I can't help it. I was bred this way.

Filipino children are eternally indebted to their parents.

And that is a fact.

These parents are exceptional at coddling and spoiling... provided that the children adhere to the rules without exceptions.

Because we were born on this planet, because we are taught to be benevolent, upstanding and conscientious, we will forever owe our lives - and resources to them.

There is no way around this.

How to make them happy?

"Do (everything) as I say."

Are there any exceptions? As I have mentioned already, no, there is not.

If for any reason at all, whatsoever, the child chooses to go another path, or chooses a direction incompatible with their ideas, rest assured that there will be words - perhaps temperaments that might be akin to "flying off the handle." According to these lot, there is only one right way: theirs.

Be prepared to take it. Or at least fake it.

No. There is no comparison to any other parents. They are jovial, proud and relentless. They are devoted beyond rhyme or reason and should there be anything in the way of them and their children, they will go to great lengths to keep them unbroken and *happy.

And how do I know? Because I am an offspring of said parents.

*subject to interpretation