| style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New | | | | friendly, or they may think you are hitting on them. |
| Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; | | | | Although some locals will greet you instantly, the |
| mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: | | | | majority will wait for you to do the first move. |
| EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">The Filipino people | | | | Salamat po’ means thank you’ |
| are some of the most hospitable that you will find | | | | Filipinos find it particularly impressive and respectful |
| anywhere. Even if their behaviour is less than | | | | when anyone, particularly a foreigner, says Thank |
| considerate, foreign visitors to the country are | | | | You’ or Salamat po’ for anything, |
| treated with the utmost respect. Although few will | | | | even if it is not necessary. |
| expect you to return the favour, it would be nice if | | | | If you need past, don’t be afraid to say so |
| you did. So, if you’re heading to the Philipines | | | | Life in the Philippines is a little more laid back than it is |
| for work, pleasure, or both, a little consideration for | | | | in some more industrialised countries. It’s a hot |
| the local customs can be a very good thing to have. | | | | country, and you can’t expect people to rush |
| Be prepared to wait | | | | around like they do in New York or London. It is |
| The Filipinos are a very thoughtful and laid back | | | | common for Filipinos to stop in the middle of the |
| people. These are both things to aspire to, and are | | | | street to look at something or talk to a friend, and |
| part of the reason many Westerners choose to live | | | | they expect to be politely alerted when they are in |
| in the Philippines, but if you’re not the most | | | | somebody’s way. So don’t assume |
| patient person in the world, then this might be | | | | that they’re going to notice that |
| frustrating for you at first. | | | | they’re in your way. All it takes is an |
| However, if you stick around, you’ll start to | | | | excuse me’ or a cleared throat, and |
| see the wisdom in this custom. If you were to hustle | | | | you’re through. |
| and bustle like a typical New Yorker, for example, | | | | Be Thoughtful |
| you’d be in hospital within a week. So, | | | | A Filipino woman, whether she’s a friend, |
| especially when you’re first over there, be | | | | employee, co-worker, or lover, will greatly appreciate |
| prepared to be very patient indeed. If you are | | | | you remembering her birthday, anniversary, or an |
| heading to a meeting, for example, take some | | | | important promise. Even if it is just a small gesture, |
| reading matter or a laptop, don’t keep calling | | | | the fact that you remembered at all will be taken as |
| them asking where they are if they are late, as this | | | | a huge compliment. |
| will give away the fact that you do not in any way | | | | This is not a trait exclusive to Filipino women, |
| understand the culture of the country you are in. | | | | however. If you are meeting a Filipino man for the |
| Greetings | | | | first time, whether he is an in-law, business associate, |
| First impressions are very important in Filipino culture, | | | | or friend, you will be expected to bring a gift, such |
| so you don’t want to put someone offside | | | | as a bottle of whisky or a pack of cigars.This should |
| when you first meet them. A simple smile, a gentle | | | | be enough to cheer up even the most grumpy of |
| wave, or a cheery Hi’ or Hello’ | | | | men, and could make all the difference between |
| is all that’s required. Keep it short, sweet, and | | | | being let into their circle and being excluded forever. |