Being Filipino in Canada is like living between two worlds.
On one hand, we’re ordering double-doubles at a Tim Horton’s drive-thru and surviving snowstorms, and on the other, we’re still craving pandesal and TFC marathons.
But even while adjusting to life in the Great White North, there are Filipino traditions we should always treasure.
Here are 10 that every Filipino-Canadian family should pass down para ‘di mawala ang pagka-Pinoy natin (so we don’t lose our Filipino-ness).
1. Pagmamano
This simple gesture of respect—placing an elder’s hand to your forehead—says a lot about Filipino values.
Yes, a hug or kiss is nice, but mano po is uniquely Filipino, showing deep respect for our lolos, lolas, titos, and titas.
2. Bayanihan
Remember neighbors lifting a whole bahay kubo to a new location?
Okay, maybe we’re not literally moving houses anymore, but this sense of community helping each other, especially in times of trouble, is something we should keep alive no matter what country we may end up in.
3. Simbang Gabi
Who can resist those chilly dawn masses leading up to Christmas, complete with bibingka and puto bumbong afterward?
Celebrating Simbang Gabi even in Canada brings Pinoy warmth (literally and figuratively!) to the holiday season.
4. Fiesta Celebrations
Filipino fiestas mean two things: lots of food and lots of fun.
Even in Canada, hosting small get-togethers for birthdays or attending Filipino festivals and events connects us back home, with plenty of lechon, lumpia, singing, cha-cha dancing and endless tsismisan.
5. Filipino Food Traditions
Speaking of food, teaching our kids to make adobo, sinigang, and pancit is a tasty way to preserve our heritage.
Nothing feels more Filipino than sharing family recipes and bonding over a hearty meal, with a side of steamy white rice.
6. Opo and Po
Politeness runs in our veins.
Keeping the words “opo” and “po” alive—even when speaking English—reminds us to show respect and humility.
Besides, it’s cute hearing little Canadian-born kids politely say, “Can I have more rice, po?”
7. Harana (Modern-style)
Maybe serenading your crush under their window isn’t common anymore, but keeping the tradition of romantic gestures and heartfelt courtship alive—like handwritten notes or sweet surprises—is something worth holding onto.
Mas masaya pa rin kapag may kilig!
8. Hospitality
Filipinos are famously welcoming.
We always have extra plates at dinner “just in case.”
Continuing to open our homes and hearts to friends and even strangers here in Canada helps maintain our reputation as one of the warmest people on earth.
9. Balikbayan Boxes
Sending balikbayan boxes home loaded with pasalubong might seem simple, but it’s an act of love and connection.
It teaches us—and our kids—generosity, care, and gratitude toward family back in the Philippines.
10. Family Comes First
Nothing defines Filipino tradition more than the strength of family ties.
Even thousands of miles away, staying connected, looking out for each other, and prioritizing family is a tradition worth keeping, generation after generation.
Being Filipino in Canada is a beautiful balancing act.
We adapt, we grow, but we should never forget the heart of who we are.
After all, iba talaga ang Pinoy—and that’s something worth preserving. (Filipinos are ‘something else’)
