Unusual Filipino Practices Most Foreigners Wouldn't Understand...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

What are some unique quirks you've seen in the Philippines? Let me know down below! Moving to BGC: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Relocation www.thesavvyexpat.com/

[@Kevin-to7dz]

Giving directions using landmarks, and the funny way guards/parking attendants wave "back up/go forward"

[@cristinasumadchat605]

"Mano" is a gesture done to give blessing to the younger person.

[@MC-bw5fc]

Happy to see you're keeping active with these videos.. 😊

[@corinramos]

I was pleasantly surprised when you were already at our meeting place yesterday even before our meeting time! I was actually walking around BGC for almost two hours prior because I didn’t want to be late LOL Great video, Evan!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Of course! That was great conversation and content for both of our ends. Thanks for tuning in Corin!

[@MW-mx6lu]

Thanks so much! A great and helpful video.

[@Jimmy_Boy_Kalahati]

Excellent selection of cultural practices to showcase. I was hoping you would explain, for example, someone walking across the visual line of someone watching tv in the living room, with their hand out vertically in front of them while saying "excuse". LOL.

[@PhilippinesLife101]

You pretty much nailed it. Most of these things don't bother me but when I ask for directions and they send me to the wrong place it really does anger me a little. Just be honest and truthful. Also something you forgot is how sometimes they like to pry for information about you that we westerners consider personal like asking you how much money you make when they don't even know you or they might comment on your looks or ask you if think someone is pretty right in front of that person which is sometimes embarrassing. And of course Filipino time is annoying, because it affects things like delivers and getting things fixed. It took over 6 months to have my internet transferred from location to another. But I still rather live here in the Philippines than back home in the USA, because at the end of the day Filipino people are awesome.

[@maryloubautista2317]

If they ask you how much you make , tell them to guess it.

[@aeryeon8877]

Thank you for all the information you provide in your KZbin channel. I'm impressed with your content and your presentation. You've chosen a subject that needs to be discussed and be heard, particularly for Filipinos and foreigners living abroad and considering retiring in the Philippines. You've touched all the most salient points about the topic and provided facts and figures as a basis for making decisions in relocating to the Philippines, specifically, the Filipino culture. You've presented both sides of the coin, "good and bad", it is what it is. I'm a Filipino/US citizen residing here in California, and now, I am considering moving back to the Philippines. I'll have yet to watch your other presentations to update myself more. Please continue updating us in many aspects of moving back to the Philippines. And I wishI could meet you, once Im back in the Philippines. You're doing great... keep it going! 👌

[@RayMorales-k5v]

How about Filipino drivers not stopping for pedestrian while crossing? What Upp With Dat?

[@snowtyboy]

September 1 start of Christmas countdown

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Yep, you nailed it Evan. All things I’ve see. When in the Philippines, just learn to adjust to there cultural norms. It’s not that hard. Along with the spoon and fork you forget the plan use of their fingers. It’s all good!

[@ejtaylor73]

And when a Filipina is in a relationship with a foreigner, she needs to adapt and adjust to HIS culture as well. It goes both ways.

[@kenbeck6779]

They can show up for work on time but can't show up to personal meetings on time. I give the 15 minute wait rule and then leave and let them call me to ask me where I am at. Then let them know maybe we can reschedule if we ever do. One exception is if they call me before the time agreed to meet to let me know they are running late.

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

Great Job

[@HexFlex-ss9rm]

Great job 👏 very interesting

[@jaybee1597]

Very interesting, thanks!

[@marichuarmodia2375]

That what I love pilipino because how is very respect for the elders ❤

[@rickmccarroll9993]

Great to see you again my friend. I love seeing your videos

[@RooBeeO]

So Respect the person, however not their Time. Got it.

[@robertward39]

Male 44 married to a female 42. Was proposed to by a 19yo male in Cebu. Said no. Was glared at for rudeness. The rudeness associated with "no" is strong.

