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Thirteen Things I love about being Pinoy
(despite the political turmoil here)
Found this list some time ago. There are about a 100, but I chose only 13. It's fun, and really quite true in most cases  . Happy Thursday, everyone!
1. Merienda. Where else but in the Philippines is it normal to eat five times a day?
2. Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want.
3. Pinoy humour and irreverence. If you're api (underdog) and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.
4. Po, opo, mano po. Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial respect–a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.
5. Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.
6. Beaches! With 7000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan–over here, life is truly a beach.
7. Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally-renowned dance company, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that cold beer and some pulutan ready for the troops.
8. Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.
9. Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It's a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best.
10. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman's communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat.
11. Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty "Kain tayo!" invitation to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or austere it is.
12. Pakikisama. It's what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still make it home.
13. Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get severed. You don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives. Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materializes during a wake?
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Kelly
2. Kontan
3. Leanne
4. Matt
5. Undercover Angel
6. Gabrielle
7. Mandy
8. Janice
9. Cheryl
10. Tricia
11. libragirl
12. Nancy
13. carmen
14. Margie Mix
15. K T Cat
16. susan
17. Stacie
18. Sherri
19. david
20. Wystful1
21. Shannon
22. anneberit
24. Elle |
