HOW TO DO THE MANO PO (Filipino Gesture)

Summary

The video script discusses a Filipino cultural practice known as the 'mano' or 'monopole,' a gesture of respect where younger individuals touch an elder's hand to their forehead to seek blessings. This tradition highlights the importance of respect in Filipino culture. However, the script advises caution as some individuals may not wish to be perceived as older. It emphasizes the significance of respecting elders when interacting with Filipino families, suggesting that understanding and participating in such customs can strengthen relationships.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The 'monopole' is a traditional Filipino gesture showing respect to elders.
• 👶 Younger individuals perform the monopole by placing an elder's hand on their forehead.
• 🏡 This gesture is commonly practiced when visiting a Filipino home.
• 🤔 The monopole is a request for blessings from the elder.
• 🤝 In contrast, Americans typically express affection with hugs or handshakes.
• 🧓 Respect is a significant aspect of Filipino culture, influencing many social interactions.
• 🚫 Be cautious with the monopole; some individuals may not want to be perceived as old.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 When dating a Filipino, it's important to show respect to their parents and elders.
• 🤗 Filipinos are known for being laid-back and friendly, but the culture highly values respect.
• 📚 The video serves as an educational insight into Filipino customs and the importance of cultural awareness.

Q & A

What is a 'monopole' in the context of Filipino culture?

A 'monopole' refers to a gesture of respect in Filipino culture where younger individuals touch the hand of an elder and place it on their forehead, seeking their blessing.

How is the monopole performed?

The monopole is performed by taking the hand of an elder and placing it on one's forehead for a moment or two as a sign of respect and to ask for a blessing.

What is the cultural significance of the monopole gesture?

The monopole gesture signifies respect for elders and is a way of asking for their blessings, reflecting the importance of respect in Filipino culture.

Why might some older individuals not want to participate in the monopole?

Some older individuals might not want to participate in the monopole because they do not wish to be perceived as old or may not be comfortable with the gesture.

What is the advice given for using the monopole when interacting with Filipinos?

When using the monopole, one should be cautious and aware of the individual's comfort level, as not everyone may appreciate the gesture, especially if they do not want to be seen as old.

How does the monopole differ from common greetings in America?

In America, common greetings include hugs and handshakes, whereas the monopole is a unique Filipino gesture that involves a more intimate and respectful interaction.

What is the narrator's opinion on the monopole and its place in Filipino culture?

The narrator finds the monopole to be a cool and meaningful gesture that highlights the importance of respect in Filipino culture.

Why is it important to respect elders in Filipino culture according to the script?

Respecting elders is important in Filipino culture as it is deeply ingrained in their values and traditions, and the monopole is one way of demonstrating this respect.

What should one do when meeting the family of a Filipino partner?

When meeting the family of a Filipino partner, it is advised to perform the monopole with their parents and other family members who deserve respect, as it is a significant cultural practice.

How does the narrator describe Filipino people in general?

The narrator describes Filipino people as laid-back and awesome, emphasizing that despite their relaxed nature, respect plays a significant role in their interactions.

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Respectful Greetings in Filipino Culture

The paragraph discusses the Filipino custom of showing respect to elders through a gesture called 'monopole.' This involves younger individuals taking the hand of an elder and placing it on their forehead as a sign of seeking blessings. The speaker fondly recalls witnessing this act in an American Filipino home and highlights the importance of respect in Filipino culture. However, they also caution that it should be done with sensitivity, as some individuals might not appreciate being perceived as older. The speaker emphasizes the significance of this gesture when interacting with Filipino families and suggests that showing respect is crucial when dating someone from the Philippines.

Keywords

💡Monopule

The term 'monopule' refers to a traditional Filipino gesture of respect, where a younger person takes the hand of an elder and places it on their forehead. This act signifies asking for a blessing and is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. In the video, the narrator describes witnessing this gesture in an American Filipino home, where a young girl performs the act towards her grandfather, highlighting the cultural significance and the warmth of Filipino traditions.

💡Respect

Respect is a central theme in the video, emphasizing its importance in Filipino culture. The narrator discusses how the act of 'monopule' is a manifestation of respect towards elders. It is noted that in the Philippines, showing respect is not just a formality but a significant aspect of social interactions, which is also reflected in the way younger individuals interact with their elders through gestures like the 'monopule'.

💡Cultural Significance

Cultural significance is highlighted through the 'monopule' gesture, which is not just a physical act but carries deep cultural meaning. The video explains how this gesture is a way for younger individuals to honor their elders, seeking their blessings and acknowledging their wisdom and life experience. This cultural practice is presented as a unique and meaningful aspect of Filipino traditions.

