Typical Filipino (XXII) - Typisch Philipinisch (XXII): What does ''Mahal kita'' in Tagalog mean?

Dayang C Marikit

I’m a Philippine history professor and my Quora account is mainly focused on promoting and educating people about the pre-colonial period.

"Mahal kita" means "I love you" in modern times… however this was not the "original" way of saying "I love you" in Filipino... the original way of saying "I love you" is "Sinisinta kita" or "Iniibig kita"… by the way “Kita” is a dual person pronoun meaning "I" and "You" in Filipino… note: "Kita" in Filipino should not be confused with its Indonesian meaning, which translates to "We". In Filipino "Tayo" is the proper transition of "We".

• "Mahal" has now two meanings in Filipino, it originally only meant "Expensive"… (So when you say “Mahal Kita” it basically means that you “treasure” that person because he/she is "precious" to you).
• But the word “Mahal” was also used when speaking to royals/nobles. This indicates that these members of society were of high status “wealthy, precious, and treasured" and in context it translates to "Your Highness".

Examples:

• (“Mahal kong Lakan/Rajah”) - (“Your highness my king”).
• (“Mahal kong Lakambini”) - (“Your highness my queen”).
• (“Mahal kong Pangino’on/Po’on) - (“Your highness my lord”).
• (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) - (“Your highness my lord”).

---

For context, (“Pangino’on”/”Po’on”) directly translates to (“Lord”)… while (“Gino’o”) translates to (“Noble”), so in contexts (“Mahal kong Pangino’on”) and (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) basically mean the same thing.

Philippine History Professor

MA in Philippine History from University of the Philippines. Graduated 2016.

Lives in Quezon City, Philippines

Typical Filipino (XXX) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXX): "Compadrazco" - Die Patenschaft

 

The Compadre System, or the “Extended Family” is the basis of Filipino social structure. It is a kinship system which extends one’s relationships beyond one’s immediate family to include up to about 400 people.

Als Verwandte zählen natürlich auch die entferntesten Vettern und Cousinen. Darüber hinaus vergrößert sich die Verwandschaftsgruppe und wächst u.a. durch Heirat über die Blutverwandten hinaus. Die christliche Sitte der Taufpatenschaft schafft eine feste Verbindung zwischen Patenkind und Patenteltern.

Nach der strengen Tradition gelten Patenonkel und Patentante als die zweiten Eltern des Kindes. Man erwartet von ihnen, daß sie sich um das Kind kümmern, wenn ihnen etwas passiert. 

Das Patenkind nennt seinen Patenonkel NINONG und seine Patentante NINANG. Es selbst heißt INAANAK, was wörtlich übersetzt "geschaffener Bruder/Schwester" bedeutet, also ein durch ein Ritual erworbener Bruder oder Schwester zu den eigenen Kindern.

Ausländer genießen auf den Philippinen ein hohes Ansehen und werden deshalb oft gefragt, als Pate für eine Taufe oder auch Hochzeit aufzutreten. Da dies als Auszeichnung gilt, ist es nicht leicht, eine derartige Bitte abzulehnen. Man sagt am besten zu. Wenn Sie nicht in die komplizierten Verwandschaftsbeziehungen eindringen wollen, so wird bereits Ihre Teilnahme an der Zeremonie  als  ausreichende Ehre verstanden.

Of course, even the  most distant cousins count as relatives. In addition, the kinship group expands and through marriage, i.e., grows beyond the blood relatives. The Christian custom of sponsorship creates a solid bond between the sponsored child and the sponsored parents.

According to the strict tradition, godfather and godmother are considered the second parents of the child.You are expected to take care of the child if something happens to them. The godchild names his godfather NINONG and his godmother NINANG. It itself is called INAANAK, which literally translated means "created brother or sister" - in other words, a brother or sister to one's own children acquired through a ritual.

Foreigners enjoy a high reputation in the Philippines and are therefore often asked to become a sponsor of a baptismal or wedding. Since this is considered an award, it is not easy to refuse such a request. It's best to say yes. If you do not want to intrude into the complicated family relationships, your participation in the ceremony is already understood as a sufficient honor.

Typical Filipino (XXIX) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXIX): Napasubo - Es gibt kein Zurück/There is no going back.

Napasubo can be translated as being drawn into, entangled, ensnared, embroiled or even forced into a situation which may have been beyond the person's control. It normally expresses an undesirable situation with which the person would rather not be involved. Nevertheless, the person's degree of responsibility in getting himself or herself involved in such an unwanted scenario is left to be determined.