[@sweetbee2174]

timing is a discipline, when I was in the school if you are late, school gate is closed no exceptions, am sure same as my own peers do not practice the so called Filipino time

[@marissadeguzman1984]

Yeah exactly right.

[@stevenlawrence5733]

I get that supermarket 🛒 send me on a wild goose chase adventure all the time when I ask where something is in the supermarket here in PH and it drives me crazy.

[@mikefranks4528]

Mano po was initially asking the elder for a blessing. Later on, it became just a formal thing out of respect for elders.😅

[@devirama1]

I'm still hoping you will do a segment on bringing pets to the Philippines. I'm bringing my little dog with me when I come to live in Sagada, Mt. Province, and I'd like to know how Filipinos generally feel about pet animals. Are they allowed in stores? Restaurants? Do people consider dogs dirty? Do I need to follow certain guidelines when walking my dog, going to outdoor markets with him, dealing with unleashed animals? I'm retiring in the Philippines in a few weeks and really need to know the Filipinos' expectations about how I will manage my dog.

[@MrWackydoodles]

Oh jeez, that part of the philippines, there are still dog eaters. I wouldn't let her roam the streets on her own!

[@sentinel80]

I’ve experienced all of those traits over the past 18 years living in and visiting the Phils. The only 1 I refuse to accept is Filipino time, it’s disrespectful and lazy. They choose to be late, they’re never late if it’s a flight to somewhere as they understand the plane won’t wait for them. When I have arranged a lunch or dinner out with others, they know that after 15 mins if they don’t show I leave. You only have to do it once they then normally get the message.

[@johnclark7973]

👏👌

[@wavemaker2077]

I also don't understand why Filipino time is still practiced by a lot of Filipinos. I'm Filipino and I'm known for my punctuality even among my friends. But I think the younger generation don't practice this infamous Filipino time anymore. My teenage daughter goes out with friends and they always meet at the agreed time. This practice is more common among the older generation.

[@sentinel80]

@wavemaker. I agree 100% 👍👍

[@jpespinosa4539]

Yeah filipino time sucks lol

[@motoringpinoy228]

Japanese get late also, don't you know that? But the Spanish was the root of Filipinos'lateness, you didn't also know that?🙄✌️

[@002rica]

It depends on the person, to be honest. I am a filipino but i am always early when it comes to meetings,etc. People call me 'mataray' too because if there's something that i don't like, i always say it. If i said no, it's no. I don't have problem saying no to anyone if they ask me something that i don't want to do. I don't even believe in superstitious beliefs. i only use knife when i eat steak.

[@methemonkeyking]

The most common practice in the Philippines that I find disrespectful is cutting in line. This could be at a grocery store, ordering food in a restaurant, or standing in line at a government office; it's common to have locals cut in line. If they did this in the States, they would get their head bashed in.

[@RayMorales-k5v]

You’ve never been to any Chinatown of the world or any airports where there are many Chinese arriving.. Filipinos have learned this type of behavior from the Chinese

[@arleneauriemma2808]

Tardiness is my biggest pet peeve.I dont wait.I just abscond.BYE FELICIA!!

[@katolau]

on Flip time, I'm clear with local ohana, "...western time, sige...iiwan kita, so don't be late..." at first they got upset, but in the end, they know I will leave and most get onboard....

[@bornahyard1]

So I have to ask if there is a polite way to say no?

[@wavemaker2077]

The thumbnail was not discussed. Was it forgotten?

[@budphillips8235]

Thank You Evan, I'm trying to immerse myself in the culture before settling in Cebu, and I'm aware of Kuya, Are, ' et al however how do I greet ones mother? Ina? I want to have the utmost respect

[@nuketurnal2]

"nay" = mother or "tay" = father however, you may just use "po" at the end of your statement, should be more than enough

[@budphillips8235]

Ok so naynay? I've heard that expression before

[@johnmiranda4587]

@@budphillips8235 Yup but that's the long version of nay. For tay its tatay. Pinoys will also have no problem for mama or ma for mother or papa or pa for father.

