You Know It’s a Filipino Home When…

1. The Holy Corner (Bonus points if there’s a rosary on the doorknob)
Somewhere near the door or above it, is a small altar, a crucifix, or a framed photo of Jesus or Mama Mary. It doesn’t matter if it’s a rental or owned, that space is sacred.

2. Outdoor slippers by the door and a strict no-shoes-inside policy
We grew up knowing better than to walk around the house with outside shoes. You’ll usually spot an assortment of slippers by the door (some mismatched, of course). Everyone has a pair, including visitors.

3. The smell of garlic and fried fish… at 7AM
Is it bangus? Is it tuyo? Is it garlic rice? You may never know but your nose will. If the smell of cooking hits before 8am, you're definitely near a Filipino kitchen.

4. A broom in the corner that’s not your typical broom
You know the one-walis tambo. That soft broom made of bundled grass, usually leaning in a corner or behind the door. It may look decorative, but it gets the job done.

5. Plants, plants, and more plants (plus surprise backyard crops)
Even before #Plantita became a trend, Filipino households were already making front porches and walkways look like greenhouses. You’ll spot Sansevieria , pothos, and more than a few random fruit trees -Calamansi (a small, sour citrus we squeeze into everything), Banana, Papaya, Avocado, Mango, Sugarcane or even a Malunggay (Moringa) tree that somehow survives winter.

💬This blog isn’t sponsored by any of the products or brands mentioned, just sharing what I genuinely love and personally experienced.

One of the quiet superpowers of being Filipino? We can spot each other just by looking into someone’s eyes....it’s almost 99% guaranteed. There’s a warmth, a familiar twinkle, something in the smile that gives it away.

But what if you don’t see the person?
What if you’re just walking past their house?

Well.....Filipino homes have their own little giveaways. Whether you’re abroad or somewhere local, here’s how to tell if a Pinoy lives there… even without saying a word.

Now, if you do get to peek inside, here’s what you’ll probably find (and I’d bet my last cracker tin on it).

6. A collection of plastic containers (aka Filipino Tupperware)
Every Filipino home has that drawer or cabinet filled with reused containers—ice cream tubs, margarine jars, biscuit tins. Some store leftover ulam, others hold sewing kits, snacks, or rubber bands. You’ll never know what’s inside until you open it. It’s not hoarding, it’s tradition… and it always comes in handy.

7. A giant bottle of soy sauce or fish sauce in the pantry
Maybe both. Likely stored next to vinegar, Magic Sarap, and some expired instant noodles no one wants to throw away.

8. So clean, the furniture still has plastic on it
Filipino homes are spotless..like, next-level clean. Some couches still have the original plastic wrap, remote controls are in ziplock or cling wrap, and don’t even think about using the “display towels.” Everything’s protected like it's going in a museum.

9. A rice cooker that's always on standby (because RICE IS LIFE)
If there’s one appliance that never gets unplugged, it’s the rice cooker. It’s probably sitting on the kitchen counter with warm rice ready—or already refilled. Because no matter what’s for dinner, it’s not a meal without rice. Period.

10. There’s a karaoke machine. Yes! of course!
Somewhere. Always. Whether it’s packed in the garage or permanently set up in the living room, it’s there, waiting for the next birthday, fiesta, or random Saturday night when someone belts out “My Way” or “I Have Nothing.”

Filipino homes are warm, full of character, and even if you don’t see the people -feel them. It’s in the details, the smells, the plants, the vibe.

And honestly? That’s the charm. ღ

Filipino Tupperware

Image Courtesy of Arien A.