We’ve always thought Filipinos were the most heartwarming, hospitable, attentive, and accommodating lot this side of the planet.

But did you hear that in a study conducted by Reader’s Digest, Metro Manila ranked among the least courteous cities in the world? It seems the art of saying thank-you has been lost on us all!

Correcting this lapse, the City of Manila has declared October 20 as National Thank-You Day and, with the Swiss chocolate brand Toblerone, is on a drive to foster the habit of saying “thank you” or to remind us when we forget to say so.

A rock concert will be held at the Mall of Asia during this big day, and it will feature the bands Truefaith, Cynthia Alexander, Mozie, Stonefree, Salindiwa, and Reggae Mistress.

Two words: great benefits
It’s surprising how two words, “thank you,” and how a simple gesture of being grateful can have so much impact.

“The benefits of saying thank you are immeasurable,” says Dr. Ed Tolentino, a psychiatrist at the Makati Medical Center.

When one shows appreciation to another, the other person feels loved. “And when you are loved, you feel happy,” Tolentino explains.

Photo: Pinoy band Truefaith demonstrates how to say thank you the Toblerone way.