FILIPINO HERITAGE

Juan expresses his heritage as a Filipino.

I'm a Pinoy so I do what Pinoys do. We ask for blessings from our elders called "mano"(we put the back of the hands of our Elders in our forehead as a sign of respect).

A few of the most familiar words for exhibiting respect in a Filipino household are po and opo. Both mean "yes" in a respectful way, rather than just saying oo, or yes normally.

For a truer perception of how to use po and opo and to comprehend the distinction between the two, look at the illustrations below.

Po is used to indicate respect when speaking or called by somebody older or a someone with authority. Also, use po when saying salamat, or "thank you". If you are called by someone senior to you (such as your mom, dad, uncle, auntie, or an elderly neighbor), you should answer po.

"I like that," Katsuo said.

Ichika nodded.

Katsuo also shared the Japanese bow.

In Japan, these are the dos and don'ts of bowing or Ojigi.

DO: If you are a man, you can keep your hands on the side of your body or keep your hands together in front of you. If you are a woman, you should keep your hands together in front of you. 

DO: In a business context with foreigners, most Japanese people will shake hands with them and bow slightly at the same time. You will give an excellent impression to your business partner if you do the same.

DO: Say your greetings after you bow. This proper manner is called gosen-gorei in Japanese. However, many people actually bow while speaking!

DON'T: Curve your back. Keep it straight as a mark of respect.

DON'T: Join your palms in front of your chest to greet! This is a common mistake among foreigners visiting Japan for the first time. This kind of greeting is used in other countries, like in Thailand, for example. In Japan, this is mainly seen in places of worship.

Now, let us get to the trickier part. There are various sorts of ojigi that are used depending on the situation. There are actually five ways to bow, but today, we will see the three main ones used when standing.

1. Eshaku: It is a slight bow with an angle of about 15 degrees.

Example: In the case of passing your neighbor on the street, or when you pass a client or your superior in the hallway.

2. Keirei: It is used most often in business, with a bow of about 30 degrees.

Example: When you visit your client's company, gain a new client, or greet someone new. It is also used to express gratitude; for instance, if someone returns your wallet that you dropped on the street.

3. Saikeirei: It is the deepest of the three bows, at about 45 degrees.

You may not have an opportunity to use this bow daily.

This bow is for indicating your sincere apology or respect toward a person, so it will look awkward if you use this bow on everyone you encounter. 

Example: In the case of you causing trouble for, let us say… the president of a company.

"Ojigi" situations:

1.To your boss and/or colleagues upon arriving or leaving office.

2.To customers welcoming or seeing off.

3. When visiting and leaving customers at their homes or offices.

4. At the beginning and the end of a class at the elementary and middle schools.

5. When receiving a commendation.

6. When entering other's house, room or office.

7. When introducing yourself at the first encounter.

8. When happen to meet your acquaintance on the street or at a restaurant.

9. When presenting yourself in front of an esteemed person.

10. At the beginning of a martial art tournament or a ball game, to your opponents.

11. At the beginning and the end of your speech, to the audience.

12. When requesting something, to your counterpart.

13. When you want to show gratitude.

14. When you want to apologize.

" Good to know the technical and the meaning of the bow Grandpa, I now understand it more deeply," Ruthie said.

The whole day everybody is busy. Juan is busy doing many things in Jacky's house as part of the Filipino courtship.

Paninilbihan" (Servitude) is a Filipino tradition usually done during courtship and before "pamamanhikan" in the old days. Paninilbihan is performed by the soon-to-be-groom by doing household chores such as "pagsisibak" (chopping firewood), "pag-iigib" (fetching water), and many more. The Filipino elders say it's a way for the groom to show that he is a responsible man. Some say paninilbihan is a dying tradition, I would say it is not since men subconsciously practice this tradition through modernized chores such as car and electrical repairs for their girlfriends and many other "modern" chores.

"Juan had done that to me many times already, and he even almost give his life for me, and also has saved my life on many occasions," Jacky said.

Ely and Luz concurred.

Juan then asks for blessings from Ely and Luz by bringing their hands to his forehead, one by one. Then he bowed to them. He then asked for Jacky's hands for marriage.

Although Ely and Luz already agreed to their relationship, it is a family ceremonial thing, Ely and Luz get Jacky and give her hands to Juan. Then they hug each other.

It is not yet the actual marriage but both the Yamadachi and Tira family are in tears.

Katsuo said: I will cover the venue here in Japan and in the Philippines.

Tony said: we will cover the suits and dress of the couple and all of us including the bride's maids and best men.

Ely said: We will cover the food and the drinks here in Japan.

"I think some of the details, we will discuss on additional meetings for these as we go along," Katsuo said.

As of now, we will enjoy the food and we will open the gifts we bring. Martha said.