Top 10 Things You Will Mostly See in Every Filipino Home
If you’ve been living for some time here in the Philippines, you must have noticed that there are some common household items you’d usually see in a Filipino home. Here are some of the things you’d always see that will remind you of the Philippines:
1. A collection of unused Chinaware
Photo from watchdognation.com
Yes, those plates displayed on the cupboard at the kitchen are not for everyday use. If these plates and mugs have ever been used, no one knows. These ceramic items are usually a part of a typical Filipino kitchen BUT are for display purposes only. Only visitors are allowed to use them, and these visitors usually come only once a year. Maybe, if a king or queen of a foreign country visits the home then the Chinaware would have served its purpose.
2. Last Supper photo
Photo from mugstoria.com
The Last Supper is the most famous Filipino backdrop at the dining area. Jesus and his 12 apostles usually join the family at the dining area and they come in various forms: painted, hand-stitched, or carved.
3. Canned goods
Photo from manilarules.com
Canned goods are part of the typical Filipino cuisine. They’re always a part of the grocery list because: (1) they’re cheap, (2) they’re convenient to eat during emergency situations like typhoon, (3) they can be bought anywhere, and (4) they last long. Canned goods are always partnered with a generous serving of rice which makes up a hearty meal.
4. Banig (Mat)
Photo from northcotabato.net
Hand-woven mats are normally seen in provinces. These mats are used in case you want to sleep for an afternoon siesta and you don’t feel like sleeping on the bed. You can also use this for picnic purposes either indoors or outdoors. Some mats are made of straw while others are made of dried leaves.
5. Framed accomplishments
Photo from blackdovenest.com
Medals, certificates, trophies—you name it. Framed accomplishments always have their own spot at home. Usually they’re strategically placed at a wall where many people can see them. These are usually conversation starters when you go to a Filipino home, where proud parents would tell you about their children’s achievements. In provinces, you can even see a plaque bearing their children’s names and degrees earned positioned outside their homes. What a way to be proud, isn’t it?
6. Electric fan
Photo from lazada.com.ph
Stand fan? Ceiling fan? Wall fan? Desk fan? You may call it in different names, but in the Philippines, it’s mostly called “bentilador.” The word bentilador comes from “ventilador” which is used for ventilation. With the Philippines being a tropical country, it’s always a must for every home to own at least one electric fan. Of course air conditioning system is an option, but it would also mean a high electric bill.
7. Slippers
Photo from tipidpc.com
It is a common Filipino custom to leave one’s shoes outdoors. That is the reason why upon entering a house, you will see assorted pairs of slippers as a welcome sign in a typical Filipino home. These slippers, or better called “tsinelas” or “step-in” serve each of their purpose. There are slippers for bathroom use, outdoor use, and bedroom use. Aside from its main purpose, slippers are being used in playing games such as “Tumbang Preso” and sometimes, it’s the thing used for hitting stubborn kids.
8. Pail and Dipper
Photo from www.the-philippines.info
Here they are, the most popular tandem you will ever see at a Filipino home. It is a main household item you will see at a Filipino bathroom that you use when taking a bath. Although most homes now have a shower, the pail and dipper will always have a presence in every Filipino home.
9. Altar
Photo from pinterest.com
More than 86% of Filipinos are Catholic which is why there’s always that little nook where religious items are placed. It’s the prayer haven of Filipinos, where you will usually find a Sto. Niño replica adorned with fresh Sampaguita flowers. It’s where you can say a quick prayer when you want to be with God without having to go to a church.
10. Broom and Dust pan
Photo from thebeachbumbaby.com
The most powerful cleaning agent tandem you will see in a Filipino home. And it’s not just a simple broom you’d find in malls. Most Filipinos prefer brooms coming from provinces made from tiger grass. It usually has that large “Baguio City” print on its handle. There are two kinds of brooms used in a household. One is called “Walis Tambo” for sweeping dust indoors and “Walis Tingting” for outdoors. You’d typically see people coming from a vacation in provinces getting these brooms as a souvenir.
