The Philippine society then and now is an epitome that nothing is constant in this world except

change. This has been widely accepted and practiced by each Filipino in this modern era for
some reasons, mainly either for conformity’s sake or colonial consciousness. The results from
the interview conducted are discussed by significant key points that encompass the shifting of
this country from the old good days to contemporary times.

1. Linguistic Affiliation

Then: As seen in the past evidences such as old newspaper or a diary, our ancestors have used
Filipino and/or Spanish as the primary medium of their communication, though many regions
have developed their own dialects. They were very particular of the specific words to be used
even in Spanish which has been a compulsory subject to be taught in school.

Now: Many Filipino youth or even adults are engaged to adapting colloquial or slang words
since these are what they considered as “in” language. Letters are being rearranged to form
new words such as talo=olat, mismo=omsim, and the like. With this evolution of language
usage, some students tend to forget the essence of constructing Filipino sentences in a formal
way.

2. Leadership and Politics

Then: Going back to the olden times, Filipinos are used to be dominated by clans and political
elite, affecting the sound decision-making in every right to exercise their votes. The concept of
“utang na loob” ruled most of the voters’ integrity by accepting monetary favors in return of
voting the involved. However, it has not been as worse as today’s political situation.

Now: It is not about the credentials earned; it is about the popularity. This is how leadership
and politics being viewed now since most of the ruling parties are those coming from
entertainment industry or prominent families. Uneducated voters are being manipulated as the
key towards political success, similar to the support coming from the military and the Church.
Charges of graft and corruption are very common among the government officials at all levels.
Filipinos are not even surprised whenever there is election fraud since it has been happening
ever since.

3. Education

Then: Every Filipino schooler is certainly aware of the past educational system in the Philippines
where only men are given the privilege to formal education while women are mandated to do
the household chores since they believed that women’s role is meant for household and
childcare.

Now: The “Education for All” is implemented to every educational institution, giving every
Filipino the easy access to formal education. Curriculum has changed when K-12 was adapted.
This type of curriculum is the mandatory act of additional two years of education as a
preparation for global competitiveness and 21st century skills.

4. Courtship and Marriage

Then: Doing Harana, writing letters, and asking permission to the woman’s parents before
dating her were the expression of love and courtship tradition. Man has to pass by the eye of
the needle before getting approval from the woman that he is courting to. Marriage is
considered a very sacred commitment.

Now: Couples court each other through instant message and social media. Online dating app is
a means to searching the love of their life, even if it costs them to settle for less. Marriage and
annulment are as easy as ABC and 123 since everything is already instant.

5. Literature

Then: Classical stories were the treasured ones. Most authors leave the readers with their own
perspective, based on their personal experience, societal condition, or political context. Among
the best examples were the undying Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo written by our
honorable Dr. Jose Rizal.

Now: More people are now fond of Wattpad stories or worse, they are not already voracious
readers. This has nothing against the preference of the youth when it comes to reading but
Philippine classical literature is becoming unrecognizable.

6. Information and Technology

Then: Daily events information was not easily accessible before since technology was not that
fully developed. Only people who can afford buying a radio or a black and white Television set
have the information updated from time to time. The olden time civilization had to exert more
efforts when it comes to transportation and production.

Now: Innovation has risen. Everything can be made in almost just a snap of a finger. The
access to information can be done in few seconds with the help of internet equipment. For this
reason, technology has brought the Filipinos to such easy living and fast progress.