Why minimalism doesn't work in many Filipino households, including mine

Minimalism has become one of the most popular lifestyle trends globally, offering the promise of simplicity, clarity, and peace of mind. It sells the dream of cutting down clutter so life becomes more focused, intentional, and serene. But here's the question — can this lifestyle truly take root in the average Filipino household? The answer — not quite.

- PINKY CONCHA COLMENARES

The Filipino home — starting with my home — operates on an entirely different set of values shaped by history, practicality, family, and even faith.

Cabinets, closets and drawers hold old stuff like plastic containers, odd-looking gifts, birthday cards from years ago, and clothes from a decade past. This isn’t just clutter — it’s culture. We keep things for the “just-in-case” moments. An old electric fan may not work now, but who knows, we might need a part to fix another one. There’s a stack of extra plates in the pantry for times we have guests, but we’ve not had a party after the pandemic. There are unused handbags, event shirts, jackets stacked below hanging clothes which would be perfect as future gifts. This practice isn’t hoarding — it’s resourcefulness!

In many Filipino households, homes aren’t just for parents and kids. They’re for extended family, for the lola who moved in, the nephew studying in the city, or the cousin temporarily “boarding” while job-hunting. More people means more stuff. It’s not unusual for homes to hold layers of lives — three generations' worth of belongings living side-by-side in harmony (or sometimes, chaos).