{"id":674,"date":"2023-01-01T09:48:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-01T09:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/?p=674"},"modified":"2023-01-28T09:54:12","modified_gmt":"2023-01-28T09:54:12","slug":"etiquette-customs-philippines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips on Etiquette and Customs in the Philippines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Filipinos are very hospitable and warm people towards visitors on a level that might be suspicious, especially if you come from the West. That\u2019s just one thing you need to know before visiting the Philippines. It\u2019s important to remember the following etiquette and customs while visiting the Philippines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >WHAT&#039;S IN THIS POST?<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Extreme_Hospitality\" title=\"Extreme Hospitality\">Extreme Hospitality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#%E2%80%9CNosy%E2%80%9D_Questions\" title=\"\u201cNosy\u201d Questions\">\u201cNosy\u201d Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Basic_English_Skills\" title=\"Basic English Skills\">Basic English Skills<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Tipping\" title=\"Tipping\">Tipping<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Bill_Out\" title=\"Bill Out\">Bill Out<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Swimwear_Dress_Code\" title=\"Swimwear Dress Code\">Swimwear Dress Code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Filipino_Time\" title=\"Filipino Time\">Filipino Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Invitation_to_Eat\" title=\"Invitation to Eat\">Invitation to Eat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/etiquette-customs-philippines\/#Security_Guards\" title=\"Security Guards\">Security Guards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extreme_Hospitality\"><\/span>Extreme Hospitality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Filipinos are generally polite and hospitable, especially towards foreign tourists. And it\u2019s one thing we really take pride in. But don\u2019t be surprised by the level of hospitality we give you. We are just happy to help so you can have a smooth experience here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this is not a license for you to keep your guard down because there are still cunning Filipinos who will take advantage of you. So be wary also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CNosy%E2%80%9D_Questions\"><\/span>\u201cNosy\u201d Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get personal questions like \u201cWhere are you from?\u201d \u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d, don\u2019t be offended. It\u2019s not necessarily being nosy or that they have ulterior motives. Filipinos are just genuinely curious about visitors and want to get to know you a little bit. Ask the same questions in return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basic_English_Skills\"><\/span>Basic English Skills<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most Filipinos can understand basic English. So don\u2019t be afraid to ask locals for directions or any questions while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tipping\"><\/span>Tipping<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Philippines is not a huge tipping nation. However, I highly recommend tipping for personal services like grooming, massages, guides, and restaurants. To give you an idea, I give 100 PHP (~2 USD) to my barber, 200 PHP (~4 USD) to my esthetician, and 400 PHP (~8 USD) to my massage therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At restaurants, I usually leave a 100 PHP bill (~2 USD) on the table. Many restaurants and hotels, though, will add a service charge to your bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bill_Out\"><\/span>Bill Out<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of restaurants, when you dine out, do the picture sign using your two fingers if you want to pay or close your tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swimwear_Dress_Code\"><\/span>Swimwear Dress Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I remember someone posted a video on TikTok about bathing in a public pool here in the Philippines. The poster was in utter confusion about whether bikinis are allowed or not because no one in the pool wore one except her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thing is, bikinis are not a common piece of clothing to wear, especially in rural Philippines. A regular t-shirt and shorts are usually the swimming ensemble here unless you are in a touristy area or hotel pool where wearing swimwear is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you still wear a swimsuit in public? Yes, of course!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I said, in regulated establishments like hotels and swimming pools, proper swimwear is a must. But if you are on the outskirts, you need to observe what people are wearing. If you feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit, then by all means, go for it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Filipino_Time\"><\/span>Filipino Time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Time consciousness and time management are not important considerations. If you schedule a meeting or trip, it might take place later. This is what Filipino time means. If you have a ferry trip at 6:00 pm, don\u2019t expect the ferry to leave at 6:00 pm pronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Invitation_to_Eat\"><\/span>Invitation to Eat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When one is asked to join a family for a meal, the offer must be refused. If the invitation is extended a second time, it is permissible to accept.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Security_Guards\"><\/span>Security Guards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you go to malls, banks, restaurants, and other establishments, don\u2019t be shocked to see armed security guards. There are there to protect peace and ward off criminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crime rates related to security guards using their guns are very low. So there\u2019s nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For updates, follow us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cebuinsiderph\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cebu.insider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Filipinos are known to be warm people. But that&#8217;s just one thing you need to know. Here are etiquette and customs in the Philippines to remember.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":676,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=768%2C512&ssl=1",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=945%2C630&ssl=1",945,630,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable":"<p>Filipinos are known to be warm people. But that&#8217;s just one thing you need to know. Here are etiquette and customs in the Philippines to remember.<\/p>\n","category_list":"<a href=\"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/category\/getting-started\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Getting Started<\/a>","author_info":{"name":"Mario Manlupig","url":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/author\/mariomanlupigjrgmail-com\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Filipino-Kids2.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/peqsO0-aS","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=674"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":677,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/674\/revisions\/677"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/676"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=674"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=674"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cebuinsider.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=674"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}