What Filipino People Eat in The Philippines

If you want a relationship with a Filipina, you should know what Filipino people eat in the Philippines, and learn how to love these dishes. Well, it’s not as if you’ll have a hard time swallowing these down your throat. In fact, the Philippines is a country known for many things, and good food happens to be among them.

Filipinos are generally “rice” people, which means to say rice is a staple food in almost every Filipino household. Indeed, Filipinos eat rice three times a day; they eat rice for breakfast, for lunch, and for dinner. Usually, rice is served plain, but rice fried in garlic and served with dried fish, fried egg, and tomatoes is a Filipino favorite.

If you are in the Philippines, or are intending to have a relationship with someone from the Philippines, you should learn to love to eat fish. Seldom can you find any gathering without any fish. Fish is almost never absent from any Filipino table.  Your doctor might have told you that fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, but he might have warned you not to eat fish on a daily basis because of the danger of contamination. It is not that Filipinos belittle the warning, but fish is something that is abundant in the Philippines, and is a lot cheaper than meat or chicken, too. There are hundreds of Filipino recipes involving fish, and you’re definitely going to love Fish Sinigang, Grilled Fish, Sweet and Sour Fish, Fish Fillet in all kinds of sauces, and so much more!

An island with thousands of small islands within, the Philippines boasts of a huge gallery of seafoods to tease your palate. There’s a wide array of seafood dishes out there, and there’s nothing better than eating them freshly cooked beside the seashore. Many restaurants are serving seafood dishes of every kind, but if you’ve never eaten seafoods before, it’s wise to start your lovely experience in an authentic beside-the-beach restaurant, no less!

Lechon manok or roasted chicken is one other thing Filipino people eat in the Philippines most of the time. This can be bought in street corners, in grocery stores and can be made at home. There have been many variations of lechon manok over the years, but many agree that the best kind is still the one that’s traditionally cooked and sold in street corners.

Come special occasions, like fiestas or birthdays, Filipinos indulge in the ultimate favorite – Lechon Baboy (Roasted Pork).

Don’t Filipinos ever eat vegetables or fruits? Of course they do! Let’s not forget, the Philippines has a very rich vegetation, so there’s an abundance of vegetables around, and there’s a range of dishes they can make out of these. Filipinos who have vegetable gardens at home no longer need to go to the market daily for their vegetable supplies. There’s a wealth of fruit trees that naturally grow in the Philippines (among them those fruit trees regarded to possess incredible health benefits, just like guyabano, mangosteen, and coconut), and yes, Filipinos are very well taking advantage of these, as well.

But what is just as important as knowing what Filipino people eat in the Philippines is embracing their rich and colorful heritage.

Meeting Filipino Parents When You Want To Date Their Daughter

If you are meeting a Filipina girl’s parents for the first time, you need to know exactly what to say to Filipino parents when you want to date their daughter. Actually, it isn’t just what you say that matters, but how you say it.

There are several things you will need to think in mind while figuring out the right words to say and how to say them:

1)      Differences in cultural backgrounds and sets of belief especially where courtship and marriage are concerned.

2)      You grew up in a different environment.

3)      Filipinos are generally family-oriented.

With that in mind here are a couple of opening lines that may get you to a good start:

1)      “Your daughter has been talking about you at great lengths, and I could see how much she adores and respects the both of you. I have wanted so much to meet you. I hope you will give me the chance to get to know you and your daughter better.”

2)      “Your daughter is incredibly smart and charming. I told her I would very much want to meet the family from whose genes those came from.”

I’d like to emphasize that these lines are best said with sincerity. Don’t simply engage in lip service. Rather mean every word you say and let the words come from your heart. Speak softly, but clearly. And remember that actions speak louder than words. Don’t forget that Filipinos are smart people. They can tell by simply looking at your actions if you are sincere or not.

Before “meeting the parents” take time to learn a few Filipino words, such as “po” and “opo” which indicate respect of elders. Say, “magandang umaga po” to greet them “good morning”, and say “salamat po” when you want to say “thank you”. Filipino parents will love to hear you say these words to them.

