Why Pinoys keep smiling amid hardships

In a world grappling with rising living costs, Filipinos are increasingly turning to affordable, everyday pleasures as a form of resilience, finding joy in simple moments despite economic hardship.

While global narratives often link happiness to financial prosperity, Filipinos demonstrate a unique ability to cultivate joy through connection and creativity, according to observers.

"What you’re seeing isn’t escapism, it’s resilience," said behavioral psychologist Dr. Ana Reyes. "Filipinos use low-cost entertainment, whether it’s a livestream, a TikTok, or a casual game, to anchor themselves. It’s both catharsis and connection."

This phenomenon is not new. Historically, pop culture has often thrived during times of crisis. Hollywood emerged during the Great Depression, anime rose from post-war Japan, and K-pop surged amid Asia’s economic downturns.

In the Philippines, cultural expression often intensifies in the face of adversity, characterized by humor and heartfelt displays.

Filipinos spend more than nine hours a day online, a global high, using digital platforms for connection and coping. Online mantras such as "G na G", "Sana all" and "Kapit lang" blend humor with a deep-seated grit.

Accessible joys include rewatching beloved films, following "teleserye" cliffhangers, celebrating "budol" hauls, or spending a few pesos on online games for a quick thrill. These small expenditures are seen as a form of "joy in recession," fitting within daily budgets and providing emotional uplift.

For Filipinos, who have been known to sing during power outages, dance through floods and crack jokes amid personal heartbreaks, pursuing these temporary, affordable joys is not a luxury. It's considered a "lifeline," a declaration of perseverance. When faced with challenges, many Filipinos respond with phrases like "Kaya pa naman", "Meron pa rin", "Meron at meron" and "Padayon."