Hello Hivers, I wish to share with you some reflections on Filipino culture.
One important trait we have is being family oriented. For example, when it’s time to eat, everyone should already be present so that we can pray first before eating. After we finish eating, some members of the family shouldn’t leave the table, especially if others are still eating. This is how we practice things at home.
These days, we each have work, and gathering together is rare—especially since three members of our family are abroad. But that doesn’t mean we don’t make time for one another. Even though some are far away, we still find ways to stay in touch through social media. Whenever someone here in the Philippines has a birthday, we make a big surprise—even for family abroad, we send video greetings. We’ve kept this tradition to this day.
Although time for family bonding is scarce due to our individual responsibilities, we endeavor nonetheless to find opportunities for gathering, especially among those of us residing in the Philippines.
Another Filipino trait is the mano gesture: we ask for the blessing of our elders or older relatives when we return home from somewhere, or before we leave the house. This gesture signifies reverence and respect for one’s elders.
We are also known for being hospitable. Even if we aren’t well off financially, if someone needs a place to stay or comes to live with us, we treat them as part of the family. We will ensure their comfort even if that means they occupy the more comfortable sleeping space while we make do elsewhere. Because in our mindset, someone may only visit our home once in a while, and we want to make their vacation enjoyable; we want them to feel very welcome.
For these reasons, I feel immeasurable pride in being Filipino. I recognize that all cultures have their own values and practices, and I deeply respect them. I share these aspects of our culture so that, if you ever visit the Philippines, you may have a clearer understanding of who we are and what matters to us.
One important trait we have is being family oriented. For example, when it’s time to eat, everyone should already be present so that we can pray first before eating. After we finish eating, some members of the family shouldn’t leave the table, especially if others are still eating. This is how we practice things at home.
These days, we each have work, and gathering together is rare—especially since three members of our family are abroad. But that doesn’t mean we don’t make time for one another. Even though some are far away, we still find ways to stay in touch through social media. Whenever someone here in the Philippines has a birthday, we make a big surprise—even for family abroad, we send video greetings. We’ve kept this tradition to this day.
Although time for family bonding is scarce due to our individual responsibilities, we endeavor nonetheless to find opportunities for gathering, especially among those of us residing in the Philippines.
Another Filipino trait is the mano gesture: we ask for the blessing of our elders or older relatives when we return home from somewhere, or before we leave the house. This gesture signifies reverence and respect for one’s elders.
We are also known for being hospitable. Even if we aren’t well off financially, if someone needs a place to stay or comes to live with us, we treat them as part of the family. We will ensure their comfort even if that means they occupy the more comfortable sleeping space while we make do elsewhere. Because in our mindset, someone may only visit our home once in a while, and we want to make their vacation enjoyable; we want them to feel very welcome.
For these reasons, I feel immeasurable pride in being Filipino. I recognize that all cultures have their own values and practices, and I deeply respect them. I share these aspects of our culture so that, if you ever visit the Philippines, you may have a clearer understanding of who we are and what matters to us.Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and I hope I have inspired you.