Easy New Year’s resolutions to get in touch with your Pinoy side
While some New Year’s resolutions might be difficult to sustain throughout the year, this list is simple enough to accomplish | Photo by Polina Kovaleva on Pexels
New year, better you! Now that we’ve started 2024 (and probably, hopefully, have shaken off the groggy remnants of the holidays), it’s time we look forward to everything in store for us in the new year. For most, that also means setting intentions or resolutions for the new year.
Resolutions are a hit or miss with most people, as some don’t believe in being able to sustain them throughout the year. But don’t worry—this list is simple enough to accomplish. Plus, it’s fun. (Resolutions can be fun!)
Make this the year you get better connected with your Filipino side through these simple goals.
Learn to cook Filipino food
Most Filipino dishes are simple and can be done in one pot or pan. You can start with the quintessential adobo, or a comforting lugaw (perfect for the cold, winter months!). The great thing about Filipino food, especially home-cooked staples, is that you probably won’t even need any special equipment or training to learn them—just listen to your mom.
Learn how to cook Filipino food from mom | Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
Travel to (at least) one new destination
It’s normal to set a travel goal for the year, so while you’re at it, include a Philippine destination to your list. Whether you’re coming home to Manila (as the iconic song goes) or visiting the provinces, there’s a wealth of food to try, activities to do, and sights to see.
Beaches are always a good idea, but there are also many destinations in the country for various interests, be it coffee, nightlife, or even adventure.
One of our favorite New Year’s resolutions? Travel to a new destination Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Read more books
Instead of doomscrolling your nights away, turn to a good ol’ book. In 2023, we saw a good number of Filipino authors make their mark in bestselling book lists globally, so if you haven’t yet, this is the best time to grab a copy.
There’s a wealth of genres to choose from, too, from memoirs and fantasy novels to cookbooks and photographic journals.
In 2023, we saw a good number of Filipino authors make their mark in best-selling book lists | Photo by Blaz Photo on Unsplash
Support local designers
Filipino creativity is just on another level. As we get all excited about seeing our national dress on red carpets, or locally made bags and accessories in the hands of our favorite Hollywood celebs, there’s definitely no reason we can’t make a statement by carrying around these pieces, too.
This year, invest in more Filipino-designed pieces, be it in clothes, bags, or even your makeup.
Improve your vocabulary
Learning a new language is always a top New Year’s resolution, and for good reason. Not only does it add new knowledge, but it also opens you up to another way of seeing the world. A new language also helps improve your social skills, and that’s always something good and necessary to build.
If one of your dreams is to get in touch with your Filipino roots better, start by mastering the language. Learn and use beautiful new words every day (or even slang if you want something more casual) and soon enough, you’ll be surprised at how fluent you’ll become. (A bonus: More and more people are speaking Tagalog, which means you’ll have more people to practice with.)
