attitude
THE FILIPINO SPIRIT IS WATERPROOF
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Philippines is the 3rd most disaster-prone country in the world. On an average, about eight or nine typhoons make landfall in our country every year.
When you're driving around Manila during a typhoon, do you ever notice your surroundings? Do you ever just take time to notice how the people around you are dealing with these types of situations? I think it's impossible to ignore how we Filipinos face problems like this. We are known to be one of the most hospitable people in the world; we are also known to be very generous, respectful and diligent. But what I admire the most about us is how we manage to bounce back time and time again after every single tragedy and how we can still smile amidst disasters. I love our resilience.
When you're driving around Manila during a typhoon, do you ever notice your surroundings? Do you ever just take time to notice how the people around you are dealing with these types of situations? I think it's impossible to ignore how we Filipinos face problems like this. We are known to be one of the most hospitable people in the world; we are also known to be very generous, respectful and diligent. But what I admire the most about us is how we manage to bounce back time and time again after every single tragedy and how we can still smile amidst disasters. I love our resilience.
See, this is exactly what I mean. If you watch the whole video, you will notice how we manage to have fun and focus on positive things instead. We'd rather laugh our butts off while we face our problems rather than being all serious about it. In my opinion, this is something that keeps us and our country together. It's what makes us united as one country.
faith
It is also during times like this when the Filipino faith is being tested. The Philippines is the only predominant Christian country in all of Asia. It is approximately 85 percent Christian, 10 percent muslim, and 5 percent 'other' religions.
During the 2013 Bohol and Cebu earthquake, many of the provinces old and historic churches were destroyed. According to Heritage Conservation Society, at least 10 churches were damaged by the quake. They include:
But even though these churches were destroyed, Filipinos still managed to find faith in the midst of ruins. Two statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary still stand—without any blemish—amid the ruins of two churches in Maribojoc and Loon towns following the devastating earthquake. It was enough for residents to raise their hopes that life will get better. “It was a miracle,” Carol Ann Balansag said after residents of Barangay Poblacion were surprised to find the 18th-century statue standing askew but without any scratch on the rubble of what used to be the Santa Cruz Parish Church.The same feeling of amazement was felt by at least 600 people staying in makeshift tents on the church grounds of the Our Lady of Light Parish Church in Barangay Napu in Loon town. They were teary-eyed when they saw the grotto of the Birhen sa Kasilag (Our Lady of Light). “The earthquake destroyed the church, but it spared our patron,” said Fr. Tom Balatayo, one of the residents.
During the 2013 Bohol and Cebu earthquake, many of the provinces old and historic churches were destroyed. According to Heritage Conservation Society, at least 10 churches were damaged by the quake. They include:
- Church of San Pedro Apostol, Loboc, Bohol
- Church of Our Lady of Light, Loon, Bohol
- Santissima Trinidad Parish, Loay, Bohol
- Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Baclayon, Bohol
- Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Dauis, Bohol
- San Nicolas Church, Dimiao, Bohol
- Santa Cruz Parish Church, Maribojoc, Bohol
- Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu
- Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu
- St Catherine's Church, Carcar, Cebu
But even though these churches were destroyed, Filipinos still managed to find faith in the midst of ruins. Two statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary still stand—without any blemish—amid the ruins of two churches in Maribojoc and Loon towns following the devastating earthquake. It was enough for residents to raise their hopes that life will get better. “It was a miracle,” Carol Ann Balansag said after residents of Barangay Poblacion were surprised to find the 18th-century statue standing askew but without any scratch on the rubble of what used to be the Santa Cruz Parish Church.The same feeling of amazement was felt by at least 600 people staying in makeshift tents on the church grounds of the Our Lady of Light Parish Church in Barangay Napu in Loon town. They were teary-eyed when they saw the grotto of the Birhen sa Kasilag (Our Lady of Light). “The earthquake destroyed the church, but it spared our patron,” said Fr. Tom Balatayo, one of the residents.
family
Another thing that I love about Filipinos is how we treat our families. We put so much work and effort into making sure that our relationships with our family members are good. We also treat our fellow 'kababayans' as true relatives. It amazes me how one person can automatically click with another just because they find out that they're from the same country, let alone province.
Filipinos highly value the presence of their families more than anything. Regardless of the liberal influence they have gotten from the west, the family remained the basic unit of their society. This trait clearly shows among Filipinos abroad who suffer homesickness and tough work just to support their families back home in the Philippines.
In a traditional Filipino family, the father is considered the head and the provider of the family while the mother takes responsibility of the domestic needs and in charge of the emotional growth and values formation of the children. They both perform different tasks and being remarked separately by the children. Children see their mothers soft and calm, while they regard their fathers as strong and the most eminent figure in the family.
