The Filipinos are people of a complex and diverse culture. Their mix cultural and racial origin bestowed them with some of the world’s unique characteristics of hospitality, traits and traditions that although ironically amusing, are uniquely extraordinary.

Close Family Ties

A Filipino family is the centre of society. It is primarily consist of the father, the mother and the children. And in most cases, the grandparents, in-laws, helps and extended families all live in the same house.

The family is patriarchal in nature, in which the father is the head of the family who carries out the decisions and orders in the house including the disciplining of the children. He is also regarded as the main provider of the house: food, shelter, clothing and finances.

The mother, on the hand looks after the children, do the chores and assist the husband in putting the family together. She is responsible in the moral and spiritual upbringing of the children and unity in the house. She may question her husband’s authority over the children but will mostly be overlooked.

She may be allowed to work, but her husband’s amor propio (face) will be deeply wounded, which can bring embarrassment among his friends and even relatives; one of the causes of marital problems.

The eldest daughter is mostly delegated the tasks of that of the mother while the eldest son is the acting father in the absence of their parents.

Younger children obey and respect their elder siblings as the status dictates. Disobedience or disrespect may end in parental punishment (slapping, pinching and even stick beating are still used in punishing children in the Philippines).

The grandparents and extended relatives who are living with the family are treated as equal family members. They can use and share everything particularly clothing and accessories (in several cases, underpants). In return, they help do the tasks, chores and even finances with the host. There may have problems and misunderstandings, particularly jealousy among them, but they can always be relied on.

Family Business

Filipinos are mostly reliant on their relatives and close friends especially in starting a business. Loyalty and faithfulness in the family are among the traditions which are characteristic in Filipino society. A family member or relative is initially asked or employed to manage the business. There’s no contract, no terms and conditions, merely pakiusap (request) or pakisuyo (favour). Filipinos believe that no family member will steal or let them down.

Family Unity

Filipinos are very protective of their family reputation and status in the society. A fight of a member is a fight of everybody.

If a male member of the family gets in trouble (usually in street brawl), other male members will come along. The same manner happens with female members who will usually swear and say horrible things against each other, although physical fight (scratching and slapping) seldom happens.

If a member is seeking public office, the members of the family support him in his campaign and candidacy. But in cases where a relative vie for a similar position, reconciliation is oftentimes rare.  

Family Reunion

Filipinos like eating and having festivities which oftentimes happen during Christmas, New Year, pyesta or fiesta (Saint’s Day), Easter Sunday, Baptismal Rite and birthdays.

These happenings bring family members together especially those who are living away or are working in different places and rarely have the chance or time to come home. The presence of family visitors and reuniting members delight the other members of the family, aside from stories and gossips to tell.

Family Matters

Filipinos are very keen on details, even the tiniest, unimportant ones.

If a family is expecting a visitor, particularly someone important or a high ranking official, only the elders, usually the parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents are allowed to face the visitor.

The children and all other family members are not allowed to meet him, unless otherwise called forth. The children stay in the bedroom or other parts of the house away from the meeting area, which is usually at the sala (living room). They will be called when the visitor has left. All the details relating to the visit which are involving the younger members are immediately discussed; otherwise, nothing will be disclosed.

If a female member receives a male visitor (a friend or a suitor), the elders and the male members of the family are present either to inquest or to watch out. Once he left, the “audience” will tell the member their advice or feedback, which is oftentimes negative.

On the other hand, if a male member receives a female visitor, the elders, particularly the grandparents will automatically tell the member to be careful or stay away from her especially if she is ill-mannered and not presentable (wearing mini skirts and full of make-up). The elders will not bother talk to her, instead they will sit opposite to her and carefully examine her in despise.

And, if a visitor is a foreigner or a relative who comes from abroad, the family is very proud especially when the neighbours are around, and offers everything just to please the visitor. Once the visitor is gone, the family will either praise or mock the visitor. It’s mostly not the presence but the presents.