One of the things I have subconsciously forgotten about the Filipino culture is the extremely respectful nature of the Filipino people in both literal and figurative terms.  In Canada, we’re all on a first-name basis unless formality is required, such as in courts where, for example, judges are referred to as, “Your Honour”, “the Honourable Justice Smith”, or “Judge Smith”.  In the Philippines, however, everyone calls everyone “Ma’am” or “Sir” unless it’s clear that the person addressing the other is superior in rank or position.  If one is a professional, such as a lawyer, doctor, accountant, engineer or architect, then the person will be addressed like so:  Atty. Gadhi (informal) or Atty. Cruz (formal); Dr. Smith; Accountant Smith; Engr. Smith, or Arch. Smith.

“Kuya” and “Ate” are also titles used to address older male and female siblings or cousins as a sign of respect, but these may be used for people who aren’t necessarily relatives but are older.  The criteria would be gender (first), age (second), degree of affiliation (third), with actual blood or non-blood relationship being the least important.  Filipinos would generally greet each other using their title like so:  “Kamusta, Ate Gadhi” or “Kamusta, Kuya Jun Jay” because doing otherwise is considered rude and disrespectful.

My very first encounter of this extremely respectful nature of Filipinos happened at RIMANSI on my official first-day on the job, when I was introduced to the board of trustees of one of the MBAs in Bay, Laguna.  I’ve been addressed as “Ma’am Gadhi” by women older than I am since I was introduced as a foreign (but Filipino) volunteer consultant from Canada.  Since I’m not used to being referred to as “ma’am”, I’ve asked everyone to simply call me by my first name, “Gadhi”.  Everyone just smiled and nodded their heads, but continued to address me as “Ma’am Gadhi” throughout the day.  This past week (May 5-10th), every day, I’ve asked the RIMANSI staff simply call me, “Gadhi”, and insisted on being called by my first name at all times.  Again, my request was met with smiles and head-nodding.  I think I’ve made it (unintentionally) awkward for people to call me by first name over the next two days.

On Wednesday (May 7th), Hedz Paredes, RIMANSI’s special projects officer for Southeast Asia, found an ingenious way to express the respectful aspect of the Filipino culture without referring to or calling me, “Ma’am“.  When she introduced me to May , RIMANSI’s external actuarial consultant, she said, “This is Miss Gadhi, our volunteer consultant from Canada.”  I looked at Hedz with a smile, shaking my head with amusement as she found an ingenious way of expressing the innate respectfulness of Filipinos.  I giggled and joked with her as I realized that I won’t win this battle… ever… so “Miss Gadhi” it is. 🙂

Below, please meet Hedz Paredes, RIMANSI’s special projects officer who coordinates programs related to the organization’s MBA partners in Southeast Asia, and Jun Jay Perez, RIMANSI’s executive director.  These pictures were taken on May 5th during our visit to Bay, Laguna, where Jun Jay delivered a needs-assessment training to the board of trustees of CARD MBA.

L to R: Myself and Hedz behind the gate of CDMI office in Bay, Laguna. The sign behind us says, “In this campus… we don’t smoke, we don’t drink alcoholic beverages, we don’t engage in substance/drug abuse. PLEASE COOPERATE!” I agree… one, always, should!

L to R: Myself and Hedz trying to show the world the beautiful handcrafts and delicious home-made sweets sold by CARD MBA members from across the nation.

Jun Jay’s start of training delivery… the first topic: who are the stakeholders of CARD MBA?