THINGS FOREIGNERS SHOULD NOT DO IN THE PHILIPPINES

[@thomasoverturf8295]

Very good points to the first timers there. One respectful gesture you didn't mention which I feel is important especially around your Filipina's family is pagmamano, the pressing of a elders hand to your forehead. My wife educated me on that day one. The 2nd day was a big, I mean huge family reunion fiesta, in my honor. There was like a line of all the younger children and teenagers that they did to me...it was very touching and heartfelt to me. I did so also to the elders older than me, and I could see in their eyes they respected me for respecting them along with the word bless... Show your respect and you will gain many new friendships 😊👍

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

True brother smiley 100 agree

[@oittisallen4057]

Yeah that's true ....I didn't know what to do...so I used the old person's hand to wipe all the sweat off my forehead....it was really hot that day.

[@canutemathias6779]

That's Mano Po... elderly touching your forehead

[@manilamartin1001]

As a Filipino raised in America, I was always shocked how Americans ignore the older people in the home. For filipinos, we great the head of the household when we enter, then look for elders to show respect to them next. American kids are so different in that way.

[@chlupl]

@@manilamartin1001 While part of the reason would be simple cultural differences, I think there would also be some avoidance for other reasons as well. Especially for a first visit, a foreigner has heard the importance of family and respect, but isn't really familiar of how that actually is shown. I could see both the fear of embarrassing the partner or family by acting wrongly, and the realization that language/cultural barriers would very likely be greater with the elders of a family compared to the younger members. I think it would be a good protocol for the Filipina to speak with both the guest and the family before. Give the foreigner an introduction to protocols and what to expect. Also remind her family and especially elders that there are cultural differences, so to try to understand mistakes and omissions as not being intentional disrespect. During the key times especially, some nudges or reminders (and translation) would be helpful as well. I would think that most mistakes would be ultimately possible to rectify or overcome, but first impressions are a big deal in my mind.

[@Warf_459]

On the day that I was leaving, the family lined up and all gave me parting gifts. They made me cry, it was so touching.

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Once your family your will always be family

[@tonybarfridge4369]

Be sure to never do it the wrong way around, or will cause shock and offense 🤔😮🥴

[@Warf_459]

@@tonybarfridge4369 Really? I didn't know that

[@tonybarfridge4369]

@@Warf_459 yes I accidentally blessed my wife's father and my wife was quite upset, cause it confuses me

[@pugito4525]

Roger, you are a smart man. Girls like Ismi are gems, and you snatched her up :) You guys make a great couple and I enjoy your vlog. Best of luck.

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thanks brother

[@timothydudley3106]

Philippine people seem very kind and good people to me very warm people! It’s such a nice thing!

[@Warf_459]

OMG! I had no idea that's what was going on with the food. They really fed me. I always smiled and ate it all. I also made sure to restock more than they had cooked.

[@DogWalkerBill]

Good point to keep in mind!

[@Warf_459]

@@paulsmith2279 Neither. I watched it being prepared. It was some of the best food I had ever eaten. It was all fresh. I'm sure you've had a .home grown tomato vs one from a supermarket if you know what I mean. My pockets run pretty deep, if you know what I mean and they had hardly anything. They treated me like a king. They gave me the best that they had. Before I left, I made damn sure they knew how I felt about that.. I know some who look down on people like that.. We have a lot of them in America. We call them bigots.

[@bryanschuler7158]

I just love you guys! You have gave me so much knowledge about the Philippines and your culture. I plan on flying to the Philippines in December to meet my friend Gracie. Your video has given me much insight what to expect and many tips on how to treat Filipinos. I am very excited and can’t wait to go. By the way you two are the cutest couple and I wish you both the best in life. Not only that I would love to hang with you guys. You both seem like a lot of fun. God bless

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thank you for all the compliments Brother were so overwhelmed with your comment

[@miketurpin4959]

When I was there. My girlfriends family understood that I was on a diet and they was so thoughtful. Her brothers I referred to them as bro cause they didn't like Kuya lol. Her brothers were my drinking buddies from the day we came home. I could understand their broken English and my girlfriend would translate when needed and we all had the best time bonding and her brothers did want to know what my plans with their sister was and I understood they was being protective of their sister cause she is a very good person and they don't want her to get hurt. I wouldn't ever hurt her in any way. She is so wonderful kind hearted caring and so so sweet and I never had that kind of woman ever in my life. When my mother was alive my mother and my girlfriend video chat everyday and my mother loved her so very much and she told me before she passed that I better get my ass to the Philippines and meet that girl cause she really loves you and cares about you. I said I'm going to go mama. I have to say mama wasn't wrong at all and soon we will be getting married. We've known each other since 2017

