The sweet "po" and "opo"....where are they now?
By terry0129
@terry0129 (7)
Philippines
July 14, 2007 2:30am CST
Anybody tell me, where in the world is there any equivalent for the Filipino's "po" and "opo"? It's uniquely 100% Filipino! It's entirely different from just the word "yes". and more entirely different when you answer with a "po" and "opo". There's something to the word that is sweet and encourangingly beautiful to hear. Say, when asking for somebody over the phone...."Yes, who are you?" or "Who do you want?"... Isn't it more respectful and really warm if you'll say or hear the words...."Sino po sila? "or "Andyan po ba si"....
Rare are the kids now who i hear answering their grown-ups with a "po and opo". Not necessarily saying their being disrespectful but maybe it's what and how they hear from friends and peers. Plus, maybe grown-ups are also paying less attention to values of yesterdays, great values that new generation kids can emulate.
How is it to you a kid telling you her name, say "I'm sandra", doesn't it more fitting to hear, "Ako "po" si Sandra? or say Thank you, po. or say "Opo, andyan n."
Common, friends.... what can you say?
1 person likes this
1 response
@vonn1378 (706)
• Philippines
14 Jul 07
Those are one of the values that Filipino can be proud of. Absolutely unique and I cannot think of a word that would be equivalent to it from other countries.
I'm still hearing those words from the people around me. But of course there are some who might not using it anymore. And I reckon that we should still emphasize it. Especially to the young ones, we should inculcate the importance of these words to them. Values are the great way to mould them into a productive person.