Things a Tourist should Never do in the Philippines

I've read before that one of the top users here are from the Philippines. While some users are from different countries (Bangladesh, Nigeria, Canada etc.)

I am a proud Filipina and I live in the Philippines.

Philippines is an archipelago, which means it is a country wherein it has a sea or stretch of water containing many islands.

In every country, each one has their own traditions and beliefs. Here in the Philippines, we have our own cultures, beliefs and traditions too.

If you're a foreigner planning to visit my country in the future, this article is for you.

Before you travel from different countries, it's s always best to know first the do's and don'ts before taking a trip.

Here are the things you should never do in visiting Philippines:

Don't insult the country and the Filipinos

Filipinos has patriotic love in their country. They're always proud in everthing and anything Filipino. They're very protective of their country and its people too. If you make their country a center for humor or says anything offensive about their people, they might take it seriously as a careless mistake.

Never disrespect the Elders

Filipinos value their elders. They take care of them as a gem, especially in the province area. If they found you disrespectful with the elders, they might disrespect you too. It is good to show respect to the elders, it can be shown through a local honoring gesture known as pagmamano.

This is how pag mamano looks like:

The locals might be surprised if a foreigner do this kind of act.

Never use First names to address someone older

Respect is really a big deal in Filipinos. They have their own respective terms to call for someone older. Depending on the age gap, these terms are use regardless of the blood relations. The right terms used are ate (older sister) and kuya (older brother), tita (aunt) and tito (uncle), and lola (grandmother) and lolo (grandfather).

Avoid being Arrogant or Intrusive

Filipinos are very non-confrontational and some locals were easily frightened. When meeting locals, be friendly you will see how Filipinos are hospitable to someone they've just met. If they will invite you in a feast or a gathering, avoid giving an outright "no" at all costs, as they fear it could come off offensive.

Don't go without doing a Research

Philippines is indeed a beautiful country, but when you decided to travel from different places in the country make sure to do some research first. You must travel smartly, taking common precautions with prior research, it can help you decide where to go, what to do, and what to expect in that place. There are places in the country to be best avoided by tourists for their safety.

Avoid a discussion on Religion

Don’t compare cultures and religion locals will find it annoying and offending if you'll compare and criticize their cultures and religions especially their religious beliefs. In fact, in the Philippines divorce is illegal. While Filipinos are mostly Catholics, don’t expect that each person has the same beliefs or practices.

It's quite too long so I'll just cut it here. I know each one of us has do's and don'ts in life, just like in the rules, cultures, traditions or beliefs from different countries. All we need to do is respect one another. It doesn't matter which country are you from, or what race are you as long as there is respect everyting will fall into place.

When this global pandemic ends and everyone is healed, I hope you could visit our country and see how beautiful our place is. 😊

Image source: Pixabay.com, Wikipedia (pagmamano), Manilatimes (The Feast of the black Nazarene)

Related Article:

https://read.cash/@eommaZel/welcome-to-the-city-of-love-06598735

Please leave some comments below and tell me your thoughts about this. I'd love to hear more from you.