Renxyoko Iglesias here, hello ! !
Here are some random Philippine habits, quirks, bits and pieces of culture and tradition that a tourist, like my friend @Ste J, may or may not encounter in the Philippines.
But before that, here’s something nice to watch.
Did you watch it ? Of course, I have to admit there’s poverty all over, especially in urban areas , but Filipinos are consistently on the list of the happiest people on earth, despite the natural disasters that come their way, year in and year out.( off the chart typhoons, their current president, earthquakes, volcano eruptions ….. Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991 was the biggest in the 20th century….. it caused the lowering of the earth’s temperature by at least 1 degree ) They say Filipinos eat disasters for breakfast, and no matter what happens, they just shrug them off. This is because of their ” Bahala na ” attitude, which means, roughly, ” That’s the way it is, so live life to the fullest. ” The exact translation is ” Whatever “, accompanied by shrugging of shoulders. I’ve heard some Filipino friends say ” Bahala na si Batman. ” meaning, ” Whatever, Batman’s got my back. ”
In a crowd, Filipinos respond to ” Oy ! ! ” ( Huh ? Who’s calling me ? ) Oy ! Comusta ! ! ( Hey, how are you ? ) However, Filipinos don’t say ” oy ” to older people. That’s very disrespectful.
When Filipinos speak to older people, their language is interspersed with ” po ” or ” opo ” ( yes ). It’s a sign of respect. However, the use of po is nuanced. Some people will not appreciate hearing ” po ” when, say, a 25 year old person is speaking to a 30 year old woman . It’s like , ” Oh, noooooo ! She’s saying ” po” to me ! I’m getting olddddddd ! ! !” Still…. it’s unimaginable for a Filipino to not say ” po ” to a …. okay, much older person. It’s okay, though, for a 7- year old kid to say ” po” to a 15 year old teenager ….. I think ?
Filipinos are party animals…… and every Filipino household owns a karaoke. ( Videoke now ) We own a Magic Mic here at home, and my mother’s planning to update it to a videoke soon. Yay ! ! I can now sing my heart out . And yes, Filipinos love fiestas!
Just like other Asians, Filipinos are big on honorifics. I call my older sister ” Ate “,(pronounced Ah-teh,) meaning older sister, and my older brother, Kuya ( pronounced Koo-yah, meaning , older brother ) . Ate Jennie, Kuya Benjie, or just plain Ate and Kuya, unless one has other older siblings, then they have to add their names.
And this is where Filipinos differ from other Asians……… how they greet each other. Filipinos sometimes greet each other ( usually men ) by tossing their heads upwards. Oy, ‘ Pare, comusta. ( ‘ Pare is short for Spanish word Compadre, meaning, pal/buddy), then a handshake, and a pat on the back. Filipino women greet each other and relatives , male and female alike, with a hug and kiss on the cheek, sometimes, both cheeks. The term is beso- beso. Beso means kiss in Spanish, I think ? Greetings are boisterous. When we had a reunion in the Philippines, I think I hugged and kissed a hundred relatives and guests in one day. The kissing and hugging are repeated when they say their goodbyes. It is, indeed, a touch culture. By the way, Filipinos greet their elders by touching their elder’s hand to their foreheads, and saying, ” Mano po, Lola” ( grandma or Lolo, grandpa) Mano means hand in Spanish.
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Got the image from the Internet. Whoever owns this, please don’t sue me. T.T
They call Restrooms/toilets in the Philippines, CR. ( Comfort Room ) ” Excuse me, Miss, where’s the CR ?” @ Ste J, remember this. ^___^
This is all for now. Another one coming right up..
And check out my anime/manga site at http://2megaworthitwordpresscomblog.wordpress.com/
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by bacardi gold on March 13, 2017 at 11:22 am
Everything that you wrote here are true and we at home are practicing them….and to a lesser extent, the “bahala na” attitude is still in the blood stream of everyone….Karaoke time is a favorite in my province ….! 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on March 13, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Everyone’s a relative ! Ha ha ha ! ” Ren, this is Aunty Cora, she was my best friend in highschool ( then she gets hugged and kissed ), and this is your Tita Jen, I met her at Seafood City supermarket last week. ” LOL
Bahala na culture has its bad and good side. Bad side is , Filipinos leave the future to fate, like que sera, sera, what will be, will be. Good side is, that’s how Filipinos cope with bad stuff that happens to them. They don’t mope .
