Background <p>While psychological resilience has been established as a protective factor in the field of disaster research, a gap in the literature presents a line of inquiry on the resilience of disaster survivors and the implications of <i>‘bahala na’</i> (fatalism) in the context of the Philippines.</p> Purpose <p>The study aimed to examine the lived experiences of Filipino disaster survivors with high resilience in the lower income classes.</p> Methods <p>Narrative data gathered from six participants were analyzed through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), supporting previous research indicating higher vulnerability to disaster impacts and health hazards among individuals living in disaster-prone areas.</p> Results <p>The findings revealed five modules of the <i>Katatagan</i> model that were reflected in the responses of Filipino disaster survivors: <i>Kalakasan</i> (finding and cultivating strengths), <i>Kalooban</i> (managing thoughts and emotions), <i>Kinabukasan</i> (moving forward), <i>Kapaki-pakinabang na Gawain</i> (positive activities), and <i>Kalutasan at Kaagapay</i> (seeking solutions and support). The emergent themes of the study also showed the meaning-making processes and resilience strategies utilized by Filipino disaster survivors to recover and bounce back stronger from adversity. Participant responses indicating implorations of <i>‘bahala na’</i> suggested a positive connotation towards faithful optimism in the face of uncertainty rather than fatalistic resignation.</p> Conclusion <p>From these findings, the study recommends further investigation of resilience strategies in managing physiological reactions following a disaster, and the development of an assessment tool for <i>‘bahala na’</i> with regards to disaster-related psychological resilience. The practical implications of the study suggest improvements in culturally-specific interventions and resilience programs to be aligned with better needs assessment procedures for individuals affected by natural disasters.</p>