Manila | Part2 Values and Family Styles in Metro Manila, Women in Society
Japan-Asia Collaborative Research Project
Study report "The New Trends in Asian Urban Lifestyle"
"The New Trends in Urban Lifestyle in Manila" (serial in 4 parts)
Part 2 Values and Family Styles in Metro Manila, Women in Society
Carlos Luis L. Santos, Japanese Studies Program
Ateneo de Manila University.
Summary
The Philippines under Spain was marked by the spread of Roman Catholicism. During the American colonial period, Protestantism took the stage. At present, about 90% of the Philippine population adheres to Christianity. Greatly influenced by Christianity, the values and family life of Manila Citizens reflect such Christian teachings as respecting elders and cherishing the family. Even in work and in national events, habits rooted in Christianity such as prayer can be seen. However, with the expansion of consumerist lifestyle and globalization, those less keen on Church activity and Christian teachings are appearing particularly among the youth. Traditional values are being transformed little by little.
One of the most significant advantages of the Philippines is the presence of overseas migrant workers (OFWs). As the domestic unemployment rate is high, more and more Filipinos are going abroad in search of higher wages. Now reaching upwards of 10 million overseas workers, the remittances they send reach around $24 billion; supporting 30-40% of domestic households. Not only is this money being used for daily life, it is also fueling the consumer market in Metro Manila. Not visible in the official income statistics, the abundant lifestyle of the middle class is being brought forth. Another feature is that women’s participation in society is increasing. Many highly educated women, often enjoying a relatively high income, are active in society. Family lifestyle trends such as hiring nannies to help the busy parents take care of children are on the rise as well.
This second report looks at the values of many Filipinos regarding family, working overseas, and the role of women, with background of the spiritual foundation of Catholicism.
Principal Author Carlos Luis L. Santos
Lecturer：Japanese Studies Program
Ateneo de Manila University
Education：2009-present: MA in Japanese Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
2009: Translation and Business Japanese course, Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture
2008: Intensive Japanese Language Course, Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture
2007: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Minor in Japanese Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
Work experience：2010 present: Japanese Language Instructor, Ateneo de Manila University
2010-2012: Translator/Basic Japanese Instructor, MHI Technical Services, Inc.
2009: Scholarship Assistant, Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Research interests：Translation, Sociolinguistics, Comparative Culture
Co-Researcher:
Furukawa Ichiro, Professer, Hitotsubasi University
Fukuda hiroshi, Chairman, Joumon communication Inc.
Editing and Delivery Public-Interest Incorporated Foundation
Research Institute for High-Life http://www.hilife.or.jp/
Study report "The New Trends in Asian Urban Lifestyle"
"The New Trends in Urban Lifestyle in Manila" (serial in 4 parts)
Part 2 Values and Family Styles in Metro Manila, Women in Society
Carlos Luis L. Santos, Japanese Studies Program
Ateneo de Manila University.
Summary
The Philippines under Spain was marked by the spread of Roman Catholicism. During the American colonial period, Protestantism took the stage. At present, about 90% of the Philippine population adheres to Christianity. Greatly influenced by Christianity, the values and family life of Manila Citizens reflect such Christian teachings as respecting elders and cherishing the family. Even in work and in national events, habits rooted in Christianity such as prayer can be seen. However, with the expansion of consumerist lifestyle and globalization, those less keen on Church activity and Christian teachings are appearing particularly among the youth. Traditional values are being transformed little by little.
One of the most significant advantages of the Philippines is the presence of overseas migrant workers (OFWs). As the domestic unemployment rate is high, more and more Filipinos are going abroad in search of higher wages. Now reaching upwards of 10 million overseas workers, the remittances they send reach around $24 billion; supporting 30-40% of domestic households. Not only is this money being used for daily life, it is also fueling the consumer market in Metro Manila. Not visible in the official income statistics, the abundant lifestyle of the middle class is being brought forth. Another feature is that women’s participation in society is increasing. Many highly educated women, often enjoying a relatively high income, are active in society. Family lifestyle trends such as hiring nannies to help the busy parents take care of children are on the rise as well.
This second report looks at the values of many Filipinos regarding family, working overseas, and the role of women, with background of the spiritual foundation of Catholicism.
Principal Author Carlos Luis L. Santos
Lecturer：Japanese Studies Program
Ateneo de Manila University
Education：2009-present: MA in Japanese Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
2009: Translation and Business Japanese course, Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture
2008: Intensive Japanese Language Course, Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture
2007: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Minor in Japanese Studies, Ateneo de Manila University
Work experience：2010 present: Japanese Language Instructor, Ateneo de Manila University
2010-2012: Translator/Basic Japanese Instructor, MHI Technical Services, Inc.
2009: Scholarship Assistant, Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
Research interests：Translation, Sociolinguistics, Comparative Culture
Co-Researcher:
Furukawa Ichiro, Professer, Hitotsubasi University
Fukuda hiroshi, Chairman, Joumon communication Inc.
Editing and Delivery Public-Interest Incorporated Foundation
Research Institute for High-Life http://www.hilife.or.jp/