Filipino Proverbs

Filipino proverbs distill island-born wisdom from an archipelago shaped by sea trade, typhoons, and centuries of Spanish rule. They praise bayanihan, respect for elders, and humor in hardship.

To a dog a bone has more value than a pearl. (Filipino Proverb)
While the blanket is short, learn to bend. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Borrowed clothes are either too tight or too loose. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
If a bamboo tube makes a loud sound, it is empty. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
The fly on the back of a water buffalo thinks that it's taller than the buffalo. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
There's a crocodile in every big river. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Lazy people will eventually lose even their trousers. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
A young branch can be straightened, a mature one breaks. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
A clear conscience is more valuable than wealth. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
The rattan basket criticizes the palm leaf basket, still both are full of holes. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Whatever you do, think about it seven times. (Filipino Proverb)
Wherever you go, habit follows. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
There's no glory without sacrifice. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Postpone today's anger until tomorrow. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
If you buy things you don't need, you will soon be selling things you do need. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
The noisiest drum has nothing but air inside. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Coincidence defeats a well-laid plan. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
If you sow arrows, you will reap sorrows. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Don't put your trust in Fortune until you are in heaven. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Children who get everything they ask for seldom succeed in life. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
No child was ever born without having been conceived. (Filipino Proverb)
He who gives alms to the poor faces heaven. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
The real hero doesn't say that he is one. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
Wherever the head goes, the tail will follow. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound. View proverb
Filipino Proverb
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