We all know that the family is the basic unit in the society, right? Family doesn’t only define by blood relations, but it is defined by how the group of people is embraced together by a strong and powerful bond. There are also different types of the family such as nuclear, extended, joint family, and a family by choice.
The Philippines is known for its undying and unending family bond. From the mother and father to their sons and daughters, to their grandchildren’s, up to their grandchildren’s children. Home bond is something you cannot cut instantly.
I wrote this article to highlight why Filipino homes are different from other countries. Although I know that everyone has their own way of showing their family bonds as it differs from the culture and tradition we grew up with, but family still is a family. No matter what your race is, no matter what your culture is, a family remains a family.
Now, let’s talk about the four types of family that I have mentioned above. The Nuclear Family, Extended Family, Joint Family, and the Family by Choice. It’s funny how these have different meanings but Filipinos define them by only the word ‘Family’.
The Nuclear Family
So this is also meant as the conjugal family. It consists of a married couple and their children. If we talked about the word family this is the first image that comes to our mind, right?
The Extended Family
In extended, it includes at least three generations: the grandparents, the children, and the grandchildren. I think it is the most common here in the Philippines.
The Joint Family
So in the joint family, it consists of the siblings, their spouse, and their children.
The Family by Choice
While in this type of family doesn’t require a blood relation. It consists of live-in partners, adopted children, and close friends, or even a pet animal.
So, from the four types that I have mentioned, all of them are present in Filipino homes. Living with your family members even when you are already eighteen and above, or living with your family together with your spouse and children is not something uncommon in the Philippines.
Just like in my grandparent’s home. Some of their children already had their own family and choose to live separately, however, some also choose to live in my grandparent’s house with their own family. There are also cases in which another family member’s partner chooses to live with them too.
I’ve met so many families like this, and you would also see these in every part of the Philippines. Filipino’s value family bonds so much that’s why even if they are poor, they are happy. Even if there are calamities, as long as they are still together and safe, that would be more than enough.
This is also the reason why Filipinos are naturally hospitable, it’s because of their strong family bond. That even if you’re not blood-related or a stranger, they would still treat you like how a family treats each other. And aside from that, a family doesn't only mean of living with one another.
Filipino homes aren’t perfect. There would be so many problems that may occur in this type of household, nevertheless, they would still choose to live with each other. And this is what makes the Filipino homes warmer than the others.
It's been a while. I miss writing but I've been so busy with school stuffs, house stuffs, living stuffs, and everything huhu :(
~EnkeDemoiselle
