As a Filipino, there are many things in our culture and heritage I am proud of. For one, I've noticed that most of us are fond of and have a natural inclination towards the arts and music. We seem to be good at taking care of people which is why many Pinoys find employment overseas as nurses and caregivers. We are very hospitable and are good at being polite. And then, there are also some sports we tend to be good at such as pool and especially, thanks to Mr. Manny Pacquaio, boxing.
Then there are some things in our culture and heritage that I am not so proud of. For one, our incredibly corrupt and inefficient government systems, our tendency to favor "white" people; and our ridiculous love for melodrama and remakes. (To each his own)
And then, there are some things I neither love, nor hate; but rather, just don't understand. So, I've decided to list down 5 common Filipino habits we do for no apparent reason.
5. Proud to be Poor? I've heard the term "mahirap lang kami" from so many people who can afford to go to private school, eat out at least once a week, watch cable television and have internet access at home. I am not rich nor do I come from a rich family, but I still wouldn't tell the world that I am poor. Why? Because I know what poverty means. Anyway, how can anyone living here not know, when so many of our countrymen suffer from it? It's not something I would would want to wish upon myself, or upon anyone else for that matter. But sadly, it's a reality. And why some people would want to say so even though they are not, is beyond me.
4. Haha. Huhu. Picture this. You're out with a few people having a great time laughing and enjoying each other's company, when suddenly someone says; "huwag tayo masyadong masaya, iiyak tayo mamaya", then everyone just shuts up. Is there a laughter/tears balance scale I'm not aware of? Well, to set the record straight, I've had many good times that didn't end in tears.
3. K lng ba u? Aq, d ok. Not only have we mastered the art of texting, but we seem to have created a whole new language based on texting. And I'm not just talking about your regular shortcuts and abbreviations such as "u" for "you", or "mtg" for "meeting". I'm talking about changing the spelling, word usage and complete sentence structure of the Taglish language. I know that Taglish is a butchery of the 2 languages, but I think there should be at least some structure to it. To those people who butcher what is already butchered, I have this to say: "kainis nmn u!"
2. Padaan. Bow. scene: Two people leaning on opposite walls in a hallway engrossed deeply in conversation. Man who has every right to pass said hallway, needs to pass.
Man: "Skyus me po". (bows head and puts arms together as if in apology and passes between conversing people)
Conversing people: (look at man, then continue conversing)
Do they think that bowing their heads down makes them invisible? Just a thought.
And the top spot goes to...
1. Kain Tayo. I'm guessing this can be attributed to us being naturally hospitable, but seriously. Do we have to ask everyone who passes by to come and eat our food? And if they do eat our food, would that really make us happy? Was that really what we wanted them to do? Think about it, if someone did eat the food that was offered to them, the "offerer" would probably smile and be nice about it. Then after they leave, whisper one word: "kapal!"
So there you have it. 5 things Pinoys do or say for no logical reason. I orginally started this as a top 10 list, but I thought if I continued I might offend some people. Haha! I know there's more out there, so maybe a part 2 should be in order, some day soon.
