shy

Is shyness a virtue or what? Of course for one thing we all hate arrogance, but shyness is another thing. A person who behaves or claims to be shy can be doing others some discomfort. Shy to do what? Shy because of what? Sometimes it is hard to understand why some people try to use shyness to avoid doing something.

Is the word synonymous with modesty? Is it an inherent Filipino trait? Any reaction or comment?