Philippines in June 2015

by: N. Lucenario

June is the time not only for wedding bells to ring but also for last-minute vacations. In either case, one thing’s for sure: it’s time again to meet up with the family. 

Family reunions are almost traditional in the Philippines as it is a country that heavily values its filial bonds. Unlike other countries wherein even the immediate families rarely meet, when a family reunion is mentioned here, it means it’s a gathering not just with your parents and siblings, but with the rest of your “angkan”. 

With so many events like these to go to in the hustle-bustle of the June weather, it’s a good practice to make sure you’ve got everything arranged and you’re all prepared for the events coming in the near future. 

Whether it’s a “before-school family gathering”, a marriage, or even a weekend getaway, you have to jot it down in your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out (or god forbid, disappoint your parents!). When you’re at your family reunion, make sure to be part of the “angkan”. Don’t be that guy/girl in the corner fiddling around with a smartphone! 

Socialize and catch up on one another’s lives. Share with them how you’re doing with your personal life and in your work/studies. Update yourself on the happenings in the family and make sure to remember all the details! Has your cousin finally graduated? How is your Tito’s business doing? Have you met your Tita’s cute new baby? 

You only every get to meet all your extended relatives once or twice in a year, so make sure it counts. Make sure also to keep in mind traditional Filipino customs like respecting your elders by greeting them with a “mano” and saying “po” and opo” when you talk to them.

 But most importantly, as a staple in all Filipino Family reunions, make sure to eat, eat, eat! Nothing says reunion like the huge potluck lunch/dinner or buffet that’s always prepared to make sure that everyone has a good time with the family.

 In all of that, make sure you always remember that while it may just seem like a simple June gathering, it is also a blessing to you to have the type of company you get from your family; nothing will feel more at home than that.