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”
Direct translation: “WAIT A MINUTE!” or “HOLD UP!”
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”
Characters: Janina San Miguel
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?”
Direct translation: “Why does it sound like it’s my fault?”
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…”
Characters: Toni Gonzaga as Teddie Salazar in “Four Sisters and a Wedding”
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.
