The family is the centre of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends.
People get strength and stability from their family. As such, many children have several godparents.
Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage provided to family members when they seek employment.
It is common for members of the same family to work for the same company.
In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that preferential hiring will be given to family members.
Filipino Concept of Shame
Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour.
It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal norms of behaviour.
Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards of behaviour and if they fail to do so they bring shame not only upon themselves, but also upon their family.
One indication of this might be a willingness to spend more than they can afford on a party rather than be shamed by their economic circumstances.
If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.