[@scottford6055]

Nice video. I was just in the Philippines a couple days ago. I know what you mean about eating with the family. Filipinos know how to eat, especially at birthdays. You forget to mention bringing gifts to the family upon arrival. I'm already planning my next trip back.

[@terryboehler5752]

Very refreshing. I'm trying to learn what I can before I visit. This was informative in a way I can remember

[@pilotmark2861]

Interesting what you have to say. Just watched an expat talk about not being loud, boisterous, confrontational. Also talked about what not to do with motorcycles, making sure you bring your own clothes, have plenty of your prescriptions for example.

[@joshuarizalforeman816]

This may not apply so much to foreigners, but I think it is useful to understand and respect the familial hierarchy, and the duties and responsibilities that accompany that. Since my wife and I relocated to the Philippines a few years ago - we met overseas and after our son was born she pretty much told me we were going to relocate - she has effectively become the head of her family. She has provided her sisters and brother-in-law with employment - NOT handouts - makes sure the kids are clothed, fed and educated. We support the older ones, two of whom are at university and have good futures. We also provide for her parents because, and I understand this, that is her duty as the eldest daughter. My role? I'm the strange foreign guy who Auntie brought to the Philippines a few years ago.

[@Philippinegodfather]

You two are wonderful. I traveled the Philippines about twenty years ago and lived on the islands for five unique years. I wish me and kaibigan’s would have stayed in touch. I’ve been able to contact some of them through Facebook. Anyway, I love your topics and your presentation of them, thanks.

[@Philippinegodfather]

@@paulsmith2279 Once I got over the culture shock of traveling from the land of plenty... to a land of extreme poverty, I never wanted to leave. I flew with my pretty Filipina wife and our 13 month old daughter to introduce them to my parents. However, my wife got a taste of America and all of its things. She had culture shock in the reverse, if that makes sense. The lusty attention she received was yet another reason for desiring to remain in the U. S. She would not return to the Philippine Islands. I divorced her three years later and went on to joyfully raise our daughter who'd been diagnosed with autism at age two. Now that our daughter has graduated high school with honors and is grown and the ex died of Ovarian Cancer at thirty-eight years in 2018, I find myself wanting to return to the "Land of Smiles," and limitless female companionship.Though I may be too old for any sort of fond company, I am sixty-eight.

[@JimRichmond44]

How would I travel just with a Guide for 10 days to see some of the more interesting and cooler weather areas of the country and perhaps meet a potential mate there in one of them

[@felixtang3430]

galing video kuya and ate

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Salamat Po

[@rollycourt7062]

I am learning your culture very interesting to Philippine people are friendly

[@StanHasselback]

Always great content from both of you.

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thanks Brother

[@dumboldon]

Greetings regarding if someone has eaten doubtless go back to the times when it was a matter of real concern...in China for example a polite greeting is "Have you eaten rice today"....

[@stephenmarsh1918]

Thanks Rodger an Ismi for the advice. I have booked my trip will be arriving in Manila in mid May to meet my Girl, I am very nervous and excited to finally have the chance to see her. Also I am very much looking forward to checking out some of your Beautiful Country. TC

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Congrats brother I know you will love it here

[@dustinwarren4283]

Great show

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thank you brother

[@arnosluijs8252]

Question I'm from the Netherlands and we are pretty direct and honest speaking about opinion, how to act as a dutchman in the filippines

[@stephengallagher6299]

Not everything is beautiful but I was very appreciative of learning and experiences I encountered my last 4 visits looking so forward to actually making my home there in the very near future I love it !!!

[@silentwatcher1455]

She makes her statements humourous.

[@rickylee6129]

Good Video 📹 👍. Moving to Tagaytay this year. 👌New Subscriber. ❤️ ❤️ 🙏

[@kevinhannan4259]

I Love You both Another Good job!

