TAGS: #respect
How does a Filipino girl respect the elders? Respecting elders is a big part of the Philippine culture. Even as children, Filipinos are taught family values, discipline and respect, especially for elders. The first thing you would notice Filipino girls do when they are in the presence of their parents or elders is they give them a kiss. This is how they acknowledge someone older than they are is with them. A kiss is done when greeting their parents or their elderly. They also do this before they go to school or someplace else.
Mano po is another way girls respect their elders or their parents. This gesture is usually done when greeting or when saying goodbye. What they do is take the hand of their elder, the palm faced down, and they bring the hand to their foreheads. This is not just a sign of respect, but it is a way the elderly give their blessings to the younger generation. The elders then reply by saying, “God bless you”.
The words “Po,” “Opo,” and “Ho” are words that connotes respect for elders and those superior when talking to them. These words are used to end a sentence. These can also be used when answering questions that require yes or no answers. In the past, these words were very popular and were a must in a Filipino’s vocabulary. However, some of the younger generation today dismiss the whole tradition. They say that it’s too embarrassing and it cramps their style. Some Filipino families still want to uphold this value to teach their children the importance of respect.
How does a Filipino girl respect the elders? Filipino girls give respect to their elders and parents when they obey them. Filipino families are very conservative and some of them would ask their daughters to go directly at home after school or work. The dutiful daughters would oftentimes do as they say.
Filipino girls are modest especially when they are in the presence of their superiors and elders. They tend to be quiet and keep to themselves. This is how Filipino girls were taught to be.
The Filipino language is equipped with the necessary words to show respect for the elders. Aside from po and opo, Filipinos address older people with manang, ate, manong or kuya. Ate and manang are words used for addressing older females like cousins and sisters. Kuya and manong are used for older male cousins and brothers.
Before marrying someone or before accepting a suitor, Filipino girls ask the opinion of their elders and their parents. If the elders do not like the guy, most of the time, the girl would not go through with it. Approval of the guy furthers the relationship and serves as the blessing.
The Filipino culture and tradition highlights family values. These values are then passed down from generation to generation to ensure the continuity of the traditions. Children born into a Filipino family are taught to respect elders. Continuing family tradition is also how does a Filipino girl respect the elders.