Because of this remarkable closeness, parents sometimes have difficulties letting go of their children and thus results to having them stay for as long as they want. For this somehow explains why grandparents are commonly seen living with their children in the Philippines. Unlike the way people grow old in the west where they are provided with outside homes and care giving, Filipino elderly enjoy their remaining lives inside their houses with their children and grandchildren looking after them.
Another trait Filipinos made themselves exceptional from others is their strong respect for elders. Children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to teach them as early as possible how to properly respect their elders. These words are used to show respect to people of older level. Even adults will be criticized for not using these words when speaking with their parents or people older than them. Inside the family, the parents are expected to receive the highest respect from the children along with the elder siblings; as they are given more responsibilities to look after younger siblings when parents are not around.
Children fighting back or addressing parents or elder siblings with arrogant tone are not at all tolerated. They are also not allowed to leave the house without their parents’ permission. Upon arriving home, conservative families expect children to practice the kissing of hands or placing their parents or elder family members’ hand to theirforeheads with the words “mano po” as a sort of greeting.
Even after finishing school, Filipino children are not obliged to get out of their homes unless they want to. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Leaving them happens only when they really have to, but usually, at least one child, depending on his willingness and financial capabilities, stay even after marriage to support and look after their aging parents.
More over, Filipinos keep close connection with other relatives. They recognize them from 2nd degree to the last they can identify. As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”
Filipinos highly value the presence of their families more than anything. Regardless of the liberal influence they have gotten from the west, the family remained the basic unit of their society. This trait clearly shows among Filipinos abroad who suffer homesickness and tough work just to support their families back home in the Philippines.
In a traditional Filipino family, the father is considered the head and the provider of the family while the mother takes responsibility of the domestic needs and in charge of the emotional growth and values formation of the children. They both perform different tasks and being remarked separately by the children. Children see their mothers soft and calm, while they regard their fathers as strong and the most eminent figure in the family.
Because of this remarkable closeness, parents sometimes have difficulties letting go of their children and thus results to having them stay for as long as they want. For this somehow explains why grandparents are commonly seen living with their children in the Philippines. Unlike the way people grow old in the west where they are provided with outside homes and care giving, Filipino elderly enjoy their remaining lives inside their houses with their children and grandchildren looking after them.
Another trait Filipinos made themselves exceptional from others is their strong respect for elders. Children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to teach them as early as possible how to properly respect their elders. These words are used to show respect to people of older level. Even adults will be criticized for not using these words when speaking with their parents or people older than them. Inside the family, the parents are expected to receive the highest respect from the children along with the elder siblings; as they are given more responsibilities to look after younger siblings when parents are not around.
Children fighting back or addressing parents or elder siblings with arrogant tone are not at all tolerated. They are also not allowed to leave the house without their parents’ permission. Upon arriving home, conservative families expect children to practice the kissing of hands or placing their parents or elder family members’ hand to theirforeheads with the words “mano po” as a sort of greeting.
Even after finishing school, Filipino children are not obliged to get out of their homes unless they want to. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Leaving them happens only when they really have to, but usually, at least one child, depending on his willingness and financial capabilities, stay even after marriage to support and look after their aging parents.
More over, Filipinos keep close connection with other relatives. They recognize them from 2nd degree to the last they can identify. As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”
food
Trying street foods in the Philippines is very fun, challenging and saves some of your budget. Street foods are mostly spotted on schools, bus or jeep terminals,
Camote Cue or deep fried sweet potato and
Banana Cue or deep fried saba or saging
They are one of the popular street foods in the Philippines wherein the banana or sliced sweet potatp is coated with caramelized brown sugar and skewered in a bamboo stick. Some offers like toron also. Banana that are wrapped with a lumpia wrapper. These are mostly prepared in the late afternoon for the merienda or snacks.
Maruya or Banana Fritters or pinaypay
They dip the sliced bananas into a mix of flour and egg and then deep fry them. After frying, they dip it into sugar.
Ginanggang
Banana on stick that is grilled in charcoal. It is then brushed with margarine and sugar.
Fish Balls, Squid Balls, Tempura and Chicken Balls
These can be easily be found in the streets and they are usually on a push cart and can be seen mostly near schools. Fish balls are made from finely pulverized cuttlefish meat or Pollock and they are formed in flat shape. Other variations now include the squid balls and chicken balls. They are deep fried and you can have a preference of their sauce. There is sweet and sour sauce and hot and spicy vinegar sauce.
Kwek Kwek and Tokneneng
Kwek kwek are quail boiled eggs dipped on orange batter while tokneneng are chicken or duck boiled eggs. Thery are deep fried until crispy. Same with fish balls, squid balls and chicken balls, they can be easily seen in the streets near schools.