Es gibt kein Zurück! 

HIYA und AMOR PROPIO führen gelegentlich zu Situationen, aus denen es ohne Gesichtsverlust kein Zurück gibt, weil man sich öffentlich auf eine Position festgelegt hat. Ein Filipino/eine Filipina wird dies dann eisern durchstehen, denn er/sie ist NAPASUBO-gebunden und kann es sich nicht leisten, sein Gesicht zu verlieren.

HIYA und AMOR PROPIO occasionally lead to situations in which there is no turning back without losing face because has publicly committed to a position. A Filipino/a Filipina will get through this because he/she is bound and cannot afford to lose face.

Typical Filipino (XXVIII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXVIII): Ninong and Ninang /

 

A ninong is a godfather or sponsor of baptism or wedding. A ninang is a godmother.  A godmother  is a woman who sponsors a child's Catholic christening too and is expected to be like a second mother.

How do you choose ninong and ninang?

Make sure they can provide you with good advice. As much as possible, your ninong and ninang should be married and much older.

See if they're available on your wedding day.

BY JUSTINE LUBAG

One question I often see in bridal websites and bridal forums is how many ninangs and ninongs need to be present in your wedding. As we’ve tackled in our wedding entourage article, you legally only need two to stand in as your principal sponsors. However, if you’ve ever attended a Filipino wedding in the past, you might have noticed that some wedding parties have more than that. Here’s a run-down on how having principal sponsors in weddings work and how to choose the ninongs and ninangs on both sides of the family to become part of this entourage.

What Are Principal Sponsors?

Principal sponsors are members of your wedding entourage. While principal sponsors may not exist in western wedding entourages, principal sponsors are a must in Filipino weddings, regardless if you’re having a church or civil wedding. This is because a valid marriage must have at least two witnesses of legal age to sign the marriage contract. You can forget the best man, maid of honor, bridemaids, and other members of the entourage, and your wedding will still be valid in the eyes of the law. But if you don’t have at least two people to stand as witnesses, your wedding is considered invalid even if you have all the other wedding requirements present.

So, while the bride and groom could choose someone closer to their age to stand in as principal sponsors, they could legally do so. However, choosing their ninongs and ninangs to stand in as their principal sponsor is the tradition in church weddings because it has an emotional and social meaning behind it. Here’s why.

Why Should I Choose My Godparents As My Principal Sponsors?

First reason is the emotional and symbolic meaning of your principal sponsors. Aside from being the ones to legally sign as witness to your marriage contract, both you and your future spouse’s godparents are expected to serve as your second set of parents, especially when both your parents are no longer with you. Also, following tradition, your principal sponsors should be much older than you and married because they should provide you with guidance and advice in your married life. So, aside from being around your parents’ age, they should ideally be in a marriage you can look up to for guidance.

A second unspoken reason is how the line-up of principal sponsors can say a lot about the wedding’s social status. According to Bride’s Maids and Co., a line-up of sponsors filled with prominent names can be a status symbol for a couple to show how well-connected their families are to celebrities and other popular names.

Choosing Your Principal Sponsors

Remember, the reason for choosing your godparents as your principal sponsors is purely symbolic and sentimental. If you don’t want to go that route, you can still legally pick at least two people over the age of 18. Other than age, there’s no hard requirement in terms of sex, gender, relation (or non-relation) to the bride and groom, and marital status. If one person you pick as your sponsor is married, it’s not necessary to make their spouse a sponsor as well.

But if you’re going for the traditional and sentimental route, here’s what you have to know.

Criteria in Choosing a Ninong and Ninang to be Your Sponsor

Make sure they can provide you with good advice. As much as possible, your ninong and ninang should be married and much older. This is because you’ll want godparents you respect and admire. Ideally, they should be in marriages you and your partner can look up to. And if you have multiple godparents standing in as principal sponsors, they can give you advice on the different aspects of marriage. Maybe you chose one ninong because of how he and his partner raised well-behaved children and want advice in child-rearing. Or, you chose a ninang because you know how she and her husband make financially smart decisions. Whatever the reason for choosing them, you and your partner should be close enough to them so you can come to them for advice any time later in the marriage.

See if they’re available on your wedding day. As much as you want your godparents to be present on your big day, sometimes they may have commitments on their own that prevent them from attending your wedding. As soon as you start planning your wedding, one of the things you should do by the 12-month mark (check out our wedding checklist and timeline!) is choose your bridal party. This is enough time to give them a heads up so they can keep their schedules free during your planned wedding date.