It is important to look your best when “meeting the family” for the first time. Remember first impressions count a lot and along with you say and how you say it matters greatly, the girl’s family will also be looking at your overall persona. If you have been looking forward to this very day as you say, it is important that you come prepared and dressed for the occasion.

It’s not that Filipino parents are particular about looks, but it tells something about your personality, and surely you wouldn’t want to make it appear that you don’t know how to take care of yourself, would you? If you leave that kind of impression, your girl’s parents might think that you wouldn’t be able to take care of their daughter. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Well, of course it does not necessarily mean dressing up to the nines. Now, you don’t want to intimidate the girl’s parents, do you? But you have to look neat and clean-shaven at the very least.

So really, it isn’t just what to say to Filipino parents when you want to date their daughter that matters, but how you say these words and how you carry yourself when you meet them.

What Do Filipino Men Look For In A Woman?

You must be wondering, as any girl might, what do Filipino men look for in a woman. Filipinos are generally known to be conservative, but times have changed, and yes Filipino men have become quite liberated when it comes to relationships. The question is, how far can they go when choosing the one to love and to cherish for ever?

Filipino men may no be any different from any man from foreign loves. Most guys love to play around, and you can say that it is pretty much the same with Filipino men. They enjoy night outs, clubbing, and the company of alluring women. But it is a totally different thing when you’re talking along the marriage line, because Filipinos often go for a one-woman relationship that lasts a lifetime.

That said, the woman he will like to spend the rest of his life must possess patience and understanding.  But of course, it’s not to say that Filipino men are difficult to live with. These virtues are very essential to any relationship. But it cannot be denied either that circumstances arise at any point in the relationship that will cause tempers to easily flare up and lead to bigger problems, and it always helps a lot when you have a woman beside you to calm you down instead of instigate trouble.

A Filipino man does not want a nagger for a wife. A popular personality was once asked what kept his marriage last. Everybody knows that happily-ever-afters are a rarity in showbusiness, yet the man and his wife were able to keep their marriage strong. For what reason? Well, the woman allowed her husband to be who he was. She didn’t nag him about where he was, who he was with, what he was doing and what he was supposed to do. She didn’t bombard her husband with demands.

These days it’s not uncommon to find both parents working. Still, Filipino men would like their wives to be able to take care of the house nonetheless.  That means to say if you want to win the heart of a Filipino man, you have to a super woman who works full time in the office and at home. Well, of course, you may not do all the household chores, but you need to know how to supervise and delegate things so the house looks clean, the food is served, and the children are taken cared of properly.

You don’t have to be an excellent cook to win a man’s heart, although that is a huge plus if you can whip something that is both delicious and nutrition. Feed your man with good food and a lot of love.

It is not at all true that Filipino men go for the damsel-in-distress type of girls. Even if you are independent, smart, and witty, you can still find yourself into the heart of a Filipino man. The important thing is that you show each other mutual respect, and unwavering love, and you can face anything that  comes along and in between your relationship.

If you are looking to marry a Filipino, then you must know things like Filipino wedding traditions and especially what do Filipino men look for in a woman.

How is The Filipino Wedding Process Done?

How is the Filipino wedding process done in the Philippines? There are two ways on how Filipinos can get married. It can either be through church weddings and civil weddings. Since Filipinos are known religious devotees, majority opt to get married in churches.

Church marriages take time and effort to plan out, also money. Weddings in churches are long and complicated. The entire ceremony normally takes about 40 minutes to an hour. However, the picture taking that takes place after the ceremony takes a longer time. Civil weddings are simpler and less complicated.

How do you file for a wedding in the Philippines? Here are the steps you should complete.

  1. The first thing you and your partner should get is a marriage license. Whether you decide to have a church or civil wedding, a license is a prerequisite. Applying for a marriage license can be done in the Local Civil Registry. Couples have to wait for ten days after the application before the marriage license can be issued. Once the license is issued, it should be used within 120 days, or else it would be void.
  2. You and your partner should decide whether you want to get married in a church or in front of a presiding official. In church weddings, the marriage certificate will be signed by both parties in the middle of the ceremony. During civil weddings, it is signed immediately as all witnesses are present.
  3. After the ceremony, the signed marriage certificate is then sent to the municipal hall where it will be filed and kept. Couples should never forget to obtain certified true copies of the marriage certificate from the municipal hall.

