Reason#5 Bayanihan

An actual bahay kubo being tranported using brute strength and a whole lot of love;

photo contributed by Lorenzo De Felipe, Jr.

Nice to know:

Bayanihan's simplified English translation is "cooperation", but it goes well beyond that. It's more like brotherhood (and sisterhood, too), because the people involved in a particular task help out not because they have to, but because they want to.

The most symbolic bayanihan photo depicts a small crowd carrying what seems to be a small house. Wait-a-minute, it is a house! A bahay kubo to be exact.

What they say:

I refuse to believe that bayanihan is a dying custom.

Reason#114 Excuse Me Po While I Slice the Air

Nice to know:

As an educated, polite Pinoy, you know that it's impolite to pass between two conversing individuals. But sometimes you just have to! Like when inconsiderate chatters are blocking a narrow hallway. To show how sorry you are for your rudeness, you have to learn this air-slicing move.

Why it's in the list:

With one simple gesture, people instantly know that you want to pass through. I don't think people from other countries do this.

The best combo is to stoop down below eye level, mutter "skyuz me", and display the final stage of a karate chop. Like magic, people will lighten up and allow you to pass in front of them. Whatta move!

Reason#110 Tingi System

Nice to know:

Tingi is retail at its tiniest form. Sachets of toothpaste, shampoo, etc. are sold not just because of space considerations, but mainly because of its price point.

Why it's in the list:

Others view this practice as kawawa, but I think it's cool because I get to buy the exact quantity I need without wastage. Why do I need to buy a whole bag of candies when all I need is one piece to mask my breath after a sizzling sisig meal?

Reason#55 Kamayan

Even upscale ladies with fancy nail polish enjoy eating kamayan-style.

Nice to know:

Kamayan can mean "shake hands", but in this case, it is the equivalent of "to eat with your bare (and hopefully, clean) hands".

Some politicians strategically have their photos taken while they eat with their hands... to show their down-to-earth side.

For those who haven't tried eating a rice meal this way, practice makes progress. Remember not to put your fingers into your mouth. Just the food, please.

Why it's in the list:

Some meals are best enjoyed without utensils, especially if shrimps, crabs, fried chicken are served.

Eating with bare hands is a crucial "skill" especially when you forget to bring a spoon or fork during an outdoor trip. I should know.

The hands are the best 'utensils' ever. - Diane Reyes

Reason#2 Pinoy Nationalism

One of many posters declaring Pinoy pride.

Why it's in the list:

We see these banners, posters, streamers, tshirts, and other forms of printed media displaying Pinoy pride all over the place. All these somehow aids our subconscious minds to love the Philippines even more, which is cool!

Reason#21 Variety Store

Pabili ng Hapee na colgate!

Nice to know:

Long before the introduction of the franchised, air-conditioned convenience store, the sari-sari store ruled the street corners.

Why it's in the list:

It's so convenient! No frills. You can even make lista.

Reason#39 Videoke

She's singing "My Way", what else?

Why it's in the list:

If you hand a microphone to any Pinoy and ask him to deliver a speech, he'll probably run away.  But if you hand that same person a microphone connected to a videoke machine, you probably won't get that mic back anytime soon.

Reason#10 Mabuhay!

A rusty but very polite signboard

Nice to know:

"Mabuhay" is roughly equivalent to "Welcome!", "Long live!", "We're friendly people!", etc.

Best occasions to use it: greeting a tourist, introducing yourself in a beauty contest

Why it's in the list:

A very warm and cheerful greeting that works best when combined with a sweet smile.

My foreign friends instantly feel welcome when they hear it, even though they have no idea what it means.