“Mano po!” Derived from the Spanish word meaning hand, mano in the Philippines is a gesture of respect by the young to the elderly. It is like kissing one’s hand but instead, bowing one’s forehead and pressing it onto the right hand of the elder. The person showing respect then asks, “Mano po!” or “Please bless me!” The elder in turn, gestures the sign of the Cross before saying, “Bless you!” This is the norm everywhere as soon as one meets an elderly whether family, relatives, friends of the family, and the religious. Even people one just meets is also honored with this kind gesture. This courtesy is also practiced before leaving a place where there are elders.
In today’s culture, however, Mano po is slowly being replaced by beso-beso, also a Spanish word for kiss. It is now a common greeting of cheek-to-cheek kiss — that sounds like “tsup!” — especially among families, relatives, and friends. There is no asking of blessings, but instead, one usually says, “How are you?,” Good to see you!,” or “You look good!” This esteemed trait is also done before leaving or saying goodbye.
Both of these gestures are admirable and a blessing to pass on from generation to generation. Just make sure their meaning is pure and taken to heart.
Bless you, tsup! – I. D. Cardel
