No doubt that Filipinos has charming qualities that other people from around the globe admire. Hospitable, family-oriented, religious, these are just some of the examples that best describes us. We are also known for being able to handle tough situations and even smile through it. That's why our catchphrase is “It’s more fun in the Philippines”
But we also can't deny that we have not one, not two but a lot of horrible traits that will definitely not make us say that we are proud to be a Filipino.
Filipino Time
It's not a surprise that Filipinos are not known for being punctual. Oh, you are meeting your friend at 10 am? Chances are your friend just got up at 10 am even if he/she said that they are on their way.
Mañana Habit
Also known as Procrastination.
Oh I have tons of work to do. I have to write a 2000 word essay, I need to feed the dog, I need to wash the dishes, my project's deadline is next week... Nah I'll take asleep and do it later.
This is honestly not a good trait. Most of us (including me) are being struck with laziness that we ended up procrastinating then using adrenaline rush to finish all the work. Sometimes it is successful but I cannot speak for the quality of work being done.
Which leads to another horrible mentality called the Bahala na. The bahala na (whatever will it be) pertains to letting things happen because it is just the way it is. We have no control over it.
I remember a popular children's story called Juan Tamad (Lazy Juan). Juan wants to eat that santol fruit but he is too lazy to climb up to the tree so he decided to sit there and wait for the fruit to fall on his mouth. This is how I see some Filipinos (I repeat SOME not all). They don't work hard enough or do anything that will make their lives better. They just love to complain.
Oh boo hoo, we are so poor. It's not our fault. Should we do something about it? Nah... God will provide.
“Bahala na ang Diyos” (Leave it to God)
But I personally prefer this quote better.
“Bahala na si Batman” (Leave it to Batman)
Why Batman? because he’s Batman!
Now, why is this trait bad. It can promote laziness, lack of initiative to do better or even try to improve things.
Your mediocre art project in school? Your work? That government project to build roads and bridges?
As soon as the work is accomplished. People will utter “Pede na yan” (That's good enough) without ensuring the quality. And look where this attitude actually takes us.
Collapsed Zamboanga footbridge cost P12 million, lawmaker bares
[Video] Provincial officials fall into murky water after wooden footbridge collapsed
A lot of them are not innovative and would likely stick to what they are used to do. Very few of them actually have the guts to take risks trying something new.
Crab Mentality
This is the trait that I hate the most about Filipinos. Maybe it is not just for Filipinos but the majority of them have it. This is basically people who are trying to pull others down out of envy if they see other people achieving something good in life.
I often notice this even in the simplest conversations with friends.
“Wow, Angela looks great now! She's so sexy and flawless!”
A person with a crab mentality will usually respond with anything that can drag others down to negate the compliment.
“Hmmp.. She's probably taking laxatives and glutathione...”
“Wow. Yana has a foreign boyfriend now and he is Dutch. They look cute together.”
“Pfft. She's probably a gold digger..”
“Wow this Thai singer is amazing!”
“Please, there are Filipino singers that are way better than her.”
Why can’t we just be happy for other people’s successes?
Internet Warfreaks
Filipinos are one of the world's top social media users. I don't know anyone who doesn't have facebook, twitter, Instagram and other social media websites. Even my grandmother has facebook!
While our presence in the internet world is strong. It's also a common sight to see the toxicity of Filipinos in social media. Don't ever argue with a Filipino online or else the conversation will go on and on and on, you'll end up drowning in the comment section trying to catch up.
In every news especially politics related, every Filipino suddenly becomes political analysts when stating their opinions. And if your opinion doesn't match theirs, in their eyes, you are wrong! And if they can't win the argument, they'll just use their secret weapon. That is their ability to speak English. Yes, English.
Apparently the ability to speak English equates to being highly educated in the Philippines. It is the language preferred by elites or social climbers to make them sound and look more, oh I don’t know. Smart? Sophisticated? Classy? Haha!
And if pointing out your weak English speaking skills wasn’t enough, they'll start picking on your grammar. If both don't work, they'll just start to take it personally and attack you or make false premises out of nowhere.
“Oh, you are an atheist? You must be a satan worshipper then!”
“You don’t support extrajudicial killings? Why? Are you one of those drug addicts?”
And If you play any online game like DOTA 2 chances are you've been trashed talked by an angry Filipino player yelling “Putangina mo!” multiple times in the chat.
Inability to follow simple rules.
(No Jaywalking or No crossing the street)
Or this one..
(Don't litter)
The same thing can be applied almost everywhere in our daily life. Simple queuing for bus stops? road rules?
I remember a video taken by a netizen about a woman being fined for not wearing a helmet while riding her motorcycle. Her reason? She used her helmet as a basket for her food. Do you think I’m kidding?
Helmet used as basket gets pair fined
Filipinos can’t even follow simple guidelines and don’t expect that someone actually gives a crap about the law either. They actually think that rules do not apply to them. *Rolls eyes at corrupt politicians*
And yet here we are wondering why this country is still a third world.
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