Me and the Principles and Values embodies in the Filipino National Traditions

'Mano po' - When children or young people greet or say goodbye to their elders they typically do so by taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and touch the back the elder's hand lightly on their forehead. This act is called Mano Po. It is a way to give respect to elders and I've also understood it to be a way of accepting a blessing from the elder. Mano is spanish for 'hand' while the word Po is often used at the end of a sentence when addressing elders or superiors.

'Po' - The word Po is often used when speaking with an elder or to a superior. Typcially, it is added to the end of a sentence. For example, thank you would be thank you po. In tagalog, salamat means thank you. To an elder you would say salamat po. The word po doesn't really have a meaning but adds formality as a sign of respect.

Filipinos are All Related to One Another

Lolo = Grandfather, Lola = Grandmother

Tito = Uncle, Tita = Aunt

Kuya = older brother, Ate = older sister

Living with Parents

Adult children living with their parents is another commonplace filipino tradition. In fact, I would have to say it is actually the norm. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home after finishing high school or college, Filipino children often continue living with their parents until they are married or even after they are married.

Eating with a Fork and Spoon
Filipinos usually eat with a fork and spoon. The fork, usually in the left hand, is used to place or push the food into the spoon which is held by the right hand. The spoonful of food goes into your mouth.



Eating with Hands (Kamayan)
In addition to the fork and spoon method, eating with your hands or kamayan is another common filipino tradition. Gather a small portion of meat or fish and a bite size portion of rice on your plate. Then use all your fingers to gather the food into a small mountain or mound. Pick up the little mound and put it in your mouth using your thumb to gently push the food in.



Balikbayan Boxes
It is very common for Filipinos to leave the Philippines to live and work abroad. A balikbayan is a filipino who is returning to the Philippines from living or working abroad. A balikbayan box is a box of items sent by the balikbayan to their family in the Philippines. The box can be sent or it can be brought by the sender when they themselves return to the Philippines.