Raising children with a love for their heritage is a delicate art. This is especially true when they are growing up in a world filled with global influences. As a parent, I often found myself walking the tightrope between sharing our Filipino identity and avoiding the trap of force-feeding nationalism.
I want my kids to appreciate our culture not just through obvious Pinoy symbols like the barong, adobo, or OPM music, but through a deeper connection that makes them proud to say, “I’m Filipino.”
This journey hasn’t always been easy. At times, my children questioned why they should even care about Filipino customs, or worse: why we had to speak Filipino at all. It forced me to reflect: Was I teaching them to love the Philippines, or just insisting that they should?
The Mistake of saying “because I said so”
Like many Filipino parents, I initially thought that instilling national pride would be simple: talk about our history, teach the language, insist on using “po” and “opo,” and serve Filipino dishes at dinner.
But here’s what actually happened:
My son asked why Jose Rizal had so many statues if he “got shot in the end.”
My daughter whined that speaking Filipino in public made her sound “weird” compared to her classmates.
Both groaned during Harana music or when I played Nora Aunor films.
I realised that my approach was more about compliance than connection. I was creating resistance and not love.
Connecting without preaching
So I stepped back. I started looking for ways to integrate the Philippines into their lives without making it a requirement. Here’s what I learned works better:
Make it part of everyday life, not an annoying sermon.
Instead of forcing culture into “lessons,” I wove it into normal activities.
- Food: We cooked sinigang together and talked about how every region has its own version.
- Music: I played OPM remixes during car rides, letting them discover the beat before I explained the lyrics.
- Stories: I shared aswang tales not to scare them, but to show the richness of our folklore.
Use Filipino pop culture as a bridge
TikTok dances to Ben&Ben, watching Trese on Netflix, or rooting for Filipino athletes like Hidilyn Diaz made more impact than history books. These modern-day heroes and icons helped redefine “Filipino pride” on their terms.
Let them ask questions, even the hard ones
When my daughter asked why we had so many poor people, I didn’t sugarcoat it. I explained about corruption, inequality, and how OFWs support our economy. It led to a powerful talk about resilience and the sakripisyo many Filipinos make.
Some parents may wonder, is there an actual obligation to teach children about being Filipino? The answer lies partly in the law—but with a human heart.
In fact, there are. These laws aim to instil a strong sense of Filipino identity through education and cultural preservation. Republic Act No. 1425 (Rizal Law) and Article XIV, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution mandate that schools nurture national pride, moral character, and civic duty, while Republic Act No. 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act) promotes the protection and appreciation of Filipino heritage, encouraging all citizens—including families—to value local culture and history.
So yes, while schools must do their part, homes are where the puso ng pagka-Pilipino is truly planted.
Travel as a teacher
Travelling to culturally rich places in the Philippines like Intramuros, the Ifugao rice terraces, or Davao’s Roxas Night Market gave our kids a deeper, more personal understanding of Filipino identity. These experiences weren’t about luxury, but about seeing history, resilience, and community come alive that lessons no classroom could fully teach.
Ultimately, love for country isn’t about blind loyalty. It’s about belonging.
I stopped demanding answers to questions like:
“Do you love the Philippines?”
Instead, I asked:
“What do you like most about being Filipino?”
Their answers were refreshingly honest:
“Our jokes are funnier.”
“We eat together even when there’s a typhoon.”
“Lola always prays for us even if she can’t visit.”
It wasn’t about waving flags. It was about warmth, connection, and meaning.
What you can do as a parent (or educator)
As parents and educators, it’s important to nurture love for the Philippines without using guilt or pressure—allow pride to grow naturally through genuine connection. Show balanced patriotism by acknowledging the country’s challenges while remaining hopeful.
For children with mixed backgrounds, embracing dual identities enriches their sense of self, not weakens it. Involve them in community efforts or local initiatives to help them see Filipino values in action.
Final thoughts
Teaching kids to love the Philippines isn’t about memorising heroes or singing the national anthem loudest. It’s about planting seeds—through stories, food, music, connection, and empathy.
Some may grow fast, others slowly. Some might question, some might rebel. But if we allow space for love to grow without force, we might just raise a generation that treasures being Filipino—not out of obligation, but from the heart.