Learn Filipino: #2 Get to know the Filipino family

Filipinos are known for their close-knit family ties and strong attachment to each family member. In Filipino society, it is common to find three generations living together. For this episode of Learn Filipino, we’ll learn who makes up a Filipino family and why family is so important.

In the Filipino culture, family means more than just the father, mother and their children. Credit: Jo Lim Photography as supplied by Barry Duremdes

Key Points

• It is common to find three generations living together extending to the grandparents.
• In the Filipino culture, family means more than just the father, mother and their children.
• Variations of 'kumusta' include 'kamusta' and 'musta'.

The SBS Filipino "Learn Filipino" podcast series is designed to assist you in speaking and understanding the Filipino language while fostering a deeper connection with Filipino culture.

This lesson suits beginner to intermediate learners.

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Learn Filipino Episode 2: Ang Pamilyang Filipino

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Acknowledged across the world as the foundation of society, family is a vital and basic component of Filipino society.

 

Kinikilala sa buong mundo bilang pangunahing pundasyon ng lipunan, ang pamilya ay unang mahalagang bahagi ng lipunang Filipino.

Filipinos are known for their close-knit family ties and strong attachment to each family member. 

Ang mga Pilipino ay kilala sa pagiging malapit sa pamilya at matibay na ugnayan sa bawat myembro ng pamilya.

It is common to find three generations living together extending to the grandparents.

Sa katunayan, karaniwan na nakatira sa iisang bahay ang tatlong henerasyon, kasama ang mga lolo’t lola sa bahay.

Quite different to what Australians are used to, in the Filipino culture, it is not unusual to see grandparents living with their children and their grandchildren under one roof. Sometimes, even aunts and uncles, nephews and nieces also reside with the family. Credit: Supplied by Barry Duremdes

Who makes up a Filipino family

In the Filipino culture, family means more than just the father, mother and their children.

Sa mga Pilipino, ang pamilya ay higit pa sa tatay, nanay at mga anak.

 Apart from the basic members of the family, it is in the nature of Filipinos to care for and support extended family members, including the grandfather or ‘lolo’ and grandmother or ‘lola’.

It is not unusual to see the grandparents live with their children or anak and their grandchildren or apo in one roof.

Hindi kakaiba kung magkakasama sa isang bahay ang mga anak, kanilang mga magulang at mga lolo at lola.

In many Filipino households, you will find further extended family living together.

Sa ibang tahanan, kasama rin ang iba pang mga kamag-anak.

That include aunt (tiyahin) or an uncle (tiyuhin), nephew and niece (mga lalaki at babaeng pamangkin), and cousins (mga pinsan) living all together in one home.

'The Filipino family is unique'

Victoria-based arts and Filipino teacher Amie Warburton. She stresses how important it is for Filipino children born in Australia to understand how uniquely close a Filipino family is.

"If you grew up in the Philippines, it is ingrained in our minds, even at a very young age, that family is the most important for us," arts and Filipino teacher Amie Warburton points out. Credit: SBS Filipino

"At a young age, it is ingrained in our minds how we can have our families and we depend on our families for whatever we go through in life."

"We are brought up the way to make sure that we value our family. It's not only a sign of love and affection but it's more of respect," Warburton explains.

Family is there to support and give comfort to each member. Warburton shares, "my nephews and nieces grew up with me assisting them so I think they value my opinion even though they are all grown-ups now".