I can’t speak for all Filipino families, but I’ll give you a peek at mine:
- Rice makes the meal real.
Food is a huge part of the Filipino tradition. We have really good viands like Adobo, Kare-kare, Sinigang, and many others, but these recipes don’t matter if there is no rice.
When I choose not to eat rice, I’d always get that look from my elders that ranges from a caring, “Are you sick or unwell?” look to a confused, angry, “Why are you still watching Mr. Bean?” look.
Almost always, it’s the latter.
In my defense, Mr. Bean is a series for all ages. I love Mr. Bean, his teddy, and….. well… Mr. Bean. Also, it’s not that I’m on a diet or anything; I just enjoy testing the limit of our ancient eating tradition. I guess, for some reason, I also fancy seeing my parents look at me like I was an alien.
2. Celebrating barangay/village fiestas is a big deal.
My mother being outgoing, and my father being extremely outgoing, my family has never spent a year not attending at least five barangay/village fiestas.
Fiestas are these huge celebrations that are like birthdays and weddings, but they’re centered on either the founding date or the patron saint of the village. Anyone could just walk in without knowing a soul in a house and still be welcomed to the feast. Let’s just say that people in my place are beyond accommodating.
There would be dancing, eating - lots of it, and meeting people I’ve been told I’m related with but have never known until then. The last time I attended one, I was introduced to seven aunties, three uncles, and about ten distant cousins.
In short, fiestas are events that allow so much socializing in strangers’ homes that may or may not result to questionable outcomes. Sometimes, after so much eating and talking, some tired guests even end up taking afternoon naps in the homeowners’ bedroom.
And no - I don’t do that. At least, not anymore.
3. We are taught to be grateful for being a Filipino. Always. No questions asked.
Regardless of my grumbling like "Why am I attending/eating/doing this?! I want to live life my own way, not my parents!", "Food, events, films, what's next? Are they going to demand that I buy local branded swimwear for swimming?" (which is quite arguable because I don’t know of any), my siblings and I have always been taught to consider being a Filipino a huge blessing.
I may love pasta more than rice, and Mr. Bean over (I don’t even know a local animated series!), but I love being a Filipina. I love how I could live with my parents until I’m 20, 30, or even 40. I am fascinated by how my parents think of me as a kid even when I’m of legal age, while my relatives in the US treat their ten-year old kids like mature and responsible adults,
All kidding aside, we really are taught to be patriotic even when our country is a third-world, or even when President Duterte seems to be making rather questionable decisions. I may seldom show it, but I breathe Pinoy, bleed Pinoy, and will forever be Pinoy.
So, no matter where life takes me, I’ll always remember who I am. I’m a rice-eating, fiesta-loving, patriotic Filipina - the best of the best, a cut above the rest- so sit tight little Leah, the ride's not over yet.
