Relax,
it's the Philippines
Ang
buhay ay parang gulong, minsang nasa ibabaw, minsang nasa
ilalim.
Life
is like a wheel; sometimes you are on top, sometimes you are in the
bottom.
Filipino
people are among the most relaxed and fun-loving people you will ever
meet with an average of about 10 festivals being celebrated every
month across the nation. So much so, in fact, that there has been a
distinction made between regular time and “Filipino time”, which
is generally delayed by thirty minutes to an hour.
The
Filipino possesses a unique ability to maintain a lighthearted mood
no matter what the circumstances are. Throughout political strife,
economic hardships, and a rough colonial history, the spirit of the
Filipino remains unconquered; sharing laughs and smiles with everyone
they meet. This is key to understanding the culture and traditions of
the Filipino. The Filipino way of life stems from their desire to
live in happiness and peace.
The
phrase bahala na,
which can be translated as “come what may”, is a common saying
among all Filipinos. Throughout life's ups and downs a lot of things
happen that are beyond our control. Sometimes there is nothing we can
do but say bahala na -
allow fate to take the wheel, sit back, relax, and just enjoy the
jeepney ride.
A
small world after all
Matibay
ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis.
A
broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound.
You
will experience a lot of things in the Philippines that reflect its
lengthy colonial history. The Spanish churches, American music,
Chinese food among many other things have all been adapted and
transformed in a way that makes Filipino culture quite unique. The
Philippines is, today, still littered with many foreign groups and
communities.
Whether
they be expats, balikbayans
(overseas
workers visiting their families), international school students, or
vacationers, you are sure to come across many foreign entities in the
Philippines. There are Korean karaoke joints, Irish pubs, and even
Persian eateries.
The
Filipino people share an ideal known as pakikisama,
in which they highly value friendships that they form in certain
groups. Filipino's always seek the company of another in everything
they do and are seldom seen outside of social groups.
Given
these elements, and the friendly nature of the Filipino, the
Philippines is a lot like a tightly knit international community in
which everybody seems to know everybody. Put it to the test! You will
be hard pressed not to meet someone that shares at least one mutual
acquaintance.
That
Filipino hospitality
Ang
tunay na anyaya, sinasamahan ng hila.
A
sincere invitation is accompanied by a pull [of the hand].
The
Filipino is known across the globe for being very hospitable and
pleasing to be around. With currently 11 million Filipinos working
overseas, there are many nations that will confirm that they are some
of the warmest people you will ever meet. Due to their colonial
history, Filipinos can be especially accommodating to Westerners that
they come across. They will often turn sheepish around them and try
to avoid hiya
or shame.
Filipinos
possess what's known as utang ng
loob, or debt of gratitude, in which
they feel obliged to repay any kindness that you show them to fortify
their alliance with you. As well as utang
ng loob, Filipinos possess a
willingness to engage in cooperative labor for the good of a person,
family, or a community; this is what is known as bayanihan.
All
in the family
Kung
ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.
Whatever
the tree, so is the fruit.
The
Filipino values family ties to the highest extent. This is said to
have been inherited from Chinese family traditions. Family reunions
in the Philippines are always a joyous affair with up to a hundred
celebrating together in song, dance, and, of course, a bountiful
feast (lechon
anyone?).
It
is common for Filipinos to continue living with or near their parents
well into adulthood. Filipinos are taught from an early age to
respect their elders. This is symbolized by a traditional gesture
known as mano,
which involves placing the back of an elder's hand against one's
forehead.
God,
elves, ghouls, and superstition
Pagkahaba-haba
man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.
No
matter how long the procession, it still ends up in church.
Over
the years, the Philippines has seen powerful dictators toppled over
by historic gatherings of peaceful demonstrators. The common
denominator for each of these massive gatherings is a deep
spirituality. The Filipino's pious nature is believed to have been
inherited by the Spanish, and their introduction of Catholicism -
currently the nation's major religion.
Despite
the influence of Western religion, Filipinos have been able to retain
many indigenous beliefs and apply their own little twists to various
Roman Catholic traditions. Christmas, for instance, is celebrated
with what's called the Noche
Buena in
which an open house party is held with family and friends at midnight
of Christmas Eve. Many strange superstitions involving aswang
(ghoul),
duwende
(drwarves
and elves), and the manananggal
(witches
that feed on baby's blood) are still prevalent among Filipinos.
Conclusion:
Overall,
the Filipino way of life is something that cannot be captured on a
graph, chart, or limited to words on a web article. It is an
experience.
There are many strange and exciting things with twists at every turn.
It's an adventure you will never forget!