Ways To Show Respect To Filipinos And Not Offend Them

Filipinos are humorous people but they are very sensitive.
A non-filipino who is very frank may easily offend a filipino without being aware of it.
Being frank in the filipino culture or going 'straight to the point' is considered RUDE and disrespectful especially if you're giving a not-so-good comment.

Here are things that you should do or say so you won't offend anyone:

-don't talk about politics or the philippine economy,corruption etc.

-do not talk to elders and women in the same way you talk to men of your own age
talking to women and elders should be with more respect

-if someone offered you food,take it
refusing is considered disrespectful

-don't give comments like

'disgusting'

'i don't like this'

or any facial expressions that could give that meaning

-if you don't like the food,don't say

'i don't like it'

just say

'thanks but i prefer this one'

-always smile so people will feel good about you

-its normal for filipinos to smile,do not think that they are crazy

-if someone asks for your opinion
be kind,
don't be frank

Example:

Someone asks you if her dress looks good on her,don't say something like

'no'
or
'if i were you,i would never wear that',

just say

'yes but i think the other one would look better on you'

always follow it with a suggestion so you wouldn't feel guilty about lying

-during an argument,when a woman is already mad and she speaks
a guy should respect her,never answer back

-don't answer back when elders are giving you comments for something bad that you did

-never turn your back on someone who is talking to you

-'yes' in Tagalog is 'oo' but if you are talking to someone older than you or someone in a higher position,you should say 'opo' to show respect

-bowing your head when saying 'sorry' or 'smiling' are the simplest ways to show respect

-saying 'how are you?' (kumusta ka?,in Tagalog) or 'how do you feel?','are you okay?' is a way to show them that you care

-joining a conversation with them or simply drinking beer with the guys are signs that you wanna make friends

-don't be too quiet,some people would think that you're a snob

-if you're uncomfortable,you can stay quiet but keep a smile on your face

-karaoke!filipinos love to sing,they may ask you to sing
singing at least one song even if you're not good or totally out of tune will make them happy
it would be appreciated

-saying a sentence in Tagalog (filipino language) would be very much appreciated

-respect the women
filipino women are not cheap or easy
the desperate ones who only want your money should be ignored
the hard-to-get ones are the women who would really love you forever

-compliment-calling the men 'pare' (pah-reh) shows friendliness

Hope this helps,if you wanna ask something,feel free to give comments!

Posted in: Ways To Show Respect To Filipinos And Not Offend Them