| It can be quite confusing when visiting the Philippines | | | | tend to be low, but pride is strong. Since self esteem |
| to know exactly how to behave. On the "outside", | | | | tends to be low, to offend a Filipino's sense of self or |
| the Philippines appears to be on one of the most | | | | self respect is to invite conflict. |
| Westernized countries in Asia. English is prevalent | | | | The author of this article has travelled to and lived in |
| everywhere you go, and most all signs are in English. | | | | the Philippines on and off over the past 25 years and |
| Filipinos have taken to the Western culture | | | | presently resides there on a semi-retirement basis. |
| voraciously, in dress, slang, fast-food, movies and | | | | On this basis, I have identified below 7 Cardinal Rules |
| music, and so forth. | | | | of Behavior for a tourist: |
| Yet, underneath this veneer lies an Asian soul. Filipinos | | | | 1. Avoid the westerner's tendency to speak bluntly. |
| share many of the same values and attitudes with | | | | 2. Avoid confrontation. When provoked, "bite your |
| other Asians. If you fail to realize the false window | | | | tongue" and contain your anger. When in the |
| of the English language, and think the Filipino will act, | | | | Philippines, it is absolutely imperative to "keep your |
| react and think like a Westerner, you will commit | | | | cool". |
| many social and personal relationship blunders that | | | | 3. Never cause a Filipino to lose face - be extremely |
| could have long lasting effect. | | | | sensitive. |
| The Filipino culture emphasizes smooth interpersonal | | | | 4. Avoid prolonged eye contact - look briefly and |
| relationships. Harmony at all times is the goal, and loss | | | | then look away. |
| of face must be avoided at all costs. Not standing | | | | 5. Avoid loud, boisterous and aggressive behavior. |
| out in the crowd, being accepted by the group, and | | | | Filipinos are highly sensitive to criticism. |
| getting along with everyone is treasured. An | | | | 6. Don't snap your finger to get someone's attention. |
| independent attitude gets you nowhere in the | | | | 7. Like in other Asian countries, never summon |
| Philippines. There is nothing worse than to be loud | | | | someone as it is done in western countries, with a |
| and aggressive. | | | | palm upward motion. Rather, in the Philippines, one |
| Pride is everything to a Filipino, no more so to the | | | | properly summons another by bending your hand, |
| man than the woman. Self esteem and self image | | | | palm down, and at about chin height. |