Things your shouldn't do in the Philippines.

This list is copied from another member on a different site but it was great information so just sharing for others.

1) Do not mess with Filipino pride!

While Filipinos are friendly, accommodating people, they are also very proud. It would be a serious mistake to insult their pride. Don't think you are above them just because you are a foreigner. Be careful what you say and do, who and what you criticize and you'll be fine. Especially if you are around a Filipino that's drinking alcohol.


2) Do not disrespect the elderly!

Filipinos are very respectful of their elders, using words like ho, po, opo, referring to them as Ate (older sister), or Kuya (older brother), regardless of blood relation. Avoid calling the elderly by their first names that, is a sign of disrespect and is frowned upon.


3) Don't arrive on time!

Everyplace you go punctuality is a good trait and admired. Sadly, not in the Philippines. There is such a thing called "Filipino time", which refers to a delay from anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Meeting up with a local will most likely mean you will be waiting, so try not to be offended. When you are invited to someone's house for dinner. for example do not show up exactly on time. Showing up on time will confuse the host and they'll have to rush their preparations. Be fashionably late, it'll be very much accepted and appreciated.

4) Do not refuse food or drinks!

Hospitality is a common trait among Filipinos. They will offer you food and or something to drink whether you are a local or foreigner. Don't refuse it especially if they cooked it in your honor. You don't have to eat much but have a little. By saying no, you are rejecting their hospitality. Filipinos are very sensitive.


5) Don't be afraid of eating bizarre dishes!

Food is part of the culture of the Filipinos. They love to eat and adore their food, and don't let anything go to waste. So don't be surprised of dishes that contain animal parts that you never thought were edible...they are. Better yet refrain from asking what the dish is made of, what you don't know can't hurt you. Be a little adventurous (a la Anthony Bourdain),and if ever the food is not to your liking, be polite when refusing, if you have to refuse. Don't insult the food or the cook.


6) Don't drink the local moonshine!

Coconut wine is the local version of moonshine. It is clear or white in color. It's made from almost pure sap, they allow it to undergo fermentation and distillation to form a harder drink known as Lambanog. In the Visayas it's called Tuba, Bahal or Bahalina. They mix the coconut sap with the bark of the Mangrove tree which gives it a red tint. In that area they affectionately call it "red wine". Be careful, it can be extremely potent and not sterilized to a westerners standards.


7) Don't get offended easily!

Filipinos are good natured and fun- loving with a sense of humor. Just watch some of the daytime variety shows. This sense of humor may not always fit your sense of humor. For instance, if some locals try to mimic your accent when conversing with you, then start laughing, they are not mocking you, they are laughing at themselves for sounding silly. So don't be offended.

8) Do not underestimate traffic!

This is definitely true in the larger cities, be sure to make allowances particularly to and from the airport. Not only are there too many vehicles on the road but it's very questionable how and where people got their licenses to drive especially those who drive public transportation. One big problem is if there is an accident, you are required to wait for an officer from the police department to do his sketch for his report, so the vehicles cannot be moved which causes even more traffic.


9) Don't be lax and overconfident when crossing the street on foot or driving through a green light!

Even in a pedestrian lane, always look both ways, be doubly cautious and be alert of your surroundings. Errant drivers and pedestrians are a common thing in the Philippines. Many do not know or follow traffic rules or regulations.


10) Don't discuss politics or religion!

Filipinos are very strong with their convictions. Do not make the mistake of getting in a debate about such, especially with less educated locals. Definitely not while drinking! Some have been reported to have stabbed even their own kin in heated arguments while drinking.


11) Do not display your valuables openly!

Some people have the nutty notion of displaying wealth is advantageous and commands respect and admiration. If you, your wife or girlfriend is one of these people, be aware that in the Philippines, the only thing you will attract is crime and misery. Keep modesty in mind, it's safer especially if you are walking in the public.

12) Don't expect everything to be cheap!

Even as the Philippines is a Third World country, and their currency is of lesser value compared to most foreign currencies, by no means is everything cheap. If shopping is your fancy, ask advice from some locals as to where to go for good bargains. The same goes for rentals or purchasing property. Tricycle drivers, home owner associations are always good options.


13) Do not compare the Philippines to other Asian countries!

Filipinos have a very distinct mentality from their Asian neighbors. It is clearly because of their diverse heritage, as well as being predominately Catholic (the 3rd largest Catholic population country in the world, more than U.S. and Italy). While different regions have their own specific local traits and dialects, the locals do not consider themselves as Asians. They make the proud distinction of being Filipino.


14) Don't think all places have safe tap water!

