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things that make us genuinely filipino by bea llagas
about the author
A twenty-something woman child who always strives to make the world a better place—one click (or two) at a time. I love music, solitude, beef caldereta, and long walks around the metro.
introduction
This project is something that I always wanted to do ever since I became a Mass Communication student. Sure, writing and publishing a book can be a little bit ambitious (even for a college student), but you never know when that opportunity will come a-knockin’. The whole idea of this book is to simply remind us how awesome it is to be Filipino despite all of the negative crap people shove in front of our faces every day.
No matter where you are in this beautiful planet we call Earth, I hope that the things you will see in the succeeding pages will make you proud that you’re Filipino. Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
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exotic street food Chicken feet? Yes. Pork blood? Yes. Cow intestines? Heck yes! We Filipinos always get a kick out of these odd favorites. From exotic innards to seafood窶馬ame it, we have it! Just be sure not to eat them regularly, though.
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fried calamares, taken on the streets of malolos, bulacan
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taken on the streets of malolos, bulacan
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unrelenting faith “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart, is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” —Dalai Lama Filipinos are people of strong faith. It’s what binds us together no matter what our religion is. Faith is what gives us hope in times of distress, and nothings says unrelenting faith like what we Filipinos have.
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taken inside barasoain church, malolos, bulacan
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taken inside barasoain church, malolos, bulacan
barasoain church, malolos, bulacan
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taken inside a thrift store in sta. cruz,
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Well, I wouldn’t call this trash if you ask me. Everybody loves a good bargain. Filipinos are suckers for cheap thrills and what better way to satisfy that feeling than taking a trip to the thrift store? From designer shoes to authentic and vintage handbags, they’ve got it all for you (no pun intended). 09 | pinoy signature
ukay ukay
taken at a thrift store in sta. cruz, manila
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taken at fort santiago, intramuros, manila
Tourists go crazy for these things. Even though the kalesa was first introduced by the Spaniards, it’s still pretty eminent here in the Philippines. You can find them along Sta. Cruz, Intramuros, and Rizal Park. If you have never ridden a kalesa before, I suggest you put down this book and go find one in Intramuros!
kalesa pinoy signature | 12
taho 13 | pinoy signature
dirty ice cream
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kings of the road They’re just simply hard to find anywhere else in the world.
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the jeepney, taken on the streets of malolos, bulacan
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karaoke
It’s no surprise that Filipinos are known to have great singing voices both in and out of the country. We love to sing and we simply don’t care if we’re out of tune. From birthday parties to ordinary weekdays, it’s the “ultimate pinoy past time”.
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pasalubong 19 | pinoy signature
filipino craftsmanship pinoy signature | 20
bibingka’t puto bumbong
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Nothings says Filipino Christmas like good ol’ bibingka and puto bumbong. Both have become a staple during the holidays and you can actually find them all year round now.
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megawatt smiles We Filipinos are naturally happy people. It shows how we remain hopeful despite the storms that keep heading our way.
taken on the streets of blumentritt, manila
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taken on the streets of malolos, bulacan
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taken on the streets of malolos, bulacan
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Š 2014 BEA LLAGAS
Under the Republic Act No. 8293 (also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), all artists and photographers remain the sole property of Bea Llagas and are not to be reproduced, altered, or redistrubuted in any way. Have some respect. Thank you.