication of poverty” and “hunger”82. In achieving the Philippine AmBisyon 2040, knowing the socio- economic status is important. You cannot change your current status if you do not know where you are. In psychology, socio-economic status is the “social standing or class of an individual or group”83. It is often measured as a combination of education, income and occupation.Let us check below how the National Economic Development Authority(NEDA)84 classified social classes in comparison to sociology85 and Philippine Statistics Authority(PSA)86.
NEDA | Sociology | Philippine Statistics Authority |
A | Upper Class Elite | Rich |
B | Upper Class Elite | Upper Income But Not Rich |
Upper C | Upper Middle Class | Middle Class |
Broad C | Lower Middle Class | Lower Middle Income |
D | Working Class | Low Income (but not poor) |
E | Poor | Poor |
- Class A/Upper Class Elite/Rich
Factors | Description |
Durability of the home | Heavy, high quality materials (concrete wood and concrete, or first class wood, bricks) Permanent |
Indoor quality: House maintenance | Well-painted. not in need of repair |
Neighborhood: Location of the house | Located in an exclusive/expensive neighborhood, enclaves, town houses, and condominiums.If in mixed neighborhood it must have a fence, at least |
Education of the Household Head | Graduate of exclusive colleges and universities, including University of the Philippines |
Occupation of the Household Head | Moderate to big businessman, top executive. Maybe established or approaching a senior executive level or a professional. Middle to senior national, regional or city official. |
Facilities of the house | More than 10 facilities and has new car (not more than 5 years old) |
Estimated household monthly income | Php 100,000 & up |
- Class B/Upper Class Elite/Upper Income But not rich
Factors | Description |
Durability of the home | Heavy, high quality materials (concrete wood and concrete, or first class wood, bricks) Permanent |
Indoor quality: House maintenance | Well-painted. not in need of repair |
Neighborhood: Location of the house | Located in an exclusive/expensive neighborhood, enclaves, town houses, and condominiums.If in mixed neighborhood it must have a fence, at least |
Education of the Household Head | Graduate of exclusive colleges and universities, including University of the Philippines |
Occupation of the Household Head | Moderate to big businessman, top executive. Maybe established or approaching a senior executive level or a professional. Middle to senior national, regional or city official. |
Facilities of the house | More than 10 facilities and has new car (not more than 5 years old) |
Estimated household monthly income | Php 50,001-99,000 |
- Upper C/ Upper Middle Class/Middle Class
Factors | Description |
Durability of the home | Of good quality materials (wood and concrete or first class wood) generally permanent |
Indoor quality: House maintenance | Well-painted but may need a new coat of paint and some minor repairs |
Neighborhood: Location of the house | Maybe found in mixed neighborhood of larger and smaller houses, with predominantly larger houses |
Education of the Household Head | Graduate of state colleges and universities, excluding the University of the Philippines |
Occupation of the Household Head | Junior executives or a young professional with moderate to high net value. Maybe approaching a senior executive level or a professional. He may be a provincial town official. |
Facilities of the house | 8-10 facilities and has a car or jeep >10 with jeep >10 without jeep/car |
Estimated household monthly income | Php 30,001-Php 50,000 |
- Broad C/Lower Middle Class/Lower Middle Income
Factors | Description |
Durability of the home | Of mixed light and heavy materials, semi permanent |
Indoor quality: House maintenance | Painted but needs a new coat of paint and need some repairs |
Neighborhood: Location of the house | Generally found in mixed neighborhood with houses larger or smaller than it. |
Education of the Household Head | Some college education but did not graduate/technical training/vocational |
Occupation of the Household Head | Maybe a young/starting professional or semi-professional or a middle level supervisor. Small businessman or small farm owner, technical or skilled overseas worker. Generally skilled or white collar worker |
Facilities of the house | 5-7 facilities, with or without a car or jeep 8-10 without jeep/car |
Estimated household monthly income | Php 15,000-Php 30,000 |
- Class D/Working Class/Low Income (But not poor)
Factors | Description |
Durability of the home | Of light and cheap materials, poorly constructed, semi-permanent |
Indoor quality: House maintenance | Generally unpainted and badly in need of repair |
Neighborhood: Location of the house | Found mostly in neighborhoods of house with generally the same size, with occasional large houses |
Education of the Household Head | Some high school education |
Occupation of the Household Head | Lowly paid white collar worker or skilled worker, lowland farmer, tenant, or foreman, unskilled overseas worker. May have a small informal business |
Facilities of the house | 2-4 facilities |
Estimated household monthly income | Php 8,001-Php 15,000 |
- Class E/Poor
Factors | Description |
Durability of the home | Temporary structure barong-barong type or a poorly constructed one room affair |
Indoor quality: House maintenance | Unpainted and dilapidated |
Neighborhood: Location of the house | Located generally slum district interior or rural houses |
Education of the Household Head | Elementary School graduate or less |
Occupation of the Household Head | Farmland, fisherman, or unskilled worker or vendor. Not permanently employed or no regular income engaged in odd jobs such as plumbing, repairs, masonry etc. |
Facilities of the house | 0-1 facility |
Estimated household monthly income | Below Php 8,000 |
Knowing your socio- economic status gives you a hint on where to start. Dream big but start small. Aim High but never forget who you are. Being rich or poor is not the basis of your significance as a person but being created in God’s image deserving respect and honor. No matter how many times you fail and live in a slum and squatter area, no one can take away your dignity. Be confident even in poverty. Stop pity- party for being poor. You can never lessen your value but only increase it by improving your socio- economic status. The status is important as the Filipino Self achieves the Filipino dream of “simple and comfortable life”87.