Kikiam
It came from the Chinese food quekiam. It is made of ground pork and vegetables that is wrapped in bean curd sheets. It is cooked deep fried and can be paired with a sauce.
Calamares
Breaded squid rings that are deep fried. This is very famous to Filipinos since they use it for pulutan or dry finger food that accompany alcohol drinks.
Siomai
Steamed dumplings made of pork, beef or shrimp.Taho
Taho is bean curd made of soft silken tofu. It is topped with arnibal or sweet syrup or caramelized or liquefied brown or raw sugar with sago or tapioca pearls.
Halo – Halo or “mix of many things” or assortment
It is a mixed shaved of ice, evaporated or condensed milk, beans, gulaman, flakes, variety of fruits, nata de coco, etc. It is one of the Filipinos favourite desserts especially during hot days in summer. Some topped it with leche flan, ube jam and ice cream.
Mais con Yelo
Mix of sweet corn, milk, sugar and shaved iceBinatog
Made up of steamed white corn kernels mixed with milk, shredded coconut with a sprinkle of sugar or salt.Iskrambol
Shaved or crushed ice mix with caramelized brown sugar, gulaman, topped with milk powder or condensed milk and chocolate syrup. They are also mixed with artificial color to have variety of color. Original flavor is strawberry. This is very famous andpopular to Filipino kids.
Dirty Ice Cream or Sorbetes
It is sometimes called as sorbets and has been nicknamed “dirty ice cream”. These are home-made ice creams with different flavours (ube or purple yam, queso or cheese, langka or jackfruit, strawberry, buko or macapuno or coconut, vanilla, chocolate) that have been sold by street vendors with colourful carts.
Peanuts or Mani
There are variety of options that you can choose. There are boiled, raw, skinless, spicy peanuts, cashew nuts, castanas or chestnuts.
Green Mango or Manggang Hilaw
It is best paired with bagoong or shrimp paste. Some use salt.Mais or Corn
Boiled sweet corn seasoned with salt, butter or margarine.
Arroz Caldo and Goto
Arroz Caldo are rice porridge like Chinese congee mixed with ginger and herbs, chicken and egg. Goto has same mixture but with beef tripe.
Batchoy
Batchoy is made up of noodle soup with chicken meat or pork innards mixed with vegetables and pork crakclings or chicharon.Barbecue
Barbecue has variety of styles. Most of them are marinated chicken or pork stew and then grilled on hot charcoal.
Other variations are:
isaw or IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) or chicken intestines,
adidas or chicken feet,
Betamax or dried chicken or pork blood,
ulo ng manok or helmet or chicken head,
pwet ng manok or chicken ass,
balat ng baboy or barbecue pig skin,
tenga ng baboy or grilled pig ears or nicknamed as Walkman,
leeg ng manok or grilled chicken neck,
balun-balunan or grilled chicken gizzards,
atay ng manok or grilled chicken liver,
butse or deep fried crop of chicken.
Sisig
Made up of mixed roasted pig’s head, chicken liver, onions, chili, best paired with egg and calamansi and mostly served on a hot plate.
Chicharon bulaklak
Pork omentum boiled that is seasoned and deep fried
Balut
Balut are hard boiled 3 week old duck egg. The looks of it are not quite good since the nearly formed embryo can be seen. However, balut are very high in protein and aphrodisiac. Proper way of eating balut is to suck the amniotic fluid before peeling it off. It is best toeat the chick and yolk with vinegar and salt.
Camote Cue or deep fried sweet potato and
Banana Cue or deep fried saba or saging
They are one of the popular street foods in the Philippines wherein the banana or sliced sweet potatp is coated with caramelized brown sugar and skewered in a bamboo stick. Some offers like toron also. Banana that are wrapped with a lumpia wrapper. These are mostly prepared in the late afternoon for the merienda or snacks.
Maruya or Banana Fritters or pinaypay
They dip the sliced bananas into a mix of flour and egg and then deep fry them. After frying, they dip it into sugar.
Ginanggang
Banana on stick that is grilled in charcoal. It is then brushed with margarine and sugar.
Fish Balls, Squid Balls, Tempura and Chicken Balls
These can be easily be found in the streets and they are usually on a push cart and can be seen mostly near schools. Fish balls are made from finely pulverized cuttlefish meat or Pollock and they are formed in flat shape. Other variations now include the squid balls and chicken balls. They are deep fried and you can have a preference of their sauce. There is sweet and sour sauce and hot and spicy vinegar sauce.
Kwek Kwek and Tokneneng
Kwek kwek are quail boiled eggs dipped on orange batter while tokneneng are chicken or duck boiled eggs. Thery are deep fried until crispy. Same with fish balls, squid balls and chicken balls, they can be easily seen in the streets near schools.
