Every culture has its little habits that seem totally normal until you realise not everyone does it. In the Philippines, there are small, everyday quirks are part of what makes Filipino life unique colorful. Some of them come from centuries-old beliefs, others from practical needs, and many simply because “ganyan na talaga” — that’s just the way it is.
Whether you’re a Filipino who grew up with these traditions or a foreigner curious about what makes Filipino culture tick, here are 15 Filipino quirks you’ll definitely find fascinating.
Sleeping with part of the mosquito net on your feet
The kulambo (mosquito net) is a familiar sight in many Filipino homes, whether you are in the city or in the provinces. But many people don’t completely tuck themselves in. Instead, they leave part of their feet sticking out.
It’s a mix of needing protection from mosquitoes and wanting fresh air. After all, a little presko feeling is important on humid nights. It’s that in demand that it’s also sold online.
The unstoppable walis tambo and walis tingting ritual
Even if the house is already clean, many Filipinos still sweep every morning. It’s not just about dust — it’s about starting the day right. A clean floor means a clear mind. The walis tambo (soft broom) is for indoors; the walis tingting (hard broom made of coconut sticks) is for the yard. If you grew up Filipino, you know the sound of sweeping before sunrise is almost like a national alarm clock.
But also beware. When there’s death in the family, sweeping the floor is a no-no during wakes that take place at home.
Tapping coins on babies’ foreheads
When a baby gets the hiccups (sinok), elders often stick a coin to the baby’s forehead, sometimes using a bit of saliva. The belief is that the coldness of the coin “shocks” the hiccup away. There’s no scientific backing, but it’s still a sweet and harmless ritual many families practice.
This is part of certain things Filipinos are unable to explain, yet religiously oblige as we always respond, “walang mawawala kung sundin mo.”
Pointing with the lips (“nguso”)
In the Philippines, asking someone for directions can often lead to a silent response — a subtle pout or nguso toward the right direction. It’s an efficient, hands-free way of pointing that’s so second nature, most Filipinos don’t even realise they’re doing it. It also comes in handy when both hands are full or when trying to give a discreet cue without drawing attention.
Sniff-kissing (“beso”) among family
While many cultures kiss cheeks as a greeting, Filipinos often do the sniff-kiss — pulling you close and sniffing your cheek hard. It’s less about the physical kiss and more about taking in your familiar scent. It’s a loving, uniquely Filipino gesture, especially between grandparents and grandchildren.
Covering mirrors during wakes
Traditional Filipino wakes often involve covering mirrors in the house where the deceased is laid. The superstition says mirrors can trap the soul or cause bad luck. It’s a practice rooted in old Spanish-influenced Catholic beliefs blended with native animistic traditions.
Hoarding plastic bags and ice cream tubs
In a Filipino kitchen, opening a supposedly empty ice cream tub often reveals leftover adobo or sinigang. Filipinos are masters of recycling before it became a trend: plastic bags are folded neatly and kept in drawers, and containers are reused until they fall apart.
So don’t be surprised if an old ice cream tub doubles as a food container found in a Filipino household’s fridge.
Saying “tabi tabi po” when passing mysterious places
When walking past an old tree, mound, or deserted area, it’s common to say “Tabi-tabi po” (Excuse me) to unseen spirits. The practice shows respect for nature spirits or engkanto, a belief passed down from pre-colonial animism. Even modern Filipinos often find themselves muttering it — just in case.
Opening gifts only after the guest leaves
In the Philippines, it’s considered bastos (rude) to open a gift in front of the person who gave it. The idea is to avoid putting anyone on the spot — whether it’s the giver, who might feel anxious about your reaction, or the receiver, who might feel pressured to respond enthusiastically even if the gift is unexpected or modest.
Instead, gifts are usually opened privately after the party, often with close family members crowding around, laughing, teasing, and guessing who gave what.