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thanks

[@albertcheah9959]

Ismi/Roger, TQ giving advise to potential visitors how to address n behave when visiting PH. IM Canadian n PH Is my bucket list to visit in next travel n l wish to b yr friend. Enjoy yr Vlog both of u have produced Keep up w yr good n God Bless

[@pilotmark2861]

Have you two watched “ Mistakes Expats Are Still Making In Philippines Every Man Has His Story “ ? Infrastructure- internet, road conditions to be aware of . If you’re a large expat, impossible to find clothes in your size. Also watch out when going to nightclubs being approached by women asking if you’re single .

[@johncano3972]

Thanks again for the information. So wich language is the must spoken in the center philippines..?

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Manila is Tagalog, Cebu is Cebuano or bisaya

[@johncano3972]

@@RogerIsmiVlogs THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. I AM THINKING TO VISIT THE CEBU AREA. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARN SOME BASIC FHRASES..👍🏼

[@robertwjones7131]

Thanks for the advice. I will try to remember this when visiting. Luckily I have you guys to help me. Lol... Great video guys.

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Sure brother, see you soon here

[@stephanegosselin2861]

Always interesting to watch your videos, you have both beautiful smiles and friendly personalities

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

You are so kind, thanks brother

[@rollycourt7062]

Thank you guys for your advice you two are good

[@timothydudley3106]

But they are always right just go with that!im a very mellow person I just go with the flow!my first purchase will be a rice cooker for who cooks for me!

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Right on

[@miketurpin4959]

We went everywhere while I was there. Her sister lives in Tarlac city and I fell in love with the place and we want to build our family home there. We went to panangasinan I think thats how you say it with her sister and all the kids. 15 of us went and had a great time. Then we went to Boracay just me and my girlfriend and we had the time of our lives and created lifelong memories. I can't wait to get back to the Philippines I feel like I'm home when I'm there

[@randy6462]

All true.

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thank you brother

[@bradleymiller7375]

Ismi girl I love ur laugh! Also loving ur channel! I'm now watching all ur videos!❤

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Thank you so much!!

[@smokymountainmodeler3054]

I'd never decline a free meal. Looking to getting invited to my first boodle fight. Texas Tisoy has already agreed to get me speaking Bisaya in less than a year. I'm really getting excited for moving to my new home. BTW what kinds of gifts should I bring from home for my new Filipino friends? 🙏

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

They love imported chocolates

[@stevophillips4121]

Yeah Smokey don't forget the Pasalubong lol Chocolates for women, guys? eh no clue lol I would buy 1st girl I met, dad smokes when he was out and smoking leaf rolled tobacco. He told her it was like xmas with me there lol

[@smokymountainmodeler3054]

@@stevophillips4121 I don't have a GF at the moment. I want to wait until I actually breathe the air in the Philippines. Wanted to bring gifts for the family that has been kind to me.. Take care.

[@woodspirit98]

Ok just found you guys. New sub. I had a crash course in pilipino culture when I went there. Taking off my shoes. Wiping my face and back from sweat. Keeping the only fan they had on me at all times. Feeding me with a feast constantly. Making me eat first. I didn't know how to react to that kind of attention. It was overwhelming. Two days after I arrived I hit a wall since I hadn't slept for two days before I got there and physically had to sleep and it was before dinner. I remember that they were very concerned because I couldn't eat. I was just so exhausted from jet lag etc.

[@swayp5715]

Dehmmm....... that smile.

[@pac9764]

Are foreigners referred to as kuya too? Is the honor and respect cut both way?

[@stevenr1354]

Very good advice! I had to Google "boodle fight" traditional buffet/kamayan. I'm looking forward to trying one. Regarding using local language should I not use Tagalog except in MM? I am interested in Cebu and was going to focus on Visayan vocabulary.

[@MrEVO-ye6bm]

yes po

[@donaldfranks8878]

I can’t eat balut or certain chicken parts

[@terrydelve4988]

But did you try 😆

[@malcommagnificent6948]

Good vid

[@sizzykelly]

Our culture here in philippines are like that and it's normal

[@dthain]

Yes normal to you but not to foreign people, this is all good advice to me!!

