Respecting elders is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. Many Filipinos hold dear certain beliefs and customs that represent their rich ancestry, joy of life, and unwavering faith in God. Knowing how to address and converse with someone based on their age is beneficial. It is considered impolite to address someone by their first name if they are two years or older than you. To honour someone older than them, Filipinos would add a word before their first name.
 Furthermore, you can hear individuals in the Philippines say “PO” and “OPO” which are expressions used to address elders and other persons they respect. They frequently punctuate or complete a common statement in a discussion. When answering to questions from an elder or other respected person, “OPO” may be used instead of “yes.” This ritual, however, is rarely observed in other provinces, particularly those in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This is due to the geography of the Philippines, which has resulted in slight variances in customs and traditions.
Respect is not something that is demanded; rather, it is bestowed onto those who earn it. Before you can expect others to respect you, you must first respect yourself. Because how can you respect others if you don’t know how to cherish, respect, and treat yourself with dignity? Respect is earned by doing nice things for other people; it is not something you demand..