Filipino Culture

Part 5. The Filipino Way: Respect

Part 5. The Filipino Way: Respect

As part of our multiple-part series on Filipino culture, the next Filipino trait I want to share is being respectful. This unique Filipino brand of respect transcends various aspects of life, most notably in the workplace and the family home.

Respect at Home

Filipino kids are taught to honor their elders from a very young age, and this legacy is passed down through generations. This also shapes their character and guides their interactions with others throughout their lives. Our family gatherings are a testament to this, where everyone makes it a point to “mano po,” a gesture of taking an elder’s hand and bringing it to one’s forehead as a sign of reverence.

The culture of respect is also evident in how we treat our guests. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and treated with the utmost hospitality, and they are often offered the best the household can provide.

Respect in the Workplace

In a Filipino workplace, respect is usually shown whenever you hear words like “po” and “opo,” which are our linguistic markers of respect, especially when addressing those of higher rank or older age. It is also expected to hear us using polite language and Titles when addressing superiors or elders, such as “Sir,” “Ma’am,” or their professional titles. This level of esteem is reserved for our superiors but extends to colleagues and clients, creating an atmosphere of professional camaraderie and trust. Another way we show respect is by being considerate and valuing others’ opinions, even if there’s disagreement, and being considerate of their feelings.

At Ascendia Works, our core values are Respect, Trust, and Empowerment. These allow our team members to do their best fulfilling work.