While it is true that many places may have safe tap water, it may not be up to your standard. especially if you have a sensitive stomach that hasn't build up resistance. Be on the safe side and drink branded bottled water or boil the water for at least one minute. If possible, avoid buying bottled water from street vendors. Some of them just refill the containers with tap water and reseal them or they may be exposed to direct sun too long and have a plastic taste to them. Plastic bottles used for water contain Antimony (Sb) and Bisphenol (BPA), when stored in a hot environment for extended periods of time, the harmful chemicals seep into the water.


15) Don't underestimate weather conditions or reports!

The Philippines is basically hot and humid or hot and wet. It is best to dress in light clothing to allow any breeze to cool you. Expect to sweat a lot, being hot and humid your bodies natural response is to sweat. Make sure you rehydrate yourself as much as you sweat or even more so. During the rainy season it can rain a lot. Typhoons are common along with flooding of streets due to poor drainage systems. If you are out during the rainy season be prepared with an umbrella and something that you may have to walk through water with for your feet.

16) Don't get fooled by Con-Artist!

Have your wits about you. Many foreigners have fallen prey to different scams and con-artist. While Filipinos are generally friendly, over friendly people are not normal, and may have bad intentions Don't be too trusting with your money or valuables. This can be as simple as someone approaching you in a mall or your females friends sick relative all of a sudden needing assistance.


17) Don't talk down to people or shout at them!

We have all lost our tempers one time or another. Before you flare up, remember where you are (in the Philippines), Filipinos are proud people, and embarrassing one will bring you no good. It is not unusual for another Filipino to step in to assist against the foreigner or retaliate. One dangerous thing about Filipinos is that many times they react without thinking of the consequence. That can become very dangerous. So try to be extra courteous and respectful to others regardless of who they are.


18) Don't laugh at the Karaoke singer!

Filipinos love to sing. whether in Karaoke bars or with a Karaoke at home. If you're invited to go to a Karaoke place or to someone's home, try not to laugh at the person singing, even if they may not sound too good (you may be forced to sing next). They will feel insulted and it could result to a nasty situation. Just smile and try to be happy that someone is enjoying themselves.

19) Don't wonder why Filipinos have a penchant for breaking rules!

It seems like Filipinos have a hard time obeying rules. Whether it's simply jaywalking or turning a two way road/highway into one direction only. It appears this trait is deeply ingrained in their culture. Some experts say it's due to the fact that Filipino history under the harness of colonization made their ancestors defiant of rules


20) Don't get shocked with all the red tape and corruption around!

Red tape and corruption go hand in hand, they feed on each other. Bribery in the Philippines will get you everywhere...it's part of the culture. From the traffic cops to the mayor's office, the custom inspectors to the tax collectors. When many people don't have a lot of it, money talks!


21) Don't underestimate the importance of the family!

Filipinos are very family oriented, they cherish their family ties almost to a fault. At times (monetarily and emotionally), they support extended family members and are very protective. Do not make the mistake of insulting one of the members of their families, for no matter how mistaken that family member was, family always comes first. Especially if they may be the eldest child in the family. it's ingrained in the culture. The eldest child is responsible for the younger siblings. Blood truly is thicker than water in the Philippines.

22) Don't try to understand their being very sensitive!

Filipinos in general are onion-skinned, that is to say, sensitive to perceived insults. This is especially true with interaction with foreigners. Remarks about a Filipino trait even in the form or humor may not be well received, so think before you speak.


23) Don't misinterpret their smiles!

While it is true that Filipinos are a happy race and smile a lot, sometimes their are deeper reasons behind their smiles. A Filipino smiles when happy, when embarrassed, when confused, when apologetic and so on. So it depends on the situation, try to understand it.

24) Don't be surprised by Political Dynasties!

The Philippines political system is notorious for having family dynasties in politics. There have been many cases of a Congressman whose wife is the Governor, whose brother is the Mayor. whose brother is a Senator, for example.
Filipinos frown about it yet somehow they are still voted into office. The next election they may alternate positions, as long as the family stays in power of their area. It's very common for voters to be paid off from every level from Barangay Captain to the highest levels. Many people die every year during election season. Don't get involved in politics!!!


25) Don't try to understand why there are so many gossipmongers!

In general Filipinos love to Gossip (they call it "tsismis"), it's part of their culture. Talking about people negatively has been around a long time...who slept with whom, who has another family or girlfriend, what secrets did the neighbors maid say about her boss. How much money do they have. A lot has to do with the Filipino crab mentality of being insecure and envious of someone possibly having something better than them. It's usually not Kumusta ka? (How are you?). It's "Anong bago' or "cuento"? The latest news or story, gossip (tsismis). Listen, but try not to be part of it, or just stay away from gossip!