In many ways dating in the Philippines is the same as dating anywhere else in the world. Although as in anywhere in the world, there are many cultural differences. Knowing what these differences are, and accepting them, can keep you out of a world of problems and heartache. We have listed a few here, some of them are common sense, and some of them are things you might not consider.
Family first
Unlike most of the United States, and many other European countries, the family is the first concern in the Philippines. Understand if you date a Filipina, you will essentially be dating her family. A large amount of things that are done in the Philippines are done for the family. This includes things like sending nephews and nieces to school, sending money to a cousin in the province to help to buy a house, or a hundred other different things. So when you are dating a Filipina realize that you will be spending money on their family. One of the best things to learn in the beginning of a relationship, especially if you get married, is setting a hard budget for how much money you give their family. Meeting a Filipinas family though, does not mean that you’re going to get married, but they do want to see you to know that you’re a good guy.
Be a gentleman
This is a common sense advice. This works anywhere in the world where you date somebody. Be a gentleman. If you do not know what it means to be a gentleman, look it up online. It means you are always respectful and polite. You do not take advantage or pressure anyone into doing something they do not wish to do. If you are dating for a future relationship, such as marriage, then being a gentleman is very important.
Good girls and bad girls
Sometimes it’s a little hard to tell the difference, but after you’ve talked to a few you will get the hang of it fairly quickly. There are many scammers in the Philippines. You can usually find them out very fast, within the first few minutes or days you are talking to them. They will ask you for money. It might be a wonderful story about how their grandmother needs it for some life-saving operation, but it is probably not true. If you really want to make sure, you can always do your due diligence and have it checked. If they try and make you feel guilty for asking? They are definitely a scammer. There are many beautiful and wonderful girls in the Philippines that would love to be the one in your life. So pick a good one and not a bad one. Good girls are very conservative and very often will not even hold hands. Depending on the family they might even request a chaperone for the first date. Though as the Philippines becomes more westernized, it is changing.
Respect the culture
The Philippines culture is very different from Western culture. Some things may not seem to make any sense at all, but regardless if they make sense or not, you must respect them. The Filipinos are very proud of their culture. So do not make fun of it and respect it, it will take you a very long way. We believe that when you travel anywhere you should experience the local culture. We also believe that you should do this whether you are dating or not.
Respect the religion
The Philippines is a very religious country. Many of the girls you will date will be highly religious and go to church every week. Be respectful of this and it will keep you in good standing with their family.
Hard to get
Conservative Filipinas by nature are hard to get. You need to take a lot more effort than you normally would. It may take you a lot longer to gain her trust and her love, but when she gives it to you she will give it unreserved. Of course once you have a Filipina, you must always keep wooing her. As long as she knows that you love her and that you care, it will stop her from looking around.
Generosity
There is a difference between scammers asking for money and being generous. If you take your girlfriend out to eat and the family comes along, there will be no fighting for the bill; you will be expected to pay it. If you travel and come back to the Philippines you will be expected to bring gifts. These things are assumed. The Philippines has a very low cost of living, so even being a little generosity will go a long way.
Don’t assume
Don’t assume that Philippines women are the same as the women back from where you come from. You are learning a completely new set of rules. In the Philippines the rules from home do not apply. You will have to be more observant than you would back home as to what is happening. If you take advantage of a conservative Filipina, you might have a large group of brothers and male cousins to contend with. Fair warning.
Really it just boils down to a simple set of rules. Do be a gentleman, and don’t assume. Remember that family is priority, and watch out for scammers asking you for money. As it is anywhere in the world, if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not true. Filipinos are very loyal, loving and family oriented, so if you find a good one what more can you ask for. Good luck.
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