[@sizzykelly]

@@dthain well your not welcome to philippines lol 🤪

[@anteperic2836]

“Ya you know how you do all that loud stuff over there… you can’t do that here”😂

[@manilamartin1001]

Most of the Chinese and Japanese expats seem to learn the local language here. I love that. My favorite is that their kids are raised in the Filipino culture. I don't get the international schools. I still yell a lot and curse like a sailor, though. I don't think I can change.

[@gregkelly7692]

I love to stay with my wife's family. They always treat me very well and especially our children . Their cousins love to go to local town with them. Always bring gifts even something small they will be so happy

[@georgesmithlegere909]

Hi Roger and Ismi I don’t eat pork and I get invited to dinner and they are having Pork (pig) how do I respectfully decline

[@georgesmithlegere909]

Without offending the family

[@davidfoster5787]

Is it for religious reasons, doctors orders,a?

[@stedye]

@@georgesmithlegere909 I am Vegan and my lady knows this , she also is about 65 % Vegetarian, eats some chicken and fish , she is already advised to let her family know pork and meat are a no go for me . Let them know before you visit.

[@georgesmithlegere909]

@@davidfoster5787 I had a bad experience with pork. Food poisoning that put me in the hospital for 3 days

[@davidfoster5787]

@@georgesmithlegere909 sorry, been there. I would just explain that just like you did to me. Good luck.

[@Marfoir0303]

I have lots of friends in the Philippines 😎

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

That's great

[@daryltaylor8977]

About raising your voice, my girlfriend sounds like shes yelling every time she speaks with her family! Everyone ! Except sometimes her mom....

[@timledbetter3262]

I like this video, my first time I made I mistake. We were buying meat for dinner for the family that evening, the clerk says the price is 362PH. I had 345PH in my pocket plus 3 500ph bills, and _____ 1000 ph bills. I offered a 500 payment and she says she cannot make change, so I tell her that or accept the 345 I have. She then yells at me in front of a store full of people, "How much money do you have?", so I said "what?!, that is none of your business, so either make change, accept less, or I will go elsewhere! She made change

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

One you show that you can't easily be scam they will back out

[@robertdrevyanko8665]

Wow Roger and ismi I really enjoyed the video and the comments from your viewers I'll try my best if I ever get invited to a philipino home to show my respect and gratitude for their hospitality my friends there are some funny things I thought of that a forenor should not do also .for example if your over 300 lbs never wear a polkadot swimming suit with no shirt while eating an ice cream cone on the beach or in public the people may mistake you for Patrick star from sponge Bob cartoon 😀 and never fart in a crowded elevator and blame the girlfriend 😜 I'm sorry I'm just trying to make you both smile 😊 I hope you didn't mind my humor because I really did like your videos all of them and I truly respect and like the both of you Respectfully yours Robert Drevyanko 😊

[@rollycourt7062]

And you guys speak perfect English

[@Azurekite7676]

It looks like crime in the Philippines is well above average. Can you make a video about how to avoid being a target and danger for those of us that would like to vacation there?

[@manilamartin1001]

Crime here is so much less than in America where I am from. I watched so much of my South Central LA burn down and looted as well as my beloved Chicago. There are also 2000 school shootings a year in America. Nothing like that is even in the consciousness of the Philippines. I can't even see how people would compare.

[@Azurekite7676]

@@manilamartin1001 I agree America is very dangerous I’m just going by stats but it’s good to hear positive experiences. Still better to know what not to do.

[@CollinsGroupLuxury]

I’m in my fifties. How do I address all the guys younger than me since Cuya is just for older guys?

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

You can call Them Kuya's and for the woman "Ate"

[@DogWalkerBill]

This is a new concept for me. Another vlogger advised, if my Filipina is 20 something, I will not just be older than her, I will probably be older than her parents! (Who will be 40 something.) I am 73, so I may even be older than her grand-parents! (Who may be 60 something!) After my Father passed, a few years ago, I realized I was the "Patriarch" of my family! (e.g. The oldest surviving male!) (Not that that is worth much here in NYC. I am literally "The Patriarchy" that all those feminists hate!)

[@kuntalsen8385]

Isme, can you pls write here how to address Philippines girls/ladies? Actually I working in a project where I've two Philippine girls, I want to address them properly.

[@trevorblack8839]

I have a Filipina friend here in Australia that has lived here for about 40 years and she is still hard to understand

[@bradmc3127]

When meeting a Filipinas parents for the first time does one embrace them with a hug or just simply shake their hand? Is there such thing as too much affection when greeting a family member?

