The unstoppable walis tambo and walis tingting ritual<\/h2>\n
Even if the house is already clean, many Filipinos still sweep every morning. It\u2019s not just about dust \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
But also beware. When there’s death in the family, sweeping the floor is a no-no during wakes that take place at home.<\/p>\n
Tapping coins on babies’ foreheads<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This is part of certain things Filipinos are unable to explain, yet religiously oblige as we always respond, “walang mawawala kung sundin mo.”<\/p>\n
Pointing with the lips (“nguso”)<\/h2>\n
In the Philippines, asking someone for directions can often lead to a silent response \u2014 a subtle pout or nguso toward the right direction. It\u2019s an efficient, hands-free way of pointing that\u2019s so second nature, most Filipinos don\u2019t even realise they\u2019re doing it. It also comes in handy when both hands are full or when trying to give a discreet cue without drawing attention.<\/p>\n
Sniff-kissing (“beso”) among family<\/h2>\n
While many cultures kiss cheeks as a greeting, Filipinos often do the sniff-kiss \u2014 pulling you close and sniffing your cheek hard. It\u2019s less about the physical kiss and more about taking in your familiar scent. It\u2019s a loving, uniquely Filipino gesture, especially between grandparents and grandchildren.<\/p>\n
Covering mirrors during wakes<\/h2>\n
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\u2019s a practice rooted in old Spanish-influenced Catholic beliefs blended with native animistic traditions.<\/p>\n
Hoarding plastic bags and ice cream tubs<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
So don’t be surprised if an old ice cream tub doubles as a food container found in a Filipino household’s fridge.<\/p>\n
Saying “tabi tabi po” when passing mysterious places<\/h2>\n
When walking past an old tree, mound, or deserted area, it\u2019s 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 \u2014 just in case.<\/p>\n
Opening gifts only after the guest leaves<\/h2>\n
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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Instead, gifts are usually opened privately after the party, often with close family members crowding around, laughing, teasing, and guessing who gave what.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cAy, galing kay Ninang yan!\u201d It turns the act of opening presents into its own intimate moment, full of fun and warmth \u2014 minus the awkwardness.<\/p>\n
Patting the forehead or chest after bumping into sacred objects<\/h2>\n
Accidentally bump into a religious statue or a church pew? You\u2019ll notice Filipinos instinctively tap their forehead or chest afterwards. It\u2019s a small sign of respect, an apology to the sacred, and a reminder of the deep Catholic influence in Filipino life.<\/p>\n
Saying \u201cbuyag\u201d to ward off bad luck after compliments<\/h2>\n
In Cebuano-speaking regions like parts of Visayas and Mindanao, it\u2019s common to hear someone say \u201cBuyag!\u201d right after a compliment \u2014 especially when admiring a baby, a pretty face, or someone\u2019s good fortune.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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 \u201cNindot kaayo imong balay!\u201d (Your house is so nice!), a nearby elder might add \u201cBuyag, buyag!\u201d just to be safe.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Shouting “picture! picture!” followed by wacky shots<\/h2>\n
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 \u201cWacky!\u201d and everyone starts making faces or silly poses \u2014 crossed eyes, peace signs, duck faces, and exaggerated facial expressions. It\u2019s not just tradition; it\u2019s an unspoken rule.<\/p>\n
Before that, you\u2019ll often hear someone direct the group with words like \u201cSmile!\u201d or \u201cSay cheese!\u201d \u2014 or in Filipino settings, \u201cIsang seryoso muna, tapos wacky ha!\u201d Even little kids are trained early to strike classic poses like peace signs or model-like chin tilts.<\/p>\n
These moments may seem spontaneous, but to Filipinos, it\u2019s a beloved ritual that celebrates the joy of being together \u2014 and makes for perfect Facebook memories.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Instead of fancy pillows, sometimes a simple folded bimpo (small towel) is all you need for a quick nap. It\u2019s practical, cool, and somehow more satisfying, especially after a sweaty afternoon outside.<\/p>\n Driving around the Philippines, it\u2019s common to see rosaries dangling from rearview mirrors. It’s more than decoration \u2014 it’s a prayer for safe travels. Many drivers feel incomplete without that symbol of divine protection.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/pinas\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/04\/man-1210600_640.jpg\")
Leaving a chair or plate for latecomers<\/h2>\n
Sleeping with a towel (bimpo) under the head<\/h2>\n
Hanging rosaries on car mirrors<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.pinoy-ofw.com\/pinas\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/04\/darla-dela-rosa-0VSS32rSLvo-unsplash-1024x680.jpg\")
Asking personal questions without a second thought<\/h2>\n