Filipino Quotes About Life That Teach You About Perseverance During Difficult Times

Filipinos are known to be resilient people and like other nationalities, we have Filipino quotes about life too. But let us shed some light on the resilience word and how Filipino people are able to get by in times of difficulties.

Resilience and Filipinos

Resilience is the ability to tolerate difficult times and challenges or the capacity to recover from difficult life events as defined in Everyday Health.

As a Filipino myself, I am proud to say, that my fellow people are one of the most perseverant and tolerant human beings you could ever meet on the planet. Not saying this to blow my own trumpet, but it is a fact that only people who know Filipinos could understand.

When I face difficulties in life, I used to think of my mother’s words especially when I was studying Nursing. She would often softly say, ”Tiis tiis lang muna,” which means ”Just be patient first.” It sounds simple but it promises a bright tomorrow to me.

If that simple phrase could influence and inspire me to study harder and achieve my goals in life, I know others could also draw inspiration from learning our own proverbs which already embody our day-to-day life.

So I share with you right now some original Filipino quotes and sayings about life that I often hear from fellow Filipinos, especially from my parents and other elderly who have mustered enough lessons in life.

Filipino quotes about life

Habang maiksi ang kumot, matuto munang mamaluktot.

Literal translation: While the blanket is short, learn to bend.)

This is one of the most common Filipino proverbs that relates to resiliency. I often heard this from my parents and it means, one should be contented with what you have and also learn how to save resources.

Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga.

Literal translation: If you persevere, you’ll have stew.

It is the Filipino version or similar to ”No pain, no gain.” If you have the perseverance and patience to work hard on your goals, you will surely reap the rewards in the end.

Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo.

Literal translation: What is grass good for, if the horse is already dead.

This proverb talks about laxness and procrastination. While you still can do something for somebody who needs your help, do it now or it will be too late.

Walang lumura sa langit na di sa kanyang mukha nagbalik.

Literal translation: Nobody who spits upward does not spit on his face.

A proverb and saying that reminds you that if you speak ill of others and disrespect others it only reflects back to you, which means, you’re also disrespecting yourself and you’re also making yourself look like a fool.

Ang karukhaan ay hindi hadlang sa pagtatagumpay.

Literal translation: Poverty is not a hindrance to success.

If you’re in a difficult financial situation but you have dreams and goals, do not think that you can’t achieve them just because you don’t have financial means right now. Remember, if there’s a will, there’s a way.

Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsang nasa ibabaw, minsang nasa ilalim.

Translation: Life is like a wheel: Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down.

This is one of the Filipino proverbs that motivate me to work even harder. If you’re poor now, it doesn’t mean you will be forever poor. It’s on you how you lead your life and change its status.

Habang may buhay, may pag-asa.

Translation: As long as there is life, there is hope.

Many Filipinos live by this short proverb that really convinces me how words can be so strong if you put your belief in them. This Filipino quote reminds you not to give up and as long as you are still breathing, you can still attain your endeavours in life.

Ubos ubos biyaya bukas nakatunganga.

Translation: Spend everything today then tomorrow you have nothing left.

Whenever I hear this saying, I thought of living as a one-day millionaire. So whenever you received money, do not spend everything at once. You should save for tomorrow, for your future and for emergency situations.

Maraming salita, kulang sa gawa.

Translation: More talk, less deeds.

If you just talk without putting effort, then you’re going to achieve very little. So if you want to achieve more in life, your motto for life should be ”less talk, more deeds”. This proverb is similar to ”talk the talk, walk the walk”.

Filipino quotes about being strong and clever

Matalino man ang matsing, napaglalalangan din.

Literal translation: The monkey may be wise, but it can also be deceived.

A Filipino proverb to make you realize that no matter how intelligent you are, there are still people who would try to betray and deceive you.

Saan mang gubat ay may ahas.

Literal translation: In every forest , there is a snake.

It doesn’t matter where you are or how good a person you are, there are always people who wish you ill and want to see you fail and fall. So beware.

Ang lakas ay daig ng paraan.

Translation: Strength is defeated by strategy.

No matter how strong you are, if you don’t have the intelligence and wisdom to thrive in certain situations, your strength means nothing.

Ang matapat na kaibigan, tunay na maaasahan.

Translation: You can rely on a true friend.

This is Tagalog saying about friendship and how you should be clever in choosing genuine friends in your life because a true friend is like a precious stone.

Read related post: Characteristics of a True Friend

Walang naninira sa bakal kundi sariling kalawang.

Literal translation: Nothing destroys iron but its own corrosion.

You might be strong like the iron but you as you all know, iron gets destroyed by its own rust too. What this proverb wants to tell you is that you should be careful of your own actions and words, sometimes, you, yourself, are the sole reason for your destruction.

Filipino sayings about love and relationship

Pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.

Literal translation: The procession may be long, it will still end up in church.

Life is full of surprises and sometimes when you think, you won’t end up together after all the challenges, breakups, and hard battles, you’re still destined for each other and will end up together.

Ang pag-aasawa ay hindi biro, ‘di tulad ng kanin, iluluwa kung mapaso. 

Literal translation: Marriage is not a joke. It’s not like rice that you can spit out when it’s too hot to chew.

Marrying in the Philippines is different from any part of the world. In fact, we don’t have a divorce yet in the county but they’re planning to create a divorce law already. So I don’t wonder anymore if I hear this saying from the elderly – they take marriage very seriously.

So before you marry someone, be 101 per cent sure, you really wanted to marry him and stay true to the vows.

Closing words: Filipino sayings about life

So there you have them – our Filipino sayings and quotes about life that we always use and remember when challenges strike us and force us to be perseverant in life.

These proverbs also give a glimpse of how Filipinos get by in times of hardships and how you can learn from that too.

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