Aunt = Tita
Uncle = Tito
Grandfather = Lolo
Grandmother = Lola
Big Sister = Ate
Big Brother = Kuya

The terms on the right are the Filipino equivalent of the English terms we use for older people. For the Westerners, these terms only apply to immediate families. The first-name basis is used for people outside of the family. In-laws aren’t even part of the immediate family.

Calling older people on their first name is a big no-no in the Filipino Culture. Older people of no relation are shown respect by using these terms. Any old lady is a Lola to all. The man at the wet market is addressed as Kuya. My friends call my parents Tita Alice or Tito Andri. I call their parents Tita or Tito too. The lady guard at my office building is Ate Karla. My friends who are 7 years younger than me call me Ate Yumi.

With these terms, everyone becomes part of one big family.