Life in the Philippines generally revolves around the extended family, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins (up to several times removed), and other relatives. For Catholic families, godparents—those to whom care of children is entrusted should the parents die or otherwise be incapacitated—also figure prominently in the kinship network. Members of extended families typically gather for major life events such as baptisms and confirmations (for Catholic Filipinos), circumcisions (for Muslim Filipinos), and marriages, as well as for major religious and other national holidays. Among the religious holidays officially observed in the Philippines are Christmas
The exotic archipelago of the Philippines is well known one of the most Westernized Asian nations, with an extensive and rich culture that makes this wonderful country and its friendly people intriguing and exceptional. But somehow, at first glance it appears complicated for foreign visitors to understand and cope with some of the Filipino habits. Being late for an appointment, goods that are not being delivered on time, payments that are overdue, queuing in supermarkets and public offices or the lack of maintenance on roads and buildings are not things that Westerners are used to in their own modern, hasty society.
A number of these typical Filipino characteristics are often wrongly interpreted, one of these traits that is unique with the Filipino people is way of life that embraces "Bahala Na", a phrase that can be translated as “what will be will be”, or “Leave it to God”, The word is believed to be taken from the phrase Bathala, the Tagalog word for God. It really is a kind of attitude that is deeply rooted in the Filipino lifestyle, and one that will truly surprise and bewilder many visitor from abroad. Westerners will probably experience this laid back way of life as fatalistic and passive, it sometimes seems that the Filipino people will leave almost everything to chance, putting their trust solemnly in the providence of the Good Lord.
This widespread manana habit really means that the Filipino people will not leave matters to fate but take their time in making decisions, being careful in doing things in daily life. This Filipino attitude displays a strong will and eagerness to have a good life, under any given conditions, coping with uncertainties and insoluble problems by embracing them. Filipinos are capable to go far beyond their personal capabilities and limitations, just doing the best they can, so God take will care of them
Filipino families have always been and will always be closely knit. During special occasions, we make extra efforts to gather and celebrate. Some well-off families enjoy the presence of one another over a festive celebration. For some, a pancit (a famous Filipino delicacy) will do.
Because Filipinos are also meal-oriented, food must be served whenever families commemorate special events. Though most of them are financially challenged, in most cases, they are able to find ways to enjoy an event. What is so sad about this attitude is, even if they do not have enough funds, some people tend to loan for an extra cash to achieve a flamboyant gathering. With the non-stop financial crisis nowadays, it is impractical to become impulsive with most spending habits.