FROM the 1896 Spanish Revolution to the first Philippine Republic; from the American period to the many faces of EDSA Filipino revolt, history marches on. However, some things never change.

Like the classics, things irresistibly Filipino mark the Filipino people for life. They're the indelible stamp of their identity, the undeniable affinity that binds them as a country. They celebrate the good in every people in all occasions, the best of their culture and the infinite possibilities they are all capable of.

Here, from all over this Centennial-crazed country and in no particular order, are a hundred of the best and odd things that make the Philippine people unmistakably Filipinos.

1. Merienda (Snack). Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?

2. Sawsawan (Condiments). Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo't calamansi (soy sauce with citrus limonia), suka (vinegar) with sili (chilli and patis (fish sauce).

3. “Kuwan, ano…” (“Uhm you know…”). At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Filipinos understand exactly what you want.

4. Filipino humor and irreverence. If you're on the hot seat and you know it, crack a joke and they’ll love you. Nothing personal, really.

5. Tingi (Retail). Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. In the Philippines one can buy a stick of cigarette, half bar of soap, even two teaspoons of condiments and life's essentials in small affordable amounts.

6. Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own Anitos (spiritual elements), Bathalas (gods) and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be. Currently 80 percent of the population is Catholics. Their view of faith is unquestionably remarkable.

7. “Po, opo, mano po.” Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference,
filial respect--a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.

8. Pasalubong (gift). Rich or poor, buying gifts is their way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.

9. Beaches! With 7,000 plus islands, the country have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan--over here, life is truly a beach.

10. Bagoong (shrimp paste). Darkly mysterious, this condiment typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.

11. Bayanihan (Helping hand). This habit of pitching unsolicited help is still common in small communities. Just have that cold beer and some pulutan (side dish) ready for the troops and you’re all set to move your gears without lifting a finger.

12. The Balikbayan (returning home) box. If you see a gleeful brown man at the airport with huge boxes and luggage, no doubt he is a Filipino returning home after long months of work. Those huge boxes is another way of sharing life's bounty, every time they head home from anywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the contents are just canned goods, lotions, soaps, imported toiletries and anything cheap abroad to be distributed among excited relatives.

13. Filipino comics. If you want to learn the language the fast way, read these comics - "Hiwaga," "Aliwan," "Tagalog Classics," "Liwayway" and "Bulaklak" magazines and other pulpy publications. You only not understand the language but get to feel some genuine Filipino characters like Darna, Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, and Dyesebel in their innocent but worldly dialogues.

14. Folk songs/ Videoke. They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing jeepney or tricycle, or any small stores with a built-in videoke machine packed with locals singing with bottles of San Miguel beer. Ask a Filipino to tell a story, chances are he would shy away but ask one to sing and you’ll have an instant concert to watch all day and night long.

15. Fiesta. “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day,” shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It's a Filipino celebration at its pious and riotous best that happens all year round every time it’s a birthday or death day of a saint.

16. Mangkukulam, aswang, manananggal, kapre (witches, sorcerers, half-human monsters). Mostly popular in the Visayas, mid-island of the Philippines, the whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls the uniquely bizarre Filipino belief that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures are worth telling a story.

17. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Filipino ingenuity. This communal Cadillac makes for a cheap and interesting ride. If the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat. Just make sure you pay the exact fare and you know when to shout “para (stop)!”

18. Dinuguan (Blood stew). Pig’s blood cooked into stew. A bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with puto (Rice muffin). Best when mined with jalapeno peppers. It’s messy but delicious.

19. Santa Cruzan (Street parade of the town’s beautiful). More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena's and Constantine's search for the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies in their most beautiful gowns. IN modern times, even the third sex community ramp out what they’ve got.

20. Balut (Unhatched duck's embryo). Another unspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup and dead little chick, with gusto.

21. Pakidala. A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don't trust the banking system, and who expect a family update from the courier, as well.

22. Choc-nut. Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M & M's and Hershey's. Cost P1.00 ($2 cents) in every local neighborhood stores.

23. Kamayan style. To eat with one's hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners. “Ah, heaven” for the locals and those who have gone away and miss the habit.

