Is there a Filipino Spirit and if so what are its advantages and disadvantages? The field is vast and complicated. One way of looking at culture is the communality of how we see things; how we want to be seen; how we prioritize. What is common in what we like and dislike. Among these things we might focus on the problems of excellence, industry, how we save, and how we relax.

Is there a culture of excellence, meaning, striving for the best in absolute terms. The answer to this for some is that we prefer "puede na" to the best. What is good enough is ok. If 75 percent is passing, why strive for 100 percent. The extra effort and possible social complications may not be worth going after 100 percent. We don’t particularly care for the people who stand out. We may even dislike the "hambugero." We also dislike the "madamut" or selfish. The whole group should move forward not only one or a few. Or is this only a rationalization for lack of effort or outright laziness. Somehow our group pressure is, not to stand out from the group.

This is common everywhere in the world but it seems particularly strong in our culture. Move the whole group not just one’s self. Away from a local setting the Filipino feels freer to innovate. And we are proud of Filipinos who are outstanding abroad. Is the local group setting a culture for mediocrity? If so it is weakening with the weakening of the social groupings. But do we have excellence or a culture of excellence? We certainly have a great ability to improvise. "Abilidad sa Akong" is appreciated and celebrated.

Abroad, Pinoys are glad to see other Pinoys and most of the time eager to do something for them. In remote places, and there is hardly a place in the world where there is no Pinoy, the usual invitation is "Visit us. We can cook some Filipino dishes for you." Outside, there is hardly a homeless Filipino. The Pinoys share their homes. Indeed, some Pinoys avoid other Pinoy since they find it hard to refuse them. And of course, there are always the mavericks and the undesirables. In general Pinoys want to share and look down on the "madamot."

Is there a culture for industriousness? We certainly have a concern and desire for the approval of others. Schooling with its marking system enhances this tendency. Once out of school where there is no teacher to give the marks, we are often lost where the need is to show results rather than elicit approval of others. In the question of savings, different Philippine groups have varied abilities to save. In the settlement communities of Mindanao, the results of group savings habits have become physically apparent. The largest houses are those of the Ibatans of the Babuyan Islands, next the Ilocanos, then the Ilongos, and the last are the Boholanos. The Cebuanos and Boholanos prefer to enjoy life rather than save to build their houses. But the different traditions are melting into a common pot.

Do we have a culture of excellence? Is there a culture of innovation? Are we industrious? Are we penny pinchers? What are its advantages and disadvantages? What way and how do we prefer our culture to evolve? Is individual excellence to be preferred to group promotion? We are on a roll, a fast evolving period in our national development. <emeterio_barcelon@yahoo.com>