Here's one very interesting topic for discussion. Hope Filipinos in this forum can contribute their thoughts to this topic.

Early this year, Survey Research Hong Kong released the Asia-wide Happiness Survey. And Filipinos topped the list being happier individuals than any other Asians. The survey showed that despite poverty, 94 percent of Filipinos are more contented with their lives.

This isn't surprising really. Because when you come to the Philippines, smiling faces are everywhere. We have experienced so many tragedies and adversities as a nation and yet, we always believe that everything can become better. Our positive attitude has become our coping mechanism.

Hmmm...so what else do you think contributes to Filipinos' happy disposition?

Pokkha,

I have always considered Filipinos to be happy people. That is also why I like the country so much. As to why you have this positive attitude, I have really no explanation.

But I am curious: What does the rest of the list of Asia happiness look like?

John

I like your country where I came several times as official or on vacation. I often said that Philippinas could be my better choise for a regional HQ for companies, but you never give us shared articles on the black side of your country : corruption, mafia, kidnaps, political murders, muslim attacks and so on

I think we should think about what the real definition of happiness is, complacency and the right values.

Interesting point. I don't know how the survey defined happines. Maybe Pokkha could enlighten us on that?

What would be your definition, Linsi?

John

John, let me get back to you on that. I don't remember exactly the metrics that the survey used. Haha.

hello john

in my own point of view, i always refer and strongly believe in Maslow's Hierarchy of needs to acquire happiness and harmony.

outside of these will fall into complacency or surrender

although nothing on earth is " ABSOLUTE"



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/maslow/

I'm sure the rest of us wouldn't mind being 'light' on this topic since it is trying to focus on something uniquely positive about Filipinos. Nothing wrong with that right? So friends, guide the spotlight to where it's supposed to be.

Just to help Pokkha out with her question, "What else do you think contributes to the Filipinos' happy disposition?", lemme add tabs:

1.) We always (repeat, ALWAYS) believe that GOD has our backs covered... That's enough to make us smile and continue threading through life.

2.) Almost all Filipinos has that unique wit & humour complemented by the strong & close family ties. You'll always get the feeling that you're home no matter where you are in the Philippines. On foreign land, bring at least 3 Filipinos together and you're sure to get that same unique ambiance without much effort. We'd always find something to be happy about.

3.) Weird is ordinary for Filipinos.

4.) Average Filipinos would find Survivor or Fear Factor "a walk in the Luneta park"

5.) Almost all Filipinos are aware and has accepted the fact that life is hard and pressing since Day 1 so crying sad is a useless option, we cry laughing while doing something about that pressure. What else could be more original than that?

I know that everybody has the right to express his/her opinion but on this particular post, I think Filipinos are the "appropriate and intended" contributors. I also know that since a 'comparison' has been made, it's only understandable that this would raise eyebrows, to whomever they may belong. Let's just focus on the light side of things.

As for the "negative" traits or occurences in our country, I don't think this is the right place to address that. We can do that by opening another topic.


Let the ball roll more guys. Cheers!

We are just happy being happy people of Asia. We never forget to put smiles on our faces even in the middle of a difficult situation or in front of strangers.

How can Filipinos happier than other with so many communist and islamic insurgencies, so difference between rich and poor, with kidnapping, killing of political activists, so many people obliged to go to work abroad ?