• We use Po and Opo as a sign of respect in every sentence and every answer
• Pagmamano, taking the persons hand and lifting it to your forehead,is a common Filipino practice to respect people older than you. A sign you are older!
• It is Ok to bargain for anything you want to buy.
• The yellow traffic light means “Go faster!”
• Traffic will not stop for you as you cross the pedestrian crossing!
• Friends will always ask for “pasalubong” (a gift) every time you comeshome from a trip abroad or to another province.
• “Filipino Time” You were late for a meeting because of “traffic” and thought you missed a lot, but you actually made it in time because it hasn’t started yet.
• You blame the “traffic” every time you’re late.
• Bahala na.How to cope with uncertainty…it means “whatever will be, will be,“ or “That will do.”
• Sing-a-long.Filipinos love to sing, and thankfully a lot do it well!
• “Sayang!” “Naman!” “Kadiri!” “Ano ba!?” “pala.” Expressions of deep feelings that defy translation.
• Tricycle and trisikad, the Pinoy’s taxicab that delivers you to your doorstep for as little as PHPesos 3.00, but if you are a foreigner maybe PHP 30.00!
• Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless passenger vehicle. The driver’s are usually daredevils. Double the expected number of passengers can be squeezed inside a jeepney or tricycle. If it stops to let off a passenger 2 seconds before your stop, just wait for the driver to set off again then immediately ask him to stop, “PARA!”
• The siesta.Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.
• Things are done in groups. If one person needs to visit the market, several friends will join the trip. Same with the doctor, the salon, or just about anywhere!
• Aswang, manananggal, kapre. The underworld of Philippine mythology – vampires, ghosts, dark spirits and witchraft.
• Kuwan, ano. Words used when you don’t know what word to use, and everyone will  most likely understand exactly what you want..
• Conversation is indirect. The Asian culture of “saving face” is all-important. Be careful not to embarrass or offend or ‘put down.’ Can be tricky!
• Most Filipino people are always optimists, known for smiling through the worst disasters and picking up the pieces to rebuild.

Posted by Lesley Gomez on Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 @ 8:12PM
Categories: Latest news