Ningas-Kugon: Why We Start Strong but Lose Steam
The last time I heard the term ningas-kugon was back in elementary school, around twenty years ago. This morning, it came up again during a conversation with a friend.
For non-Filipino readers: ningas-kugon is often taught as a negative Filipino trait, right up there with crab mentality and colonial mentality. It literally translates to “grassfire” — the bright flame that erupts when kugon grass is lit, but quickly dies out. In character, it means starting out with enthusiasm but losing interest and momentum just as quickly.
They say it’s a Filipino trait, but honestly, I think it can apply to anyone anywhere. Human nature, y’know?
Why do we get trapped in this cycle? And more importantly, how do we break free?
As creatives, we get lost in the rush of a new idea, project, or opportunity. You get chosen, or invited, or finally take that leap. Your heart races, you work like a machine, and you produce results fast… until you don’t. Then you’re left wondering: Did I burn out? Am I blocked? Did I make the wrong choice? You burn bright, then fade.
Some say ningas-kugon stems from cultural values like pakikisama (harmonious relations), hiya (a sense of shame or modesty), and the desire to avoid confrontation. All painfully real in the Filipino experience.
- Pakikisama: You say yes to things you don’t truly want, just to avoid disappointing others.
- Hiya: You agree to offers without fully committing, afraid to rock the boat.
- Avoiding confrontation: You keep going even when you’re not invested, because saying no feels too harsh.
Result? What started as bright enthusiasm fizzles into mediocrity, or worse — nothing at all.
Another reason? A lack of commitment. You love what you’re doing, but you’re also juggling ten other things you love just as much. Sound familiar? Ideas and opportunities are everywhere, but you can’t finish anything without focus.
And then there’s the real world: responsibilities, finances, limited resources. I get it. I’ve been there. But I also know that when there’s a will, there’s a way.
I’ve seen ningas-kugon play out in so many ways over the years:
- A new hire with an impressive résumé and enthusiasm — until the small salary wore him down and he quit.
- A team member who was always present, asked a ton of questions, wanted to be mentored — but ghosted.
- A team that proposed a project, got it accepted — but none of them really wanted to follow through.
- A wannabe artist who talked about drawing all the time but couldn’t buy materials, and when gifted some, used them only a couple of times.
- A group of friends who wanted to form a band and be famous — constant delays, absences, and eventually, no band at all.
The list goes on. And I’m not exempt. I’ve had my moments too:
- The novel I said I’d write but got too busy to continue (I’ve repented though and come back to it).
- The webtoons I started but dropped because I realized I wanted to type, not draw.
So, what’s the cure for this?
You ready?
Be real, be disciplined, and focus.
- Real: Don’t say yes in the name of pakikisama, hiya, or to avoid confrontation.
- Disciplined: Finish what you started — even when the excitement is gone.
- Focus: Your WIP will forever be a WIP if you don’t lock in on it.
Simple, but not always easy. It’s really up to you. Do you truly want to finish what you started? Or not?
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