Something to know before visiting Philippines

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people. Besides, its culture is enough interesting for us to find out and explore.

Life is better shared

Are you familiar with the Filipino drinking style? A bucket of six beers is ordered with one cup. The cup is filled, finished by one person, and then passed on to whoever’s next in the circle of friends. The underlying reason is to drink in unison so the buzz is uniform around the table, contradicting the American tradition of ordering your own personal beer. Why do anything alone of it is more enjoyable with someone beside you?

Respect the elders

If you see your “Lolo” or “Lola", it is mandatory that you bow down and lightly press the back of their hands to your forehead. No family, especially if thoroughbred Filipino, started out wealthier than they are now. Recognize, acknowledge, and thank your grandparents for their endless hard work that sprouted into the life we all so conveniently enjoy today.

Filipinos value traditions and culture

For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their family are important. They usually set aside a specific day for a certain celebration like festivals, birthday parties, reunions, etc. And of course, every gathering is dedicated to keeping up with each other over sumptuous food.

Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations

Even as early as August, you can hear Christmas songs and jingles being played in the malls or in the restaurants in the Philippines. The mood becomes festive, with many people shopping and in good spirits. Christmas celebrations last until around the first or second week of January.

Religious commitments come first

When in Indonesia, you will see Balinese present their offerings first thing in the morning, or employees dropping everything for prayer time. No matter what religion they uphold, Indonesians are generally very spiritual. They take their religious practices very seriously, and that is reflected in daily rituals, ceremonies, even the grandness of their places of worship.

Filipinos love to party

Filipinos love to hold celebrations and fiestas. Bacolod has its MassKara Festival, Davao has its Kadayawan Festival, and Marinduque has its Moriones Festival. There are also communal celebrations like a myriad of different ceremonies of harvest or thanksgiving, and special dates associated with legends or history.

Every place has a legend

It is fascinating to learn the geological processes that make mountains, hills, and rivers. But Indonesians go beyond tectonic plates and erosion to explain how natural landmarks came to be. In most places, you can talk to the locals and dig stories of gods, spirits, royals, or hermits that contribute to the forming of a particular spot like natural features, temples, or other cultural landmarks.

Source CultureTrip