Regressive Cultural Behaviors of Filipinos

In one of my threads,  two forum members were discussing colonial mentality, then the discussion segued and went the unexpected detour when they ended up dissecting some Filipino values and traits. The discourse became heated and while I am no master about this topic, my friend challenged me if I can develop it.

While we were debating on some regressive cultural behaviors of Filipinos, I was intrigued about what more can I add to this list, making Filipinos unique and different from the rest?  Let us face it, Filipino people also have annoying and bad habits that sometimes give the country a negative reputation. 

1. Colonial mentality- Filipinos love everything imported believing that foreigners are better than them, foreign-made items are better, and even foreign languages are better. They often imitate foreigners’ fashion and way of life. In pageantry, some Filipinos kowtow to the Latinas and berate the locals.

2. Manana habit -  synonymous with the Filipino expression “Mamaya na,” It is another term for procrastination. It is the habit of leaving for tomorrow what can be done today or postponing their actions for a later time thus reducing accomplishments. 

3. Crab Mentality -is a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you". The metaphor is derived from a the pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. 

4. Bahala Na Mentality - is an expression of a fatalistic attitude towards life especially when one is in a challenging situation where things are risky and uncertain. It could also mean an expression of one's courage and faith in God. We embrace uncertainties because we care about our future. Bahala na means let go and let God. God helps those who help themselves. 

5. Filipino Time Mentality- Filipinos typically have a relaxed approach towards timekeeping and punctuality. It is common for Filipinos to arrive an hour or two hours after the designated time. To use a better term - it's tardiness! 

6. Ningas Cogon Mentality -  is a tendency among Filipinos to start a new venture or task with too much enthusiasm and effort, but after some time they will take a pause or will suddenly stop working, until such time that they lose interest in the venture or task. It literally means the burning of cogon grass, which burns brightly only during the few seconds after it was lit. And then the fire is gone. 

7. Balikbayan Box Mentality - when we disregard the fact the person abroad is working very hard so those they left behind can have a better life. Instead, we ask the person to send back things that we want, without thinking about how hard they had to work for it. While there is nothing wrong with giving gifts to one’s family and friends (we Filipinos do highly value them after all), it becomes a different matter when said family and friends either misconstrue or abuse the OFW’s generosity. 

8. Kanya-Kanya Syndrome. Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that generates a feeling of envy and competitiveness towards others, particularly one's peers, who seem to have gained some status or prestige. It affects our sense of cooperation and community spirit and in the denial of the rights of others. 

9. Thin Onion Skin mentality- Filipinos are easily embarrassed and quick to take offense. This always happens in Missosology.  When one member scratches another superficially, the latter fires back with more vile and more venom. 

10. Fiesta Syndrome - Now there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a fiesta and party every now and then, it’s just that we Filipinos tend to overdo it.  Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and even somber funerals are celebrated by Filipinos like there is no tomorrow. Sometimes we even make up the slightest of reasons just so we could have an excuse to party. What’s more, a host would sometimes even strain his own finances just to impress his guests. 

11. Pointing with their Lips Syndrome - it is mouth-pointing and it is done to save time. It is also a form of nonverbal communication especially if you don't want somebody to know that you are pointing at her.

12. Ang Lagay Eh Mentality -  One of the biggest social ills our country has continued to face since time immemorial is the lagayan mentality.  Let’s face it, our “culture of lagayan” is embedded deep within our system and reinforced by a complex web of economic and social factors which include personal ambitions and a twisted sense of loyalty to friends and kin. 

13. Perfect host Mentality- describes how Filipinos welcome foreigners or tourists who visit the country. For Filipinos, it is a pleasure and the country's honor to accept foreigners as visitors and build genuine relationships and friendships with them. For ordinary Filipino keeping the standard to makeyou a perfect host is bad if you borrow money in the name of hospitality.  

14. Double standard Mentality- An example of this is the condemnation of an adulterous woman while applauding a polygamous man. On the national scale, we see politicians spouting promises of reform and good governance only to break them in the end. 

15. LBC box mentality - Balikbayan boxes are a symbol of the Filipino diaspora and a bridge between families separated by thousands of miles. Traditionally, Filipinos working overseas carefully pack and send a box full of gifts to their families back home. 

Bad habits Filipinos should get rid of:

1. Being too reactive especially online.

2. Cleaning up as you go. 

3. Disregard for simple rules

4. Imposing your own traditions/beliefs on other people.

5. Romanticising struggles

6. Gossiping

7. Pagparinig especially in social media

8. Disrespectful of other people's time and property.

Is there any other Filipino behavior that you know that is bizarre but worth mentioning?  If you do, please mention it here!