Ask Them Respectfully. While social media has allowed everyone the relative ease of reaching out, some older and traditional godparents might take offense if you ask them to be your sponsor with a simple Messenger message. To be safe, try scheduling lunch or dinner with your chosen sponsor. Ask them during that meeting if they would be willing to stand as one of your principal sponsors and why you want them in your wedding party.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Sponsors I Can Have?

Whether it’s in a courthouse, church, or any other wedding ceremony venue, your wedding won’t be legal unless you have at least two people to stand as witnesses. While couples only need two principal sponsors, small weddings usually have up to 8 sponsors while larger weddings can have as much as 16 sponsors. Technically, there is no hard limit, but some churches may impose a limit on the number of principal sponsors. If there are more, the church might either ask you and your partner to trim down your list or pay extra.

Typical Filipino (XXVII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXVII): The mother and the family/Die Mutter und die Familie

Kinder sind sehr wichtig in der familienorientierten philippinischen Kultur. Sie stellen das Verbindungsglied zwischen den Familien von Mutter und Vater dar. Die Rolle der Mutter ist die vermutlich wichigste Rolle im Leben einer Filipina. Da sie für Haushalt und Kinder sorgt, befindet sie sich in einer Machtposition. Und diese Macht sollte auch nicht unterschätzt werden, denn die Dynamik der Verwandschaftsverhältnisse stellt nach wie vor die zentrale regelnde Kraft der philippinischen Gesellschaft dar.

Filipinos are raised to demonstrate respect towards their elders; from the moment a child is able to understand, it is essential that they learn to say “po” (sir) and “opo” (yes) when speaking with their elders.  This knowledge of respect is not only expected from children, but from adults as well.  As a person from the Philippines, it is necessary to always use these words when conversing with those that are older.

Within the family, children are expected to exude proper treatment towards their parents and older siblings.  In the Filipino family dynamic, the eldest children are given much more responsibility: looking after their siblings when their parents are not around, for example.  Intolerable behaviours include fighting with parents and/or older siblings as well as speaking with an arrogant tone.  Children who act out this high level of inappropriateness would be reprimanded.  Furthermore, a child living in a Filipino household is required to ask permission before leaving the home.  Once the child has returned, their parents and elder family members anticipate “the kissing of hands” or a “hand-to-forehead” gesture with the words “mano po” which symbolizes an appropriate greeting. 

Unlike the “norm” in Canada where it is expected that a child “leave the nest” at the age of eighteen, Filipino children are not obligated to leave home once they have graduated-unless that is what they choose.  Due to the valued closeness between family members and the respect that they feel for their parents, most children do not start a life of their own until they are about to be wed.  For this reason it is not uncommon to see several generations living under the same roof.  “As Filipinos say, ‘not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from’” 

Filipino Quotes on Family

Boholanos: “Ang familia nga nagatanum ug kaayohan nag-ani ug kapalaran; ang nagatanum ugkadautan, nag-ani og lonlon kasakitan”

Meaning: “The family that sows goodness reaps fortune; the one that sows evil reaps suffering”.

*This statement suggests karma in that every action will cause either a positive or negative reaction.

Bicolanos: “An harong man palasyo kun an laog kuwago, marhay pa ang payag na laog tao”

Meaning: A house may be a palace, but if the owner is an owl, better is a hut where the owner is a human being.

*This statement is a powerful reflection of the way that Filipinos value family over economic influences.

The commercial above demonstrates the respect and kindness that Filipinos share with one another, and is a good example of their quote: "The family that sows goodness reaps fortune; the one that sows evil reaps suffering”.

A husband and wife are otherwise known as having a “mag-asawa” status.  It is not until the man and woman have a child that they are blessed with “mag-anak” status.  This stresses the significance on the value of children in the Filipino culture, as a couple is not considered a family until a child is born.  In the Philippines, the more children that a husband produces may lead others to think that he is more masculine than those who have fewer offspring.  On the other hand, a woman may be viewed as though she is finally living up to her potential as a woman, while taking comfort in the thought that a newborn has secured her relationship with her husband.

The Modern Filipino Family: A changing world leads to changing family dynamic.  Parents who leave home to find work abroad must leave their children in the hands of other relatives, causing a shift in authority resulting in differences to how the child interacts with the world around them.