CHAPTER 12
DISCOVERING YOUR UNIQUENESS
What makes a Filipino Self unique? People have different skin colors, nose size, eye color, ear shape, intelligences, height, weight, and personalities. The answer is DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. No one else has the exact same combination of variations in your genes. DNA is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functions, growth and reproduction of an organism. It tells the cell what to do. There are billions of cells inside the body that can be seen through a microscope. Each cell has a task. Inside the cell are tiny structures called chromosomes where you can find hundreds of genes. DNA genes looks like a “beautiful ladder twisted many times.” Its shape is called double helix88. Dr. Walter L. Bradley, a professor at Texas A & M University and author of the The Mystery of life’s Origin,
“What is encoded on the DNA inside every cell of every living creature is purely and simply written information. We use a twenty-six-letter alphabet in English; in DNA, there is a four-letter chemical alphabet, whose letters combine in various sequences to form words, sentences, and paragraphs. These comprise all the instructions needed to guide the functioning of the cell. They spell out in coded form the instructions for how a cell makes proteins. It works just the way alphabetical letter sequences do in our language. Now, when we see written language, we can infer, based on our experience, that it has an intelligent cause. And we can legitimately use analogical reasoning to conclude that the remarkable information sequences in DNA also had an intelligent cause. Therefore, this means life on earth came from a `who’ instead of a `what’.”89
Jayso Lo, the Bestselling author of the book Younique: Understanding others by understanding you writes,
“God created you in His own image. This refers to the characteristics of the human spirit that are not found in any of God’s creations. When one says “in God’s image,” it can
mean that he placed a part of Himself in us to represent Him and be partakers of his love and will for mankind. In other words, you are special.”90
Personality trait is associated with DNA. There was a study made in Harvard associating personality traits and personality disorder to DNA91.
Before I teach you how to create goals and life systems, knowing your personality and intelligence is important to create better plans aligned to your psychological make-up and abilities.
In psychology, personality traits refer to “recurring regularities or trends in a person’s behavior”92. Its behavioral occurrences become automatic and stable over the years. The people behave the way day do because of the strengths of their personality traits that can be observed and inferred from consistent patterns of behavior and measured by personality tests. It is important for a Filipino self to know his/her personality traits in order to make a wise decision. Knowing that you are low in sociability, it is impractical to take a marketing, mass communication, or public relation job that will expose you to a lot of people. Knowing that you are low in organization skills, it is unwise to take management and administration tasks.
According to the widely accepted and endorsed model of personality endorsed by most modern personality researchers, there are five factor model (FFM) known as “Big Five” that shapes individual personalities such as Emotional Stability, Dominance, Openness, Agreeableness, and conscientiousness (reliable, hardworking, punctual).
In psychology, the five major dimensions are define as follows,
- Emotional Stability- also refers to neuroticism or self –control that is concerned with how people react to stress, problems, failure, and personal criticism. A Filipino Self higher in Emotional Stability tends to be thick-skinned, calm, positive, “rarely show emotions”, and optimistic in the face of adversities or conflict. He/she does not take criticism personally. On the other hand, A Filipino Self lower in emotional stability tends to thin-skinned, worried, nervous, emotional, anxious, tense, or lose their temper when stressed, criticized, or offended. Effective Leaders are high in emotional stability.
- Dominance- also known as surgency or extroversion that involves patterns of behavior manifest in social setting and “concerned with getting ahead of life.” A Filipino Self higher in Dominance tends to be sociable, fun-loving, active, dynamic, outgoing, decisive, impactful, competitive, self-confident. In contrast, A Filipino Self lower in Dominance tends to be introvert or prefer to work by themselves and low interest in competing or working with others. Effective leaders are high in Dominance.
- Openness- also known as intellectance that is concerned with how people learn new information, reacts to new experiences, and solves problems. A Filipino Self higher in Openness tends to be imaginative, curious, creative, inquisitive, artistic, broad-minded, big picture thinkers, strategic, and seek out new experiences through “travel, the arts, movies, sports, reading, going to new restaurants, or learning about new cultures.” Contrariwise, a Filipino Self lower in Openness tend to be more practical, used proven methods rather than experiments, and narrow interests.
