Expressions of Hospitality

As friendly as they are known for, the hospitality of Filipinos is a common trait that can be recognized through their convivial and heartwarming character. This can typically be observed in how Filipinos pleasantly welcome their guests, whether locals or foreigners. They put their best foot forward to make them feel comfortable in their country and homes (to the extent that they may go out of their way just to assist their visitors).

Part of the Filipino culture is how they receive their guests with hospitality and respect. This is best exemplified by welcoming and letting them in their homes as soon as guest/s arrive. "Tulóy ka/kayó" is a Filipino warm welcoming expression that shows kind accommodations to their visitors. "Tulóy" means "to go on" or "to enter." For this context, the expressions "tulóy ka/kayo" can be defined as "You may come in" or "Please come in."

Upon arrival, visitors normally knock on the doors of the Filipinos and say "Tao pô?" This is a greeting of someone calling or knocking at the door. It is an abbreviation of "May tao po ba sa bahay?" In English, it is the exact translation of "Anyone home?" This is usually responded with a question "Sino silá?" "Sino" is an interrogative word that functions to ask who is it. "Sila" is a pronoun similar to "they". For this context, it means "you", but instead takes the plural form to show respect and politeness. The guest, then, can respond by saying "Si (name)," simply to identify who they are. "Si" is a personal topic marker that can be used in front of a proper name to refer to someone.Normally, Filipinos will have salutations and small conversations before welcoming the visitors to their home. Guests are received with "kumustà" or "magandáng umaga." The thoughtfulness of Filipinos can be observed in how they treat their guests too. Let's see how these expressions are used in conversations.
To accommodate their guests, Filipinos welcome them and ask them to take a seat as a thoughtful gesture. "Umupó ka muna," as Filipinos would say. That means "Take a seat first." Guests are asked to sit down, while the host prepares food and drinks for them. Giving food and drinks is a traditional way of Filipinos to make their visitors feel at home and appreciated for stopping by. "Kumain ka muna" is an expression of hospitality of Filipino towards their guests, offering or inviting them to eat. This simply means "Eat first."When a guest visits the host's house during the time they are eating, it's just courteous to invite the guest to join them to eat. "Kain tayo!" as Filipinos would say to offer their guests to eat with them.As the host, Filipinos would feel glad to have served and welcomed you to their homes. Due to their hospitable nature, it's a pleasure for them to see their guests feel at home and well accommodated. This is why visitors should acknowledge this warmth and generosity of the host too, by accepting their invitation and the food that they have specially prepared. Unless you ate already and feeling full, you may respectfully decline by saying, "Salamat! Katatapos lang." or "Salamat! Busóg pa namán."Let's see how these expressions are used in actual conversations.