KEY POINTS
- Maria Clara, with her demure demeanour and devout religiosity, represents an archetype deeply rooted within the Filipino culture.
- As the dynamics continue to evolve, the essence of Maria Clara undergoes a transformation but her values of purity and modesty remain timeless.
Maria Clara, with her demure demeanour and devout religiosity, represents an archetype deeply rooted within the Filipino culture. She epitomises the ideals of purity, modesty, and familial loyalty which are still revered by many.
In an interview with SBS Filipino, high school teacher Candice Vitug, medical student Michelle Ira Padua, and behavioural therapist Cristine Enero share how the Maria Clara virtues still influence their life decisions up until today.
Still living with the parents after 18
Despite living in a time marked by independence, they find themselves still residing under the same roof as their parents. In Western cultures, moving out before marriage is common. However, in the Filipino culture, staying with family is often valued for practical and familial reasons.
"My practical thinking is that I can save on rent, and save money," shares Ira.
Act like a lady
For Cristine, reminiscing about her upbringing in the Philippines brings out memories of her grandmother's firm hand and unwavering commitment to upholding Maria Clara values.
“My grandma was strict. She was upholding the Maria Clara values and I feel like because she used the same method for my mum and I, we became rebellious growing up. But my mum, she’s not very strict but she wants to know where I am, or if I’m like showing too much skin, she’d be like cover that a little bit.”
For Ira, growing up with two sisters, she reflects on how they were always reminded to conduct themselves with dignity and grace.
"If they saw something that was messy they'd be like "kababae mong tao (You're a woman, you should act like one)."
Curfew
Living under the watchful eyes of parents can sometimes evoke feelings of pressure and expectation. For Candice, as the only daughter, she feels the weight of unspoken restrictions and societal norms, manifesting in curfews and parental scrutiny.
“It’s not directly said, but you feel it. Because I’m the only girl I must beg my parent's months in advance before I can go overseas compared to my brothers. I have felt there are more restrictions. I have a 9pm curfew at 25 years old.”
Relationship and Courtship
In the matters of the heart, Maria Clara's influence remains apparent for them. Ira shares that she yearns for the traditional courtship.
“As a Filipino, what’s ingrained in my mind is the courtship. I want that for myself. I want him to court me and my parents first, to gain my trust and affection before we become official.”
She adds drawing from her experience in dating someone from a different culture, the clash of cultures becomes evident highlighting the complexities of navigating cultural differences in modern romance.
“In Western culture, meeting the parents in the early stage of dating is a big deal. It would probably mean you will get engaged. Non Filipinos would say why do I have to meet your parents?"
For Cristine, embracing Maria Clara's virtues means taking a deliberate approach to courtship. Her desire for a slow-paced courtship reflects a longing to experience the reverence and respect inherent in Filipino customs, mirroring Maria Clara's dignified demeanour.
"We didn’t hold hands straight away. I just wanted to take things slow. I’ve seen courtship back in the Philippines, and I wanted to experience that.
The modern Filipina
As the dynamics continue to evolve, the essence of Maria Clara undergoes a transformation. While her values of purity and modesty remain timeless, her influence extends beyond the pages of the book, shaping the lives and identities of modern-day Filipinas who navigate the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing progress.
'Love Down Under' is SBS Filipino's podcast series on love, relationship, family and culture.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
Do the virtues of Maria Clara still resonate within the lives of second-generation Australians?
SBS Filipino
36:01