[@wavemaker2077]

@@budphillips8235 Nanay for mother and tatay for father.

[@ejtaylor73]

Being retired military, punctuality is a huge pet peeve of mine. Being late is rude and disrespectful, and if it was for a date, the woman would be showing me she's not really interested in me, because she wasn't excited enough to be with me. The same thing with her phone, if she can't turn it OFF and put it away when we're together, without being asked to, she's showing me I'm not a priority to her. Time is the one thing NO ONE will ever get back, don't let someone else WASTE yours. Saving face = EXCUSE for one to not be held accountable for THEIR actions and behaviors. The Philippines CLAIMS to be religious, and some may be, but others I think only say they are because that's what society expects, but if they truly were religious there wouldn't be so much JUDGING, lying, cheating, stealing, and single mothers, all things that are against the morals and values set in the Bible they claim to follow. Religion isn't Build-A-Bear, you don't get to choose which parts you follow when it benefits you and ignore the rest, it is ALL or nothing.

[@griffin2765]

Damn dude. Sounds like the Philippines is definitely not for you.

[@bellaclover1933]

because nobodys perfect and we are all sinners, we fall short by the grace of GOD as long as u repents and ask for forgiveness, im sure LORD JESUS CHRIST will forgive us by His Grace

[@Jimmy_Boy_Kalahati]

Prior military myself. I was told by my squadron commander, if I'm not 15 minutes early, I'm already late. That stuck with me for over 25 years now.

[@ejtaylor73]

@@bellaclover1933 I'm an atheist. I put my beliefs in me to do what I believe is morally right. What you call a sin is based on what religion tells you it is, but a sin, or what I consider to be wrong, is based on MY life experiences and the standards of what I have set for myself as to what's right and wrong. Saying all you have to do is repent is ridiculous, that would mean you could do anything to anyone and not have to worry about the consequences. Saying that is like saying it's OK for you to kill another human being, feel bad for doing it afterwards, and God will forgive you for killing one of his creatures. It doesn't matter to me if someone is religious or not, as long as they aren't pushing their beliefs onto me, your beliefs come from YOUR life experience, since everyone has a different life, everyone's beliefs will be different. YOUR beliefs do NOT apply to me or anyone else. Yes, most people will agree on certain things, like killing is bad, but not ALL will, there are psychopaths in the world that think that is OK, everyone is different and everyone will have their own beliefs on what is right and wrong. I think a "belief" is that little voice inside your head trying to guide you down the path of life in the best and safest way possible. It doesn't matter what someone's beliefs are, just as long as they have them to get them through life.

[@bellaclover1933]

@@ejtaylor73 repent is what THE LORD wants us to do.. thats ur opinion but for me as a believer of JESUS CHRIST.. even pity sins must repents for the forgiveness of our sins... we all face to LORD its up to u of what u believe in because nobody in this world can save us except myself believing and repenting my sins to thr HIGHIEST ABOVE.. MAY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS U ALWAYS, AMEN

[@Srichardson64]

LOLOLOLOL @ unless the drinks and food r on you lolololol then they on time lolololololol

[@stewartdaniels519]

What's the best way to politely refuse eating more?

[@Jimmy_Boy_Kalahati]

I would say "Mabusog ako. Hindi puwede kumain ako". My Tagalog is broken, so the best way I can try to explain myself is "I'm super full. I cannot possibly eat more.", while rubbing my belly.

[@blktauna]

FST == Filipino Standard Time lol only 1 hour? Hahahahahaha. The inability to say no is rampant among my old desi colleagues and my HK friends. Noodles for long life is fact man. The spoon and fork and Have you eaten yet is the same as HK. Never clean the plate or more will appear!

[@RayMorales-k5v]

You’ll also notice that older generations who are at least 40 and older DO NOT cover their faces when sneezing, coughing in public. However, you would hardly see younger Filipino generation practice the bad hygiene this way

[@cristinasumadchat605]

As one who belongs to the older generation, I disagree with this statement. I think it all depends on the person, and does not depend on one's age.

