Common filipino traits that you dislike

[xtine]

Since working abroad, i have been exposed to different types of culture.  Working with non-filipino officemates (especially americans and europeans), have made me embrace each culture and values.  We filipinos have good traits like being warm and funny.  Sadly, there are some that I think we should learn to shift away from. 

1.  While foreigners tend to be very frank and direct to the point, Filipinos still wants to sugar coat everything that they say. (but I think we are already shying away from this one but there are still some few who still do this)

2.  The utang na loob mentality - like if somebody gave you something out of goodwill, it seems you must be forever grateful to them.  Foreigners would be delighted with the gesture but it will never forever linger with them like we do.  This trait will leave us with:

3.  Being Emotional/sensitive - when somebody tells us a constructive criticism, we tend to think that the person is trying to bring us down instead of trying to help us.  Or when somebody is being direct to the point, we get offended (when I even got them dried mangoes last week! how ingrateful).
 
4.  Forever pakikisama - you need to always befriend the boss or the HR so that even if you're not worthy of the increase, you'll get them anyway.. In a diverse kind of setup, no need to be BFF with the boss, you will get what is due to you if the boss is fair.  Some foreigner bosses don't like you clinging on them for friendship, its just awkward.  If the boss has declined our offer of friendship, we will automatically assume that they don't know pakikisama or they are not nice people.

This trait will then lead us to:

5.  Insecurities - We get insecure why some people get bonuses and very high salary increase.  This is the same as comparing our salaries with other people.. which brings us to

6.  Crab mentality - for example, using gossip to send a message that the other person does not deserve the increase.

7.  Tends to ask personal questions like "Bakit ka pa walang boyfriend?" or "Dapat mag diet ka na".  In a diverse environment, this is a big no no.  Foreigners rarely ask personal questions, even if they are comfortable with you as they favor personal space.  For fellow filipinos, its probably okay if you are close with that someone (your BFF perhaps) but to new employees or somebody you just met?  Come on!

8.  Putting foreigners in pedestal - In a diverse working environment especially in a melting pot city, there's no need to call "Ma'am" or "Sir" or be afraid to say what you want.  They are also human being like us, who does not give a damn.  So no need to be in awe when they are in front of us. 

I am sorry if I have offended some people here but hearing my non filipino officemates complain about the common traits above, well.. sadly, i can't say anything much coz those are normal filipino cultures in a workplace.

Maybe you would like to share what your office place trait pet peeve.

[purple.strawberry]

^Agree with some your points. Lahat naman ng culture meron talagang traits that they can do without.

I would just like to point out that calling somebody, especially foreigners, "ma'm" or "sir" does not necessarily mean putting them in a pedestal. Our culture is big on courtesy and respect, I suppose it's the same as calling an older person as "ate" or "kuya."

Also, insecurity is not particular to Filipinos.

Pakikisama I think is a good trait, especially since our culture is others oriented and we thrive in communities where we have large connections. Altho it is indeed good to set boundaries din. So far naman I think I haven't met anyone who deliberately befriends the HR or boss to get increase or promotion.. I see it as a natural inclination to be friendly, nothing more. But then it's probably because I haven't worked with people that you've worked with?

I agree with Filipinos not being confrontational.. This is typical also for other Asian cultures. Takot humindi, takot makaoffend. Pag inaya mo sa lakad and hindi pwede, ang sasabihin is, "try ko," instead of, "sorry, di ako makakapunta e."

[candygrenade]

False sense of patriotism

Being proud of our heritage is an admirable trait but when love and reverence for our own country go over the top and out of place, even when that pride is unmerited, we bring more shame to our name as a nation.

Also, Filipinos are universally notorious for mimicking, insulting and mocking other nationalities but are guilty of being the first to weep and whine when it is their turn to be decapitated and be poked fun at.

[xtine]

^I agree sis!  To much pinoy pride is just annoying.  Other people doesn't wave their flags to our faces. 

I also hate those who shove our culture up on other people's asses.  I had this one pinoy officemate, who pressured our non filipino officemates to eat in Gerry's Grill for them to try filipino food.  As they were pressured, they gave in.  However, this foreigner officemate of mine told me  (only me) "Sorry, but I didn't like the taste and it smells" referring to the liempo which has the strong smell of vinegar and soy sauce.  Just like other countries' cuisine, ours is also for acquired taste. 

I wish this proud pinoy officemate of mine took them to a more decent filipino restaurant so that we don't paint an image that our food sucks.

[wowry]

False sense of patriotism

Being proud of our heritage is an admirable trait but when love and reverence for our own country go over the top and out of place, even when that pride is unmerited, we bring more shame to our name as a nation.

Also, Filipinos are universally notorious for mimicking, insulting and mocking other nationalities but are guilty of being the first to weep and whine when it is their turn to be decapitated and be poked fun at.

The second part is so true. I have experienced numerous times when our fellow Filipinos gave a sarcastic supposedly funny comment in Tagalog while I was passing by about what I was wearing or how I look like just because they thought I will not understand them. The fun part is when I confront them and talk to them in Tagalog they will just tell me, oh i thought you 're Korean sorry or whatever nationality and I always tell them that it doesn't matter and it's not funny!

Also, asking and saying very personal information for people you just met like how much is your salary or telling things to people like, I am getting married to this american guy soon and the rest of their history without people asking them in the first place. Or maybe its just the work environment I was in before I'm not sure.