Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Essay

In this fast changing age, the only thing that’s constant is the transformation and adaptation to change. The transitory of new knowledge from generation to another rearranges our definition of a family.

The current state of the Filipino may have been far now from what it is back then, but the intactness of the Family and faith in one’s religion adjourned off until now. Christianity being the primary religion here in the Philippines made the religion part of the culture already. It is statutory to have your own little shrine or altar at home, a picture of the last supper by the dining room, and usually a picture of the twin hearts of Jesus is even placed in front of the house or at the entrance to guard off evil entities, a sign of belief and faith in their religion.

In a typical Filipino family, they share quality time by having family gatherings together with the extended families, usually during holidays. They perfectly keep their close ties over a scrumptious dinner, and having a toast for some merry drinks, and of course, the gathering would not be complete without some good ol’ karaoke night.

Other factors of the family are influenced by the rapid growth of the technology. The Philippines is now known as the texting capital, and owning a cellular phone somehow serves as a symbol for status among Filipinos. In addition to that, teenagers are hooked to this online game called DotA, which stands for Defense of the Ancients, that greatly influenced the Filipino terminologies.

In addition to the observations stated above, it may be too early to conclude, but the Manny Villar jingle for this 2010 election became a hit, and every household is surely familiar with this song, regardless of the presidential candidate they are going for. Whether we are for or against Villar, admittedly, his jingle is catchy for the lyrics of the song attacks on the soft spot of the Filipinos. The lyrical message of the song shows compassion towards the less fortunate Filipinos that are the recipient of poverty.

The use of condoms are already widespread for practicality reasons. Mainly because of what our country is now undergoing through terrible indigence and turmoil of our economy, and health wise, for protection and safety.

Change is inevitable, but we can act on correcting the elements of our families. Keeping the communication open at all times for opinions, sustaining the love within the family, maintaining nationalism, and faith in the higher being would slow down or help us cope with the fleeting changes in the society.

Sources

Writing:



Pictures:

http://www.havelshouseofhistory.com/Gilbert,%20Archbishop%20Edward%20Joseph%202.jpg

http://davidreport.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/jenstark2.jpg

http://www.filipino-food-lovers.com/site-images/filipino_food.jpg

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/go/goodmans-xb4cdg-karaoke-machine.jpg

http://www.logret.com/images/smiguel_light.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/03/03/article-1158823-03A98825000005DC-837_468x464.jpg

http://peggyparks.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dinnerpartyetiquette1.jpg

http://www.socalofficerealestateblog.com/wp-content/newuploads/2009/12/cell_phones_schools_0498529787.jpg

http://to55er.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/big_family.jpg

http://www.cruisepilot.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads//2009/12/christmas-Greetings.jpg

http://blog.espol.edu.ec/josebedon/files/2009/07/warcraft-dota-v643map-pjlighthouse.jpg

http://2010presidentiables.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/villar-with-kids.jpg

http://dtproductions.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/movie.jpg

http://ctlgbtlaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dictionary.jpg

http://blog.syracuse.com/healthfitness/2007/08/large_condoms.jpg

Condoms

The Filipinos have a population of 90 million, and believe it or not, we have more people than the state of California, even though they have more land than us. The Filipino Family keep condoms with them for various reasons such as protection from STI's and Pregnancies.

English

In a world where English can be considered the universal language, the Filipino Family has done well to keep up with everyone else. Since jobs overseas require you to speak english, The Filipino Children are taught English at a young age and you can usually hear the family talk to each other in taglish, a mix of tagalog and English.

Movies

The Filipino Family are huge fans of movies. They don't necessarily have to go out to a movie theater to watch it. Some families just buy the DVD and watch it at home. Also, a popular way of watching movies is by downloading them on the internet and handing it out in the family.

Manny Villar's Commercial Tune

It is election year in the Philippines, and you can be sure to have heard this candidates jingle! His commercial tune is so catchy, that even if you are for Gibo or NoyNoy, you will know the opening line, and the beat of the song. Whether you like it or not, this song is known in almost every household.

DotA

DotA stands for Defense of the Ancients. This is a computer game that every Filipino family knows. If the family has a teenage boy, you can be sure that he knows the meanings of 'GG' or 'G na po'. Believe it or not, DotA has become a household name.

Christmas

Christmas is that time of the year where the family MUST be together. Since some families have a child or parent abroad, they would rather have them come home for Christmas rather than any other holiday. The Filipino Family hold fiestas during Christmas, where they celebrate Christmas Eve, and Christmas with dinners.

Extended Family

The Filipino Family is actually very big, because they usually stay close to their aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Sometimes, a house will host a family of more than 10, which include the grandparents. Also, family gatherings are common, and when the whole family comes, it can be a fiesta.

Cellphones

Cellphones are used as a source of communication for the family. the 21st century is full of technology, and there is no way to beat it, so you must join it. The Filipino Family sometimes text each other even when they're inside the same house.

Dinners

Filipino families find dinner very important, as it is a time where everyone can sit around, eat, and enjoy each others company. Since dinner is at the end of the day, it isn't much of a hassle to attend, and Filipino Families have big dinners, which usually include a dessert.

Close Ties

The Filipino Family is known to be very close-knit. It is really hard to break that bond between the parents and children. You can usually find a full family, even when the children are college bound. Filipino parents would rather have their children study close to them instead of going abroad.

Alcohol

In the Filipino Family, the kids are (usually) allowed to drink even before the legal age. Around the age of 14-15, teenagers will probably take their first sip of San Mig Light, or a shot of Tanduay Rhum. In the household, you can usually find shot glasses, wine bottles and a cabinet of whiskey.

Karaoke

What better activity to bring a family together? Karaoke is one of the top selling entertainment products in the Philippines. Whenever a Filipino Family holds an event, you can bet yourself that you will find plenty of food, alcohol and a karaoke machine. The mix of those three will guarantee you a great time, and possibly a quick show of the Filipino version of American Idol!

Food


Does there need to be an explanation? Filipino Families are in love with food. Who isn't? When entering a Filipino home, you can surely find a known dish with a little twist. Such as their adobong manok, or their kare kare. Filipino families usually have secret recipes passed down from generations, and now we know why they loved food! Also, Filipino families are known to serve a lot of rice, as it completes a meal. There is a saying where 'a meal isn't a meal unless there is rice.'

Art Pieces

Art Pieces:

The Filipino race, in many ways, can be considered colorful. A Filipino Family usually has numerous art pieces are their house, it can either be hanging on the walls, or sitting in the living room. The art pieces (furnitures included) can be seen as a reflection of the Filipino Family, and they add a certain touch to them home with its colorful display.

Filipino Time Capsule


Religion

When Spain first came to the Philippines, one of their goals was to spread their religion, which was Christianity. Until now, religion is very important to the Filipino Family. At a typical Filipino Home, you will usually find a shrine, or altar, sometimes of Buddha or Jesus and Mary. Most houses have a picture of Jesus and Mary outside their entrance to show a sign of faith and belief in them.