24. Chicharon. Pork, fish or chicken crackling. They say it’s in the crunch where you will find a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar, sublime with beer.

25. Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty "Kain tayo! (Lets eat)" invitation to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or austere it is.

26. Adobo (chicken marinated in soy and vinegar), Kare-Kare (meat and vegetable in peanut sauce), Sinigang (sour soup) and other home-cooked stuff. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes.

27. Tricycle and trisikad. The poor Pinoy's taxicab that delivers you at your doorstep for as little as PHP5.00 ($2 cents)), with a complimentary dusting of polluted air.

28. Dirty ice cream. The name would make anyone’s brow rise. Yes, it’s dirty ice cream but no, it’s not really dirty. It was named as such because of the rough texture it has. Expensive ice creams are smooth and very well blended, while the "dirty" ice cream is just blended enough. Back then, these ice cream dealers bred their own cows and milked them with their own hands to ensure the freshness and sanitation of the milk needed to make the "dirty ice cream". It is made manually by hand not by a machine.
The ice cream makers in remote villages use their bare hands without proper body gloves, hair nets, etc. Unlike those branded ice cream is made by a huge machine and fully trained machinist. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo (beans), langka (jack fruit), ube (jam), mais (corn), keso (cheese), tsoko (cocoa), macapuno (coconut jam). Plus there's the colorful cart that recalls jeepney art.

29. Yaya (Nanny). The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost like a surrogate parent--if you don't mind the accent and the predilection for afternoon soap and movie stars.

30. Sarsi (Filipino rootbeer). Considered by many as the enduring taste of childhood. Their grandfathers even had them with an egg beaten in.

31. Philippine fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, papaya, singkamas—the possibilities are endless in this fruity tropical country.

32. Filipino celebrities. It’s almost like Hollywood and Hollywood fever but this country imbibed the lives of the Filipino celebrities in their own. After watching a Sharon-Cuneta film, one thinks and feels she/he is also the character in the film. That’s why movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens, public officials, all-around controversial figures are well-loved and hate by many. Some historical names include: Aurora Pijuan, Cardinal Sin, Carlos P. Romulo, Charito Solis, Cory Aquino, Emilio Aguinaldo, the Eraserheads, Fidel V. Ramos, Francis Magalona, Gloria Diaz, Manuel L. Quezon, Margie Moran, Melanie Marquez, Ninoy Aquino, Nora Aunor, Pitoy Moreno, Ramon Magsysay, Richard Gomez, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sharon Cuneta, Gemma Cruz, Erap, Tiya Dely, Mel and Jay, Gary V.

33. World class Pinoys who put us on the global map: Lea Salonga, Paeng
Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Jocelyn Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Lilia
Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Josie Natori, Manny Pacquiao

34. Pinoy tastes. A dietitian's nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too
fatty, as in Burong Talangka (fermented crab), itlog na maalat (salted egg), aligue (crab fat), bokayo(coconut jam), kutchinta, sapin-sapin, palitaw (rice cakes dip in coconut and sugar), halo-halo (mixed fruits in crashed ice, sugar and milk), pastilyas, pulburon (sugar-coated milk pastries), palitaw (rice cake), longganisa (ground pork sausage), tuyo (dried fish), ensaymada (sugar-coated buns), ube haleya (ube jam), sweetened macapuno and garbanzos. They even prefer their spaghetti sauce with extra sugar.

35. The sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.

36. Gayuma, agimat and anting-anting (Love potions and amulets.) This is how the socially-disadvantaged Pinoy copes. Outside Quiapo church, one of the busiest church in Manila people sell herbal plants, specialized candles with prayer notes, several stones and amulets in different shapes and sizes. For luck of better alternatives, people do buy these hoping its promise of special power will save them for poverty and heartaches.

37. Barangay Ginebra, Jaworski, PBA, MBA. Basketball is considered as the national past-time sports of Filipino men. It’s amazing how the vertically-challenged Pinoy compensates, via a national sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights. Oh yes, they can bet their entire income for the love of the game. Robert Jaworski even won a seat at the Senate out of his basketball career.

