12 Things You'll Know If You Grew Up in a Filipino Household

Growing up in a Filipino household is a unique experience filled with love, laughter, and a few quirks that only fellow Pinoys would understand. Here are 12 things that will make you nod and laugh if you grew up in a Filipino home.

1. Your House Has a Karaoke Setup

Karaoke is a staple in Filipino homes. With just YouTube access and a loud voice, the whole family can enjoy endless singing sessions. It doesn't matter if you can't hit the high notes; it's all about the fun and bonding.

2. Your Relatives Are Always Visiting

Filipino families are famously close-knit, which means there's a constant flow of titos and titas coming in and out of your home. You might even have that one relative who seems to always be around.

3. The Heart of the House Isn't the Kitchen, It's the Rice Cooker

In a Filipino household, the rice cooker holds a place of honor. It's always ready to serve, ensuring that no meal is complete without rice.

4. A Meal Isn't Truly a Meal Unless It's with Rice

Forget fancy dishes. For Filipinos, a meal without rice is just a snack. Whether it’s avocado toast, mac 'n' cheese, or even a Big Mac, it's just a snack for Filipinos and a meal is not complete without that staple grain.

5. That Ice Cream Container in Your Freezer Is Probably Not Filled with Ice Cream

In Filipino homes, it’s a well-known fact that ice cream containers are prime real estate for leftover food. You're more likely to find adobo or fish inside than actual ice cream.

6. Your Spice Cabinet Is Just Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Fish Sauce

The holy trinity of Filipino cooking: soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce. These staples are so ingrained in our cuisine that your blood might as well taste like adobo.

7. There’s Also a Giant Jar of Leftover Sauce Packets

The habit of saving sauce packets from fast food is ingrained in Filipino culture. Even if the jar is overflowing, the thought of throwing them away seems impossible.

8. Unless You're Just Using Your Hands, You Always Eat with a Spoon and Fork

In Filipino households, the spoon and fork are the ultimate dining tools. They are versatile and perfect for tackling a hearty plate of rice and ulam.

9. You Had a Giant Wooden Spoon and Fork on Your Wall

This decorative duo is a classic in many Filipino homes. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, and while it might not fit modern aesthetics, it's considered a family heirloom.

10. Aside from Sauce Packets, You Also Have a Drawer Full of Plastic Bags

Throwing away plastic bags is a big no-no. They're saved, sometimes hoarded, for future use. Suggest getting rid of them, and your Mom might actually disown you.

11. Is It a Broom? A Weapon? A Tool? The Walis Tingting Is All of Those Things

The walis tingting is a versatile tool in Filipino homes. It’s perfect for sweeping, but it can also double as a fly swatter, or a gentle reminder to behave.

12. The Easiest Way to Find Another Filipino's House Is to Look for a Parol During Christmas

During Christmas, Filipino homes proudly display a parol, a star-shaped lantern. If you see one glowing brightly, you can bet that a Filipino family lives there.

Growing up in a Filipino household is a blend of cultural pride, family traditions, and a lot of humor. These familiar quirks not only define our upbringing but also keep us connected to our roots, no matter where we are in the world.