Filipina Cultural Notes - Useful Information For Getting By In The Philippines
People from the Philippines are perhaps one of the friendliest people you will meet on earth. Even if their behavior is rather boorish, visitors from overseas are often treated with utmost respect. Although few Filipinos will expect you to return the favor, they will like you, and appreciate you more, if you do.
Whatever is the purpose of your trip to the Philippines, whether to meet Filipino women or simply just to vacation there, knowing a little about the practices there is always good. And so here are a few cultural notes that you might want to write down:
1. Being thoughtful
Whether they are close friends, employees, co-workers, or your lover, Filipina women will greatly appreciate you remembering special events in her life like her birthday. Even if it certainly is just a small gesture, the fact that you remembered will be taken as a big compliment.
The same is true for Filipino men. If you are meeting a Filipino guy friend or an in-law for the first time, it is customary to bring a bottle of wine or a packet of cigarettes (or any other small gift) from your home country. This really is a mark of respect, and can often make the difference between acceptance and the coldest of shoulders. The word �pasulobong" means "gift" in Filipino, so if your intended recipient does not talk English, this word alone should be able to explain your good intentions.
2. Greetings
First impressions count for a lot in the Philippines, so you do not wish to put someone offside when you first meet them. A simple smile, a gentle wave, or a cheery "Hi" or "Hello" is the only thing that is required. Make it short, sweet, and friendly, or they may think you are hitting on them. Even though some locals will greet you instantly, the majority will wait for you to make the first move.
3. Say �Salamat" or "thank you"
The Western habit of thanking people frequently and unnecessarily is something that majority of Filipinos love.
4. Apologize so you will never be sorry
If you accidentally bump into someone, or offend them in some way, be sure you say I am sorry. It does not take a lot of effort, and it could save you from getting into a brutal fight.
5. Do not be afraid to say "excuse me"
Life in the Philippines is a little more laid back than it is in more industrialized countries. It is common for Filipinos to stop in the middle of the street to look at something or talk to a friend (especially for Philippine women), and none of them is going to be offended when someone tells them "excuse me"� to pass them by. Do not assume that they are going to notice that they are getting in your way. Say "excuse me" to be on your way.
6. Be ready to wait
The pace of life in the Philippines is slower than it is in many Western countries, and it is common for people to think before they talk. It is a good thing to aspire to, and it is part of the reason many Westerners choose to live in the Philippines, however if you are not the patient type, then this might be annoying for you in the beginning.
However, if you stick around, you will start to see the wisdom in this custom. If you decide to hustle like a typical New Yorker, for example, you would be in a hospital within a week with bruises and wounds. So, when you go to the Philippines for the first time, make sure to stretch your patience like a saint.
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Whatever is the purpose of your trip to the Philippines, whether to meet Filipino women or simply just to vacation there, knowing a little about the practices there is always good. And so here are a few cultural notes that you might want to write down:
1. Being thoughtful
Whether they are close friends, employees, co-workers, or your lover, Filipina women will greatly appreciate you remembering special events in her life like her birthday. Even if it certainly is just a small gesture, the fact that you remembered will be taken as a big compliment.
The same is true for Filipino men. If you are meeting a Filipino guy friend or an in-law for the first time, it is customary to bring a bottle of wine or a packet of cigarettes (or any other small gift) from your home country. This really is a mark of respect, and can often make the difference between acceptance and the coldest of shoulders. The word �pasulobong" means "gift" in Filipino, so if your intended recipient does not talk English, this word alone should be able to explain your good intentions.
2. Greetings
First impressions count for a lot in the Philippines, so you do not wish to put someone offside when you first meet them. A simple smile, a gentle wave, or a cheery "Hi" or "Hello" is the only thing that is required. Make it short, sweet, and friendly, or they may think you are hitting on them. Even though some locals will greet you instantly, the majority will wait for you to make the first move.
3. Say �Salamat" or "thank you"
The Western habit of thanking people frequently and unnecessarily is something that majority of Filipinos love.
4. Apologize so you will never be sorry
If you accidentally bump into someone, or offend them in some way, be sure you say I am sorry. It does not take a lot of effort, and it could save you from getting into a brutal fight.
5. Do not be afraid to say "excuse me"
Life in the Philippines is a little more laid back than it is in more industrialized countries. It is common for Filipinos to stop in the middle of the street to look at something or talk to a friend (especially for Philippine women), and none of them is going to be offended when someone tells them "excuse me"� to pass them by. Do not assume that they are going to notice that they are getting in your way. Say "excuse me" to be on your way.
6. Be ready to wait
The pace of life in the Philippines is slower than it is in many Western countries, and it is common for people to think before they talk. It is a good thing to aspire to, and it is part of the reason many Westerners choose to live in the Philippines, however if you are not the patient type, then this might be annoying for you in the beginning.
However, if you stick around, you will start to see the wisdom in this custom. If you decide to hustle like a typical New Yorker, for example, you would be in a hospital within a week with bruises and wounds. So, when you go to the Philippines for the first time, make sure to stretch your patience like a saint.
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Burton on Trent is an interesting place to go and visit with so many exciting places all steeped in history and with the National Forest so close a day-trip, week or weekend visit can be enjoyed by many. There are also other Burton events that you and your family will surely enjoy.
The Cutting Edge 2011 Motor Homes To Suit Your Needs
Travel trailers and motor homes are made in many sizes and prices ranges. They are designed to enable you and your loved ones to enjoy a family gathering, or and outing, or vacation.
Denver Airport Car Rental Is The Perfect Solution To Travel Comfortably When Exploring Different Places
Denver is a city in Colorado, United States which is also well-known as the Mile-High City due to its location that is 5,280 feet above the sea level in Colorado amongst Rock Mountain, which is wonderful center for outdoor sports.
Favored Sites To Explore For Las Vegas Last Minute Bargains
Las Vegas is regarded as the ideal spot for a vacation with family and friends. The city has a range of tourist places, entertainment shows, plush golf courses, eating outlets, and an active night-life.
Santa Barbara Hotels Offer Up Everything From Efficiency To Luxury
Anybody who has ever dreamed of taking a nice holiday to a beautiful city will want to explore his options. The wonderful thing is that this exploration requires little more than a quick browse around the World Wide Web.
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Limousines are typically rented by the hour but can also be reserved for multiple days for events lasting longer than one day. A1A Limo is Florida's premier limousine company providing a wide range of limos, town cars and shuttle buses.
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