To show respect to the older people—grandparents, parents, godparents, friends of parents, friend’s parents, aunts, uncles, and to other old people who are usually above 60 years old and close to the heart of the young, ‘pagmamano’ should be done. It is also a way of asking for blessings. One must stand first in front of the older person, say “mano po”, then with the right hand of the doer, hold the right hand of the older one (as if ushering a female), and the doer should gently put the dorsal part of the older one’s hand on same doer’s forehead. Bow if the older is shorter, in sitting or lying position, or if needed. As soon as it touches the forehead, the hand of the older person can already be released gently, avoiding it to swing, back to its position before the hand was held.
Filipinos believe, to become more successful and safe, they must always ask for blessings from the older ones. ‘Pagmamano’ or ‘mano’ is also called ‘blessing’ or ‘bless’. If someone would say “bless to your Grandpa”, it is also the same as saying “mano to your Grandpa”, so one must do the ‘pagmamano’. It is done when either the younger or the older one arrives and before the younger leaves.