- Agreeableness- also known as interpersonal sensitivity is concern with getting along with others. A Filipino Self higher in agreeableness tends to be good-natured, empathetic, softhearted, charm, sympathetic, diplomatic, and approachable. In contrast, A Filipino Self lower in Agreeableness appears to be insensitive, socially ungracious, grumpy, cold, apathetic, and pessimistic.
- Conscientiousness- also known as dependability is concerned about people approach to work. A Filipino Self higher in conscientiousness tends to be reliable, planful, hardworking, organized, punctual, goal- oriented, prefer structure, risk averse, “dislike change”, committed, and “rarely get into trouble”. On the other hand, a Filipino Self lower in conscientiousness tends to be more spontaneous, creative, impulsive, rule bending, and less concerned with following through commitments.
The “Big Five” has proved to be useful in profiling personality traits worldwide that Dr Virgilio G. Enriquez, founder of Filipino Psychology constructed Panukat ng Ugali at Pagkatao (PUP) based from the Five Factor Model (FFM) to measure “Filipino oriented traits, behaviors, and attitudes” leading to identification of inventive personality traits– the main objective of the National Science and Development Board(NSDB) who sponsored the projects in the early 1970s. The research team read through and identified words that refers to traits from Filipino dictionaries, proverbs, social science studies, word associations, and interviews with college students and informants. This lexical approach to personality became a tool of the research team to write items to measure personality characteristics93.
Personality traits tend to be difficult to change because those were “hard wired.” “Hard wired” means those were habits formed in the soul since birth and had genetics influenced. No matter how challenging it is, changes and transformation are possible depending on new experiences, internal and external factors, and conscious effort. Circumstances has a way of transforming St Paul to be emotionally stable (Big 5) when he writes to the Philippians,
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that now at length you have made your thoughtfulness for me to blossom again. That was a matter indeed about which you were always thoughtful, but you had no opportunity. Not that I speak as if I were in a state of want, for I have teamed to be content in whatever situation I am. I know both how to live in the humblest circumstances, and how to have far more than enough, In everything and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of being hungry, of having more than enough and of having less than enough. I can do all things through him who infuses strength into me.”(Philippians 4:10-13)
The greek word use for contentment is Autarkeia for self-sufficiency, the highest ethics of stoics. Stoics abolished and eliminated all emotions. This is the extreme form of emotional stability in the continuum of big five. But the Apostle Paul expresses gratitude for the generosity receiving from the Philippians. He was grateful not because of former dissatisfaction but of contentment. Being content is “wanting what you have”. It was not based from self-sufficiency but of God’s gracious provisions. Paul expresses emotions and personalities in his letters to various churches. He could face anything because in every circumstance he had the Lord Jesus Christ. St Paul has shown self-awareness on his epistles94.
Having insight to your personality traits can give information about your leadership potential, strengths, areas of improvement, and how much effort needed to make some changes. Personality straights can be used also as instrumental value to strengthen character. There is a counterparts between Personality traits and character strengths shown below95.
THE BIG FIVE | |
Trait (and representative examples) | Approximately corresponding character strengths |
Neuroticism (worried, nervous, emotional) | None |
Extroversion (sociable, fun-loving, active) | Vitality; humor; playfulness |
Openness (imaginative, creative, artistic) | Curiosity; creativity; appreciation of beauty |
Agreeableness (good-natured, softhearted, sympathetic) | Kindness; gratitude |
Conscientiousness (reliable, hardworking, Self-regulation; persistence,punctual) | |
I asked Mrs Alenn Aizon, one of the customer service managers in Transcom Worldwide Philippines, “What are the factors that made one qualify to become customer service manager?” She replied,
“Factors that qualify one to be a customer service manager…First, you must be a good communicator (Extroversion)- a way that you can be easily understood. Secondly, you must be patient (Conscientiousness) because there would be instances that you will be handling difficult clients or customer. Third, you must be compassionate (Agreeableness). You need to understand where the customers are coming from. And lastly, you must have good work ethics (virtues or character strengths). As a manager, we must be a role model for others setting a standard for ourselves.”
CHAPTER 13 FITNESS & HEALTH
CHAPTER 14 EDUCATION
CHAPTER 15 CAREER DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 16 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 17 ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS
CHAPTER 18 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 19 SPIRITUALITY
CHAPTER 20 CREATE A CLEAR WRITTEN PLAN
CHAPTER 21 MEASURE YOUR SUCCESS
CHAPTER 22 SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH
CHAPTER 23 MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS
CHAPTER 24 UPGRADE YOUR HABITS THROUGH MEMORIZATION
CHAPTER 25 FILIPINO MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE
CHAPTER 26 SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 27 HANDLING FAILURES, MISTAKES AND SINS
CHAPTER 28 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER 29 FACING SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN THE PHILIPPINES
CHAPTER 30: STRIKE THE BALANCE
BOOK 2 PROJECT: SOCIAL MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
BOOK 3: ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
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