We beg to differ.
Well, to be more specific, they are reluctant to call out, on the spot, wrongdoing with strangers, and especially with persons of higher social rank, and persons of authority. When it comes to a person of lower social rank – perceived or real – than themselves, quite a few Filipinos won’t hesitate to give a…
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We have long held on to the notion that the Philippines is actually a nation in the modern sense. On the surface, it does seem that way. If one looks hard and deeply enough, however, one can see the Philippines for what it truly is: a patchwork, broken glass, glued together puzzle made up of…
I have often asserted that Filipinos are a people who are primarily driven by hiya (shame). Unmoved by any calls to higher purpose or noble pursuit, Filipinos continue to do the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. As such I remain convinced that any political solution pitched as a “cure” to…
Read More “In order for Filipinos to change, they need to feel disgust for their shameful ways” »
It has often been highlighted that to get on a sustainable course towards prosperity, Filipinos need not a change of men but a change in men. It is a social transformation that needs to come from within. An article in Scientific American provides insight on how lessons learned from the success of some past initiatives…
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At first glance, competition seems like a dirty word if you’re a Filipino. But what formal definition/s exists/exist of the word “competition”? 1. The act of competing; rivalry for supremacy, a prize, etc.; 2. A contest for some prize, honor, or advantage; 3. The rivalry offered by a competitor; 4. A competitor or competitors, and;…
Read More “An attempt at understanding the Filipino attitude towards competition” »
They don’t like asking them. They sure as hell do not like answering them. If you think about it, this is rather unsurprising for a society that does not encourage its members to question authority even the slightest. While examples of questionable things and issues in Filipino society are endless, the past few weeks have…
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Japanese prime ministers resign every now and then, some of them for as little as the shame of breaking an election promise. One I remember from a couple years back won in a landslide victory but was forced to resign because of mounting criticism for his flip-flopping on the issues he promised to solve during…
Read More “Filipinos need to develop a sense of shame or guilt” »
What I think is recommended reading for aspiring leaders is leadership guru John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. It is a set of guiding principles for leaders, tested and refined through Mr. Maxwell’s own experience. Included among the laws is the Law of Empowerment: Only secure leaders give power to others. In other words,…
Read More “Leadership, Filipino style: “You mean there actually is opposition?”” »