Typical Filipino (XXVI) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXVI): The Elder Sister ATE / Die ältere Schwester ATE

 

Schwestern, besonders ältere Schwestern, spielen in philippinischen Familien eine große Rolle. Eine ältere Schwester wird von den jüngeren Schwestern ATE genannt. ATE ist immer für die Jüngeren verantwortlich und kümmert sich um alles. Das ist in großen Familien auch unbedingt notwendig, da die Mutter oftmals nicht für alle Kinder gleichzeitig sorgen kann. Ihre Rolle als stellvertretende Mutter verschafft ATE den Respekt der jüngeren Geschwister, die sie in persönlichen Dingen um Rat fragen und ihr gegenenfalls zu gehorchen haben wie der Mutter.  Nach einem eventuellen Tod der Eltern übernimmt ATE die Verantwortung  für den Zusammenhalt der gesamten Familie.

Sisters, especially older sisters, play an important role in Filipino families. An older sister is called ATE by the younger sisters. ATE is always responsible for the younger ones and taking care of everything. This is absolutely necessary in large families, as the mother can often not care for all the children at the same time. Her role as substitute mother gives her the respect of her younger siblings, who ask her for advice on personal mattes and, if necessary, obey her, like the mother. After the eventual death of the parents, ATE takes on responsibility for the cohesion of the entire family.

Typical Filipino (XXV) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXV): Showing Respects to Elders/Respekt gegenüber Älteren zeigen

 

The term "Kuya" is used in Filipino for older brother and "Ate" is used in Filipino for older sister, and those terms are what one also usually uses to refer to or show respect to other people (including cousins and other strangers) who are in the same generation but a little older, or one could use the older term. The elder sister/die ältere Schwester hat eine ganz besondere Funktion auf den Philippinen. Mehr dazu hier sehr bald! 

Filipino Culture: Showing Respect to Elders

By: PRECY ANZA

Respect for your elders is important in Filipino culture.

Guillaume de Germain

Like in many other Asian countries, people in the Philippines show their respect to the elder population with certain gestures and honorifics they use before the person's name. Calling someone older than you by their first name is considered impolite and rude. If you've ever been to the Philippines, you've probably noticed Filipinos addressing anyone older than them using a word before their first name.

Respectful Ways to Say 'Yes' and 'No'

Some of the most common words for showing respect in a Filipino household are po and opo. Both basically mean "yes" in a respectful way, rather than just saying oo, or yes normally.

For a better understanding of how to use po and opo and to learn the difference between the two, look at the examples below.

Po is used to show respect when speaking or called by someone older or a person with authority. Also use po when saying salamat, or "thank you". If you are called by someone older than you (such as your mom, dad, uncle, auntie, or an elderly neighbor), you should answer po. 

Example: If an elderly person calls"Jasmin! Jasmin!", a Filipino child would answer "Po?" which is a polite way of saying "Yes?" or "Bakit po?" which means "Why?" (politely).

• Po is used when answering basic questions such as why, when, who, which and what, or when answering a yes or no question from someone older. Ex. "Jasmin, have you seen your brother?" Saying "Hindi" means "No." To answer politely, they would say po is "Hindi po." Adding po when answering yes or no portrays respect.

Opo is used to answer questions that has something to do with actions.

1. "Have you eaten? It's already lunch time." Answering with "Oo" means "Yes," but answering "Opo" would be the polite way.

But aside from using po and opo, there are other ways Filipinos show respect when speaking to someone older.

Words Used to Show Respect

Ate

This is used to show respect to an older sister. The younger siblings should address or call their older sister ate. If there is more than one older female sister, the younger ones would call the older siblings "ate____(name).

Example: If the youngest, 12 years old, is relating to her mom about the fun she had with her two older sisters, she would say, "Mom! I went to the town fiesta with ate Jasmine and ate Hope."

Ate is also used to show respect to older cousins.

Itay, Tatay, and Papa

Although some Filipinos call their parents dad and mom, there are still quite a few names for 'dad' that show respect. Itay, tatay, and papa all mean dad and are used by the siblings to call or address their dad.

In the case of stepfather, they are also shown respect by being addressed as itay, tatay, papa, or daddy, sometimes followed by their first names. 

For example, a young boy might address his stepdad as, "Tatay Manny" or "Papa Manny."

Inay, Nanay, or Mama

Just like with dads, substantial families or those who really are wealthy usually addressed as mom or mommy. Another percentage of Filipino children address their moms as inay, nanay or mama.

