Pinoys Togeder Poreber

Filipinos (or Philippians as how they call us), like most Asians, have a collectivist culture. That means they always stick together and got each others' back. Sometimes, personal satisfaction are sacrificed for the benefit of the group.

This is not unique to Filipinos. Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and others also stick to each other. In some aspects, their collectivist culture is stronger than ours.

But what I really find unique for most Filipinos is when they see another Filipino abroad, they have the need to talk to each other even if they do not know one another. It seems obligatory to initiate a conversation which usually starts with, "Pinoy?"

It must be that aching desire to talk Tagalog (Filipino to be politically correct), Bisaya, Ilonggo, or Waray once again. Some Filipinos are now fluent in speaking the language of the country they are in but it always feel great to say, "Hay nako, diba ate?"

Filipinos, also speak their native tounge better when they are in another country. When you're in Manila, you rarely hear someone speak straight Tagalog. Tag-lish is the common vernacular; while Jejespeak is another irritating topic. This must be due to the fact that when Filipinos talk Tagalog abroad, they do not want the others to understand what they are talking about, even if the others don't really care.

"Kapag nasa Pilipinas ka, nakaririnig ka nga ba talaga ng taong nagsasalita ng tuwid na Tagalog o sabihin na nating Bisaya? Bihira ang mga taong hiyang at matatas sa wikang Pilipino. I know right."

Eh, Taga saan ka sa aten te?