How is the Filipino wedding process different from other countries? It isn’t that much different in filing for a marriage license. Other countries have policies that should be followed and requirements that should be passed. However, the entire process is the same. Church weddings differ only depending upon the religion of the parties involved. Muslims have different matrimonial ceremonies from other religions.

Church weddings stand for white wedding dresses, barong tagalogs, tuxedoes or suits, aisles of flowers and a bridal entourage dressed in the couple’s wedding motif. Weddings like these require months of planning and preparation as well as budget. Old-fashioned couples tend to go for church weddings rather than civil weddings.

Civil weddings are ordinarily done in hall of justice but it can also be done in hotels, beaches and gardens, wherever the couples prefer. Witnesses are required to be present as well as the bride and groom. Motifs aren’t needed, but brides are still inspired to wear white dresses and carry small bouquets.

Filipinos place marriage in a high place that is why even if some couples can’t afford to have a wedding, they borrow money from their relatives. Weddings are an important part of the Filipino culture. Some regard wedding ceremonies as a spiritual uplifting and for some, weddings are a way for families to get closer. How is the Filipino wedding process achieved?

How Do Filipino Women Prepare Their Wedding Day

How do Filipino women prepare their wedding day is quite different, but interesting nonetheless. The preparations are grand in many respects, and meaningful in all others. Maybe it has a lot to do with their sentimental nature and the fact that they grew up in an environment where marriage is taught and regarded to be sacred.

Filipino women do take marriage very seriously. For them, marriage is more than just walking down the aisle; it is not just a twenty-hour event or something that can be undone if things don’t turn out well. So when Filipino women prepare for their wedding day, they have in mind a marriage that lasts a lifetime, and that pretty much explains why they have to go through such extent when preparing for the big day.

You’d think things would have gotten easier now with the availability of events coordinators to take the burden off would-be brides, but surprisingly, most Filipino women are still pretty much “hands-on” when it comes to preparing for their wedding day. It’s not that they cannot afford to pay for the services. For these women, doing things on their own makes everything more meaningful and imprints their personality on the event.

Before proceeding with the preparations, the bride-to-be sits with her fiancé to discuss about budget and the three basic Ws:

  • When is the actual date going to be
  • Where will it all happen
  • Who will be attending

Once these have been figured out and agreed upon, the guy usually gives the woman the upper hand in the other wedding details, such as gowns for the bride’s maids, flower girls, and other members of the entourage, and the wedding gown. The Filipina woman may ask her mom and best friends for advice where these matter. A common scenario is these women poring over stacks of magazines or scouring the World Wide Web for days on end. Narrowing the choices down can be extremely difficult, but a decision has to be made and it has to be made soon.

An appointment with the couturier is then made. The bride-to-be may choose to engage the full services of the couturier, which is deemed wise indeed. Besides making the gowns for the entourage, the couturier may spend time with the bride to be the night before the wedding until the wedding day itself to make sure that the wedding gown fits perfectly; otherwise alterations can be done immediately.

The bride-to-be gets a well-deserved massage a day or two before her big day. A full body massage is extremely great for her as it keeps her nerves relaxed and keeps her stress levels down. She may also want to enjoy a facial treatment or a hair makeover, and try on different makeup styles to find the one she will eventually wear on her wedding day.

There’s great rejoicing in the bride’s home the night before the wedding, but the bride has to turn herself in early, so the pre-wedding party is usually enjoyed by the family and friends until the wee hours of the morning.

Notwithstanding the trivialities and how do Filipino women prepare their wedding day, the bride has to prepare herself emotionally, and spiritually, as well, knowing that marriage is and always will be a roller-coaster ride.

Philippine Culture: How Does A Filipino Woman Value Her Family?

How does a Filipino woman value her family? Filipino women have been raised in a culture where family always comes first above all things. A Filipino family is known for its close-knit ties, dignity and strength through adversity. Each member of the family has been taught at a young age to regard the family as the highest priority. No matter where they are or what they do for a living, family members find ways to spend time with each other despite their busy schedule.