Similarly to stepfathers, stepmothers, Filipino kids address their stepmoms by calling them mom and then their first name, such as "Mommy Julie" or "Mama Julie."

Auntie, or Tita

Filipino used either of these two to address their aunt. But there are also cases where Filipinos call their stepmothers tita.

Tita is also used to show respect to people outside of the family. I do this myself. I address my mom's coworkers and friends as tita, like "Tita Fhil". Another example would be when my friend comes over to my house and addresses my mom as tita.

Uncle, or Tito

Children or siblings used this to address their parents' brothers. There's a bit of difference between uncle and tito, though they refer to the same respect given to one's dad or mom's brother.

Example: A 14-year-old would mostly use the word uncle to address his dad or mom's brother who's close in age to his parents. But if there's a small age gap, between the kid and his uncle, the 14-year-old would probably prefer to call his mother's younger brother as tito.

Lola and Lolo

Lola means grandma and lolo means grandpa. This is how Filipino children address their grandparents.

'Lolo' is 'grandpa' in the Philipines.

stevebp

What About Other People?

Filipino children also show respect to other people outside of the family. Here are some other names that are used to address elders.

Ninang and Ninong

Ninang, which means godmother, and ninong, which means godfather, are used by Filipino kids to address their godparents. Filipinos don't call their godparents by their first names. Instead, they use ninang and ninong. Examples would be, "I went to see ninang and ninong and they gave me presents."

Mang

Children and young adults use mang before the name as a sign of respect to males older than them in their town or neighborhood.

Aleng

Use before the first name of an older female as a sign of respect—if you know their name. If not, ale is used to address a stranger. Ale is pronounced ah-le, and it is the female counterpart of mang. For example:

1. I saw Aleng Mae and Mang John as I walked home from school. They are new in the neighborhood.
2. Aleng Mae owns a mini grocery store on 24th Street.

Typical Filipino (XXIII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXIII): Old people - Alte Menschen

Respect for one's elders is traditional in the Philippines. ... The idea that caring for older people is the responsibility of their children is rooted as firmly in Filipino society as it is elsewhere in Southeast Asia. For that reason, older people usually live with their families.

Filipinos place a strong cultural value on respect for age and for the elderly. Young people are expected to show respect to the elderly as well as older members of the family. Older adults should be addressed in polite language, preferably with appropriate titles of respect.

Alte Menschen werden respektiert und geschätzt. Jüngere Familienmitglieder suchen in vielen Angelegenheiten den Rat der Älteren. Ich habe dies in meinen vielen Jahren meines Aufenthalts auf den Philippinen mit meiner Familie so erlebt.

Old people are respected and valued. Younger family members seek parenting advice on many matters. I have experienced this in my many of my stay in the Philippines with my family.

Typical Filipino (XXII) - Typisch Philipinisch (XXII): What does ''Mahal kita'' in Tagalog mean?

Dayang C Marikit

I’m a Philippine history professor and my Quora account is mainly focused on promoting and educating people about the pre-colonial period.

"Mahal kita" means "I love you" in modern times… however this was not the "original" way of saying "I love you" in Filipino... the original way of saying "I love you" is "Sinisinta kita" or "Iniibig kita"… by the way “Kita” is a dual person pronoun meaning "I" and "You" in Filipino… note: "Kita" in Filipino should not be confused with its Indonesian meaning, which translates to "We". In Filipino "Tayo" is the proper transition of "We".

• "Mahal" has now two meanings in Filipino, it originally only meant "Expensive"… (So when you say “Mahal Kita” it basically means that you “treasure” that person because he/she is "precious" to you).
• But the word “Mahal” was also used when speaking to royals/nobles. This indicates that these members of society were of high status “wealthy, precious, and treasured" and in context it translates to "Your Highness".

Examples:

• (“Mahal kong Lakan/Rajah”) - (“Your highness my king”).
• (“Mahal kong Lakambini”) - (“Your highness my queen”).
• (“Mahal kong Pangino’on/Po’on) - (“Your highness my lord”).
• (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) - (“Your highness my lord”).

---

For context, (“Pangino’on”/”Po’on”) directly translates to (“Lord”)… while (“Gino’o”) translates to (“Noble”), so in contexts (“Mahal kong Pangino’on”) and (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) basically mean the same thing.

Philippine History Professor

MA in Philippine History from University of the Philippines. Graduated 2016.