Karaoke = Filipinos. LOL
Posted by bacardi gold on March 14, 2017 at 4:59 am
That’s the Fil culture…a mixed of Spanish, Chinese, American,etc…..hehehe…By the way, i’ve read before that Karaoke was invented by a filipino company (Trebel Corp….it was called Sing Along system…thanks a lot! Good day !
Posted by renxkyoko on March 14, 2017 at 2:12 pm
The company of this del Rosario guy. It’s debatable. A Japanese also is taking credit, but del Rosario who was also working on it managed to patent it. Karaoke is a Japanese word, though, isn’t it. I guess the Japanese company was the first to manufacture it, tough luck for del Rosario.
Posted by bacardi gold on March 15, 2017 at 12:52 pm
oh. i see…! that’s as far as i can remember… i’m not sure if i am correct but, the Japanese invention was only the audio, minus-one system and it was the filipino comp. that added the video… i have here the minus-one system at home, hahaha, and its evolution systems up to the karaoke…hahaha…i have a complete systems at home which were left to the dust…more than 15 years not in use.., tinatamad na….so, you have researched the issue….you’re very resourceful person…. 🙂 hangang d2 nalang….kakain pa! 🙂 whoever invented those, they made singing easy to follow and sing along….Let’s sing! dahil sa iyo ako’y lumigaya, dahil sa iyo…. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on March 15, 2017 at 1:31 pm
I hope they update the songs….. also, we don’t know most of the songs because they’re in Filipino.
Posted by bacardi gold on March 15, 2017 at 1:36 pm
in magic sing, the microphone has a chip which consists of old songs…you can buy several chips for different songs you like…
Posted by renxkyoko on March 15, 2017 at 5:32 pm
We only have one…. can you believe there’s ” How Much Is That Dog in the Window “? That’s like a 1900 song ,he he . Good thing there are a lot of Beatles songs and Led Zep’s.
Oh, wow, we can buy a chip with new songs ? It was a gift from my aunt when she came to the US for vacation. 2010. I don’t think they’re selling videoke here. At least, not in my city. We’ll try Amazon.
Posted by bacardi gold on March 16, 2017 at 2:04 am
yes, there are chips for other songs, but not preferably new songs…i think it’s available in asian electronic stores…Taiwanese, Filipino, Chinese,etc…and Korean..Korean is a better choice….but bear the lyrics, a handful are not right, just a word or two……Led Zep, my fav during my high school days, heavy metal …”How much is that dog…” i know it…
Posted by Mel & Suan on March 13, 2017 at 11:24 am
We call our older brothers “ah gor” and sisters “ah jie”. Not as boisterous though! LOL
Posted by renxkyoko on March 13, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Is that Indian ? In Japan, I think they call them Onee-san and Onii-san, and in Korea, Noona and Oppa.
Posted by Mel & Suan on March 14, 2017 at 2:04 am
Nope that’s Hokkien or even cantonese.
Posted by pinoytransplant on March 13, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Nice summary of Pinoy characteristics.
Posted by renxkyoko on March 13, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Thanks. I’m not done yet. Ha ha !
Posted by pinoytransplant on March 13, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Then I’ll wait for the next installment.
Posted by Gias Pora on March 13, 2017 at 1:26 pm
How about pointing with the lips? 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on March 13, 2017 at 6:07 pm
Ahahahaha ! I’ll write about that next….. although, I haven’t seen any Filipino do that, not even my parents. But yeah, I heard about that.
Posted by cheesecake on March 16, 2017 at 4:43 am
when I actually went overseas, they told me that to confirm that if one’s a pinoy, ask direction. Pinoys will direct using lips lol.
Posted by AGE on March 21, 2017 at 5:03 am
I used pointing with the lips, haha. My previous boss thought I need a kiss. haha.
Posted by cheesecake on March 21, 2017 at 6:24 am
hahaha pwede
Posted by renxkyoko on March 22, 2017 at 10:06 pm
Cheesecake, is that habit widespread ? When we were there, we did ask for directions ( going to Bagui and some places ) but no one pointed with their lips. Not even in Filipino movies that I watched.
