BAYANIHAN:

BAYANIHAN:

Pronounced like "buy-uh-nee-hun," bayanihan is a Filipino word derived from the word bayan meaning town, nation, or community in general. "Bayanihan" literally means, "being a bayan," and is thus used to refer to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation.

Although bayanihan can manifest itself in many forms, it is probably most clearly and impressively displayed in the old tradition of neighbors helping a relocating family by getting enough volunteers to carry the whole house, and literally moving it to its new location. They do this by placing long bamboo poles length-wise and cross-wise under the house (traditional Filipino houses were built on stilts), and then carrying the house using this bamboo frame. It takes a fairly large number of people -- often 20 or more -- working together to carry the entire house. All this is done in a happy and festive mood. At the end of the day, the moving family expresses their gratitude by hosting a small fiesta for everyone.

Resilency of the Philippines

Resiliency

The Philippines is a hotspot for disasters, natural and otherwise. Couple that with poverty, and one would think that Filipinos have the most reason for being a depressed people. However, we have demonstrated time and again that Filipinos can bounce back from a tragedy, emerging stronger and better than before. In the middle of a disaster, Filipinos can still manage to smile and be hopeful that the next morning brings new hope.

We have shown the world that by working together as a nation, we have what it takes to recover from a bad situation. This is something that all of us should be proud of, no matter where in the world we are.

With all of these good traits (and more!), one would really be proud to say, “I am a Filipino.”

Filipinos have shown the world that by working together, we have what it takes to recover from a bad situation—and this is a trait that we should all be proud of.

Strong Family Ties in the Philippines

Strong family ties

In the country the people put family ties and relations as one of their top priorities. Filipinos would do all they could to provide and sustain their respective families. This is present in Filipino festivals where they invite the whole family and in Sundays where they would make time to use it to spend the whole day for their families.

You will find that it is common in the country to include the extended members not just the normal nuclear family. It is not unusual that in a single household it would reach up to ten members of a family living under the same roof. They value each other’s company, and everyone strives to provide for the whole and not just for them.

Even grandparents still have an active role in the family. It is now the norm in the society that both parents are out working, leaving the care of their children to the lolos and lolas, especially if the family cannot afford to hire a nanny. Grandparents therefore become responsible for instilling into their grandchildren the values and morals they taught to their own children, further increasing the importance of the elderly in our society.

News From The Philippines

China still pushing its weight around, we once had the opportunity when the US had its bases stationed here in the Philippines, and they were ousted, for what ever reasons, be it corruption, payouts the then government or money people wanted to lay there pockets, this was a silly move as territorial issues have and are still flourishing over land and boundaries since the presence of the US base was dwindling.
Full article at Filipino Australian Journal

Philippines to Australia from Heaven to Heaven

Philippines to Australia for Love!!

What a Filipina Thinks of Aussie Food

Aussie Foods!!

I’m scared i will end up having hairy chest,because since i lived here in Australia I havent eaten that much spaghetti in my life.Thats what my husband said,that too much spaghetti puts hair on your chest,lol! Spaghetti is one of main dish in the family,though my husband is Greek blood,he was born and acquired Australian tradition.After couple of months here,i would say i really missed eating Filipino foods,especially lechon.When i was still in the Philippines.

Full article at Filipino Australian Journal