Two pedestrians caught online attention after being seen bowing while crossing a street at night in an unnamed location.
Automative publication VISOR on June 1 posted dashcam footage sent by Ryan Marcelo, which was recorded on May 31 at past 8 p.m.
The footage showed two individuals who were about to cross the road. They briefly faced the direction of the approaching vehicle before bowing by bending their upper bodies.
They then proceeded to cross the road.
“RESPECT!!” the publication wrote as a caption with a folded hands emoji.
The location of was not disclosed, although a Facebook user claimed it appeared to be in Saranay.
Saranay is a popular street food hub in North Caloocan known for its night food stalls.
“Sa Saranay ‘yan. Kahit saang parte, may tumatawid diyan, lalo na ‘pag gabi. Kaya dapat talaga mabagal talaga, pero meron pa din humaharurot diyan,” a Facebook user said.
Others expressed concern over the pedestrians’ gesture.
“Ok lang mag-bow, basta slight bow lang ‘pag nasa Pedestrian Lane. Mali ‘yung dalawa dahil tumatawid sila kahit wala sa pedestrian lane tapos nag-bow pa,” a Facebook user commented.
“Pag nakatawid na, saka na mag-bow as a sign of gratitude. Pero medyo delikado ‘yan, nasa gitna kayo habang tumatawid, sasabayan mo ng bow, hahaha,” another Pinoy said.
“I just nod instead of bow, alam naman natin na it’s good to give respect, but still, I remind you that it is a road, accidents might happen, even if you pause for a brief moment. It’s better to wave a hand or nod to give respect to the good drivers,” an online user commented.
“Ok sana kaso wala sa tamang tawiran,” another Pinoy commented, referring to the lack of a pedestrian crossing sign or crosswalk.
Bowing is not part of typical Filipino culture, especially as a gesture of gratitude. The practice is more commonly associated with Japan, where it is used to express gratitude, apology or respect.
Meanwhile, pedestrians are generally expected to cross roads using designated crosswalks or footbridges when available.
In the absence of such facilities, they are advised to cross with caution, checking both directions for oncoming vehicles. On busy roads, pedestrians often signal drivers by raising a hand or nodding before crossing.
Drivers, meanwhile, are expected to always yield to pedestrians, who are considered more vulnerable road users.