38. People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changed
Philippine history overnight.

39. San Miguel Beer and pulutan (side dish). "Isa pa nga! (one more)" and the Philippines' most popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks (corn bits), tapa (fried or grilled beef), chicharon (cracklings), usa (deer), barbecue, sisig (chopped pig’s ear), and all manner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol-rich chasers. The beer is so popular they can now afford Jet Li as endorser.

40. Resiliency. They have survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases, Marcos dictatorship, the 1990 earthquake, volcanic eruptions, over-time work, and no extra pay. The native man is one hardcore worker.

41. Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to "walk the dog" and "rock the baby," using just a piece of string.

42. Original Filipino games:

42. Pabitin – hanged goodies teasing participants to jump higher to get their prize. One who gets most of the goodies wins;

43. Palosebo – climbing contest where one needs to climb barefoot on top of a bamboo pole to get the flag.

44. Basagan ng Palayok. Blindfolded with a wooded bat, one walks towards the pot and hopefully hits it to get the prize.

A few basic rules make individual cunning and persistent; a premium and guarantee a good time for all.

45. Ninoy Aquino. For saying that "the Filipino is worth dying for,'' and proving it.

46. Balagtasan (poetry debate). The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion on a public stage.

47. Tabo (water scoop). If rich nations have toilet hose, this all-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically-triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket and help the true Pinoy answer nature's call, helps maintain their famously stringent toilet habits.

48. Pandesal (salted bun). Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy at P2.00 ($50 cents). It goes well with any filling and best when hot.

49. Jollibee. With over 100 branches nationwide and slowly penetrating the international market, this is the Filipino match for McDonalds and Burger King. Truly Filipino in taste and sensibility, and the corporate icon seemed to hypnotize people of all ages. A Filipino kid would stop crying when promised a Jollibee meal and automatically jumps each time the bee logo is seen on the road. Amazing!

50. The Butanding (Philippine whale sharks). The dolphins and other creatures in their blessed waters. They're Pinoys, too, and they're here to stay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into dried goods. It’s a continuous campaign by WWF, Greenpeace and other organizations to save these astonishing, magnificent creatures only found here.

51. Pakikisama (Camaraderie). It's what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, and join pals in sickness and health. They can get dead drunk and still make it home.

52. Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of them do it well!

53. Kayumanggi (Neither pale nor dark). Their skin tone is beautifully healthy similar to the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.

54. Hand-woven cloth and native weaves. Colorful, environment-friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread of the hands that make it. From the Pinukpok of the north to the Malong of the south, it's the fiber of who they are.

55. Movies. Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if one
watch the same movie several times.

56. Bahala na (May God be our guide). They cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus enabled to play life by ear.

57. Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to their national ability to acquire a taste for almost anything.

58. English. Whether it’s grammatically weird and the accent is new to the ear, it doubles their chances in the global marketplace. Even a beggar on the street can speak the language.

59. The Philippine Press. Noted as irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still the liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we'd all be glued to TV.

60. Divisoria. Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket's paradise, but you can get anything here, often at rock-bottom prices. The sensory overload is a bonus.

61. Barong Tagalog. The formal wardrobe for men. It Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary “Juan (John)” look marvelously charming.

62. Filipinas. Everybody loves a Filipina girl. Sweet, naïve or just playing one, they make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they can't say the same for Filipinos.

63. Filipinos. So maybe they're not that tall, not so handsome with occasional streak of generic infidelity but they do know how to make a woman feel like a queen.

64. Catholicism. What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is
firmly planted on Philippine soil.

65. Dolphy. Their all-time comedy king. At 75, he is an ultra-durable comedian who gives the beleaguered Pinoy everyman an odd dignity, even in drag.

66. Style. Something they often prefer over substance. But every Filipino claims it as a birthright.

67. Bad taste. Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, over-accessorized jeepneys and altars--the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it.

68. Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.

69. Unbridled optimism. Why they rank so low on the suicide scale and top the list as the happiest people on earth.

70. Street food: Barbecue, lugaw (rice porridge), banana-cue (sugar-coated bananas on sticks), fish balls, IUD (chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here's cheap, tasty food with gritty ambience.

71. The siesta. For Filipinos like Italians, snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.

72. Honorifics and courteous titles: Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy, Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.