Lives in Quezon City, Philippines

Typical Filipino (XXI) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXI): "Ningas kugon" - Schnelle Sprinter, aber keine Dauerläufer

Viele Projekte starten mit der Geschwindigkeit eines Rennwagens, um nach wenigen Kilometern festzustellen, dass das Tanken vergessen wurde. Die Tendenz der Filipinos, ihren anfänglichen Enthusiamus auf halber Wegstrecke zu verlieren, kann man mit einem rasch erlöschendem Strohfeuer (NINGAS KUGON) vergleichen. Es fehlen  Ausdauer und Stehvermögen , wenn nach dem Startschuss Hindernisse den Schwung abbremsen. Ein möglicher Grund liegt vielleicht darin, dass die so wichtigen harmonischen zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen Widersprüche, Kritik oder gar Ablehnung eines Projekts nicht dulden. Wenn kein anderer das Feuer schürt, erlischt der Funken und stirbt das Projekt.

Many projects start at the speed of a racing car only to find after a few kilometers that refueling has been forgotten. The tendency of Filipinos to lose their initial enthusiasm halfway through the road, can you compare it to a quick extinction in the flash in the pan. There is a lack of stamina when obstacles slow down the swing after the starting shot. One possible reason is that the important harmonious interpersonal relationships do not tolerate contradictions, criticism or even rejection of a project. If no one else starts the fire, the spark dies and the project dies.

ERIC (filipinosaround@gmail.com) 

Teacher, Public Speaking and Life Coach, Book and Poem Writer, Folkloric dancer and choreographer, a father, friendly and an admirer and beholder of natural beauty...God believer...

describes it as follows:

Ningas Kugon’ – a common Filipino trait

Yes,  what  is  “ningas kugon”?   For  the sake of  literal interpretation so  that  it  is  easily  understood,  allow  me to dissect  what  the phrase  means:  ningas means  “in flame”,  it  could also be a “spark” that could eventually turn  into  fire,  something that  could also  be “burning”.   There  are many  ways of interpreting  it  but,  basically  those  are  the  straight  out  meaning  in English as they are in Tagalog  and of course  if you come from a  different province in the Philippines,  the word  might  have  a contrasting  significance.  But  for  purposes  of understanding,  we shall make use of  how it  is  commonly  understood.  Going to the  ‘kugon’ –  it  actually  refers to a tall, perennial grass used in thatching. Its scientific name is  Imperata cylindrica.

Etimologically,  the  English word ‘cogon’ is from the Spanish cogón, while in  Tagalog,  it is  expressed and spelled as ‘kugon’.

Cogon grass is called  by  the Japanese as bloodgrass and is considered a noxious weed that’s a more invasive species than kudzu in the southeastern United States.

The  two words  put  together is  “flaming cogon grass”.  As  a  Filipino cultural  trait,  it  refers to the Filipino cultural trait of  enthusiastically starting things, but then quickly losing enthusiasm soon after. So  if  you try  to lit  up  a  ‘cogon’ you would observe  how it will just  burn into flames and poof!, gone afterwards!

Correlating  ‘ningas  cogon’  to the Filipinos  could be rooted  from the fact  that at  times  or  in  more ways  than  one,  Filipinos  tend  to leave problems  unsolved or  projects  undone   because  of lack of knowledge  on how  to resolve  or fix  the problems  thus,  it  is “better”  to  leave  it,  but,  the truth is, it  is more of  the lack of  understanding of the root  of the problems.

In short,  that  cultural  trait  has  been  attributed to the Filipinos  for  years and  somewhere along the years,  it  appears  that  Filipinos  themselves – not  all but  some –  have  admitted or even owned,  such a character  trait.   The  reality  though  is  different,  because  we know full well that we are much more  than  what that  preconceived attributions say  of  Filipinos  than what we  actually  are.  It  is  a negative  connotation  which  we ourselves  have  proven to be a  mere attribution outside  of  the fact.

Insofar as  I am concerned,  it  is  a  misnomer  in the Filipino culture  that  could even lead  to discrimination to us as Filipinos and to our  culture in general.  It  has  been proven  for years that Filipinos are hard workers,  and those  who  are  abroad working  are sacrificing  for the sake of their  families  and loved ones left  behind in the Philippines,  is  a demonstration of  NOT being a ‘ningas kugon’.  Filipinos  have made themselves  worthy  to any society  they face.  Experience  tells us  that.  Although  a  saying holds  true  ‘that in any  forest  there is a snake’  but,  the  Filipinos have shown integrity  and  dignity,  and  in  the midst  of the problems  the country and its people are  facing  now, our  nature  is  to prosper,  and it may  not  come  now  but  surely,  later.

