Beyond Karaoke: How Filipino Values Shape Us as International Educators

Picture a room filled with vibrant energy—laughter, drinks clinking, and the hum of a karaoke machine waiting for its next tune. One by one, people step up, singing their hearts out to old ballads and modern hits. There’s something special about a Filipino karaoke night; it breaks down barriers, turning strangers into friends. But it’s more than just the music. It’s some of our deeply embedded cultural values coming to life. These values also represent traits and ideals that guide our behavior, how we show up in the world, build connections, and create a sense of belonging—especially in international school settings, where fostering community is key.

Recently, during one of my AIELOC Filipino affinity group sessions, I was reminded of just how deeply these values influence our lives. Even though we were Zooming in from different corners of the world, with vastly different stories and experiences, we were all connected by the same core values that have been passed down through generations. These ideals—like bayanihan, kapwa, and diskarte, to name a few—not only guide us but allow us to thrive in international schools, where we are often in the minority but still manage to build meaningful relationships and succeed in our field. Reflecting on my own journey as an international educator and how my Filipino heritage has shaped me inspired me to write this article.

For schools that have Filipino educators on staff, this piece is a window into how we see the world and why we approach things the way we do. If you’re looking to tap into the full potential of your Filipino colleagues, this is your roadmap. And for those considering to diversify their recruitment, I hope this offers insight into the unique strengths Filipinos can bring to the table—because trust me, we’ve got much more to offer beyond the karaoke stage.

FIlipino Values and Ideals:

Kapwa: The Filipino Concept of Shared Identity

At the heart of Filipino culture is kapwa, the belief that our identity is shared with others. We are deeply relational beings, and this sense of connection drives how we interact with our environment. When I enter a new school or country, my first instinct is to build relationships—not just as a professional obligation, but because it’s intrinsic to how I view the world. I see every colleague, student, and parent as part of my extended network, and my success is tied to theirs.

In an international context, this means that Filipino educators like myself tend to foster community naturally. We thrive in environments where collaboration is valued, and we bring an innate understanding of the importance of relationships, both for personal growth and for the larger well-being of the school. Schools that recognize this can leverage our relational approach to strengthen community bonds and support inclusive practices.

Bayanihan and Hospitality: Collective Effort with Warmth and Care

Two of the most integral Filipino values that have shaped my journey as an international educator are bayanihan (collective effort) and hospitalidad (hospitality). Together, they represent a unique combination of teamwork and genuine warmth that we Filipinos bring into any space.

Bayanihan reflects the Filipino spirit of collective action, where everyone contributes to the greater good. In Filipino culture, it’s common to see people step in to help a neighbor in need, and this collaborative mindset easily translates into the world of education. As a Filipino educator, we naturally go beyond our roles, offering help to colleagues, students, and even parents whenever necessary, because we see their success as tied to our own.

Paired with bayanihan is our inherent sense of hospitalidad, a form of hospitality that goes beyond mere politeness. It’s about making others feel welcome, cared for, and valued. In every international school I’ve worked in, my first instinct has always been to create a welcoming environment—not just for my students, but for the entire community. This warmth manifests in how we interact with others, whether it’s taking time to connect with a new colleague or ensuring that students feel supported and heard.

In schools, these two values—bayanihan and hospitalidad—work in harmony to build stronger, more cohesive communities. Filipino educators can be invaluable in leading community-building initiatives, student support systems, or parent engagement programs where warmth and collaboration are needed to create inclusive, respectful spaces.

Bahala Na: Embracing Positivity and Flexibility

Filipinos are known for their bahala na attitude, often interpreted as “come what may.” While it may seem like a passive approach, it is actually rooted in positivity and resilience. We embrace uncertainty, knowing that we will make things work regardless of the challenges. This adaptability has been a key asset in my journey as an international educator. Every new school, country, or culture comes with its own set of challenges, but the Filipino mindset is to face those challenges head-on, with faith that things will work out.

It’s important to note that while this attitude may appear as though we are downplaying challenges or not extremely invested in worrying, the truth is, we are deeply engaged, and we care a lot. Bahala na is less about ignoring difficulties and more about trusting in our ability to navigate them with resilience and resourcefulness. We know that challenges are inevitable, but instead of allowing them to paralyze us, we keep moving forward with hope and determination.

Diskarte: Resourcefulness and Ingenuity

Another essential value in Filipino culture is diskarte, a term that encapsulates resourcefulness and ingenuity. Filipinos are known for their ability to find creative solutions, especially in challenging situations. Whether it’s making the most of limited resources or thinking outside the box, diskarte reflects the Filipino knack for problem-solving in the face of adversity.

In my experience as an international educator, this value has played a significant role in navigating the complexities of different school environments. When faced with limited time, resources, or support, Filipino educators often rely on diskarte to get things done. It’s about making things work, no matter the odds, and finding practical, effective ways to overcome obstacles.

Malasakit: Genuine Care and Compassion

At the core of Filipino culture is the value of malasakit, which translates to a deep sense of compassion, concern, and care for others. It goes beyond simple empathy—it’s about having a sincere commitment to the well-being of the people around us. For Filipinos, malasakit means looking out for others, stepping in when help is needed, and genuinely wanting to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

In schools, malasakit can be a powerful force for creating a nurturing and supportive environment. Filipino educators, when empowered to lead in pastoral roles, student support, or well-being initiatives, naturally bring this deep care and concern into their work. Whether it’s offering extra help to a struggling student, providing emotional support during difficult times, or building trust with parents, this value ensures that the people in our communities feel valued and cared for.

Maximizing Filipino Strengths in Your School

By recognizing these deep-rooted values—kapwa, bayanihan, diskarte, and malasakit to name a few—schools can better understand how to leverage the strengths that Filipino educators bring to their communities. We naturally thrive in environments where relationships, collaboration, and compassion are valued, and we contribute to building stronger, more inclusive educational spaces.

In the end, while Filipinos may be known for their karaoke prowess, it’s our deep-rooted values that truly shape our impact in the world of international education. Kapwa connects us to others, bayanihan drives us to work for the collective good, bahala na empowers us to face challenges with hope, diskarte ensures we can adapt and thrive, and malasakit reminds us to care deeply for those around us. These values aren’t just traits we carry—they are the foundations of how we build community, foster relationships, and overcome obstacles. Schools that embrace and recognize these strengths will unlock a wealth of talent, compassion, and leadership that will only enrich their communities. Because at the end of the day, we Filipinos bring so much more to the table than just a great karaoke tune.