6 Reasons That Make Pinoys Proud

The term "Bayanihan," taken from the word "bayan" (town, community, or nation), refers to the Filipino tradition where community members volunteer on helping a "kababayan" (fellow Filipino) to move his family’s house, the "bahay-kubo" (nipa hut), to a new lot.

Trivia: In Samar, they call Bayanihan “Pintakasi”. In Batanes, Ivatans call it “Kapanyidungan”. While in Leyte, the Waray people call it “Tiklos” . Filipinos also love celebrating with their fellowmen. Whether it’s someone’s child’s birthday party or a town fiesta, there’s always something to celebrate!

Ask any Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) why he or she is working abroad, you’ll get this answer: to provide for their families in the Philippines. It’s not because they only wanted to earn a lot of money. It’s because for the plain fact that they love their families so much and wanted to support them as long as they can, in any way possible.

Trivia: If you are a Filipino, single, and in your late 30s, chances are you are still living with your parents - and Filipinos don’t see any problem with that.

If the Philippines is known for its beautiful islands, it is also known for its churches. Since the Spanish era, the Filipinos have been building prestigious churches to symbolize the strength of their faith. Even as children, Filipinos are already taught the importance of attending the church service every Sunday to give glory to God.

Trivia: The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.

When you see a hardworking Filipino, do not be surprised. It is natural for the Filipinos to be hardworking in everything. Whether they are just cooking their family’s dinner, working overtime, or doing a part-time job just to earn a little extra, they will do it as long as they can, in every possible way for their families.

Trivia: According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s survey last 2014, there is an estimated number of 23 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) worldwide.

It is innate for the Filipinos to be helpful. They do not have a sense of racial classification. Whoever you are or wherever you’ve come from, they will help you out when you are in need.

Trivia: Filipinos’ hospitality is also predominant during times of crisis. Since an average of 15 to 20 typhoons annually visit the Philippines, the Philippine NGOs are always ready to distribute relief goods around the provinces affected by the typhoons.

If the Westerners hug or kiss their elders to show affection and respect, Filipinos "mano" to them. "Mano," or the act of it, "pagmamano," is a traditional Filipino gesture which not only denotes respect to the elders, but is also a way of accepting a blessing from them. To mano, the greeter must ask the elder, “Mano po.” The elder will then give his hand and the greeter must bow and press his forehead to the offered hand.

Trivia: Mano is a Spanish word for hand. Apart from pagmamano, Filipinos are also known for using “po” and “opo” when addressing the elders.