Kikiam
It came from the Chinese food quekiam. It is made of ground pork and vegetables that is wrapped in bean curd sheets. It is cooked deep fried and can be paired with a sauce.
Calamares
Breaded squid rings that are deep fried. This is very famous to Filipinos since they use it for pulutan or dry finger food that accompany alcohol drinks.
Siomai
Steamed dumplings made of pork, beef or shrimp.Taho
Taho is bean curd made of soft silken tofu. It is topped with arnibal or sweet syrup or caramelized or liquefied brown or raw sugar with sago or tapioca pearls.
Halo – Halo or “mix of many things” or assortment
It is a mixed shaved of ice, evaporated or condensed milk, beans, gulaman, flakes, variety of fruits, nata de coco, etc. It is one of the Filipinos favourite desserts especially during hot days in summer. Some topped it with leche flan, ube jam and ice cream.
Mais con Yelo
Mix of sweet corn, milk, sugar and shaved iceBinatog
Made up of steamed white corn kernels mixed with milk, shredded coconut with a sprinkle of sugar or salt.Iskrambol
Shaved or crushed ice mix with caramelized brown sugar, gulaman, topped with milk powder or condensed milk and chocolate syrup. They are also mixed with artificial color to have variety of color. Original flavor is strawberry. This is very famous andpopular to Filipino kids.
Dirty Ice Cream or Sorbetes
It is sometimes called as sorbets and has been nicknamed “dirty ice cream”. These are home-made ice creams with different flavours (ube or purple yam, queso or cheese, langka or jackfruit, strawberry, buko or macapuno or coconut, vanilla, chocolate) that have been sold by street vendors with colourful carts.
Peanuts or Mani
There are variety of options that you can choose. There are boiled, raw, skinless, spicy peanuts, cashew nuts, castanas or chestnuts.
Green Mango or Manggang Hilaw
It is best paired with bagoong or shrimp paste. Some use salt.Mais or Corn
Boiled sweet corn seasoned with salt, butter or margarine.
Arroz Caldo and Goto
Arroz Caldo are rice porridge like Chinese congee mixed with ginger and herbs, chicken and egg. Goto has same mixture but with beef tripe.
Batchoy
Batchoy is made up of noodle soup with chicken meat or pork innards mixed with vegetables and pork crakclings or chicharon.Barbecue
Barbecue has variety of styles. Most of them are marinated chicken or pork stew and then grilled on hot charcoal.
Other variations are:
isaw or IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) or chicken intestines,
adidas or chicken feet,
Betamax or dried chicken or pork blood,
ulo ng manok or helmet or chicken head,
pwet ng manok or chicken ass,
balat ng baboy or barbecue pig skin,
tenga ng baboy or grilled pig ears or nicknamed as Walkman,
leeg ng manok or grilled chicken neck,
balun-balunan or grilled chicken gizzards,
atay ng manok or grilled chicken liver,
butse or deep fried crop of chicken.
Sisig
Made up of mixed roasted pig’s head, chicken liver, onions, chili, best paired with egg and calamansi and mostly served on a hot plate.
Chicharon bulaklak
Pork omentum boiled that is seasoned and deep fried
Balut
Balut are hard boiled 3 week old duck egg. The looks of it are not quite good since the nearly formed embryo can be seen. However, balut are very high in protein and aphrodisiac. Proper way of eating balut is to suck the amniotic fluid before peeling it off. It is best toeat the chick and yolk with vinegar and salt.
references
Anonymous (2010) "Philippine culture- common family traits" Philippine country
Brown, S. (2013)."The philippines is the most storm-exposed country on earth" Time WorldCannell, F. (1999), Power and intimacy in the christian philippines. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Conception, J. (2013). "The resilient filipino spirit" Philippine Star
Matus, C. (2013) "Faith in the midst of ruins" Philippine Daily Inquirer
Quismundo, T. (2012). "Philippines is 3rd most disaster-prone country, new study shows." Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ranada, P. (2013) "Heartbreaking: 10 iconic churches in Bohol, Cebu damaged" Rappler
Steinberg, D. J. (1982) The philippines: a singular and a plural place. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Brown, S. (2013)."The philippines is the most storm-exposed country on earth" Time WorldCannell, F. (1999), Power and intimacy in the christian philippines. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Conception, J. (2013). "The resilient filipino spirit" Philippine Star
Matus, C. (2013) "Faith in the midst of ruins" Philippine Daily Inquirer
Quismundo, T. (2012). "Philippines is 3rd most disaster-prone country, new study shows." Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ranada, P. (2013) "Heartbreaking: 10 iconic churches in Bohol, Cebu damaged" Rappler
Steinberg, D. J. (1982) The philippines: a singular and a plural place. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.