Some young Filipinos right now especially those who grew up abroad might have limited idea what the “Mano Po” means. “Mano Po” is actually a Filipino tradition wherein elders give blessings to the younger person.  The one who is receiving the blessing would bow their head, take the right hand of the elder (of their right hand as well), and place it on their forehead.   It’s a sign of respect as well to the elder persons when someone younger than them asked for their hands to “Mano”.


Image: wacom-asia.com

"Mano po" literally means can I ask for your blessing?, and the elder may respond, “God bless you” or "May the Lord have mercy on you".  Mostly “Mano Po” is done when someone is leaving or arriving in the place, or sometimes in a wedding ceremony where the groom and the bride would ask for their parents’ blessings.

When I was a kid, we usually “Mano” on our parents, grandparents, uncles, aunt, and godfather and godmother (ninong, ninang).  When we arrived from school and especially from the church after attending the mass, we would do this gesture to “mano”.

Nowadays, this tradition is still in existence in the Philippines, and even those who are living abroad most parents would show their children how to value this tradition.  But of course there are also some instances where some younger generations don’t practice this tradition anymore due to change of culture when they moved to another place.

But we Pinoys are always kind at heart and full of love and care to our elders, that’s why I believed that this tradition must not be forgotten by many and we must push to continue its legacy to the newer generations.