I asked some questions to my host father about Filipino characteristics.
Q. What is education like in your country?
A. Education is very important for Filipino because not all Filipino families are wealthy. It is the only way that Filipino parents can give to their children.
Q. What are family relationships like in your country?
A. Filipino families have very close ties. Children can stay with their parents as long as they want.
Q. What are your country’s cultural values?
A. One of the values of the Filipino is to save money for the future and spend time with family.
I guess that Filipino think that family is the most important thing. Also, they are kind to friends as well as family. Therefore, they treated us kindly as real family members and an old friend. In addition, when my host mother’s father passed away, she was busy with many things to do in the Philippines. During that, her friend helped her. For example, they pick my host brother up and drop him off at his house. I asked host father “why did they do that for you?” He said helping each other is important, so if they have a problem, I will help them. I was impressed with the way of thinking. I would like to treat my loved people like Filipinos.