Reconnecting with your Filipino roots means knowing these Filipino memes
Photo from ABS CBN Star Cinema/YouTube
There’s no handbook when it comes to reconnecting with your Filipino roots, but memes can be a good place to start. Pop culture is a huge facet of the Filipino identity, which means we have our own memes that have left an indelible mark on our culture.
It’s also a really easy way to connect (or at least ease the awkwardness) with your relatives back home during big family gatherings.
Here are a few iconic memes that have etched themselves—for better or worse—into the Filipino consciousness. Aside from providing a point of connection and some insight into what makes Filipinos tick, they’re also absolutely hilarious.
Keep in mind these are only a tiny fraction of the incredible amount of memes we have. If your kuya or tita has some favorites we missed out on, feel free to let us know.
“SANDALE”
Characters: Maja Salvador starring as Ivy Aguas in the chaotic yet undeniably iconic teleserye “Wildflower”
Context: In a sentence or situation: When everyone is rushing to get in line at the buffet table.
“Humaygad”
Context: During the Q&A portion of Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) 2008, a frazzled Contestant #18 (San Miguel) took to the stage to deliver one of the most iconic lines in Philippine pop culture, which is still referenced to this day.
In a sentence or situation: In lieu of “oh my god” in any situation.
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Bea Alonzo’s “Ba’t parang kasalanan ko?”
Characters: Bea Alonzo as Bobbie Salazar in the 2013 critically acclaimed cult family classic “Four Sisters and a Wedding”
Context: *Spoiler alert for “Four Sisters and a Wedding”* In an argument with her family, Bobbie asks her siblings why they’re making it seem like she’s the root of their problems.
In a sentence or situation: When your siblings try to pin the blame on you, regardless of your involvement.
Kris Aquino’s “Because?”
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Characters: Icon Kris Aquino and Kim Chiu
Context: In an interview with actress Kim Chiu, queen of all media Kris Aquino waited for the star to calm down between tears and asked her why she was crying.
In a sentence or situation: In lieu of “why” in any and all situations or as a clapback.
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Toni Gonzaga’s “Ma, I’m sorry ma…”
Context: *Spoiler alert for “Four Sisters and a Wedding”* In the same argument that Bobbie was in, Teddie tearfully apologizes for deceiving her family regarding her current living situation.
In a sentence or situation: When your friends gang up on you for being on Filipino time.
