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Pakikisama
Pakikisama (Bisaya: Pakigdait, Kalinaw), which roughly translates to peace, is considered to be a very common Filipino trait. The word 'pakikisama' stems from the Tagalog word 'sama' and prefix 'paki,' which translates to "to accompany, to go along with" and "please." Pakikisama, however, may roughly translate to "getting along" or "preserving peace." It is important to note that this Filipino trait is most notably practiced in group settings. Pakikisama implies fulfilling expectations of being together by making efforts not to displease others. This means confirming to the majority of the group regardless of the actions taking place.

Pakikisama in Literature

Pakikisama is described by Feliciano (1990) in "Positive Filipino Values" as an essential Filipino trait. This trait is correlated with the Filipino's desire to be treated equally. In a research that studied 24 Filipino literary documents written by Filipino authors who focused on personality traits and values, Pakikisama was mentioned in 21 out of the 24 documents. These literary documents were collected from the libraries of the University of the Philippines, the University of Ateneo, and the Universty of Mindanao, among others. Panopio and Rolda (2000) mentioned in their book, Society and Culture, that Pakikisama is about going along with others regardless of disinterest in suggestions or plans.

Pakikisama Practiced in the Philippines

Pakikisama is a trait praticed in multiple group settings; friends and peers, family, workplace, church, and national development.

Pakikisama may be described as both a positive and negative Filipino triat. As it is mostly practiced in group settings, the trait is heavily influenced by those around us. In a positive light, it may influence people to participate in healthy activities or attend to responsiblities instead of ignoring these altogether. On the other hand, Pakikisama may equally be the cause for immoral practices depending on those you are around. A classic example would be a friend group trying out drugs and one not wanting to participate in said activity. In order to avoid being a "kill-joy" or someone to ruin the freind group's plans, the one will end up participating in the activity anyway to preserve peace and good-will among his peers.

In a family setting, pakikisama is more harmony-oriented. This may be related to the Filipino traits of having an open house to any visitor, hospitality, and warmth. Pakikisama may also be used in teaching children how to take part in the responsibilities of the household.

In the workplace, we might see how pakikisama works as a good motivation tool in team settings. Pakikisama may also aid in uniting officemates in accomplishing tasks and responsibilities. Looking at the workplace as a hierarchy, pakikisama would also bridge the gap between superiors and subordinates by creating a harmony or common understanding between the levels. Though it has its benefits, pakikisama may also be abused in the workplace when using those in a friend group to get one's way with illegal or improper actions.

Pakikisama is also commonly practiced in the church. Given that the Philippines is a dominantly Catholic country, we see how the church is always closely tied with each community around it. The Priest becomes a leader who practices pakikisama by being available to serve, to visit community members' houses, hearing out the concerns of his community, and advising them accordingly. Isidro (1995) talks about pakikisama in the Church in his book, Reviving and developing desirable values in Filipino boys and girls; "To do one's duty to God is to do good things to other people and to be an active participating citizen."

In terms of nation-building, pakikisama becomes an aid in bringing together Filipinos of different social, political, ethnic, and economic backgrounds in hopes of bringing about progress in the country. Andres (1994) mentions that "the Philippines is where it is today because it failed to harness the positive side of Pakikisama that should unify and reconcileFilipinos towards national values or goals."