Meaning of Filipino Arms and Hand Gestures

Arms akimbo is considered arrogant, challenging and angry, a posture that will win you friends or make you popular in a good way. It is often used to intimidate or as a sign of imposing authority by such people as a policeman about to issue a traffic ticket.

A respectful greeting, particularly for elders or for a godson to his godfather , is to place the elder person’s hand or knuckles on one’s forehead called “pagmamano”. This is the traditional Filipino acknowledgment of respect for elders. Sad to say this practice is starting to disappear in families living in the cities and is now being replaced by the western kissing.

Scratching the back of the lower head is an indication of a mistake or confusion.

When crossing in between people talking, or in the middle of a room where people are conversing, you see Filipinos clasp their hands together in front and used to advance with lowered head while saying a very faint “excuse”. Another variation would be to extend one hand in front facing sideward, fingers together as in a karate chop and with elbow bent and head bowed.

Attention may be called by an abrupt brush of a finger on your elbow and some playful Filipinos would a slight tickle at the back rib. Beckoning someone by crooking your finger and sort of wiggling it several times is an insinuation for one to come over; the proper form is to use your hand, palm downward. A palm upward motion is rude.

Snapping fingers or clapping to call the attention of the waiter is also considered rude; the proper way is to try and catch his eye and make a slight motion with hand upraised or slight nod. In desperation you may get away with a soft “pssst!”, but polite society will frown on any loud sounds to call anyone. A rectangular sign on the air directed at the waiter is a request for the bill.

Covering the mouth when laughing is a sign of propriety mostly done by women. It is usually an indication of the woman’s degree of inhibition and modernity. A man who covers his mouth when laughing is plainly shy and sometimes labeled sissy.

Perhaps the most offensive hand gesture is made with the middle finger pointing straight out, the forefinger crooked. Always take note though that in the Filipino society belligerence is always met with belligerence so there should never be an occasion for one to use this obscene gesture.

Physical contact between members of the same sex is permissible in the Philippines. Males with arms over each other's shoulders are an accepted norm and are henceforth not considered gay. On the other hand, physical contact with the opposite sex in public is not on. Ladies greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, but male and female keep respectfully apart. Some women may shake hands with a man, but they have to initiate such a gesture.

Instead of using their arms or fingers, a lot of Filipinos point out a direction by pouting their mouths, or shifting their eyes towards the direction indicated.

About the author:

Aileen Borja-Slark is a Filipina entrepreneur married to a British national. She has a degree in Law and Political Science and writes for Filipino-Western Relationships.

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