Every country in the world has its own range of

social phenomena which makes its culture unique; in

the Philippines, its the same as well.
With such a diverse demographic, its no wonder so
many social phenomena abound in the country and
which give us our unique Pinoy identity. And as we
are about to find out, these social phenomena make
the Philippines the country it is todaywithout them,
Pinoy culture just wouldnt feel the same anymore.
The study examines the concept of istambay and the
dynamics of inactivity in the lives of selected Filipino
youth. It illustrates the habitus, life contexts, and the
web of crises that these youth negotiate within the
protective realms of family and religion, and the
dismal labour conditions in the country.
Istambay is unfortunately prevalent among Filipino youth
esp males and contrary to the pop elief, istambays
are not neighborhood toughies too lazy to get a job

Kultura sa Pelikula at mga Pelikulang Nagpapausbong sa Kultura: Sanib-Puwersa

sa Adhikaing Pagsasabansa Tungo sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kulturang Pilipino
Encabo, Angelie G., Maglinte, Lucy C., Zafra, April P.

as we often like to stereotype them. The lack of

socio-economic

opportunities,

inability

of

government to fully address social problems, and

the close familial ties prevalent in Filipino culture all
contribute to th proliferation of istambays in the
country.
We are mired in poverty, huge budget deficits, a ballooning foreign
debt, and a fragile economy. Millions have no job and go to bed
hungry each night. Foreign interests increasingly dictate national
policies. Lack of political will and budgetary support make
promising laws stagnate. There is lawlessness and war in our
land. Our high literacy rates mean nothing when we can no
longer feed and house ourselves as a nation.

In politics, we are experiencing voiceless growth. Citizens, the true subjects of democracy, have no real voice in the
affairs of the state. Political dynasties continue to reign supreme in Philippine politics. Traditional politicians
in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government violate laws and regulations left and right
yet continue to justify these violations as their defense of law and order. The upper levels of the military are
highly politicized and corrupted. Government officials at all levels steal hundreds of billions every year from
the national budget. When citizens protest government wrongdoing and abuses, citizens are met with water
cannons and police brutality. Worst, some citizens become victims of unresolved extrajudicial killings. On top
of it all, the justice system is increasingly becoming corrupted, preventing citizens from obtaining relief from
the harm done to them. The growth of condominiums and malls hides the massive betrayal of democracy.

Kultura sa Pelikula at mga Pelikulang Nagpapausbong sa Kultura: Sanib-Puwersa

sa Adhikaing Pagsasabansa Tungo sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kulturang Pilipino
Encabo, Angelie G., Maglinte, Lucy C., Zafra, April P.

We think the problem is only out there. But, in truth, the problem is
also inside us. There is corruption and decline outside, because,
inside many of us, we have died to our ideals, to our sense of
freedom, courage, imagination, bayanihan, entrepreneurship, justice
and fair play. We have found the enemy and the enemy is us.
There is a universal truth that we ignore at our peril. The most
powerful governments and institutions exist only as long as citizens
allow their existence. Rizal said it more simply and directly. There are
no tyrants if there are no slaves.