Skip to main content

Hospitality and Generosity: The Two Inseparable Virtues of the Filipinos



Oftentimes, a country would be known for its culture, natural beauty like stunning scenery, pristine beaches, culture, foods, and of course a country would also be known by the traits of its people.. 

The Filipinos, for example, are easily identified by their innate virtues like their being kind, resilient, hardworking, and they’re being happy people. Aside from the aforementioned, the Filipinos are also known for their distinctly tasty foods, pristine beaches, stunning landscape, and their hospitable people. 

Although, the Filipinos are not perfect people; they also have their own weaknesses and undesirable traits inherited from their ancestors such as the Ninjas-Cogon, a particular trait of the Filipinos which is only good at the beginning but later fizzles out like cogon grass in which the fire shines brightly at the beginning but fades after a few seconds.

Ironically, another trait of the Filipinos is to laugh at their own mistake, and of course, the infamous one-time millionaire attitude. another trait that refers to one-time spending of money. Just be reminded that some undesirable Filipino traits mentioned above are not practiced by the general population. 

On the contrary, the Filipinos also possess desirable traits, foremost of which are the virtues of hospitality and generosity which have become word by mouth all over the world. These two virtues are inseparable and manifested in different ways and situations. 

Generosity

Bereft of financial stability, their material imperfections are compensated by their natural virtues. The generosity of the Filipinos are for everyone. Their generosity has been proven and shown on so many occasions particularly during feasts (fiesta in Spanish) like in the province of Bohol, the Philippines in which hosts would invite neighbors, relatives, or even total strangers into their house to celebrate and share food with the visitors.

Identity of the Filipinos

The Filipinos’ hospitality and generosity are just some of the virtues that have helped shape the identity of the Filipinos. These are the traits that a visitor, particularly a foreign could feel when in the Philippines. They may not be blessed financially, but they are rich in culture, natural beauty, and virtues that every Filipino can be proud of. 

Disasters 

Another situation where the Filipinos manifest their generosity is during and after a disaster. A Filipino, whether rich or poor, would always share his blessings with another disaster-stricken fellow Filipinos. Help could be in the form of used clothing, bed sheets, pillows, used footwear, canned goods such as sardines, noodles, monetary, and everything that could address the immediate needs of the Filipinos affected by disasters. 

Hospitality 

Hospitality is another good trait of the Filipinos. The Filipinos’ hospitality is shared to either foreigners or to fellow Filipinos. Their hospitality is not only shown during special events such as feasts, birthday celebrations, Christmas or New Year celebrations but also even on ordinary occasions. During and after a disaster, Filipinos’ virtue of hospitality is also shown like letting their fellow Filipinos use their vacant places as a temporary shelter, or in some instances allowing their fellow Filipinos to stay with them on one roof while for the restoration of their respective houses. 

In spite of life’s modernity, the Filipinos still observe and practice these virtues which have been passed on from one generation to another.

Photo credit to Asian Development Bank/Flicker

You may also check my eBook:

https://payhip.com/EBOOKBANK73

Popular posts from this blog

Lomboy (Black Plums) Leaves: The Poor Man's Cigarettes

In today's blog, we'll talk about the Lomboy tree and its many uses from its fruits, wood, and leaves. These trees grow not only in the Philippines but also in other tropical countries in Asia. In the Philippines, Lomboy trees grow well with any type of soil be it in rural or urban areas. Wood  The Lomboy tree wood is used as reliable materials for building houses, furniture such as tables, chairs, and other house furniture.  Lomboy Fruits Lomboy fruits are sweet, purple in color, and oblong in shape. Unfortunately, children cannot easily get their fruits as these trees grow bigger and taller. Aside from its tasty fruits, black plums fruits also have health benefits. Black plums fruits are packed with vitamin c, iron, and magnesium, and other nutrients.  In the Philippines, some fully-grown trees grow as high as 30-40 meters in height. With its size it would be hard for children to get its fruits. Lomboy Leaves  The Lomboy leaves have been used by the Filipinos especially those

Paninilbihan (Servitude): A Traditional Filipino Courtship Custom

 Another traditional courtship custom that used to be popular among Filipino men for its unique, marriage-like setup is ‘ Paninilbihan’ or servitude in the English language. Paninilbihan is just one of the many traditional Filipino courtship customs which used to be observed and practiced by Filipino suitors to help them win Filipina women’s hearts and at the same time to prove their sincerity and patience to the women they are trying to woo.  In this particular courtship tradition, the suitor stays in the house of a woman he is courting for a particular period of time. Throughout the Paninilbihan period, the man would do various farm and household chores while being observed by both the woman he is courting and her parents. The duration of Paninilbihan (Servitude) may vary depending on the suitor and the parents of the woman. The Paninilbihan is a perfect opportunity for both the woman’s family and her suitor if they could get along with one another based on the relationship establish

Knowing the 4 wild fruits in the Philippines

Not too many people know that the Philippines are abundant not only with tasty, tropical fruit trees but also with wild fruit trees.  Ironically, most of these wild fruits are not found in the wild but are found and grown in densely populated residential areas such as in the backyard and even along the roads. And contrary to the popular belief, most of these fruits can be eaten without having to worry about fruit poisoning.  These wild fruits are favorite among Filipino children because aside from the excitement of racing to get these fruits, they are also good to satisfy a hungry stomach.  Below are just some of the wild fruits found in the Philippines:  Aratiles/cherry trees Aratiles are fruit-bearing wild trees found mostly in residential areas. Its fruits are favorite for birds and children alike. Its fruits’ color differs depending on the ripeness of the fruits.  Aratiles fruits are very small, soft, and sweet. Ripe fruits are colored pink and turn red when very ripe. Childr