For example, at a child’s birthday party, the gifts are gathered on a table and left untouched during the celebration. Later at home, the child opens each one while the family joins in, reacting to each gift with playful comments like “Uy, sosyal ah!” or “Ay, galing kay Ninang yan!” It turns the act of opening presents into its own intimate moment, full of fun and warmth — minus the awkwardness.
Patting the forehead or chest after bumping into sacred objects
Accidentally bump into a religious statue or a church pew? You’ll notice Filipinos instinctively tap their forehead or chest afterwards. It’s a small sign of respect, an apology to the sacred, and a reminder of the deep Catholic influence in Filipino life.
Saying “buyag” to ward off bad luck after compliments
In Cebuano-speaking regions like parts of Visayas and Mindanao, it’s common to hear someone say “Buyag!” right after a compliment — especially when admiring a baby, a pretty face, or someone’s good fortune.
It’s a way of protecting the person from being jinxed or usog, a belief that too much praise might bring sudden illness or misfortune. For example, if someone says “Nindot kaayo imong balay!” (Your house is so nice!), a nearby elder might add “Buyag, buyag!” just to be safe.
The term acts like a verbal talisman; a small but powerful way to deflect envy or bad spirits. While younger generations may not fully believe in its mystical effect, saying buyag has become second nature in many Cebuano households, a blend of superstition and affection passed down through generations.
Shouting “picture! picture!” followed by wacky shots
No gathering is complete without group photos, and no photo session is complete without a wacky shot. Once the formal smiley photo is done, someone inevitably shouts “Wacky!” and everyone starts making faces or silly poses — crossed eyes, peace signs, duck faces, and exaggerated facial expressions. It’s not just tradition; it’s an unspoken rule.
Before that, you’ll often hear someone direct the group with words like “Smile!” or “Say cheese!” — or in Filipino settings, “Isang seryoso muna, tapos wacky ha!” Even little kids are trained early to strike classic poses like peace signs or model-like chin tilts.
These moments may seem spontaneous, but to Filipinos, it’s a beloved ritual that celebrates the joy of being together — and makes for perfect Facebook memories.
Leaving a chair or plate for latecomers
In a Filipino gathering, you never fully pack a table without saving a spot for someone who might arrive later. Making room, even just squeezing a little tighter, shows the Filipino spirit of hospitality, always ready to welcome one more.
Sleeping with a towel (bimpo) under the head
Instead of fancy pillows, sometimes a simple folded bimpo (small towel) is all you need for a quick nap. It’s practical, cool, and somehow more satisfying, especially after a sweaty afternoon outside.
Hanging rosaries on car mirrors
Driving around the Philippines, it’s common to see rosaries dangling from rearview mirrors. It’s more than decoration — it’s a prayer for safe travels. Many drivers feel incomplete without that symbol of divine protection.
Asking personal questions without a second thought
In the Philippines, it’s perfectly normal to be asked what might feel like deeply personal questions — “May asawa ka na?” (Are you married?), “Ilan na anak mo?” (How many kids do you have?), or “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?” (When are you getting married?). While these might feel intrusive in other cultures, Filipinos often mean no offense. These are usually just casual conversation starters, a way to show interest or express concern in a familiar, non-formal way.
If you’re caught off-guard, a friendly response like “Wala pa po, naghahanap pa ng forever,” or “Secret muna, baka may makialam!” keeps the tone light and humorous. The key is to see it less as prying and more as pakikipagkapwa, it’s a cultural trait of connecting with others through shared stories and openness.
Why these quirks matter
These small habits tell bigger stories about our culture and community. Many quirks have roots in Filipino history: colonial pasts, Catholic traditions, and the ever-present sense of pakikisama (harmony with others).
For Filipinos, these practices are barely even noticeable — they’re stitched into everyday life. But for foreigners, these quirks are windows into a culture that’s rich, layered, and full of heart.
So the next time you find yourself sleeping with your foot peeking out of a kulambo, or saying “Tabi-tabi po” without thinking, remember: you’re part of a living tradition that makes being Filipino so uniquely fascinating.