Philippines is renowned for its beautiful beaches, youthful workforce who speak fluent English and the Adobo.
However, foreigners who travel to the country for the first time might be puzzled with certain Filipino traditions and culture.
Whether it’s the language barrier or learning how to ride the jeep, we’ll decipher them all for you so you’ll never have those question marks popping in your head again…
So let’s begin..
1.) The country’s mobile network
There are 3 major network conglomerates in the Philippines. Sun, Globe and Smart. They offer 2 services: prepaid and postpaid.
Prepaid – you pay only for certain credits (load) consumable within a few days. Sometimes, It can be a hassle when you want to avail of any of the network’s call and text services and promos. You must memorize certain key codes to input on your phone.
Postpaid- well, if you’re Mr. Richie Rich willing to spend a hundred dollars, this is the exact opposite of prepaid. No more infuriating key codes. Call and text overseas directly or to any of the local networks.
2.) Sari – Sari Stores
Sari-Sari in English is loosely translated to “assorted”, so basically, it means a store that sells assorted stuffs like shampoos and conditioners in sachets, junk foods, tissues, and yes! school supplies too! Some Sari Sari Stores even offer their own products like bread and cookies. In addition, these stores are life-savers especially when you need to call your mommy overseas but ran out of credits. Depending on the prepaid network you subscribed for, they offer credits at a certain price.
*Note : The word “load” is commonly used in the Philippines lieu of “credits”.
3.) Jeepney etiquette
Inside the jeepney, You’ll often hear one of the passengers saying” bayad po” or “bayad “ ( Here’s my payment) while reaching out his or her hand. If you’re sitting next to this random stranger, be polite enough to get the payment and hand it over to the person near the driver. Think, pass the note.
4.)Filipinos smiling and waving at the camera
When the Hollywood crew of Bourne Legacy decided to shoot some scenes in Manila, they first noticed the eagerness of Filipinos waving and smiling at cameras. No, this is not a proof to their ignorance, but rather, a way to show their friendliness to both the camera and the camera man. Cue roar of laughter.
Even at dire situations, despite people screaming for help to the government or a random person crying over his dead dog, you’ll never miss a glimpse of one or two Filipinos smiling or just posing near the field reporter while delivering news. “Hi mom!”
5.) Bargain Powers
Who says only the Chinese are experts at haggling? Well, even Filipinos too!
With the economic crisis hitting the headlines these days, Filipinos are learning to value their money more. Saving and haggling while shopping to cut costs are significant. Filipinos usually say “may tawad”? which is “ can’t you give me a discount?” persistence is the key. May the bargain powers be with you.
6.) The notorious "bahala na" mentality
“Bahala na” is derived from “Bathala na” which means “ To leave everything to the Supreme being.”
Honestly, it’s just a lousy excuse for Filipinos to justify their laziness. Unless they said it after working with blood, sweat and tears. They did their best and hopefully, the Supreme being shall decide their destiny.
7.) Ate, Kuya, Manong, Manang … say what?!
These are polite terms to address some persons.
Ate- elder sister
Kuya- Elder brother
Manong – old man
Manang- old woman
One of the perplexities of Philippine society is that while these terms are only limited to your family members, some Filipinos use it to address it to strangers too.
8.)English songs sung by local bands
It’s such a shame that a some local bands don’t get international recognition.* sniff* They all sing and compose their songs in English too
Go check them out and decide for yourselves.
some old but good songs:
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The LSS song stuck in the head of many Filipinos before Gangmam Style.
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9.) fighting chicken in every provincial town
If you’re daring to escape the hustle and bustle of the main cities and decided to be a little adventurous by making the great escape into the suburbs, you’ll notice the prevalence of fighting chickens in every house. We’re guessing it’s because chickens can tell time but that would be lame. Seriously, it’s because suburb town people love gambling by going to cock fights.
10.) the inversed "L" sign a.k.a. "pogi ( handsome) sign
While Japan is prominent for the “V” sign in every picture taken, Filipinos also got the inversed "L" sign pose. Honestly, tracing the origins is quite difficult for us but one thing is certain, it’s a proclamation that you’re the cutest, handsomest, coolest person alive. To summarize “ I’m sexy and I know it”.
