You Know You’re in the Philippines When…
By Jaime Gonzalo
It really is more fun in the Philippines. And ergo, more fun to be a Filipino. We are known for being a ridiculously nice, hospitable people, nationalistic and thus proud of our customs and culture. The next best thing to being a Filipino? A visitor to our land, who will see, hear and live how we truly are. So, welcome to the Philippines, folks! You’ll surely get a kick out of how we do things here.
8. Our baths are a work out!
Via renzylamorena10.wordpress.com
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
Sure, you’ll find a comfy tub or a hot shower in our hotels, but ordinary homes rarely have these. We usually use a a tabo (dipper) and a timba (pail). We don’t mind the work out. Anyway, we take a bath as often as we want to. We probably do it more than you do!
7. Everyone wears slippers
Via shopback.ph
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
People’s doormats are filled with random tsinelas (slippers). Everyone in the househould must own a pair or five.
6. Drinking is a social activity
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
People take shots of beer or hard liquor out of a bottle and pass it around until said liquor is finished–and continue until they can’t drink anymore.
5. Everyone’s a singing superstar
Via wanderlusting.me
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
Random get-togethers quickly turninto a singing competition via a Karaoke machine. Forget The Voice, American Idol, X-Factor–every Pinoy’s got talent!
4. You can’t understand our text messages
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
People message you with weird short cuts and unnecessary capitalizations such as: “W8 lnG U, PpUnTa n mE PoWhZ,.!” (please wait for me, I’m on my way!”)
3. We know how to call your attention
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
Calling people by their real name is too mainstream for Pinoys, so we say “pssst!” and “hoy!”
2. People airdraw after a meal at a restaurant
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
People ask for their restaurant bill by drawing an imaginary rectangle in the air with their finger–and the waiters know exactly what they’re asking for.
1. People Point with their Lips
You know you’re in the Philippines when:
People pout and point using their lips instead of using their hands. It’s like a duck face, but with meaning. Hey, at least it’s not totally pointless. Get it?