Traditional Filipino boats in a bay of the coast of the Philippines.
"Traditional Filipino boats in a bay of the coast of the Philippines." Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of World Cultures, edited by Timothy L. Gall and Susan Bevan Gall, 2nd ed., vol. 7, UXL, 2012. Gale In Context: World History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC1931488041/WHIC?u=vol_h58hs&sid=bookmark-WHIC&xid=e2272783. Accessed 15 Sept. 2023.
The influence of Chinese, Malayan, Spanish, and U.S. cultures is evident in Filipino society. Individualism is considered less important than the family. Bringing shame to individuals reflects on their family and is avoided at all costs. Interdependence is considered more important than independence. Although generally casual and fun loving, Filipinos tend to be sensitive people and consider maintaining smooth social relationships to be more important than expressing personal views or delivering bad or unwanted news. To avoid hurting or displeasing others, most Filipinos may use a third party to deliver bad news or might say “maybe” when they mean “no.” “Yes” can mean “maybe.” Confrontation is usually avoided. Frankness can signify a lack of culture. In general, Filipinos have a relaxed view of time (sometimes referred to as "Filipino time") and may not always begin meetings or appointments promptly.
Accepting a favor obliges a Filipino to repay with a greater favor, although never with money. Filipinos often show admiration by imitation. Innovation, change, and competition are sometimes considered risky since they could result in failure. Changing social or religious habits may be regarded as ingratitude to parents. Fatalism is common—success may be attributed to fate rather than ability or effort. The Latin concept of machismo (proving one's manliness or superiority) is evident in the Philippines; the ideal man is a macho man. Men often make comments about women passing by on the street, and although such comments are often ignored, they can be distracting to some women.
"Philippines: General Attitudes." CultureGrams Online Edition, ProQuest, 2018, online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country_sections.php?cid=126&cn=Philippines&sname=General_Attitudes&snid=6. Accessed 12 October 2018.
"Political Map." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2018, worldhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/311567. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
"Infographic of Philippines." CultureGrams Online Edition, ProQuest, 2018, online.culturegrams.com/world/world_popup_infographic.php?scountryname=Philippines&id=&refername=&type=World. Accessed 12 October 2018.