Typical Filipino (XX) - Typisch Philippinisch (XX): "Mukha" - das Gesicht

 

The mukha (face) is targeted by the trillion-dollar cosmetics industry. They pour a big percentage of their marketing strategies into selling facial formula to men and women who desire smoother, finer, fairer skin, and wish for well-arched eyebrows, inviting eyes, taller nose, younger lips and glossy, healthy hair.

In Filipino culture pagmumukha, or the "impact of the face" demands more than cosmetic application. Such impact may be light and pleasant (magaan), refreshing (maaliwalas), and smiling or happy (masaya) which more than compensate for the lack of beauty with or without cosmetics. The opposite impact of course, even in a beautiful face, may be heavy (mabigat), sour (maasim), and problematic (problemado).

Filipinos legen großen Wert auf ihre Fassade. Die äußere Fassade ist von höchster Bedeutung. Sie unterscheiden klar zwischen äußerlichem Anschein und innerem Selbst. Ehemänner werden niemals mit anderen über Auseinandersetzungen mit der Ehefrau sprechen, denn dies würde auch ihre Schwächen beleuchten. Viele unglückliche Ehen bestehen, "bis der Tod sie scheidet", so sehr beide darunter leiden mögen - nur um in der Öffentlichkeit den Schein zu wahren.

Für manche Filipinos zählen gar ausschließlich Äusserlichkeiten, so daß sie versuchen, ihre Illusionen anderen zu verkaufen. Filipinos haben ein besonders feinsinniges Gespür für derartige Oberflächlichkeiten. Sie bezeichnen solches Gaukelwerk als BALATKAYO (Heuchlerei) oder PAKITANGTAO (öffentliche Show). Konsequenterweise beurteilen Filipinos eine Person nach ihrem inneren Selbst (LOOB), das den Charakter bestimmt.

Filipinos attach great importance to their facade. The outer facade is of paramount importance. They make a clear distinction between outward appearances and inner self. Husbands would never speak to others about arguments with their wives, as this would highlight their weaknesses.The aim of unhappy marriages is to persist "until death dies them part" - as much as both may suffer - just to keep up appearances in public.

For some Filipinos only appearances count, so they try to sell their illusions to others. But they have a particularly fine feel for such superficialities. They call such jugglery work hypocrisy or public show. Consequently, Filipinos judge a person according to their inner self, which determines their character. 

Typical Filipino (XIX) - Typisch Philippinisch (XIX): "Balagtasan" - Debatten

 

The first balagtasan took place on April 6, 1924, at the Instituto de Mujeres in Tondo, Manila. The event was held at the Instituto de Mujeres (Women's Institute) as part of the celebration of Francisco Balagtas' birth anniversary. The two protagonists of the poetic debate were poets José Corazón de Jesús and Floranto Collantes. The verbal joust became popular among both the masses, intellectuals, and the debutantes. This led to the adaptation of similar literary forms such as the bukanegan by the Ilocanos named after the father of Iloko literature, Pedro Bukaneg. Filipino poets in the Spanish language, specifically Jesus Balmori and Manuel Bernabe, also engaged in balagtasan competitions, and their poetic jousts featured and immortalized in the book with the title Balagtasan: Justa Poetica (1927), with a prologue written by Teodoro Kalaw. Balagtasan saw a significant decline after the death of de Jesus in 1932.

Die traditionelle Debatte legt Wert auf die Form, nicht auf den Inhalt; auf den Vortrag und blumige Bildersprache, nicht auf Logik und Themen. Auf den Philippinen zählt weniger, was man sagt, als wie man es sagt. Dichterwettbewerbe erfreuten sich in der Vergangenheit grosser Beliebtheit. Heute sind sie nur noch in kleinen Städten zu finden. Weil gute zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen das Klingenkreuzen harter Wortgefechte verbietet, scheint der Streit der Ideen Filipinos im allgemeinen nicht besonders anzprechen. Vielmehr ziehen sie die richtige Formulierung vor, um Freunde zu gewinnen. Es ist ein gewandtes Wortspiel, um ein Lächeln auf die Lippen zu zaubern. Die perfekte Strategie, Ärger zu zerstreuen. Ernsthafte Diskussionen und Auseinanderseztungen über Ideen werden auf Konferenzen und Gesprächsrunden kaum aufblühen, Debattenteilnehmer übergiessen oftmals ihre Argumente eifrig mit Zuckerguss oder verwässern sie, um Streit und Erregung zu vermeiden.