Posted by cheesecake on March 23, 2017 at 8:30 am
i believe so? i even find myself subconsciously doing it lol.
Posted by Lets do this together on March 13, 2017 at 2:14 pm
[…] via Philippine culture, part 2 — renxkyoko’s space […]
Posted by Reblog from renxkyoko’s space | Lets do this together on March 13, 2017 at 2:18 pm
[…] via Philippine culture, part 2 — renxkyoko’s space […]
Posted by renxkyoko on March 14, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Thank you for the shout -out !
Posted by jacquelineobyikocha on March 13, 2017 at 5:55 pm
I have met tons of Filipinos over here in Dubai and they are usually so polite and chirpy and yes indeed I noticed that they love Karaoke 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on March 14, 2017 at 3:19 pm
Happy Belated Birthday !
That’s quite heartwarming…….. that’s true. We have to love and appreciate ourselves first, before we can give love to others. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by Potential Doctor on March 13, 2017 at 9:05 pm
So interesting! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Posted by renxkyoko on March 14, 2017 at 2:51 pm
You’re welcome. I’m glad you find it interesting. I guess Filipinos are not aware whats unique to them. Although I was born there, I look at them with a different perspective.
Posted by Rebecca Dawn on March 13, 2017 at 11:17 pm
I always like how Filipinos are always so happy! I think it is a rare occurrence that I ever see my friends angry. Upset yes, but angry no.
They are always so cheerful and they like to make fun of me because I can’t sing to save my life. But I love singing with them!
Oh don’t forget to try my fave leche flan!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 14, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Uhm, Rebecca, do they have karaoke machine ? He he he
Leche flan is so easy to make ! It’s really delicious, isn’t it, Rebecca ? So yummy !
Filipinos are soooooooo easy- going. Have you noticed that ?
Posted by Rebecca Dawn on March 14, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Oh yes they have a huge tv and a great video-karaoke machine! I sat in leather lazy boys and sang my heart out! Made their ears bleed😂😍
I love leche flan! It’s one of my favourite food! Although I love all the food my friends make!
Yes they are so easy going! Even when I’m grumpy they make me laugh and feel so much better 😍
Posted by renxkyoko on March 15, 2017 at 5:37 pm
And when you sing, the videoke shows your ” rating ” , ha ha ha.
Posted by Rebecca Dawn on March 15, 2017 at 11:31 pm
Lol yes I don’t think I did very good. It reminded me of my PlayStation sing star! Or Rock Band! I loved those games! I love karaoke!
Posted by Jay on March 14, 2017 at 7:58 am
Cool list!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 14, 2017 at 2:40 pm
Thanks, Jay ! ^^
Posted by Peter Wells aka Countingducks on March 14, 2017 at 5:17 pm
My father actually worked in the Philippines many years ago and always spoke of it as a happy place. I love the colour and exuberance 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on March 22, 2017 at 9:59 pm
Poor but happy. Filipinos do not take life seriously. They’re like, ” I’m so sad. ” And Filipinos will say ” Just take a bath. “
Posted by Tikeetha T on March 14, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Great look into your culture.
Posted by renxkyoko on March 15, 2017 at 5:36 pm
I love that they show so much respect for older people in their language…. and that Mano po culture is something that I admire so much. I did a lot of that when I was there.
Posted by Antionette Blake on March 14, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Thank you, it was nice to watch a fun video on a cold and snowy Tuesday. I remember the first time someone addressed me as ma’me and how old I felt so I understand your pain – lol!!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 15, 2017 at 5:34 pm
When I was in the Philippines, my little cousins said PO to me….. I thought it was cute.
Posted by Ste J on March 16, 2017 at 11:06 am
Excellent! Thank you so much, this is all great advice which I will write down so I can practise it. I appreciate all your help and will be reblogging your posts soon (I know I said that a week ago but I am that far behind and a bit rubbish).
Posted by renxkyoko on March 16, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Also, you don’t bow when you greet a Filipino. Shake his hand and say Comusta . ( from Spanish greeting, Como esta )
Posted by Ste J on March 17, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Salamat!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 17, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Filipinos say ” Salamat po” when talking to an older person, like someone who looks like a grandma or who looks like your parents’ age. Ha ha ha To be honest, when in doubt, just say Salamat.
