Filipino proverbs or Philippine proverbs[1] are

traditional sayings or maxims used by Filipinos based

on local culture, wisdom, and philosophies from Filipino
life. The word proverb corresponds to
the Tagalog words salawikain, kasabihan (saying)
and sawikain[3] (although the latter may also refer
to mottos or idioms), and to the Ilocano word sarsarita.
Proverbs originating from the Philippines are described
as forceful and poetic expressions and basic forms
of euphemisms. If used in everyday conversations,
proverbs are utilized to emphasize a point or a thought
of reasoning: the Filipino philosophy.[1] One notable and
locally popular example of a Filipino proverb is this: A
person who does not remember where he (she) came
from will never reach his (her) destination.
Of Tagalog origin, it conveys and urges one person to
give "importance in looking back at one’s roots and
origins." The maxim also exemplifies a Filipino value
known as the "utang na loob", one’s "debt of gratitude"
to the persons who have contributed to an individual’s
success.[1] Damiana L. Eugenio, a professor from
the University of the Philippines, author of Philippine
Proverb Lore (1975), and who is also referred to as the
"Mother of Philippine Folklore" grouped Filipino
proverbs into six categories based on the topic
expressed, namely: ethical proverbs (those that express
a general attitude towards life and the laws that govern
life itself), proverbs that recommend virtues and
condemn vices, proverbs that express a system of
values, proverbs that express general truths and
observations about life and human nature, humorous
proverbs, and miscellaneous proverbs.

Usage[edit]
Philippine proverbs are further illustrated to be
ornaments to language, words of ancestors handed
down from one generation to another, and as wisdom
gained from experience, which can be quoted to express
a sentiment, a statement, or an opinion. Apart from this,
Filipino proverbs are also used to prevent offending
other individuals. This is one example of such a
proverb: Bato-bato sa langit, 'pag tinamaan huwag
magagalit, meaning "a stone thrown heavenward, if you
get hit on its way down, don't get mad." Equipped with
the appropriate and timely proverb, a Filipino can
communicate empathy, and might be able to convince
another person leading to the closure of an argument.
Some Filipino proverbs are also intended to provide a
warning, a lecture, an advice, and as a supporting
statement for a particular viewpoint or issue.
Proverbs are called salawikain or sawikain in
Tagalog or sarsarita in Ilocano. Like most proverbs
the world over, Philippine proverbs contain sayings
which prescribes norms, imparts a lesson or simply
reflects standard norms, traditions and beliefs in the
community. Professor Damiana Eugenio classifies
Philippine proverbs into six groups according to
subject matter. These are:
(1) proverbs expressing a general attitude towards
life and the laws that govern life;
(2) ethical proverbs recommending certain virtues
and condemning certain vices;
(3) proverbs expressing a system of values;
(4) proverbs expressing general truths and
observations about life and human nature;
(5) humorous proverbs and
(6) miscellaneous proverbs.
From her study, Eugenio observes that it is possible
to formulate a fairly comprehensive philosophy of
life of the Filipino. The following proverb for
instance, which is one of the most popular, signifies
the importance of looking back at one’s roots and
origins. In a way, this proverb also echoes the
Filipino value of "utang na loob" or one’s debt of
gratitude to those who have contributed to his or her
success.
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Tagalog Proverbs
A person who does not remember where he/she
came from will never reach his/her destination
Don't empty the water jar until the rain falls.
He who boasts of his accomplishments will heap
ridicule on himself.
He who gives alms to the poor faces heaven.
It is advantageous to follow advice, for you will
succeed in life.
The pain of the little finger is felt by the whole body.