The Tabo and Filipino Culture
One of the first things I learned about Filipino culture is that every home must have a tabo. Okay, I’m sure there are some that don’t but it must be one in a billion. What is a tabo? It is a bucket or a dipper. Usually a dipper that rest in a larger bucket or pail. When living in the Philippines, you will encounter the tabo. To me, it sounds like it is pronounced as “tawbo” with a very short “O” on the end. The “A” is drawn out. That’s as close as I know how to make it. 
When I first arrived in the Philippines, I noticed one in our bathroom. I didn’t think anything of it. Then we went to SM Mall and there were hundreds of them for sale. I noticed them on Filipino TV shows too. So I asked about Jessie about it She seemed evasive but that might be more related to a previous article about Filipino culture and the differences in communication style.The tabo is used for cleaning. For cleaning of the bathroom floor and your body. You might find my article on toilet training of interest. It was one of the first major changes I encountered in the Philippines. Something, I’m completely use to now.
A Fading Aspect of Filipino Culture?
From what I can gather, most Filipino have a hard time separating themselves from this aspect of their culture I read an article today in a local news paper about this which inspired me to write my own article. The author speaks of how Filipino will take one with them when they travel overseas. If they don’t, they often asked loved ones to send them one! One many nearly lost his job for turning a soda bottle into one while at work. Perhaps this is another dying part of Filipino culture as the author of this story suggested that it be added to classroom instruction geared at the middle and upper class Filipino. This aspect of Filipino culture is alive and well in the province though. I’ve seen them in every bathroom that I’ve been in except in public restrooms in malls. I see them in Filipino homes, in hotels, in pension houses and in resorts.
One can learn a lot from Filipino culture. The more casual life style would do most American’s a lot of good as we tend to think of ourselves the center of the universe. I find this true for most Western cultures. It is easy for American’s to do, especially if you have not traveled to other lands. I know my thinking of the world has changed drastically since I started living in the Philippines. Even in this day and age, America is still isolated from most of the world. If one lives in Europe, I think this is less true because other countries are similar to other states in the USA. That is not a criticism of the USA, by me. In fact, I don’t find American’s to be nearly as ignorant of the world as I often hear expressed by Europeans. I find ignorance and closed minded to common to every land.
If you’d like to read more articles about Filipino culture follow that link.
Best Selling DSLR Cameras on Amazon
|
||
|
||
|
Tagged with: Filipino Culture • Living In The Philippines
Filed under: Filipino Culture
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Get
To The Philippines Faster
I have some filipina friends who have been here in the states for about 5 yrs and they use the Tabo. They said americans have dirty butts it was really funny we all laughed as we talked about it. A good alternative or supliment seem to be alchol baby wipes.
Oh man, dirty butts, that could open up an entire line of conversation that I don’t think we will go into. ha ha
Yeah it totally went to underwear stains hahah and beyond….
Hi, thank you for all the GOOD articles that you have wrote abut our country. Those are ALL TRUE
I’m proud of my country and we have been very resilient in almost everything…This country is poor – a third world – as what the other 1st world countries say – but we have a very rich culture and natural resources (which are now being exploited both by locals and foreigners)…
I hope that any FIlipino would be inspired to help our country instead of leaving it and embracing other western identity. A lot of Filipinos are like that…If you guys promote our culture and identity, other locals would rather wish they are born in Europe or in the US of A….
Its an eye opener on my part as well…I love your articles. Mabuhay po kayo
Hi Shyrell,
It is my honor to have you here. I hope you will return often.
There is a lot to be proud of about the Philippines. And Filipino are generally a proud group.
I think the country is rich. Wealth comes in many forms, something the Philippines has taught me.
I think most people dream of living in another land no matter where they are but the low pay here does drive many to seek employment around the world, as you know.
In the US, each state/province worries when people leave the state to find better opportunities. Here you see politicians encouraging people to work overseas in some industries.
Please come back often and share your insights!
Hi,
The dipper or Tabo is actually very helpful in saving water consumption at home. Water bills dont come in cheap in our country (dont convert it to your currency). We dont just use wet wipes or alcohol-based wipes to clean the intimate parts of our body. We need a really wash it with soap and water – that using a TABO, hehehe….