Posted by Ompong on March 18, 2017 at 4:10 am
And filipinos can talk very vague and yet one can understand it like, “yung ano naano ng ano di ba?”… In plain english, ‘the what was what by a what”. Hahaha!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 18, 2017 at 8:25 am
vague and ambiguous, ha haha ! And Filipinos actually understand it, he he he. Oh, my, gosh, my parents are like that…. and me , too. Ano, paki -kuha lang yung ano. Then we just roll our eyes. Ha ha ha ! We always struggle with words. It’s roughly whatchamacallit.
Posted by Ompong on March 18, 2017 at 8:33 am
Hahaha! Very true… I can’t believe that we know what that “ano” is everytime. Parang ano minsan di ba? Hahaha!
Posted by Shoba Menon on March 20, 2017 at 7:18 am
Excellent !!! Looking forward to make a visit 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on March 22, 2017 at 9:55 pm
Thank you ! ! !
Posted by The Twentysomething Social Recluse on March 23, 2017 at 10:56 am
Love this! Really interesting and educational. I particularly like “whatever, Batman’s got my back” haha.
Posted by renxkyoko on March 29, 2017 at 7:23 pm
batman taking care of them is really funny.
Posted by nildamacedopaulino on March 29, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Nice BLOG!!! ADD my BLOG too!!! Kisses!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 29, 2017 at 6:53 pm
I just did ! Cheers !
Posted by nildamacedopaulino on March 29, 2017 at 6:54 pm
Comment my photo too!!! Kisses!!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 29, 2017 at 7:18 pm
Okay, I’ll be right back .
Posted by Smiling Notes on March 30, 2017 at 4:53 pm
I love learning about different cultures and knowing more about them. Loved your post!
Posted by renxkyoko on March 30, 2017 at 5:34 pm
Thank you. There’s more coming.. I hope you won’t get bored . ^__^
Posted by Ste J on April 4, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Reblogged this on Book to the Future and commented:
As some of you already know, I am off to the Philippines next week for a few weeks, which explains my lack of consistency post wise. I still have time for a few more writings before I shoot off and take lots of photos and such. Typically Filipina and long time blog friend Nica has travelled to Europe but all will be good as I do things you probably wouldn’t want to do, like eat Balut (the photo of which will probably put you off).
Posted by transcribingmemory on April 10, 2017 at 3:05 pm
Thank you for sharing this and thank you for your interest in my blog. I look forward to following yours.
Posted by renxkyoko on April 11, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Thank you very much and cheers !
Posted by Foghorn The IKonoclast on April 14, 2017 at 3:40 pm
One day I will make it to the Philippines, plus a very good people.
Posted by restlessjo on April 16, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Happy Easter to you! 🙂
Posted by OaktownVibes on April 23, 2017 at 12:16 pm
I definitely plan on visiting the philipines before my time is up in Japan. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. Thank you for this
Posted by Paul Stroessner on May 12, 2017 at 12:27 am
I love the Po part! I guess that would be like calling somebody sir or ma’am here. I really love the Filipino culture. I had some really good friends from there when I was in the Navy and living in California. I would always show interest in the culture, and they would get all excited and fill me in. I did learn a little Tagalog, but I’ve long forgotten it – even the swears. 🙂 If I remember correctly, there are many different languages in the Philippines, but Tagalog is the general one that everybody speaks. Am I remembering that correctly?
Posted by renxkyoko on May 12, 2017 at 1:39 am
Yes, there are over 100 different languages. They may sound the same to a non_ Filipino , but , believe it or not, each language ( except Tagalog ) sounds Greek to me.
For ex:
English : Where are you going ?
Tagalog : Saan ka pupunta ?
Ilonggo : ( language spoken in Iloilo ) : Diin ka makadto ?
Yes, that would be like calling somebody sir and ma’am… somewhat. If po is uttered at the end of a sentence, then , I guess, it would be like sir/ma’am. More often than not, ” po” is uttered in the middle of a sentence, but never at the beginning.
Posted by karasculture on July 18, 2017 at 11:44 am
Such an interesting culture. Very much like my own but also very different at the same time 🙂