[@Hicks-g1m]

I still have a hard time handling Filipino time it is really annoying but it Is. The thing here

[@RayMorales-k5v]

And why do many Filipinas ( NOT ALL) have obsession in whitening products as if white or light skin women are their only inspiration for beauty?. And, it’s very common belief that the women would gain status when they marry someone who are of white Caucasian race.

[@methemonkeyking]

Many Filipino women want their children to have sharp noses and tall. Women are so sensitive of having a flat nose. If you really want to piss off a Filipina, mention her flat nose.

[@pielai719]

Not true...

[@jtiv4972]

...not anymore specially in Metro Manila, children in Manila area mostly don't do this mano po things...

[@enricocontrerasaraneta7290]

Not true ..Filipinos living in any big cities in manila .don't even stare...no time for that.. and it's rude to stare

[@robertoluis9238]

FROM BOLIVIA...BRAVO..........................

[@EsthersMedia]

That's good. I would love to learn how to honor the elderly。I hate it when American kids don't respect old people.This culture is a mix of Chinese and Western culture.

[@knucklehoagies]

I have mixed feelings about honoring the elderly. Yes I believe in showing respect to them but I do NOT believe in just giving into them when they are wrong about something. Just because you are old, does NOT mean you are right about everything.

[@thefozzybear]

Chinese culture is the same as we greet someone with Have you eaten yet?

[@guitarreroknight]

You forgot the habit of pointing with the mouth.😆

[@RayMorales-k5v]

You meant lip pointing by the women like chimps

[@iBarber504]

They are on “CP” time😂😊

[@jtiv4972]

..mano po is a Chinese tradition and not a Spanish one...

[@darrylk808]

Oh no Evan, you're on your way to 300lbs! Here eat some more!😂

[@johnclark7973]

What if you, the foreigner, are the same age or slightly older than your Filipina girlfriends parents -- are you still expected to Mano Po? 😆

[@wavemaker2077]

Actually yes. They are still your parents-in-law. But mano po is not widely practiced anymore especially in big cities. So maybe shake hands will do now.

[@aubsta1]

So, you’re calling someone else’s religion or belief system a superstition?

[@henryyoung7184]

Religious and superstitious is actually the exact same thing. Religion is medieval superstition ! Furthermore, superstition is mostly harmless, whereas organized religion is purpose designed to gaslight and control a population - hence why it was an important tool of colonialism for the Spanish.

[@wavemaker2077]

I do hope that you can distinguish religion from spirituality. I do notice that most people who don't believe in religions are atheists. They basically concluded that there is no God outside of religion.

[@henryyoung7184]

@@wavemaker2077 By "spirituality" I guess you mean make-believe ;)

[@wavemaker2077]

@@henryyoung7184 It seems that you haven't experienced any supernatural event yet. Supernatural experience is fairly common in the Philippines and that may also add to the reason on why most of the Filipinos believe in God. One such experience for me was when we had a family gathering at my brother's house. The electric fan was moving sideways when it suddenly stopped like someone turned it off! Not only did the electric fan stop, but the button to move it sideways was pushed up. Meaning the electric fan is now steady and doesn't move sideways. All of us looked in disbelief at what happened. Can you prove to me that God doesn't exist?

[@henryyoung7184]

@@wavemaker2077 God - that catch-all explanation for events we're too dumb to find a rational explanation for ;)

[@wavemaker2077]

@@henryyoung7184 Well, you already decided to close your mind. I can't do anything about that. You are old enough to decide for yourself. So, just enjoy your life.

[@MultiPasswordman]

I never understood the use of spoons. I still don't.

[@tonlomugdang]

We use spoons because most of our meals consist of soup or sauce accompanied with rice. It is easier to eat rice along with soup or sauce while using a spoon.

