Conclusion

The Filipino Family of 2009 may be one of the best pictures of a perfect family. Of course, this is subjective but this doesn’t hinder us from believing on the credibility of Filipino families. Throughout the years, we Filipinos have adapted to many changes and influences but still we are constant in our belief of a strong and intact family. We have valued family next to God.

The Filipino family is one bond that cannot be broken. It is said that the Filipino family is like the structure of the house in which the members are the pillars which hold the house up. When one pillar falls, the whole thing collapses. This is the reason why we try to maintain the family because if not it will deal to the destruction of one’s family and most importantly, one’s self.

The Filipino family will stand through time and will remain strong amidst all the problems. Though much can change can occur in the mere future, the family will always be a family. The values, characteristics, beliefs, etc can be temporary but the family will always be forever.

The Pinoy Taste Bud

Filipino food is a mix of different tastes which is due to influences from different cultures. Chinese, Spanish and American tastes are some of the influences that we have integrated in our cuisine. However, we currently are trying to add the European cuisine to our menu. Basically, we Filipinos just love food.

Filipinos eat at least 4 times a day excluding the meriendas and snacks. To think that we Filipinos are short and thin, we are able to eat this much in a day. Filipinos are never too far from food. There are restaurants, fast-food chains, and many more that are scattered in every corner of the country. We are just a couple of steps away from food which is why we have the luxury of eating at least 4 times a day.

Our love for food can be seen when we have family gatherings. It is in these events that we fill the whole table with numerous meals. These are the best meals one can find in the Philippines and of course the family specialty. Our love for food also is the reason for why we get to inherit different recipes for the family specialties. Different recipes are passed on to succeeding generations because these are considered a families prized possession.

Filipinos are conservative

The Filipino family is conservative in nature. This may be due to our Catholic Christian religion. The Catholic Christian teachings of being simple and conservative govern the lives of the Filipino people. The Filipino family is a supporter or advocate of traditional ideas and behaviour. This is why Filipinos live by their Catholic Christian and traditional beliefs.

The Filipino family avoids showiness and is grounded on a simplistic attitude. The best representation of our conservatism is our national attire, the barong Tagalog and the baro’t saya. It is simple but elegant in design. We Filipinos try to show off the best of who we are rather than the best of what we have.

"Self - Sacrifice"

Filipinos give up personal wants and needs, either from a sense of duty or in order to benefit others. There are a number of Filipino personalities that have poured their lives for the country. Names that stand- out are that of Jose Rizal and Ninoy Aquino.

In the recent events that had transpired here in the Philippines, Filipino people united as one big family to devote themselves and their belongings to aid in the victims of the flood. It is in this time that people everywhere join together and share their love for somebody or something else considered to be of more value or importance.

Self- sacrifice has become part of the Filipino Society. Filipino people would look out for their family members even if it would cost their lives. This is what makes the Filipino family strong because one would devote their lives for the other.

"The educated Filipino"

In the Philippines education is a priority. All parents of every family want their children to be college graduates, all parents want their children to have degrees in order to have a successful life.

However not every Filipino can afford college education but in our children today even if they have no means to go to college they still dream of being able to go to a college where they can finish their studies and hopefully to have a degree in order to help their families. One person worth noting that is endeavoring to educate our Filipino youth is Mr. Efren Peñaflorida, a person who travels along with his cart to educate the youth. His cart is where the learning begins, with his cart he teaches, educates and guides the youth. Steering them away from gang memberships, drugs, smoking, and other vices while giving them hope that they can become someone in their life. Someone that can accomplish something and even be world renowned in doing so.

Mr. Peñaflorida is a great example for future generations, an example of filipino that we can truly be proud of. We should follow his example and not just turn a blind eye to things that are happening around us.

"Po and Opo"

These two words are often heard from children addressing their parents, or when addressing an elderly and when talking to someone much older than you. Saying these two words are act of respect and one of the greatest values Filipino culture can be proud of.

If you try to translate "po"and "opo" into other languages, there is no word that can compare to act of respect that these two words bring. At an early stage in their life children of Filipino Families are already taught to always say "po" and "opo" to their parents and elders. Saying "po" is like saying what or can you repeat that while saying "opo" is like saying yes or agreeing to something.

Saying "po"and "opo" is a great tradition that we Filipinos should be proud of. This tradition should be passed on to future generations so that centuries old of respect and Pinoy culture won't be forgotten.

"Filipinos are all over the net"

The introduction of social networking sites have caught our country by storm from friendster to the newest facebook. We Filipinos can't get enough of this social networking sites. We use them to connect to almost forgotten friends, to our friends now, and even to find more friends. This social networking sites pave the way of making connections even without personal contact, these make making friends easier, rekindling lost relationships and even making new ones. Take facebook for instance it combines online chatting and email all in one, and add some games into the mix, it became certified hit to all teenagers and even adults worldwide.

The use of these social networking sites however isn't only limited to these functions. It can also create bridges to family members abroad, in the province or even in your neighborhood. It creates a cuber connection between families. Families can still talk with each other, have fun together by playing games that come with these social networking sites and know what is happening to each other by posting photos, videos or statuses.

All in all these social networking sites have not only made bridging connections to family members but made it fun adn much less robotic.