General Etiquette
Upon arriving in the Philippines, Americans and Europeans often feel at home, as the cultural customs transcend ethnic or regional boundaries, reflecting years of Spanish and American influence. Locals generally like Americans and compete to emulate the American lifestyle. English is commonly used in government agencies, businesses, and the education sector.
Forms of Address and Greetings
Handshakes are common when meeting acquaintances, regardless of gender; men sometimes pat each other on the back.
Appointments and punctuality are appropriate.
Hospitality and Gift-Giving
Filipinos are extremely hospitable; for example, they often arrange the best bedroom for guests staying for only one night.
If giving a gift, such as flowers, it should be presented upon arrival. It is customary to send a gift or a thank-you note after attending a dinner party or other social gathering.
At a banquet, the greatest compliment you can pay the host is to enjoy the meal thoroughly.
Conversation
Topics to avoid include politics, religion, local conditions, corruption, and foreign aid.
Filipinos have a very strong sense of family, so conversations about their family members are often well-received.
Religious Beliefs and Taboos
The majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic; a small portion practice Islam; and ethnic minorities often follow indigenous religions. Those who follow indigenous religions believe in animism and worship nature gods, especially crocodiles and birds, believing that a divine bird is the great and omnipotent creator god who created the heavens, the earth, and humanity, known as Bathala.
Filipinos have a strong taboo against the number "13." They consider "13" to be an "evil spirit," a symbol of bad luck and disaster, and a highly detested number. They avoid passing items or food with the left hand, as they consider the left hand to be dirty and base, and using it is a sign of great disrespect. They generally do not like to discuss politics, religion, domestic conditions, or corruption. Muslims avoid pork; they abstain from eating pork and using pork products, and they do not drink milk or strong alcohol. Filipinos do not like ginger, nor do they enjoy animal organs or foods with a strong fishy odor; they are also not interested in whole fish.
Dietary Habits
Philippine rural residents generally consume rice and corn as their staple foods. Side dishes mainly consist of various vegetables, seafood, eggs, poultry, and meat. They prefer dishes with plenty of seasoning, especially spicy condiments. Malaysians also generally enjoy seafood, such as fish, shrimp, sea cucumbers, and turtle eggs. The Bajau people living along the coast of Zamboanga City and the Sulu Sea are accustomed to cassava and fish as their staple foods. They rarely eat rice. Although they do not avoid beef, mutton, or pork, most of them dislike meat. They enjoy various fruits, especially sugarcane. Filipinos are fond of chewing betel nut in their daily lives. It is also always included when hosting guests. In addition to this custom, the Igorot people also enjoy chewing tobacco leaves. They are accustomed to Western food but are also interested in Chinese cuisine. The upper class is accustomed to using knives and forks, while rural residents and Muslims are accustomed to eating with their right hands.
