This German Lady Married a Filipino "Jeepney Driver” and Discovered KAPWA | The Culture Bearers 03

Summary

In this heartfelt narrative, Katrin, a German artist, shares her deep connection with Filipino culture. From her first experiences in the Philippines, including the warmth and hospitality of the people, to her studies in Filipino psychology, Katrin explores the spiritual and communal values that define the Filipino way of life. She reflects on the profound concept of KAPWA, the shared sense of interconnectedness, and the beauty of giving, serving, and loving others. Katrin's journey underscores the transformative impact of Filipino culture, which she believes has the potential to inspire and change the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filipinos have a unique ability to influence their partners, making them more relaxed, joyful, and less stressed, which is a spiritual and non-material aspect of Filipino culture.
• 😀 Katrin, a German artist, speaks about her deep admiration for the Filipino way of life, which she describes as both welcoming and communal.
• 😀 Katrin's journey to the Philippines began with her meeting her husband, a jeepney driver, and her immediate connection with the Filipino people, their hospitality, and the cultural exchange between Eastern and Western traditions.
• 😀 The Filipino concept of KAPWA (shared identity) fascinated Katrin, who learned about it during her studies in Filipino psychology, eventually leading her to a PhD in the subject.
• 😀 Katrin emphasizes that KAPWA can be seen throughout Filipino culture, from offering food to sharing personal spaces like sleeping in a host's bed instead of on the floor.
• 😀 The Filipino practice of offering food, even when it's not expected to be taken, symbolizes the sharing of energy and care, a concept Katrin had to learn.
• 😀 Katrin was struck by how Filipino artists are open about sharing their techniques and knowledge, contrasting this with the more guarded attitude of German artists.
• 😀 The concept of KAPWA was reinforced in Filipino classroom settings, where shared meals and collective participation were central to the learning experience, unlike the typical individualistic classroom approach Katrin was accustomed to in Germany.
• 😀 Katrin reflects on how her relationship with her Filipino husband, Kidlat, has transformed her perspective, allowing her to embrace a more open and warmhearted way of being.
• 😀 Katrin believes that the unique Filipino way of living—rooted in community, warmth, and service to others—can contribute something essential to the world, with the potential to 're-educate' and 're-populate' it in a way that no other culture can.

Q & A

What fascinates Katrin about Filipinos?

Katrin is fascinated by the spiritual, non-material side of Filipino culture, particularly the way Filipinos change their partners, making them smoother, happier, and less stressed.

How did Katrin's life change after meeting her husband?

After meeting her husband, Katrin transitioned from having a boyfriend to marrying a jeepney driver. This led her to explore the Philippines, its people, and eventually Filipino psychology.

What was Katrin’s reaction to the hospitality she experienced in the Philippines?

Katrin was deeply touched by the Filipino tradition of hospitality, such as being offered a guest's own bed to sleep in, which is a stark contrast to German customs.

What did Katrin find particularly moving about her husband's mother?

Katrin was moved by how her husband's mother covered her naturally beautiful, brown face with white powder, which made Katrin question why Filipinos would hide their own beauty to fit Western beauty standards.

What is KAPWA, and how did Katrin become involved with it?

KAPWA is a Filipino philosophy related to the interconnectedness of people. Katrin was introduced to it by Dr. Virgilio Enrique, and through this, she developed a deep interest in Filipino psychology, eventually earning a PhD in the field.

How did Katrin feel about Filipino artists sharing their techniques?

Katrin was amazed by how Filipino artists, like Pandy Aviado and Ben Cab, openly shared their techniques, contrasting this with the more secretive nature of German artists.

What is the communal aspect of Filipino culture that Katrin admires?

Katrin admires the communal aspect of Filipino culture, where people share food, resources, and energy with each other. This is reflected in gatherings where everyone contributes and shares, creating a collective experience.

What impact has living with Kidlat had on Katrin’s perspective?

Living with Kidlat has deeply influenced Katrin’s view on life. She believes that being in a culture where individualism is less emphasized and emotional walls can be broken down leads to greater warmth and connection.

What did Katrin’s son say when asked about his purpose in life?

Katrin’s son expressed that his purpose was to love people, make them happy, and serve them. This aligns with the essence of KAPWA and Filipino culture, where the focus is on shared humanity and service.

Why does Katrin believe Filipinos have a unique potential to impact the world?

Katrin believes that Filipinos have a unique ability to re-educate and re-populate the world due to their emphasis on connection, warmth, and service, qualities that can change and influence global culture.