15 Things Only People Who Grew Up In The Philippines Understand

There’s nothing quite like growing up in the Philippines. In a country filled with great food, great people and amazing sights, it’s hard not to reminisce from time to time. Our little quirks are the best part about being Filipino, and if you grew up in the Philippines, you can definitely relate to a few of these things!

1. Tapsilog was your favourite breakfast

Rice, eggs, and meat, how can you go wrong? Tapsilog (or any of the other -silog variations) were definitely a childhood favourite breakfast and something you’d be willing to eat until the end of time.

2. You definitely owned a rice cooker

A meal without rice is simply not a meal. If you grew up in the Philippines you definitely had a rice cooker (or two) lying around the house.

3. Indoor slippers are totally a thing

No way do you walk inside the house with your bare feet. Slippers, flip flops, tsinelas, whatever you call them, you’re totally rocking slippers indoors and trying to get visitors to put them on too.

4. You had the biggest family gatherings ever

Everyone is a tita (aunt) or tito (uncle) whether or not you’re actually related. That means family gatherings are full of hundreds of “relatives” — some of which you don’t even recognise.

5. Cheesy desserts were the norm

Cheese ice cream is the best thing ever and you’re probably prepared to fight anyone who disagrees. The same goes for ensaymada and those Mary Grace cheese rolls…yum!

6. You’ve been taught countless ways to save money

If you grew up in the Philippines, you probably have a savvy mother who taught you a trick or two about saving money. In fact, you probably have a stash of plastic utensils sitting in your kitchen right now.

7. Every gathering definitely included karaoke

It’s a common belief that Filipinos are great singers, and that might be owed in some part to the fact that every gathering turns into a karaoke party full of ’80s hits.

8. You’ve learned to deal with cryptic words and gestures

Mouth pointing? Give me the “ano”? Psst? You’ve definitely learned how to react to these strange habits, and know exactly what your mum means when she asks you to hand over the “ano”.

9. You’ve spent half your life stuck in traffic

You probably chuckle to yourself when people abroad complain about traffic. Growing up in the Philippines, traffic was the norm.

10. You took the amazing beaches for granted

There’s nothing like being able to ditch the city for a quick trip to the beach. White sand, clear blue water, growing up in the Philippines was the closest thing to paradise.

11. There’s nothing like coming into an air-conditioned room

In the heat and humidity, the air-con or electric fan was your best friend. Heaven forbid either of these stopped working.

12. You’ve mastered eating with a fork and spoon

There’s absolutely no meal you can’t devour with a fork and spoon. The whole fork and knife combo is a mystery to you, but slicing meat with a spoon is a piece of cake.

13. You’ve definitely had your share of canned goods

When all else fails, a meal consisting of rice and corned beef or spam is the perfect, fool-proof option. If you don’t have cans of corned beef in your pantry are you even Filipino?

14. No amount of rain will faze you

We’ve dealt with our fair share of typhoons in the Philippines, so anything less is but a mere drizzle to us. Seriously though, have you ever seen people so happy to be wading through a flood?

15. You don’t miss any chance to show your Filipino pride

Whether it’s supporting Manny Pacquiao, rooting for the next Miss Universe or rocking the Philippine flag, you never miss the chance to share your pride for your country.

Can you relate to any of these if you grew up in the Philippines? Let us know in the comments!

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