73. Heroes and people who stood up for truth and freedom. Lapu-lapu
started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco Balagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier, Ninoy Aquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up. You’ll get to know them easy as their faces are printed on Philippine peso bills.

74. Flora and fauna. The dugong (sea cow), butanding (whale shark), tarsier (the smallest primate on earth), calamian deer, bearcat, Monkey eating eagle (the biggest in the world), sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the creatures that make their archipelago unique.

75. Pilipino songs, OPM and composers: "Ama Namin," "Lupang Hinirang,"
"Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal," "Ngayon at Kailanman," "Anak," "Handog,""Hindi Kita Malilimutan," "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante--living examples of their musical gift.

76. Metro Aides. They started out as Imelda Marcos' groupies, but have gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuously prove that cleanliness is next to godliness--especially now that those darned candidates' posters have to be scraped off the face of the entire archipelago.

77. Sari-sari store (local convenience store). There's one in every corner, offering everything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and slippers.

78. Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives. They help everyone help each other.

79. Favorite TV shows through the years: "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "John and Marsha," "Champoy," "Ryan, Ryan Musikahan," "Kuwarta o Kahon," "Public Forum/Lives," "Student Canteen," "Eat Bulaga." In the age of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.

80. Quirks of language that can drive crazy any tourist listening in:
"Bababa ba?" "Bababa!" (“you going down?” “yes, going down.”)

81. "Sayang! (darn)" "Naman! (exactly)" "Kadiri! (ewww!)" "Ano ba!? (what)" "Grabe (oh my)." Expressions that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy.

82. Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes).

83. Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius,
athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.

84. Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined the rigid concept of how leading ladies should look. Modern times have Judy Ann Santos and Kris Aquino (the daughter of Ninoy Aquino). Their faces are every where on ads – from feminine wash to kitchen products ads.

85. Channel 2 versus Channel 7. There are cable and other local channels as well but for some reason, these two network giants are clashing to the end point of the rating meter. Filipinos love it and end up clashing as well as to which is better between 2 or 7.

86. Filipino Christmas. The world's longest holiday season. A perfect
excuse mixing their love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrapping it up with a touch of religion.

87. Filipinos abroad. Finding a co-Filipino in another land is their best refuge against loneliness, discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phone introduction or referral.

88. Festivals: Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and Christian overtones.

89. Folk dances. Tinikling, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Kuratsa,
Itik-itik, Alitaptap, Rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm with authentic costumes and props.

90. Native wear and costumes. Baro't saya (dress and skirt), Tapis (towel-like skirt), Terno (trousers for men), Saya (skirt), Salakot (hat), Bakya (native slippers). Lovely form and ingenious function in the way they dress.

91. Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get
severed. You don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives. Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materialize during a wake?

92. Calesa and karitela (horse carriage and cart). The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narrow streets when loaded down with a year's provisions.

93. Quality of life. Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in helper, yaya (nanny), unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, the latest fashion imitation, even Viagra in the black market?

94. All Saints' Day. In honoring their dead, Filipinos also prove that they know how to live by preparing lavish gatherings in front of their tomb.

95. Handicrafts. Shell craft, rattan craft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings, placemats and bags, bamboo wind chimes, etc - Portable memories of the island for tourists to buy.

96. Mall country. Its economy may not be doing that well but this country boasts the biggest malls one could find in Asia.

97. OCWs (Overseas Contract Workers). They will go beyond lengths and miles in exchange of a better life for their families, as proven by these modern-day heroes of their economy who chose to leave happy homeland to work as domestic helpers, nurses, seafarers or entertainers abroad. Notable stories include their struggles of going beyond odds, sometimes challenging immigration rules of other countries just to find freedom from hard life.

98. The Filipino artist. From Luna's magnificent "Spoliarium" and
Amorsolo's sun-kissed “Rice fields,” to Ang Kiukok's jarring abstractions and Borlongan's “Haunting Ghosts” and everybody else in between. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you're hanging one of Asia's best.

99. Tagalog soap operas. These are the stories of their lives, and they feel strongly for all characters, MariMar and Betty La Fea notwithstanding.

100. Midnight madness, weekend sales, bangketas and baratillos (side street market). It's retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain.

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