Kanya Kanya

Kanya-kanya means looking out only for yourself or for the people in your group. It is a self-serving attitude that makes you insensitive to furthering the common good. Filipinos tend to be very regionalistic or clannish, which could probably be a result of being a nation of 7100 islands. By understanding what God has to say about this distinctly Pilipino mindset, we can turn our kanya-kanya attitude into one of genuine loyalty.

Lusot, Lakad, Lagay

Machonurin

For a stereotypical Filipino, being called “machonurin” is a big blow to his exaggerated sense of masculinity. Filipino men believe that their role in society should be one of dominance, bravery, virility and aggressiveness. It is typical for them to expect total subservience from their wives. But, according to the Bible this should not be the case. Even as women are told to be obedient and submit to their husbands, in the same breath, men are told to be respectful, considerate and loving to their wives.

Ningas Cogon

Ningas Cogon is another distinct Filipino trait. It is used to describe people who are overly enthusiastic when starting something but lose interest and leave things unfinished. Ningas means flame or fire while cogon is a type of thin dry grass. This grass easily catches fire, blazes uncontrollably and then dies out easily, therefore ningas cogon. But did you know that the Bible exhorts us to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith? And when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.