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Filipinos do have a unique relationship
with the west and share decidedly a heritage of many significant ideas and
values rooted in Euro Christian ethics, But their basic traditional social
and cultural characteristics contrast sharply with those of western world,
certainly the US. The "national character" and sense of identity is thus
complex. And there is a question as to whether or not they even have a
national identity. Some believe, as I do, their allegiance does not extend
past their province. Some believe it is limited to the extended family. It
is certainly stronger within that group.
Although the
Philippines is located geographically in Asia, "there is a general
sense of being neither this nor that, of sharing something of the
Pacific islands, of being heavily influenced by Spanish and American
cultures, as above. Further examination of the unique history of the
Philippines and of immigration to the United States serves to
illustrate how this country has been a "Pacific Bridge" between many
cultures. The Chinese were a powerful influence before the US and the
Spanish came, and still are them most powerful force here, in my
opinion. That is where the money is, though contrary to popular
belief, not all Chinese here are rich. Chinese residents, who do not
forsake their culture, were born and raised here, Chinese have a
strong social and economic influence that is often either overlooked
or underestimated. The focus is on the more obvious Spanish and
American influence, a big mistake in my opinion.
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