Top 3 Things NOT to talk about in the Philippines

On this video, I shared 3 top things that tourist or expats should not discuss with filipino conservatives in a conversation.  There are certain topics that filipinos are not open to talk about. Filipinos may appear very cool and hospitable but just like any nationality, there are things that are not openly discussed without causing a fight or misunderstandings.

Even when dating someone from the Philippines, these topics may be off limits. A woman may get very discouraged if you start discussing one of these things. They will have a wrong interpretation of you and will judge your existence base on what you have said.

Traveling to Philippines :Tips

If Philippines is one of your planned travel destination, preparation is a must.  A trip to a developing country is not as convenient as what you might experience in a developed country but it is an adventure you will never forget.

The Philippines has very unique food, attractions and people.  If you go with an open mind you can  learn a lot from the culture.  The people there have a different standard of happiness.  Traveling in my own country and other South East Asian countries has given me a wealth of memories and experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Here are few tips for going to the Philippines:

1. Restaurants. When eating in a restaurant giving 1 or 2 dollar tip is already more than enough for filipinos. They are thankful with that amount. The current exchange rate now is $1.00 = P 44.69. Average minimum wage for Manila is P466.00 and Cebu is P 310.00.

2. Blend in. To look normal, do not carry a backpack if you are going to the mall. That is just weird for filipinos. Plus in the cities, some malls may block you and thoroughly check your body and bags especially the guys to ensure that you are not carrying anything the might be seen as a weapons. Malls are guarded with cctv cameras. They are strict in inspecting people and people carrying backpacks because thieves usually carry backpacks to steal stuff from the store.

3. Pick Pockets.  Always feel and watch your pants pockets because there are many pick pocketer there.

4. Dating. If you are going on a date with a filipina, always offer to pay and if she offers to contribute, refuse immediately.  It's an automatic rejection when they have to pay a share.  If she had to pay at all you should not expect a future in that date.  A few girls might reconsider this but only if she is super into a guy.

5. Whitening products.  If you are using a special soap, get some before travelling to the Philippines because 90% of the time, it will not be available there.  Also, all lotions, face creams and soaps have whitening chemicals. Only Vaseline and baby products do not contain whitening.

6. Exotic food. While traveling in the Philippines, you will notice that filipino cuisines have so many exotic food that we do not classify as exotic and that may be gross to you.  Do not try it if you are not ready. You can stick to American restaurants there, they have a few like TGI fridays, McDonalds, Shakeys and Pizza Hut.

7. Deadbeats. If you are walking alone and a filipino shows up trying to be nice and befriended you, be suspicious and ignore him/her if you can. They are not trying to be nice for free. They
want money from you.

Does Age matter to Filipinas when marrying a foreign national?

Does Age matter to Filipinas when marrying a foreign national?

You will often see Filipinas dating much older men in the Philippines.  You will see a 20-something woman walking in a park or having dinner with a white guy who is over 40 or 50 years old. Sometimes the couple looks very happy together.

I think this is because many Filipinas seek the comfort, love, understanding and stability that an older more experienced man can bring.  Many Filipinas lack a father figure.  So when they find a man with these qualities they are more than willing to give the opportunity a try.

Unfortunately, stable male figures are very hard to find among filipino men.  The good ones are usually taken.  The young, handsome men are busy with two or three women.  So older foreign guys are a natural attraction for a single Filipina who has already had a bad break up with a young filipino first love.

Filipinas often gravitate toward a father figure.  A responsible, matured guy who is not afraid of a serious, long-term commitment.

photo from bellanaija.com

I have found that many filipino guys are dependent to their parents (not ALL but many I met).
Some still live with their parents or their decisions are based on what their parents think or say which is not good in building a healthy marriage. It can actually make the relationship shaky (including my parents).  It is cool to have blessings and guidance from parents but it is NOT cool to have parents involved with every decision that a couple should be making for themselves.

Another unfortunate trend is that many Filipinas are impregnated and left behind by irresponsible filipino guys so they end up finding another father for their child/children to be able to raise them better and to have financial stability.  There are very good Filipino men out there, who are great role models and incredible fathers.  I am not talking about them.. those guys are usually taken.

Marrying an older guy is not unusual in the Philippines. Filipino women also marry older Filipino guys who are doing pretty good in the home country.

Age differences don't worry most Filipinas.  We focus more on stuff like manners, personality, financial status and upbringing of our men because these factors have the most impact in the relationship.  As long as the guy can still perform in bed, everything is kool ;)

Philippine culture - a town feast

Philippine culture - a town feast

                                       

Festivals are a big part of Philippine culture.  While traveling around the Philippines, you may notice that every town and province celebrates festivities inviting guests, friends and relatives.  The feast is held in honor of patrons representing each town.  A procession of saints is conducted before the day of the event .

 

                Town of Argao

People are gathered for Mass followed by a procession, a slow, reverent walk holding lighted candles. During the procession there is also a novena and songs sang by people leading the prayer. Each family is expected to have food serve for the visitors. Pigs are raised and prepared specifically for the feast.  Lechon, a roasted whole pig, is a special dish prepared during the feast.  It is cooked outdoor in a pile of charcoal and roast until it becomes golden brown. This process takes hours. Other common main dishes prepared for fiesta are pork humba and pancit.

Meanwhile, feast is celebrated for 2 days. The ‘desperas’ and the actual day called ‘Pista’.

There is also another event celebrated by towns that happens every May during the “Flores de Mayo”. Flores de Mayo is an event where the teens have parades all over the town wearing beautiful filipiniana gowns. May is used by many towns to celebrate their own annual fiesta.  

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