In every countries, there are beliefs and traditions that make each one distinct and unique. Tradition is the transmission of beliefs from generation to generation. This is one way of preserving one's culture. We Filipinos are rich in beliefs and traditions like: couple's way of dating, marriage, games, religion, how we celebrate Christmas, foods, manners of dressing, structure of houses, and many more.
In Florentino's "The World is an Apple", shows Filipinos' simple way of living. It is the Father, called by Filipinos as "Haligi nang Tahanan", serves as the breadwinner, Mother on the other hand, "Ilaw nang Tahanan", do the household chores and house management. In the story, we can observe that social classes are that evident, wherein people who belong in the higher class has the power over the people beneath them. Another is the humility of the Filipinos, which can be read from Gloria's statements, the moment she get mad with her husband, Mario, for stealing a single apple, because according to her, apples are for rich people and for poor people like them, biscuits and porridge will do.
"The New Yorker in Tondo" by Marcelino Agana, we can sight Philippines as westernized country for Filipinos can easily imitate other countries' way of living especially from those of the west. Family Mendoza were not able to adjust immediately with the Filipino language, because of the so called, acculturation. But we cannot deny the fact that we are still Filipinos no matter what influences we are going to adapt. But, on the other side of the story, I admire Filipinos for aiming high and that determined to achieve their goals in life, just like what happened to Francesca, she had the opportunity to live in New York.
From Wilfrido Guerrero's "Three Rats", the same with "The World is an Apple", husband serves as the breadwinner and the wife stays and manage the home. In this story, we can witness how well Filipinos are oriented when it comes to relationships, especially with marriage, we consider this as sacred. Most of the Filipino couples celebrate "monthsaries" and "weeksaries", which are not yet found in the dictionary and only shows that we Filipinos were the ones who named these celebrations to be able to preserve and maintain the spark between a couple. Just like what Nita and Gonzalo are doing every month, that is to recall and give importance to the day of their marriage. We Filipinos possess kinship, in a way that we have strong relationships with other people even if we are not tied by blood. I am referring to the relationship that Gonzalo and Adrian have.
In "Sabina", written by Severino Montano, we can reflect it to the reality that Filipino families truly love one another and cared so much for each member. In the story, it is when Sabina and her family had confrontation with regards to her relationship with Mr. George, because her family were just concerned with her situation. Also, the story shows how religious we are, that is when Sabina's family gathered together and pray over her and their other concerns. Unlike other countries, they don't care of what might other people would think against them, but we Filipinos cared so much about it for we are maintaining a good reputation. And that Sabina's family was concerned of, because in their community, Sabina was being criticized by the people around them.
From Amelia Bonifacio's "Sepang Loca", it conveys Filipinos as concerned citizens of the society. Also, the amazing trait of Filipinos called "bayanihan", it is working hand in hand to help people who are in need. It was in the part of the story that most of the people in their community stayed all night just to search for Sepang's baby who fell on the deep well. Another trait of Filipinos shown in the story is being respectful to the elders, just like the respect they had given to Old Mother Elena and the rest of the elders. They also believe in saints, in a way that they do worship it, to be able to bear a child.
Because of the masterpieces of the authors long time ago, especially in Philippine plays, we were able to look back, to be reminded, to reminisce and preserve Filipinos' beliefs and traditions.
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