[@methemonkeyking]

@@tonlomugdang: The only time white people use spoons is when their being fed as a baby or eating soup.

[@davetabuyan2172]

Hahahah.. pre-colonial period, we don't use utensils. Our ancestors used their bare hands when eating. That's so traditional. When spain came, they introduced us the use of utensils and cutleries. That's don't even wonder why the nomenclatures of these cutleries are spanish sounding because they don't have local translations. And because its because they were introduced by foreigners, spain for that matter. And the thing is, Spain colonized the philippines via visayas region. They friended the visayan of cebu, bohol and even far to the east in samar and leyte. Though, these islands had leaders who were disputedly related to each other, leyte and samar leaders and its people were known to be warriors. Infact, spain called them "pintados" because locals back then had tribal tattoos that have significant symbolism mostly when it comes to war and ravages. Going back to the uses of the cuttleries, though spain is part of europe and do not have spoon and fork culture as we do. They too follow the elite culture of table etiquite. However, in philippines' case, because of low-tempered people of visayas, they introduce spoon-only policy and no- knife policy. Because oftentimes, after the meal, people rejoiced with the famous tuba wine. And later, found them fighting each other. And using the magic knife, many were wounded and stab. And it is still noticeable until today in thr visayas region. These people are still low tempered. And crimes always come after each party. So that's a little background of no knife policy in the table to avoid stabbing the person nxt to you...

[@UnicornMeat512]

No little kid is going to give me mono

[@trulyblessed5236]

Filipino time is not practiced by all... Many Filipinos are punctual.

[@alfredopampanga9356]

Talking online to a Filipina she will just disappear without saying anything like goodbye Very rude to Westerner values

[@rap3208]

What did you do to make her disappear and run away from you?

[@alfredopampanga9356]

@@rap3208 I knew that by posting my message it would leave me open to a troll like you

[@RayMorales-k5v]

They learn that from their parents

[@alfredopampanga9356]

@@RayMorales-k5v yes. True. But if you do that to them , they are offended. Cannot see the parallel

[@halowize]

they will stare at you because they found that you are pogi

[@knucklehoagies]

The inability to just be direct and to the point is the most frustrating thing about Filipinos. Everything is a constant dance to try to understand where you stand with someone and to me it's such a complete waste of time. The spoon and fork thing I find silly. Even when I'm eating with Filipinos, I refuse to eat that way as it just comes off as childish and uncivilized. I won't tell anyone what to do but I prefer to use my cutlery the way they were invented to be used.

[@johnmiranda4587]

Isn't the main purpose of a spoon to move food from the plate to the mouth? In what way is that childish and uncivilized?

[@knucklehoagies]

@@johnmiranda4587 I was referring to them using a fork as a shovel and a spoon as a makeshift knife. If you don't know how to use a knife to cut your food, then yes, I'd say it's childish

[@83nomad5]

Wow, you must be the guru when it comes to utensils. Did you make the rules and etiquette on the proper use of knife, spoon and fork? So, if use a fork to cut or slice into some food, that makes me silly? Using a spoon to scoop rice and soup is silly? Have an open mind and be flexible.

[@knucklehoagies]

@@83nomad5 lmaoo looks like I triggered someone. Who do you think invented silverware genius? Definitely not Filipinos. If you wanna use it like a savage go ahead. I prefer to use it the way you’re supposed to. Like a civilized person. Using a spoon and fork like some monkey is ridiculous. Knives were invented for a reason

[@wavemaker2077]

@@knucklehoagies A lot of Filipinos don't use a knife because the meat can also be cut by a spoon. But if the meat is really tough, then a knife is needed. We use spoon, fork and knife at home. A pork chop sometimes really need a knife to slice it but a chicken can be cut by a spoon. What I find amusing are the foreigners who don't use spoon even while eating rice. A fork cannot hold a lot of rice and it is not meant to scoop a rice. I find that childish.

[@sergio1984]

My filipina is always late. I got upset.