Uniquely Pinoy: Lingo

When I first came to Philippines, I found it easier to communicate with the Filipinos than I expected, even though I can't speak in the local dialect. This is because our body language and tonality speaks a thousand words in the Philippines! I realized that all I need were elastic facial muscles, nimble limbs, a powerful, melodious voice and I was all set and ready to tour this wonderful country! Here are some interesting discoveries I made:

Instead of using their arms or fingers, a lot of Filipinos point out a direction by pouting their mouths, or shifting their eyes towards the direction indicated.


Filipinos smile all the time! They smile when they praise or criticize, when they are embarrassed, or need help. Even when they apologize, they smile! After all, smiling doesn't cost much nor does it hurt anyone. So, SMILE!!! :)

Due to their conflict avoiding nature, instead of giving a definite "Yes" or "No", Filipinos will either lift their eyebrows or tend to use phrases like “siguro nga” (maybe), “sinabi mo e” (if you say so), “sisikapin ko” (I will try), “ewan” (I don’t know), “tingnan natin” (we’ll see) or “bahala na” (see how it goes).

All these actually just means ‘NO’!

It is considered rude to beckon someone using your index finger or by snapping your fingers.

Other vocal mannerisms would include offering an apology before asking a question, cucking to show annoyance, frustration or anger, using "Pssst-sst" to get attention (it is, however, rude to "psst" someone in a social function) and exclaiming "Ooo", which means "Yes".

Uniquely Pinoy: Superstitions and Taboos

To do or not to do, that is the question. Interacting with the locals for a period of time led to find out that the Filipino moral code is governed by a few complex ideas, including hiya (fear of losing face), pakikisama (social sharing) and bahala na (fatalism). There are many taboos and customs that the Filipinos observe. Hence, it is important that we carefully toe the line and respect their beliefs when in the Philippines! After all, in Rome, shouldn't we do as the Romans do? Here are more interesting superstitions which the Filipinos believe in:

WHAT BRINGS BAD LUCK?

Receiving old clothes, whistling at night, breaking objects and lending bring bad luck.

WHAT WOULD 'MAKE YOU POOR'?

Throwing rice on the floor, eating in front of a stove and sweeping at night will make you poor.

WHICH DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE MOST SPECIAL?

Mondays are special--

Do not spend money on a Monday because you will only spend more money the entire week.
At the same time, businessmen must make sure that their first customer on Mondays buys from them, otherwise business will not be good the entire week.

WHAT BRINGS GOOD LUCK?

Being born with six fingers, a big birthmark and seeing a snake cross the road brings good luck.