Filipinos are known to be humorous and talented, and it’s no secret that many of our kababayan all around the world are living under the spotlight.

Well, whenever we hear stories of victory and bravery, it boosts our spirit and uplifts our confidence as if we too are part of that triumphant moment—it’s in the blood, not a question, we’re FILIPINO!

As one of the most cheerful and happiest nations on earth, other nationalities admire us highly, and today, as we celebrate ‘National Kindness Day’, we will list down some of the best PINOY traits we are known and celebrated all around the world.

RESPECT FOR ELDERS

Like in many other Asian countries, people in the Philippines show their respect to the elder population with certain gestures and honorifics they use before the person's name.

Our evident respect for elders has caught the heart of many tourists in the country. Growing up, our parents instilled in us the thought of being respectful.

We are taught to say ‘po’ and ‘opo’ which means "yes" in a respectful way, rather than just saying oo, or yes normally. Basically, it’s a unique trade that Filipinos have, and whenever they go, they never forget to show some respect.

Also, we Filipinos have the habit of pagmamano or kissing the hands of elders, an act that means someone is asking for the elder’s blessing.

RESILIENCE

As a country that ravaged by the strongest typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes in history, our infectious optimism is and will always be our greatest asset in this lifetime.

We are all applauded by stories of resilience but in fact, this is alike to cancer that gradually kills the sense of change and responsibility to demand accountability from authorities.

Many are celebrated this unique Pinoy trait and thinking how are we all manage to smile amidst the catastrophe, well according to stories, there’s no official account in the history where it all began and we seemed to naturally adapt it and learn how it is.

Read: EDITORYAL: Kulturang ‘Filipino Resilience’ sa gitna ng krisis at kalamidad, kailangan na nga bang itigil?

HOSPITABLE

No wonder, we hear stories of different nationalities who have decided to live in the country ‘cause of the warm welcome we Filipinos naturally give to them.

We set our best foot to entertain our visitors and wanderers who do not have a place to stay in which gives other nations an impression as the most hospitable country in the world.

Hospitality is also one of the reasons why many OFWs are being celebrated all around the world, and again most of our new heroes are given high respect and some are awarded for being it.

It’s innate amongst us, no pretensions, it just comes naturally as a thought that we all need to guide and help others in our very own lands.

UNITY

It also referred to as the “Bayanihan”, Filipinos help one another when their fellowmen need them.

Filipinos are naturally helpful especially in times of trouble and glitches. There’s no account in the history where it all started but it seems like our sense of urgency to help others is in the human’s system.

There’s this thought of satisfaction filling our soul whenever we accomplished huge things with others, we felt relieved and happy—very Pinoy indeed.

CHEERFUL

The United Nations reported in March 2019 that the Philippines ranked the 69th happiest country in the world (out of 156), and is consistent with a Gallup survey reported by Forbes, “which finds an increase in the percentage of Filipinos who consider their life positive enough to rate it as ‘thriving’ in recent years.”

Yes, Pinoys in a sense are one of the most cheerful residents on this planet, we can’t deny the fact that we always find a way to smile despite the tragedies, life adversaries, and many more.

In a write-up of Manilastandard.net last June 2019 about Filipinos being cheery humans, Psychologist Therese Castillo said the Filipinos are generally a “happy people.”

She explained, “If our people were as privileged as other countries, we may not have developed the coping skills distinct to Filipinos. Most Filipinos use humor as part of coping with problems and struggles.”

Also, scientific studies suggest happiness or positive emotions can help make life longer and healthier. 

There’s no wrong with Pinoys being happy most of the time, what’s not right is to drown ourselves into deep sadness when there’s a lot of reasons to smile.

Filipinos are Filipinos.

We all have our unique characteristics and differences, and all these traits are what makes us a person.

What matters most is to respect each and everyone’s values and life.

Always spread kindness peeps!