💡Filipino Culture

Filipino culture is the backdrop against which the video's narrative unfolds. The video discusses various aspects of Filipino culture, particularly focusing on the importance of respect and the customs that demonstrate it, such as the 'monopule'. The narrator's observations and experiences provide insights into the cultural practices that are integral to the Filipino way of life.

💡Gesture

A gesture, in this context, refers to the physical act of performing 'monopule'. The video describes the gesture as a non-verbal form of communication that conveys deep respect and reverence. The act of placing an elder's hand on one's forehead is not just a simple movement but a powerful symbol of cultural values and intergenerational connection.

💡Blessing

The concept of 'blessing' is integral to the 'monopule' gesture. When a younger person performs this act, they are seeking a blessing from the elder, which is considered a form of goodwill, protection, and guidance. The video illustrates how blessings are an important part of Filipino customs and are sought as a sign of respect and humility.

💡Elder

Elders in the video are portrayed as figures of wisdom and authority within Filipino culture. The act of 'monopule' is directed towards elders, indicating their esteemed position in the community. The video suggests that elders are not only respected for their age but also for the life experiences and knowledge they possess.

💡Social Interaction

Social interaction is a key aspect of the video's discussion, particularly in the context of Filipino culture. The 'monopule' is presented as a customary way of interacting with elders, demonstrating the importance of respect in social settings. The video emphasizes how such gestures are part of the fabric of daily life and are indicative of the cultural norms and values.

💡Cultural Practices

Cultural practices are the customs and behaviors that are unique to a society or community. In the video, 'monopule' is presented as a significant cultural practice in the Philippines, illustrating how it is a way of showing respect and seeking blessings. The video serves as an introduction to these practices, providing viewers with a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Filipino traditions.

💡Intergenerational Connection

Intergenerational connection refers to the bond and communication between different age groups within a society. The video highlights the 'monopule' as a means of fostering this connection, where the gesture bridges the gap between the young and the old, reinforcing respect and传承. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining these connections across generations.

Highlights

The 'monopole' is a Filipino custom showing respect to elders

It involves placing an elder's hand on one's forehead

The gesture symbolizes asking for a blessing

The custom was observed in America within a Filipino family

Respect is a significant aspect of Filipino culture

In America, greetings are less formal, like hugs or handshakes

Filipinos place a high value on showing respect

The 'monopole' can be seen as a unique cultural practice

Some individuals may not want to be perceived as old

It's important to be mindful of how and when to perform the 'monopole'

When dating a Filipino, showing respect to their family is crucial

Filipinos are described as laid-back and awesome people

The 'monopole' is a subtle but significant part of Filipino etiquette

The video aims to educate viewers on Filipino customs

The 'monopole' is a gesture of humility and reverence

The video serves as a cultural guide for those interacting with Filipinos

The importance of understanding and respecting cultural practices

Transcripts

[Music]

one of my favorite things about the

Philippines is what's known as the

monopole it's sort of like how the

younger people in the Philippines honor

the older people what happens is when

they walk into a house where there's

friends or family they go up to of

somebody who's older in the room they

take their hand and they place it right

on their forehead just like this so

they'll take the other person's hand

take it and then put it right on their

forehead for a second or two I remember

seeing this for the first time three

years ago it was in America we went into

a Filipino home and one of the younger

girls went up to her grandfather took

his hand and placed her on her forehead

and I asked I was like what is that like

why didn't she do that like what's the

purpose behind that and the people told

me it's a sign of respect basically

she's just asking for the blessing from

that particular person and I thought

that was so cool because in America all

we do is you know what we'll give

someone a hug we'll shake their hand

something like that but I think in the

Philippines respect plays a big part in

their culture in general so I thought

that was just such a cool little thing

what I will say is be careful though

because some people aren't old yet or

they don't want to be perceived as older

so like when you try to like do that

thing with them they don't want to do it

they don't they don't want to give you

their hand like when I was walking

around in the Philippines I made so many

mistakes because I I would go up to

someone I know who was older than me but

they're not really that old and I try to

take their hand and they wouldn't give

me their hand because I think they

didn't want me to bless them because I

think that maybe they didn't want to be

perceived as old yet so it's a gray line

you have to really be sort of conscious

about how you're doing that but if

you're dating a Filipino or if you're

dating someone from the Philippines be

sure or when you go over there or when

you're around their family

make sure to bless their mother and

father and anyone in their family or

extended family that you think deserves

it because respect plays a big part in

their culture and they're super laid

back they're awesome people

but respect does play a big role in what

they do and I just wanted to share that

with with you guys today the manual pump

taking their hand placing it right on

the forehead just like that alright guys

awesome

thank you Tom

[Music]