Upbringing

Ever since we were little, our parents have always emphasized to us that we should pay respect to the elderly. Growing up as a child, every time we go to my mother’s province where she grew up, we would always go around the village and visit grandparents, relatives,
aunts and uncles, and sometimes distant relatives. I remember when I was a child, every fiesta and halloween, every relative would gather in one place; before in our grandparents’ house and meet. Eating and playing with a brood of cousins were my favorite part of my holidays. All adults would gather and talk, laugh and eat together. The children would also gather and play around; on the field jumping on hay stacks, running freely like dogs got lose. 

My parents taught us that every time we visit a place, we should greet the people who live there especially the elders. It is a Filipino custom to hold the elders hand and press their hand against our foreheads. And for the aunts and uncles, we kiss them on the cheek. We would always bring something for them; bread or fruits, or anything we can give.

Now that I’ve grown up, when greeting, I prefer kissing them on the cheek or just cheek to cheek. Moreover, the act of paying respect to elders is recognizing that they are important and that they are loved. Another thing which I think behind all of it, whatever we do towards others, would also be done to us. For me, it’s not only because of that, It’s also a way of thanking the elders that if it wasn’t because of them I wouldn’t be here.