Survey: Philippines most unhappy in all Asia

[number001]

Grin and Buy It: Turning Happiness Into Cash
By JEFFREY ZASLOW

. . .

The increased interest in happiness research comes at a time when a recently published study concluded that Asians are among the world's glummest people. Five Asian markets — the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong — were among the top 10 "unhappiest," according to a study published last month by global market research concern GfK NOP, which surveyed more than 30,000 people in 30 markets about satisfaction in areas such as relationships, work, income, spending habits and sleep. (Australians were found to be the "happiest" in the study, followed by respondents in the U.S.)

Asians often score relatively low on such global happiness surveys, social scientists say, partly because of differing cultural views of what defines happiness. Researchers such as Eunkook Suh, a professor of sociology at Yonsei University in Seoul, are studying how Asian perceptions of happiness differ from the West. Asians tend to view happiness as a sign of sloth and selfishness, he says. For example, one study he is working on appears to show that South Koreans view happiness as a "zero-plus gain … if I take happiness from the world, somebody else will be less happy," Mr. Suh says. Stiff competition for a limited number of places at prestigious universities and companies reinforces such attitudes, he adds.

. . .

That's funny, I think Time Magazine recently ran an article on happiness a year or two ago that basically expressed astonishment in the Filipino's resilience and never failing to smile (therefore being happy) in the face of unceasing adversities.

[BlueBimmer]

no money no happy hehe

[ranod55]

kung sino man 'yung nag survey ako ang hindi happy para sa kanya o' sa kanila baka naman yung nag survey ay ang natanungan eh may problema,talaga ngan hindi sya happy at malamang masuntok pa cya

[uls]

one of the happiest people ang pinoys.

One indicator is the fact that our suicide rate is very low compared to the high suicide rates in Japan, America, and Europe.

[chua_riwap]

Kalokohan yan!

Sabi nga ng iba, "ang mga Pinoys, kahit may problema, nakukuha pa ring ngumiti1"

[chua_riwap]

Kalokohan yan!

Sabi nga ng iba, "ang mga Pinoys, kahit may problema, nakukuha pa ring ngumiti!"

[Flagg]

Baka naman kasi 2 yrs ago buhay pa si FPJ, pero ngayon patay na Da King...

[Josh0027]

not being pessimistic but who can smile nowadays? maybe it's all in the mind :D

[uls]

di ako naniniwala na di happy ang pinoy...

ang pinoy lagi happy-happy.... lasheng-lasheng.... kanta-kanta...

Tambay, walang trabaho, walang pera... no problem... happy-happy parin!

[empy]

i think the definition of "happy" is being interpreted differently by this author.

looking at the categories that were surveyed (quoted below), i don't think the conclusion is that pinoys are less cheerful, don't smile a lot or know how to have fun. i think that the conclusion is that pinoys are less satisfied or optimistic about their income, lifestyle, growth opportunities, and their relationships

does that make more sense?

study published last month by global market research concern GfK NOP, which surveyed more than 30,000 people in 30 markets about satisfaction in areas such as relationships, work, income, spending habits and sleep

[squala]

I think the article is on happiness in the mind and emotions, and not physical happiness. Many of us Pinoys get to smile even when we have lots of problems, whether financial, romantic, whatsoever. Sa totoo lang, marami sa atin ang pakitang-tao, unlike Western people who are frank enough to express their true feelings.

[oldblue]

happy naman ang mga pinoys. happy sa kalokohan

[Flagg]

Happy kaya si Tiburcio Calvo? Naka-3 thread na sya d2...

[Isuzoom]

Hahahaha sino nagsabi pinoy hindi happy? Bwahahahahahaha!!!

[nicolodeon]

IMO, the...main ingredient of the happiness recipe that the author of the article is referring to is financial and monetary. If you look at the countries that mentioned in the article, these are only some of the countries in Asia. Where are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore. I've been in Laos and Cambodia lotsa times and I tell you that compared to majority of their populace, we Filipinos are happy compared to them, we're luckier and we have better opportunities.

[Isuzoom]

pinoy unhappy? hahaha hihihihi hehehehe Crispin?....Basilio?......hihihihi

[jedi]

either way... pangit pa din magiging impression sa mga pinoy ng survey na yan... para sakin... kapag sinabi mong pinoy ang pinaka HINDI happy... eh para mo na din sinabing di tayo friendly na nakadugtong sa pagiging hospitable nating mga pinoy. It will surely distract tourist para magvisit sa pinas. opninion ko lang po, coz from the survey title "UNHAPPY ASIA" very negative na agad ang dating.

[uls]

mas malungkot pa nga mga tao sa industrialized world. They have all the material things but they still shoot themselves in the head or hang themselves or jump out windows.

What they dont have is strong family ties. Thats the filipino strength. Add to that the Christian faith.

[empy]

tayo tayo na naman ang nagdi-discussion dito sa panibagong thread :bwahaha:

[box_type]

hahahahaha.....hihihihi.....hehehe....huhuhuhu???