When in debt or when the business is dying, the Filipino doesn’t just throw in the towel and wave the white flag. He does something. Or at least says something. Here’s a bunch of quotable quotes we’re all familiar with, thanks to how we’ve all been in trouble. And simply because we’re undoubtedly Pinoy.
BAHALA NA (WHATEVER)
Just like some coping mechanisms, “Bahala na” can be viewed as wrong and unhealthy. While it seems appropriate for it to come out of the mouths of lazy, direction-less and carefree people, every Pinoy is quite guilty of mouthing it from time to time. It is actually a form of giving up one’s responsibility, a kind of surrender to the unseen forces. And it actually works. Despite vowing to do nothing in particular, the problem almost always gets solved. Rumination, however, proves that after mouthing “Bahala na,” people eventually end up doing something about their problems.
KAPAG AKO NANALO SA LOTTO… (IF I WIN THE LOTTERY…)
When stumped with a financial crisis or when one realizes all the money he has simply isn’t enough, the typical Pinoy suddenly stares blankly into space and blurts “Kapag ako nanalo sa lotto…” Sometimes highlighting the number one wish on his list or even enumerating all the stuff on the list, mumbling the line means nothing but you already know what to do with the cash prize in case you do win it. Then again, I know some people who recite the line when rejected (as if to show how he should be respected now because he’ll be rich and famous in the future) or repeat it like a mantra to attract its reality.
MAY AWA ANG DIYOS (THE LORD IS MERCIFUL)
The religious Filipinos not only believe in God, they rely on God. And some do this quite seriously and extremely – completely ignoring the motto “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa” or its English equivalent “Do your best and God will do the rest.” The problematic Pinoy shouldn’t just pray and then sit back waiting for a miracle. Even if God wanted you to win the lotto, you won’t hit the jackpot if you don’t move your ass and place your bets.
MADALI LANG ‘YAN (THAT’S EASY)
In times of trouble, whether it’s a non-problem viewed as an actual dilemma (like when you want to cut your recently cut toenails and your sister is presently using the nailcutter) or a matter of life and death (like when something got stuck in your eye and all your nails are nine inches long), there are Pinoys who mouth “Madali lang ‘yan.” Although one’s definition of a predicament is different from another’s, it is quite safe to say that there are those who use the statement to delude themselves into thinking that the problem is just a piece of cake they can sweatlessly solve.
KAUNTING TIIS NA LANG (A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE)
When one suggests the line to oneself or to some other burdened soul, “Kaunting tiis na lang” promises that all the suffering is about to end very, very soon. It paints a pretty picture – the reachable goal in no time – that serves as inspiration for the soul to be a little more patient.
KAYA KO ‘TO (I CAN DO THIS)
Spoken to the self, this is pep talk at its best. It doesn’t even matter if the trouble on hand needs a miracle. Whispering (or screaming) “Kaya ko ‘to” not only gives the ego a boost, it can also be some mantra that can lead to grand results, when recited frequently and with enough conviction.
KUNG KAYA NI TUTAY, KAYA KO RIN! (IF TUTAY CAN DO IT, SO CAN I!)
Comparing oneself to others can bring forth applause-inducing results. There are times when someone we never thought would succeed does succeed and although we are secretly in awe, all we do is raise an eyebrow and vow to be better, proclaiming “If he can do it, so can I!” This sort of competition is healthy because it pushes one to work harder and be better to move forward or solve problems.
WALANG IMPOSIBLE (NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE)
Of course, this isn’t true for some people, but if you believe you can survive your present turmoil, then you will! It’s all a matter of belief and trust in one’s capabilities. If you believe everything is possible, then everything is. If you don’t, then, well, not everything is.
