As Filipinos, we love all sorts of gatherings. I would want to see these gatherings in a positive light. We seem to discuss a lot, anything and everything under the sun whenever there is an occasion. And if there is an occasion, we have so much appetite for story-telling and food. Hahahahahha!
Folks and kin gather whenever there is an occasion, may it be birthday, baptismal, graduation, wedding, promotion, farewell/arrival party, and even funeral. We seem to have a reason always to celebrate. I would want to take this as a way to gather and bond as a family. These may be impractical if to consider the finances involved. But, funny it is that as Filipinos, we seem to manage through just to celebrate. Financial crisis is least of our concerns. We anticipate these occasions very highly that we save for them and even loan from others. Impractical? Yes! But, we value more JOY and UNITY over material things.
We love merriment a lot. I wonder why? They say part of our culture is taken from the Spaniards liking for feasts and extravagance. Should we blame them? Let us blame them! hahahahha!
And in this culture, we manage to celebrate holidays almost every month throughout the year. In General Santos City, we just concluded our 70th Foundation Anniversary. It was a month-long celebration 
with various activities for the locals. Now, this is different from the Tuna Festival we celebrate every September.
Every barangay (the smallest government unit) has their feast day too. So, just imagine how many celebrations we have! Don't get me wrong but even if we love to celebrate, we are quite hard workers too. Perhaps, the value of patience, endurance and faith all are in the blood of every Filipino that amidst any crisis, we seem to make through with a happy and hopeful smile.
I manage to get the listing of 2008 national holidays just to prove my point.
| Regular Holidays | |
| Maundy Thursday | April 9 |
| Good Friday | April 10 |
| Araw ng Kagitingan | April 6 (Monday nearest April 9) |
| Labor Day | May 1 (Friday) |
| Independence Day | June 12 (Friday) |
| National Heroes Day | August 31 (Monday), Last Monday of August |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 (Monday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (Friday) |
| Rizal Day | December 30 (Wednesday) |
| Special (Non-working) Days | |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | August 21 (Friday) |
| All Saints Day | November 1 (Sunday) |
| Additional special (non-working) day | November 2 (Monday) |
| Additional special (non-working) day | December 24 (Thursday) |
| Last day of the year | December 31 (Thursday) |
For 2009, below is the partial list.
| Regular Holidays | |
| Maundy Thursday | April 9 |
| Good Friday | April 10 |
| Araw ng Kagitingan | April 6 (Monday nearest April 9) |
| Labor Day | May 1 (Friday) |
| Independence Day | June 12 (Friday) |
| National Heroes Day | August 31 (Monday), Last Monday of August |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 (Monday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (Friday) |
| Rizal Day | December 30 (Wednesday) |
| Special (Non-working) Days | |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | August 21 (Friday) |
| All Saints Day | November 1 (Sunday) |
| Additional special (non-working) day | November 2 (Monday) |
| Additional special (non-working) day | December 24 (Thursday) |
| Last day of the year | December 31 (Thursday) |
These holidays are different from the local holidays and religion-related feasts of the region. Is this value can be blamed too for the economic condition of the Filipino society? I pretty think so. I am quite a saver though an impulsive buyer at times. But, there are always contributing factors why the Philippine economy is not improving at all. For one, we can blame our over-do values.
I would welcome other inputs from fellow Filipinos and interested readers. These will make us understand our plight more as Filipinos and see ways how we can do better.
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