[@homerburgos1100]

Right hand is preferable putting it in your forehead to her parent and say "Mano po" . It is called blessing tradition, Handshake to her sibling.

[@philipjanek3864]

Don't date bar girls, don't give kids money,don't disrespect any locals,don't make enemies with the barangay capt, don't drink tuba or get drunk and walk the streets, mano po the elders,don't pet stray dogs,Etc 👌

[@MrEVO-ye6bm]

yes exactly dont date with bar girls maybe they are after your money, just find a decent girl maybe in the province

[@philipjanek3864]

@@MrEVO-ye6bm what about the rest of my advice 😆

[@thomasrobson6370]

I don't even speak English perfectly and it's my "mother" (and only) language 🤣, if someone wants to live in any country they should learn their language. L.O.L. the ultimate Filipino souvenir is a Filipina 🤣🤣

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

LoL

[@thomasrobson6370]

@Dan Blackburn well the national language at least

[@MakatiMazz]

You scared me with item number 1. I’m a picky eater. What if I don’t like the meals being offered? I eat western food when I’m in the Philippines.

[@dthain]

Just eat as much as you can handle! They will have noodles, pork, chicken. Most foods aren't really Eastern or Western. Just a little different preperation.

[@MakatiMazz]

@@dthain No thanks. I’ll buy them off.

[@StrategyMaster17]

What about calling them Tita and Tito

[@stevophillips4121]

I don't drink alcohol here at home, but there I will if asked to join in so not to be rude lol Girls dad, and brothers drank at sisters sarix2 across the yard, after a long day farming. They would call to me to come join in "1 shot" so I would go drink beer shots. Never got too drunk, just lightly buzzed. 1 night I was more tipsy, dad walked me across the yard to make sure I got home. It became a joke, when drinking, a brother or 2 would ask me "Uncle, can I pass?" I tell em "Noo you are in the circle, you cannot break the circle" They'd laugh their ass off, but I'd tell em "ok you can pass THIS time" I learned how to "Hear" the rain was coming after awhile. A bro in law would tell me, "Uncle, let's go to the porch rains coming" Yet the sky was clear n blue?? Well in 10 minutes, the rain came, and came with a vengence ! Hard and loud....

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Yes some Filipino can know rain is coming by just listening or hearing the sound of the insect

[@stevophillips4121]

@@RogerIsmiVlogs was the wind rustling thru all the trees making leaves noises lol

[@rollycourt7062]

What is the average monthly income for a Philippine

[@MrEVO-ye6bm]

300-400 usd for average worker

[@joeriley2643]

Every Filipino who greets me in the morning say, “ good morning “ . Probably because I’m white . Lol

[@joeriley2643]

I love you two .

[@davidtesler1198]

AAAAATAYYY

[@RogerIsmiVlogs]

Don't be rude

[@davidtesler1198]

@@RogerIsmiVlogs I was trying to be funny

[@davidtesler1198]

@@RogerIsmiVlogs Why did you think I was being rude?

[@astrangerinastrangeland]

Roger you need your own mic Ismi is always taking it from you 😂

[@davidfoster5787]

You notice he waited for her to turn it towards him. Smart man, you could send him one.

[@ronbusby4596]

We can tell who the real boss is here

[@ramier66]

Philippines is becoming very expensive compare to other Asian countries. Since 1989 I've been around here the prices this last years have skyrocket...

[@rollycourt7062]

I don’t like rice but out of respect I will

[@ronbusby4596]

Do your parents speak English?

[@TUFFLOVE1985]

I don’t care if she speaks English po as long as she understand me 😂

[@jamesgilbert6639]

lol i dont know many people that would go there just for Manila its just a concrete jungle

[@ericscrutchins6350]

Don't forget the absolute do not do in the philippines drugs and marijuana because of the severity of the crime, I'm surprised that you guys didn't mention it in your topic did you know that the United States is the biggest consumer of illegal drugs and drug use in the world and people will want to come to the philippines and sample the local drugs for recreation so to get what they want they will go roaming around until they find out who sells the get high goodies

[@MrEVO-ye6bm]

yes absolutely agree coz our president hates very much on illegal drugs for it ruins the future of the young generations