How Filipinos Express Happiness: The Little Ways We Pass on Joy

Did you know the Philippines is often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world? Even in the face of challenges, Filipinos always find a way to smile, laugh, and spread joy. And if you're a Filipino parent raising kids outside the Philippines, you might not even realize how much of our culture you're passing on—just through the little ways you express happiness every day.

Whether it’s saying "Mabuhay!" with pride, giving a warm beso, or instinctively saying "Sarap!" after a good meal, these everyday expressions are more than just words and gestures. They are tiny cultural footprints that connect us to our roots and help our children, even if they're growing up in a different country, feel a little more Filipino at heart.

Filipino Ways to Say and Show Happiness, Gratitude, and Appreciation

1) Words That Express Joy and Gratitude

"Mabuhay!"

If you’ve ever traveled to the Philippines, you've probably been greeted with a big, enthusiastic "Mabuhay!" It means "long live" and is often used to welcome people, celebrate special moments, and show national pride. Even if you don’t say it often, the spirit of "Mabuhay"—that warm, hospitable energy—is something we pass on to our kids in the way we greet family and friends with excitement and enthusiasm.

"Nakakataba ng puso"

This beautiful phrase literally means "fattening the heart," but it’s how we say something is heartwarming. If someone compliments your cooking or tells you how kind your child is, you might respond with "Nakakataba ng puso naman!" without even thinking about it. It’s a way of expressing deep joy and appreciation—and a phrase worth teaching our kids as they learn to recognize kindness and love.

"Napaka-suwerte ko"

"I'm so lucky!" Filipinos have a way of appreciating the good things in life, and we often say this when talking about our families, friends, and opportunities. When we tell our kids, "Napaka-suwerte natin na magkakasama tayo," ("We’re so lucky to be together"), we’re reinforcing gratitude—something that shapes how they see the world.

2) Gestures That Show Happiness and Connection

Filipinos are known for being affectionate, and these small gestures of happiness and appreciation are ways we unconsciously pass down our culture.

"Mano po"

If you grew up in a Filipino home, you probably did the "mano po" gesture without question—taking an elder’s hand and bringing it to your forehead as a sign of respect. Now, if you're raising your kids abroad, they might not see this often, but when they visit Lola and Lolo, it's one of the first things they’ll learn. It’s a beautiful way to show respect, gratitude, and love, and keeping it alive helps bridge generations.

"Besos" or "Beso"

A quick cheek-to-cheek beso is a common way to greet close family and friends, especially among women. It’s warm, affectionate, and second nature to many Filipinos. If you find yourself giving your kids a beso when they wake up or before they head to school, you're not just showing love—you’re passing on a little piece of Filipino culture.

The "Lip Point"

This one always makes people smile. Instead of using our hands to point at something, Filipinos sometimes use their lips—a quick pout in the direction of whatever we’re referring to. It’s so subtle that we often don’t realize we’re doing it until someone points it out! If your kids pick up on this, you’ll know they’ve inherited one of the most uniquely Filipino quirks.

3) Words That Capture the Filipino Spirit

"Masaya" (Happy)

Simple and direct, "masaya" is the word for happy. We use it all the time—"Masaya ako ngayon!" ("I’m happy today!") or "Masaya ang party!" ("The party was fun!"). When kids hear us use it often, they pick up on the language, but more importantly, they absorb the idea that happiness is something we celebrate and share.

"Salamat" (Thank you)

Filipinos are naturally appreciative, and "Salamat" is one of the first words we teach kids. Whether it's "Salamat po" to elders or a simple "Salamat!" to friends, saying thank you is more than good manners—it’s a cultural value that reminds us to always acknowledge kindness.

"Sarap!" or "Masarap!"

Food is such a big part of Filipino life, and we express happiness through it. A delicious home-cooked meal? "Sarap!" A warm bowl of arroz caldo on a rainy day? "Masarap!" Our kids hear this and start using it too, learning that joy can be found in simple pleasures.

"Pakikisama" (Togetherness and Harmony)

This word captures one of the most beautiful aspects of Filipino culture—pakikisama, or the ability to get along, work together, and maintain harmony in relationships. Whether it’s being part of a community, helping out in family gatherings, or just making sure no one feels left out, this value shapes how Filipinos interact with the world. When we encourage our kids to be thoughtful, cooperative, and kind, we’re teaching them pakikisama—one of the greatest gifts of Filipino culture.

Passing On Joy, One Expression at a Time

Filipino happiness isn’t just about big celebrations—it’s in the little moments, the everyday words, the simple gestures. As parents of third-culture kids, we don’t always realize how much of our heritage we’re passing on, but every "Mabuhay!" every "Sarap!" every warm beso is a thread that connects our children to their Filipino roots.

So the next time you find yourself doing a lip point or saying "Napaka-suwerte ko" after a family meal, smile—because in that moment, you’re keeping Filipino culture alive, one happy expression at a time.