#1 Sign You Were Raised by a Filipino Mom

By Justine Cordero

Filipino moms are known to be notorious in raising their children (Thanks to Jo koy, we are rolling in our beds laughing!) They sure are a major factor in how unique individuals, like us, come to be.

As interesting as being raised by a Filipino mom can be, there is no denying that we hear someone else’s childhood excerpts, we start nodding on our heads in recognition of the same moments we grew up in. The common factor? Filipino moms!

This mother’s day, we asked women, who have groen closely with their moms, to share their thoughts. Let’s find out what moments make them say, “I got it from my momma!”

You believe in superstitions!

“I have 2 Filipino moms – my mom and my auntie. I think the #1 sign is believing in superstitions. Filipino moms usually have ONE superstition they strongly believe, but mine had superstitions on almost everything. For example, you cant move from one chair to another while eating or else you will have a lot of life partners or don’t sing while cooking cause you’ll end up single all your life.” – RM Agcopra, Batangas

Having “baon” has been part of your life

“Always having packed food with me, with enough extra to share with friends. My mom always says that food tastes yummier when shared. I think I pretty much carried that value of sharing – amongst other important life values that my mom has imparted to me. She is really the most sincere and loving person I know.” – Joee Gamo, Singapore

“Whenever we leave the house, my mom always have snacks or “baon” on her bag. I remember complaining about how much we have to carry every time we travel but I always end up being the one who consumes most of the baon. Thank you ma for making sure we never go hungry. ” – Allexy Flores, Davao

Filipino practicality is applied to everything

When you enter home, Take off your slippers…

When you enter a party or family gathering be prepared to give a “sample” of any of your performances…

To keep all the unused extra ketchup, plastic forks and spoons and napkins…

To use the empty ice cream containers or coffee jars turn into Tupperware…

To always excel in everything you do…

“Just try it or it’s good for your body,” when she’s making you eat her dishes or anything weird.

– Sheena Vera-Cruz

You received tough love and don’t hate it-ish (so we don’t promote it also)

“GUMISING NA KAYO! TANGHALI NA! ANG DAMI KO NANG NAGAWA!” At 7am. On a Saturday. Filipino moms give the toughest love. Growing up, my mom rarely spoiled us with material things, but she set a damn good example on how to be a strong, beautiful, hardworking, independent woman. She could be relentless with her expectations of us but I believe that has been the fuel that kept us going all these years.”- Nica Castro, Las Pinas

“HUWAG MONG GAMITIN ANG BIBIG MO SA PAGHAHANAP!” Growing up with this phrase but I dont think I ever learned from it? Haha I’m miles away from my Mom but I would still call her everytime I lose things. It gives me comfort that if she knows, in some weird way , I would always find it. ” – Che Piccio, Hong Kong

“I was raised by a Filipino tiger mom, but not the hovering kind just more of the strong perfectionist ones. Whenever she’d get mad at me growing up, I’d always look forward to hearing “bahala ka sa buhay mo”. I always thought that it’s her sign of approval of some sort and that as long as she’d say it I’d free to do as I wish. I still hear it nowadays. Haha I really think it has made me the independent woman I am today.”- Jackie Lim, Manila

You value and respect people.

“The number one sign that I was raised by a Filipino mom is my ability and great interest in caring for others. A big part of my job is making sure people are well-taken care of and making sure everyone’s life is smooth as can be. I’d like to think that I’m pretty good at that, and I attribute that skill to my mama. She not only raised me and my four siblings well, but she always took care of people around her. She can’t relax unless everyone is well fed and has everything they need. That selflessness is the essence of a good mom, and that outstanding thoughtfulness is a true trait of a Filipino mom. That’s that standard I hold myself to, and that’s how I know I was raised by a Pinay mother.”- Lahaina Mondenedo, Washington D.C.

“The number 1 sign that i was by a Filipino mom is “respect.” I learned at a young age that respect is something one does not necessarily earn. It is a choice to give it. And in our case children are taught to respect parents and elders.” – Merry Jane Em-Mendoza. Rizal

“You know you’re a product of a Filipina mom when you value how to love, respect others, to trust and most of all to always have faith in God.” – Janine Evangelista, Laguna

We know that life doesn’t come with a manual, but it comes with mother. To all the mamas, mommas, mamitas, mommies and mothers, thank you for raising us the best way you know how. We will forever be grateful for the times you filled our tummies, put up with our teenage tantrums and for making us believe in our own beauty. Thank you for imparting values we carry on to the day we become our own women.We are who we are because of what you taught us. We always will be proud to have been raised by a Filipino mom. Happy Mother’s Day!

Want to share your thoughts? Get in touch with us.

Justine Cordero

Justine is a passionate, creative and innovative entrepreneur with an extensive experience in events marketing and mass participation sporting events. She is experienced in managing all aspects of an enterprise. She founded a company that significantly contributed to the country's mass participation sports industry and is building a company that helps women in achieving their greatest potential.