There are plenty out there that categorize
the Philippines as an exotic destination.
So as a public service to those who are interested in braving the
foreign frontier that is my backyard, I compile a few tips here to help you
survive as soon as you touch down:
1.
DO pack light clothing. The
Philippines is a tropical country and rains are usually preceded by humidity
like nowhere else. DON’T come without
being prepared. The Philippines is also
prone to typhoons that, even with warnings from the weather bureau, always
manage to surprise us with how intense (or mild) they turn out to be.
2.
DO learn key phrases in Tagalog.
We appreciate it when foreign people make an effort and will reward you
by teaching you more. For your own sake,
DON’T repeat everything we teach unless you’re positive of what they mean. We admit to getting too much of a kick out of
hearing bad words spoken in different accents.
3.
DO visit Philippine beaches because that’s what we’re famous for. But DON’T think that seeing the tribal north
is any less rewarding.
4.
When hosted by locals, DO eat when you’re offered food. People that get offended when guests refuse
to eat actually exist here, so best be on the safe side and have a little
something. In cases where someone is in
the middle of eating his own meal, DON’T be surprised when you’re invited to
partake in it. It’s just something
Filipinos do and you’re not actually meant to take him up on that offer. (Though if you really were that hungry, I’m sure
you’ll be given a fair share too.)
5.DO greet friends like a local. “Beso-beso”, or making your cheek come in
contact with another’s, is a common way to greet a friend here. But DON’T be shy to show us how YOU greet
close friends. We are always interested
to learn how other people do it.
7.
DO have a taste of the only burger chain in the world that has ever
trumped McDonald’s: Jollibee! But DON’T make the mistake of thinking that
this is the only thing we have going for us when it comes to food. Adobo and balut you’ve probably heard of, but
these are just two out of many delicacies that make up the Philippine
gastronomic experience.
8.
DO travel in local style. The
jeepney has long been a symbol of the country and its people’s creativity. There have been concerns of late that the art
of jeepney making is slowly coming to a decline, so make sure to hop on before
the streets are clear of these colorful modes of travel. DON’T be too trusting of taxis in the
metro. But of course you already knew
that, right?
9.
DO be a sport when it comes to videoke.
Doing it with friends is fun and definitely safer than news on the
infamous “My Way” killings will have you believe. And DON’T take it too seriously. We promise that your effort should make up
for any lack of talent and will be enthusiastically applauded.
10. DO travel beyond the beaten path if you
are keen to discover a more personal experience of the country. If you stick to the big malls and the usual
stuff, DON’T say I didn’t warn you.
11. DO pack nice clothes for an evening out. It’s true that you can wear flip-flops and
shorts on a regular basis, but Filipinos like to make a big production out of a
night out or a “gimmick”, which is what we like to call it. Come prepared to avoid sticking out like a sore
thumb, but DON’T feel bad if you forget the fancy threads at home. We understand and are used to seeing
backpackers in the city all the time.
12. DO get married in the Philippines if
you are truly in love. As of 2011, we
are the only country in the world where divorce is still illegal. And obviously, DON’T take that last part
seriously:)
Of course the most important DO of all is
to travel with Filipino friends if you have them. Not only will they guide you through the dos
and dont’s listed above, but they will also take you to the best places and
make sure to show you the best time ever.
DON’T be shocked if you end up wanting to stay longer than planned…
