Philippines Local Customs

  Elaborate headdresses
by berenices
 
  • Elaborate headdresses
      Elaborate headdresses
    by berenices
  • Rice by the side of the road in the Philippines.
      Rice by the side of the road in the...
    by cachaseiro
  • Hedgerows in Verdant Hills
      Hedgerows in Verdant Hills
    by cyndymc
  • Rakuh
      Rakuh
    by paolodecastro
  • Me taking my picture in the oldest Ivatan House
      Me taking my picture in the oldest...
    by paolodecastro
 
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Island Favorite

by syllybabe

No visit to our islands would be complete without sampling one of the world's finest rhums.Tanduay Rhum is uniquely Filipino and comes from Philippine sugar cane. First produced in 1854, Tanduay has won over a hundred awards, 21 of which are gold medals.The island of Negros, which grows most of the sugar cane in the country, is host to one of Tanduay Distillers, Inc.'s modern manufacturing facilities.Now producing 9 different kinds of rhum and some cooking wines, Tanduay is definitely the world's number one rhum.

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Hand to Forehead: Honouring your Elders

by Cloudwlkr

If you do get a little bit closer to some local people, respect their elders. One local way of doing this is to take their hand when you meet them, and bring it up to your forehead, with a very very very small bow. It's a sign of respect.

Taste a little bit of everything

by mariwitch

When offered food or drinks, you have to take at least a bite or a sip. It is considered rude not to accept these offers, and remember that the host or hostess could have saved up for it especially for the occasion --- so don't let all the trouble go to waste.

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Small Talk

by Skye_Miles

Small talk" is an important part of establishing business relationships with Filipinos. Once you become accepted, you'll find that Filipinos can be enthusiastic conversationalists. Expect to be asked very personal questions regarding your marital status, income, religion, and other sensitive subjects. If you don't wish to answer, side-step these questions as graciously as possible. Do not express annoyance or outrage with the questioner, since "losing face" has such negative consequences in this culture.Bear in mind that when Filipinos ask how much you paid for something, it's usually out of concern that you may have been cheated.It's a common occurrence for a Filipino man to have a second family with his mistress, but this arrangement is never discussed in this culture. Moreover, avoid bringing up this subject in conversation.It's recommended that you break eye contact several times in...

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Friends we met while on the...

by slaybelle

Friends we met while on the ferry boat that takes you from Kalibo to Boracay island. Kalibo,one of the main airport to land in is 45 minutes by air from ManilaThere's actually a little grotto on top of this rock island-on high tide the water nearly levels the top.Boracay lanterns that flourish this quaint island The Ati-Atihan, held every January in the town of Kalibo(20 min boat ride from Boracay) in the province of Aklan on the island of Panay, is the wildest among Philippine fiestas. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this week-long festival.The Ati-Atihan, a feast in honor of the Santo Niño, is celebrated on the second Sunday after Epiphany. Catholics observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking. The Santo Niño has long been the favorite of Filipinos...

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The Philippines has developed...

by albertus72

The Philippines has developed a mixed culture from the blending of foreign influences with native elements. Muslims and some of the isolated tribes, are the only people whose culture remains unadulterated by Spanish and American influences.Filipino cuisine has Chinese, Malay and Spanish influences. Popular morning and afternoon snacks are called merienda, and pulutan (small morsels) are served with alcoholic drinks. Barbecued sticks of meat or seafood are popular evening snacks. Standard dishes, always served with rice, include meat and vegetables cooked with vinegar and garlic, grilled grouper, meat stews and a huge variety of soups - rice, noodle, beef, chicken, liver, kneecap, offal and sour vegetable. Side dishes include strips of unripened papaya, fermented fish or shrimp paste and bite-sized pieces of crispy pig skin. Halo-halo is a dessert made from crushed ice mixed with sweets...

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photo still from Jose...

by miromi

photo still from Jose Rizalmovies! Movies are as important in the Philippines as they are in India--the Philippines has the second highest per capita filmgoing population in the world. Movie stars are really important here, and most women I know gobble up film magazines like crazy. and the men too! There are whole television channels devoted to running nothing but film trailers. I'm going to ask Claire more about the movie industry here, she is my guru on it.

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i'm really appreciative now of...

by miromi

i'm really appreciative now of how warm and considerate the etiquette is in the Philippines. i took it for granted until I visited other parts of the world where smiling is 'superficial'. so now I realize how great it is to be open and warm! it's such a cool way to live! although I'm not as outgoing and extroverted as most Filipino people I've met, watching them is so cool because they make it seem so easy. Remember to smile a lot!

although Tagalog is the...

by miromi

although Tagalog is the official language, most people speak English. Tagalog learning resources

Filipinos calls all white...

by Jimmytravel

Filipinos calls all white males Joe, especially in the rural areas. This was what they called the Americans earlier, but is still hanging on for all white males. So if your name is Joe, travelling in the Philippines can be a little confusing.

Local traditions and culture in Philippines

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Local Customs: Cities in Philippines
  1. Manila Local Customs
  2. Boracay Island Local Customs
  3. Cebu City Local Customs
  4. Baguio Local Customs
  5. Makati Local Customs
  6. Tagaytay Local Customs
  7. Bohol Local Customs
  8. Puerto Galera Local Customs
  9. Subic Local Customs
  10. Davao Local Customs
  11. Vigan Local Customs
  12. Pagudpud Local Customs
  13. Sagada Local Customs
  14. Cebu Island Local Customs
  15. Panglao Island Local Customs
  16. Coron Local Customs
  17. Puerto Princesa Local Customs
  18. El Nido Local Customs
  19. Corregidor Island Local Customs
  20. Caramoan Local Customs
  21. Banaue Local Customs
  22. Baler Local Customs
  23. Alabang Local Customs
  24. Paranaque Local Customs
  25. Malapascua Island Local Customs
  26. Guimaras Island Local Customs
  27. Antipolo Local Customs
  28. Lucban Local Customs
  29. Nasugbu Local Customs
  30. Bantayan Island Local Customs
  31. Donsol Local Customs
  32. Coron Island Local Customs
  33. Kalibo Local Customs
  34. Bacolod Local Customs
  35. Samal Island Local Customs
  36. Santa Rosa Local Customs
  37. Alaminos Local Customs

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Popular Regions in Philippines

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi There I'm going backpacking with 3 other friends for 5 days in the Philippines and was wondering if anyone has any... 

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A: Some suggestion of mine: Shooting the rapid at pagsanjan falls then spend the night at tagaytay. 2nd day, taal trek, a bit of city tour and then a 45 drive to Lago de... 

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