The word ‘ambisyosa’, the Filipino for ‘ambitious’, has historically carried a rather negative connotation. The term has often been used to shame people who desire more than what they have, most especially those who aspire to live a better, more comfortable life or those with a taste for the finer things in life. For many people, being ‘ambisyosa’ was a way to criticize their high aspirations, labeling them as arrogant or sometimes even delusional. If I count the times I’ve been called the word meant to hurt my feelings—the times my aspirations and ambitions were deemed too bold—I will not have enough fingers. And oftentimes I wonder, why is striving for a better life seen as something wrong? Shouldn’t we be happy for people who want to go beyond what they’re sprawled into?

Defining The Word

In our culture, the concept of success has been often intertwined with modesty, and aspiring for too much was considered illusory and out of place. This often meant that people who dared to dream beyond their current circumstances were criticized. In my observation, and perhaps in yours as well, the term ‘ambisyosa’ was hurled at those of us who expressed a desire for more than what our situations dictated. Whether it was wanting a bigger house, a greater career, or a more comfortable life, aspiring for things like these was seen as “too much”.

It reinforces a sense of internal struggle within women. The push and pull between wanting to succeed and the fear of being judged, the desire to be independent, and the longing for societal acceptance. It was a constant negotiation, a balancing act. Conformity with the constant wonderment of what if, or rebellion with fulfillment? The label was used to push us back into a humble box, where we were expected to be content with what we had. But why should we feel guilty for wanting more? And why was that considered offensive?

It’s people’s way of making themselves feel better. More often than not, when they point out something they don’t like about another person, it stems from two reasons: either they see something about the person they can’t have themselves, like the strength or determination to aim for more, or the faith they have to believe they’ll have more, or they see a part of themselves they don’t like, and instead of mustering the time and courage to address that, they point that part out to the other person. Either way, it gives them some sort of scapegoat to make themselves feel better about not addressing their own issues. In illustration, that older relative who told you you’re too ambitious to think you’d make it as a doctor or a lawyer might just be projecting on her own insecurities about not having taken the chance to do the same when the time was right for her.

This culture of bringing other people down for something completely unharmful and even healthy is undoubtedly one of the most toxic traits one can have. For years on years, the term ‘ambisyosa’ was used to suppress personal growth, with people being shamed for aspiring for better lives. It discouraged people from pursuing dreams, especially if those dreams involved financial success or upward mobility. This stifling of ambition led to a culture of complacency, where individuals were afraid to challenge the status quo or think beyond their current circumstances. It even reinforced gender norms that often deemed ambition unacceptable for women, further limiting their freedom to explore their potential without judgement. Shifting the narrative about this seemingly simple yet greatly impactful word – redefining its connotation – was beyond necessary to encourage people to freely express themselves, end the feelings of guilt for wanting more, and curate a society that values personal growth and progress.

The Word Redefined

There are many factors as to how the shift in the connotation of the ‘ambisyosa’ is perceived. Small and big, these factors served to be very instrumental in redefining a once such demeaning word. Over the years, many success stories of self-made individuals rose on the internet; these stories came in many forms. From articles about their journeys to TikTok videos narrating how they triumphed against poverty. People who were brave enough to open this up to the world highlighted that with ambition and hard work, remarkable achievements are not impossible. They help people see ambition as something to be admired, not something to be ashamed of. It is people like that who know not to let the hurdle of a word stop them from getting what they want.

Contrasting the very regressive manner in which the whole idea of the word ‘ambisyosa’ is presented, the slow but sure change in gender norms, and the growing acceptance of women in leadership roles also factor in this elating shift. Women who were once just told they can’t do what men can, have been proving society wrong for years, and even more so in the previous ones. They are an inspiration to people, especially the youth, as they show that ambition knows no gender.

The way society’s collective yet unconscious effort to redefine a word once meant to hurt, truly proves how much progress we’ve made as a whole. There are obviously still many issues to tackle and work through, but, this is a really good start. When people no longer feel ashamed of their ambitions, they’re more likely to pursue their goals confidently. Because what we don’t realize about ambition is how big of a factor it plays in our lives. Our ambitions are what fuel us. Our ambitions are what push us to work. Our ambitions keep us on our feet and with our wits about. It teaches us things about ourselves, specifically about what we’re capable of, what we’re good at, and just how much we’re willing to do to get where we want to go. Our ambitions are more than just dreams and aspirations; they’re a mirror of who we want to be and the success we’re bound to face. A person with no ambition will have no drive to do anything productive for himself, let alone contribute to society. And as the shame of being called ‘ambisyosa’ deterred and continuously deterred, there is more space for people, especially the youth, to foster their ambitions, creating more successful individuals who are able to contribute to society’s progress.

Ambisyosa Ako

The cultural shift away from seeing ‘ambisyosa’ as offensive is a much-needed change in the country. It allows us to embrace our ambitions and redefine what success means. Picture a group of young women laughing and using the word ‘ambisyosa’ amongst themselves, but with big smiles. It’s a reclamation, a way of owning a word that was once used to diminish them, turning the word into a badge of honor, a symbol of determination. It’s like a shared secret, a way of saying, “Yes, I have ambition, and I’m not ashamed.” This redefinition is a big step forward in empowering people to aim higher and break free from the limitations society has set for us. As we continue to challenge outdated views of ambition, we pave the way for a more inclusive, progressive, and truly dynamic society.