SE ASIAN GOLDEN TRAITS: The “Pasalubong”

I noticed there are lots of roadside stalls selling fruits, fresh produce and souvenirs on our way to Tagaytay City earlier -- these are very important to Filipino culture. They call it “pasalubong”, meaning; when you are coming from a faraway place, you have to bring something back for the people who would (possibly) welcome you.

It’s a small gift or a “token” that you actually thought of them while you’re on a trip. Or that you actually went out of your way to get them sumthin' while you’re on a holiday.

Filipinos buy key chains and t-shirts by the tons! One time there was this friend of mine... who was on a 3-day holiday in Bangkok. All she does is buy this for dad, buy those for mom, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, cousins, friends, neighbors and the neighbor’s cousins, the neighbor’s neighbor too! I asked her if she came for a holiday or just spend all her time looking for “pasalubong” --She said its tradition.

For the ones left behind, it’s actually not a taboo to ask for a “pasalubong” from the new arrival. Hands-on-waist, they would indignantly ask: “Pasalubong ko?” (Where’s my pasalubong?”). Filipinos use this gesture as a “lambing” (affection) to indirectly express that they missed you too and they are happy to see you back. But it would be best if you DID bring them something.

This “pasalubong” thoughtfulness is a trait deeply embedded in Filipino culture – a trait that makes them so endearing. Truly one of our region’s golden traits from the Philippines.

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