Pinoy: Who Are You?

Alliah Delgado

“Pinoy ka kung…”
(You are a Filipino when…)
Every country has its differing values and stereotypes, and the Philippines is rich with those things. The archipelago is not all about beautiful hills and mountains, lush forestry, exotic animals, and rolling waves. More importantly, the Filipinos make the Philippine. Truly, the Philippines is also a melting pot of various traditions cultivated within centuries of colonial rule and shaped by indigenous practices handed down from generation to generation. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great characteristics and qualities every one of us should be proud of. Here are some of the traits that we have and if you are a Filipino, you will surely be able to relate:
HOSPITALITY
“A Filipino host will always offer food to a guest.”
This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos.Here are some examples of the hospitality that Filipinos show, not only to foreigners, but also to their fellow citizens:

When a person visits a friend’s house, the host greets him or her with a very warm welcome. Moreover, those display plates and utensils hidden in the platter are kept out and let the guest use them.

People offer their guest room to visitors if they’re going to spend the night.

Filipinos love to get together for big family meals.

RESPECT
This is often observed—not just by younger people—but also by people of all ages. Children respect elders by saying “po” and “opo,” which mean “yes,” when answering their elders. Children or young adults also show respect by putting their elders’ hands on their foreheads, which is called “pagmamano”.
STRONG FAMILY TIES AND RELIGION
Filipinos value their families so much that they tend to keep families intact through the generations. In a typical household, you’ll see extended families like the grandparents and the couple’s siblings, all co-existing harmoniously with the nuclear family. Everyone helps out and gathers together at Filipino parties and big family reunions which happen almost every year.
STRONG WORK ETHIC
Filipinos are also committed individuals, especially in the workforce. Tourists admire Filipino valets and bellboys who always extend a helping hand to them, despite calling on their service in the wee hours. There is no snobbish attitude among the Filipinos.
LOVE AND CARING
This is so true! Filipinos are one of the sweetest and most loving people in the world. Men are so sweet and romantic when it comes to love. They will send their beloved flowers, bring her to a very romantic place, text her sweet quotes, and tell often how special she is to them. Filipino women are also romantic and very caring, which often makes foreigners want to marry them. Women tend to prepare dinner before their husband comes home. They are loving, and value the relationship, always staying faithful to their husbands. They love deeply and sincerely.
Filipinos makes Philippines. You got to love the countrymen in order to love the country. Growth comes from yourself throughout the people near you. That’s what the country needs now.