You swore it wouldn’t happen to you. You were the cool cousin, the go-to for Spotify playlists, the one who knew where to eat, where to go, and how to get free delivery. But lately? You’ve started bringing your own baunan to parties. You said “Kodakan tayo” unironically. And you may have shushed someone during a teleserye and reached for the Vicks before the symptoms even hit.
Relax. You’re not alone. You’re just entering your Tito/Tita era—and whether you admit it or not, you’re kind of thriving there.
Here at Simpol, we see it all the time. One day you’re experimenting with garlic confit; the next, you’re lecturing your pamangkin on savings while stirring sinigang. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. This isn’t a call-out—it’s a celebration.
Because being a Tito or Tita? It’s a vibe. A lifestyle. A public service, even.
So read on, laugh a little, and maybe—just maybe—check if there’s Katinko in your bag right now. Spoiler: there is.
Welcome to the club.
Here are ten unmistakable signs you’ve entered your Tito or Tita era—and why that’s something to celebrate.
You never show up empty-handed. Whether it’s a family reunion or a casual merienda, you come bearing pancit, kutsinta, and a suspiciously heavy tub of leche flan. “Konti lang ‘to,” you insist. But everyone knows it’s enough to feed two barangays.
You serve life advice with every meal. Your kare-kare is comforting, but your unsolicited wisdom is inevitable. “Masarap ‘yan, pero habang bata ka pa, mag-ipon ka na ha.”
You hoard used cooking oil like heirlooms. One bottle for tilapia, another for lumpia, and a third mysteriously labeled “pang-adobo.” Someone tries to throw one out? “Hoy! May lasa pa ‘yan!”
You always ask for takeout—whether or not you liked the food. “May natira? Ako na maglalagay.” Of course, you brought your own container. And a spare.
You carry a pamaypay everywhere. When the aircon breaks, you don’t complain. You pull out your fan with a practiced flick and say, “Ganito rin kainit nung graduation ni Nikki.” Cooling, storytelling, and flair—all in one motion.
You believe in Vicks, salabat, and dasal. “Masakit lalamunan mo? Magpakulo ka ng luya, lagyan ng honey. Pahid ka ng Vicks sa talampakan. Tapos magdasal ka rin.” You’re not a doctor—you’re the resident healer.
You’re loyal to your toyo. Someone uses a different brand in their adobo and you feel it in your soul. “Wag mo sirain ‘tong ulam. Silver Swan lang ‘yan dapat. ‘Yan ang gamit ng Lola ko.” There are things you don’t compromise on—and this is one of them.
You’re in pajamas by nine. “Drinks later?” “Late na ‘yan. May pasok pa ako.” You’re already under a blanket, sipping salabat, and on your third teleserye. Life is peaceful, and that’s exactly how you like it.
You always have an eco bag. Grocery run? Pop-up sale? Surprise palengke trip? “Wait lang, may extra ako.” It’s folded neatly in your bag and saves the day—every single time.
You say things the kids don’t understand. “Kodakan tayo!” Blank stares. “Ang jologs ng outfit niya!” Silence. “Boom panes!” Crickets. And when you call them bagets, they think you’re making a sandwich. But you keep saying it anyway. Because you’re not out of touch. You’re classic.
It’s not about age—it’s about care. You bring food, wisdom, and that handa lagi mindset to every gathering. You show up with the essentials: extra food, good stories, and gentle reminders to drink water and save money. In a world that moves fast, Tito and Tita energy is what grounds us. So wear the apron. Bring the baon. Say “Kain ka pa” without irony. You’re not just part of the family—you hold it together.
