Circulating now is a video showcasing a safer method of greeting another person. Not the cheek-to-cheek, not the handshake, but the “Bating Filipino.” Pronounced as bah-ting, not bae-ting.
The video explains this initiative set forth in a House of Representatives Resolution No. 408 in July of 2019 by Congressman Bayani Fernando (Marikina City). The resolution was adopted on February 5, 2020 by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
“The resolution urges the Philippine Government to promote the simple act of gracefully laying the palm of the right hand over the center of the chest with a simultaneous slight head nod as customary Filipino gesture of goodwill, praise, and respect.”
It explains further that the traditional gesture of handshaking is prone to transmission of communicable diseases and is a health risk.
View the full video below.