The traditional debate focuses on the form, not on the content; on the lecture and flowery pictures, language, not on logic and themes. In the Philippines, what you say matters less than how you say it. Poetry competitions were very popular in the past. Today they can only be found in small towns. Because good interpersonal relationships forbid the cross-cutting of words. The argument of ideas does not seem particularly appealing to Filipinos in general. Rather, they prefer the right wording to make friends. The perfect strategy to dispel anger. Serious discussions and arguments about ideas will hardly flourish at conferences and round tables. Debate participants often eagerly frosting or enhancing their arguments to avoid arguments and excitement.

Typical Filipino (XVIII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XVIII): "Utang na loob" in Geschichte - "Utang na loob" in history

 

Historiker und Politikwissenschaftler behaupten, die politischen Führer der Philippinen hatten sich bei den Verhandlungen zwischen den USA und den Philippinen nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg selbst in eine unvorteilhafte Ausgangslage versetzt, weil sie die amerikanische "Befreiung" der Philippinen von Japan unter den Vorzeichen von UTANG NA LOOB bewerteten.

Historians and political scientists claim the political leaders of the Philippines had out themselves in an unfavorable position in the negotiations between the USA and the Philippines after WW II because they assessed the American liberation  of the Philippines from Japan under the auspices of UTANG NA LOOB.

So stellten die erdrückenden amerikanischen Rechte die Eingang in die philippinische Verfassung fanden, und die Wiedereinrichtung von US-Militärbasen unverhältnismäßige Konzessionen dar, die den USA aus einem Gefühl der Verpflichtung, UTANG NA LOOB zurückzuzahlen, zugestanden wurden.

The overwhelming American rights that found their way into the Philippine constitution, for example, and the re-establishment of US-military bases represented disproportionate concessions that the US granted out of a sense of obligation and then repay UTANG NA LOOB.

Harmonische zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen mit großzügigen Prisen Schönfärberei und PAKIKISAMA sind stets am Spiel beteiligt. Man sollte sich daher bewußt sein, daß in einem verborgenen Winkel eine ausgewogene Mischung  von UTANG NA LOOB, HIYA und AMOR-PROPIO der unbedachten Person in abgeschwächter Form auflauern kann.

More harmonious interpersonal relationships with generous sprinkles of whitewash are always involved in the game. One should therefore be aware that in a hidden corner there is a balanced mixture of UTANG NA LOOB, HIYA, and AMOR POPIO can ambush the thoughtless person in a weakened form.

Typically Filipino (XVII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XVII): "Utang na Loob" - Schuld des inneren Selbst

 

Pakikisama vermittelt sich über persönliche Gefälligkeiten, genannt UTANG NA LOOB, wörtlich "Schuld des inneren Selbst".  UTANG NA LOOB ist eine komplizierte und weitreichende Angelegenheit , denn man muss seine persönlichen Verpflichtungen mit Zinsen zurückzahlen. Und da diese Art von Schulden sich aber nicht in genauen Zahlen berechnen läßt, entsteht so eine sich wendlose windende und ausweitende Spirale, die ein ziemlich verflochtenes Netz gegenseitiger Abhängigheiten aufgrund von UTANG NA LOOB webt. 

Pakikisama is conveyed through personal favors and really does blame the inner self. UTANG NA LOOB is a complex and far-reaching business because you have to repay your personal obligations with interest. Since this type of debt cannot be calculated in exact numbers, the result is a turn loosely winded and expand the spiral that weaves a fairly intertwined network of mutual dependencies due UTANG NA LOOB.

In seinen zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen ist jeder Filipino einem anderen durch UTANG NA LOOB verbunden und vice versa. 

UTANG NA LOOB geschichtlich betrachtet ist ein anderes Thema und wird im nächsten Kapitel behandelt.

Historiker und Politikwissenschaftler behaupten, die politischen Führer der Philippinen hatten sich bei den Verhandlungen zwischen den USA und den Philippinen nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg selbst in eine unvorteilhafte Ausgangslage versetzt, weil sie die amerikanische "Befreiung" der Philippinen von Japan unter den Vorzeichen von UTANG NA LOOB bewerteten.

Historians and political scientists claim the political leaders of the Philippines had out themselves in an unfavorable position in the negotiations between the USA and the Philippines after WW II because they assessed the American liberation  of the Philippines from Japan under the auspices of UTANG NA LOOB.

(To be continued!)