Damiana L. Eugenio compiled the most comprehensive collection of Philippine proverbs. She categorized proverbs into six groups: 1) expressing attitudes towards life, 2) recommending virtues and vices, 3) expressing a system of values, 4) expressing general truths about life and human nature, 5) being humorous, and 6) being specific to certain areas. Proverbs are brief instructive sayings that suggest actions, behaviors or judgments, written poetically in two-line rhyming structures that can quickly change views or dispositions.

2. Damiana L. Eugenio
is considered as the mother of
Philippine Folklore.
She compiled and edited the
most comprehensive collection
of proverbs in our country.

3. PROVERBS
 are brief instructive
that suggest specific action,
behavior, or judgment.
 Written in poetic two-liners
with rhyme.
 Are able to effect quickly a
change in view or
disposition.

4. SIX CATEGORIES OF
PROVERBS
By Damiana L. Eugenio

5. 1. Proverbs expressing a
general attitude towards
life and the laws that
govern life.

6. EXAMPLE
-Walang ligaya sa lupa na di dinilig ng
-Ang kapalaran ko di ko man hanapin,
dudulog lalapit kung talagang akin.
(Tagalog)
The good fortune which is intended for me
will come even without my seeking it.

7. 2. Ethical proverbs
recommending certain
virtues and condemning
certain vices.

8. EXAMPLE
-Walang utang na di
pinagbayaran. (Tagalog)

9. 3. Proverbs
expressing a
system of values.

10. EXAMPLE
-Ti nasadot a baro cas carne a nadangro.
-Ang mga tulo singgot sa taong
mangguibuhaton paga bayran gayud sa
guihapon. (Boholano)
Every drop of perspiration of an industrious
man will be rewarded accordingly.

11. 4. Proverbs expressing
general truths and
observations about life
and human nature.

12. EXAMPLE
-Huli man at magaling,

13. 5. Humorous
proverbs.

14. EXAMPLE
-Kay tagal nanindahan, kabili-
kabili-bili‟y balindang.
(Tagalog)
After shopping for a long time,
he ended up with a poor
purchase.

15. 6. Miscellaneous
proverbs (typically
expressive of specific
realities to a certain
area).

16. EXAMPLE
-Ing matudtud a pemangca e