Filipino Society and Culture Quick Overview

Filipino Family Values

. The family is the center of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends often called aunts and uncles though they are not.

. People get strength and stability from their family. As such, many children have several godparents, the more the better.

. Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage provided to family members when they seek employment.

. It is common for members of the same family to work for the same company, more likely than not. Jobs are hart to get and you can trust you relatives almost always.

. In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that preferential hiring will be given to family members.

Filipino Concept of Shame

. Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behavior.

. It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal norms of behavior.

. Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards of behavior and if they fail to do so they bring shame not only upon themselves, but also upon their family.

. One indication of this might be a willingness to spend more than they can afford on a party rather than be shamed by their economic circumstances.

. If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.

General Etiquette and Protocol Guidelines

Meeting Etiquette

. Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first.

. A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard greeting.

. Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet.

. Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person's surname until you are invited to use their first name, or even more frequently, their nickname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner bring sweets or flowers to the hosts.

. If you give flowers, avoid chrysanthemums and white lilies.

. You may send a fruit basket after the event as a thank you but not before or at the event, as it could be interpreted as meaning you do not think that the host will provide sufficient hospitality.

. Wrap gifts elegantly as presentation is important. There are no color restrictions as to wrapping paper.

. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Filipino's house:

. It is best to arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited for a large party.

. Never refer to your host's wife as the hostess. This has a different meaning in the Philippines.

. Dress well. Appearances matter and you will be judged on how you dress.

. Compliment the hostess on the house.

. Send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts in the week following the dinner or party. It you have class.

Table manners:

. Wait to be asked several times before moving into the dining room or helping yourself to food.

. Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.

. Do not start eating until the host invites you to do so.

. Meals are often served family- style or are buffets where you serve yourself.

. A fork and spoon are the typical eating utensils.

. Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to the spoon in your right hand.

. Whether you should leave some food on your plate or finish everything is a matter of personal preference rather than culture-driven.

Next Page

Click below to Purchase the English-Cebuano Vocabulary!