Filipino women feel obliged to build a family of their own once they get settled down. Even if they have a career, they always consider the needs of their family first. Filipino women are taught to obey their superiors and elders. They aren’t rebellious and they don’t question the decisions of their elders. As wives, Filipino women also obey their husbands, or so it would appear. Whilst women look to obedient wives, Filipino women are sly and smart. They know what they want and they know how to get it without being too obvious to their husbands.

Filipino women are very respectful and tactful when it comes to the members of the family, especially the elders. They don’t speak rudely towards their parents. Filipino women who were raised properly do not curse or cuss in front of their elders. They also have firm and close-knit relations with their relatives, either by blood or by affinity. They know their aunts, uncles and cousins.

How does a Filipino woman value her family ties? Majority of women even after marriage opt to stay at their parents’ house. Even if they could afford buying and owning their own house, they would still choose to live with their parents. They also help their parents and their siblings in the financial aspect. They offer their help even when it is not needed. A family does not only mean people you are related to by blood. Filipinos also lend a helping hand to their in-laws in times of trouble.

Filipino women live to please their family. They would cook for their husbands everyday if they could. They clean the house and oblige in doing the household chores. She would cook his favourite meal and be at his beck and call. That is what a Filipino wife does for her husband. She does not do anything to displease her husband because she respects their relationship and their family bond.

In the modern times, Filipino women have adapted to the needs of the family and the society. In the past, women were just housewives. Today, they juggle having a career, children and keeping a good home. However, they still do not jeopardize their family. If given a chance, some Filipino women still opt to stay at home and take care of the family than to be away at work. They value the importance of their marriage and would fight for it if they think it is at risk for a rocky path. How does a Filipino woman value her family if not with respect and loyalty?

Philippine Culture: How Does a Filipino Girl Value Education?

How does a Filipino girl value education and intelligence? Filipinos put education at such a high regard that even if they do not have the means, they put their children through school. Filipino girls have been brought up in an environment where education is a priority. Socio-economic status and health are not deemed as hindrances to get a better education. This is probably the reason why Filipino girls opt for educated guys when they choose their partners.

Education has been an indispensable part of the Philippine history. During the colonization of the Philippines, Filipinos have been taught by the Spaniards philosophy, science and math. Even in those times, Filipino women have been educated as well as their male counterparts. In the past, even though Filipino girls were educated in the field of science, math and philosophy, they still became stay-at-home wives. They didn’t find the need to establish a career for themselves.

The modern era of the century has provided a different outlook for the role of a Filipino woman. No longer are they just housewives contented with making a home, but today, they also strive to be educated and employed. Some women have even gone as far as to establish a career first before settling down and getting married.

A characteristic that a girl looks for in a probably partner is intelligence. Most of the time, the girl usually asks where the guy went to school and his major. Being educated is a big point for most women. How does a Filipino girl value education? By making sure that her boyfriend and future husband is well-educated. They need to have intelligent and interesting conversations with their partner. When girls start a family, they read to their children and teach them addition and subtraction even at an early age. They tell them bedtime stories about famous legends and fables. Filipino families really champion the cause of education.

Filipinos have the burning desire to learn about everything they can. They learn fast especially when they can benefit from what they know. Filipinos know that with the right knowledge, they can arm themselves to survive in the reality of life. That is how Filipinos succeed in life; with the knowledge they accumulate through school and the street smarts they acquire everyday. That is what Filipinos want their future children to gain; knowledge to help them out in life.

Education is the best legacy parents can leave to their children and their grandchildren. That is why women need their partners to have a high regard for education as well. They want a family where education is a priority and children appreciated learning about everything.

Filipino girls pride themselves on being book smarts and having the street smarts as well. They read books to learn and they apply it to real life. When a woman decides to have a career, she has what it takes to make it happen. There are successful women who are also great mothers. How does a Filipino girl value education: treating it as a secret to become successful.

How Does a Filipino Girl Respect the Elders: Filipino Facts

How does a Filipino girl respect the elders? Respecting elders is a big part of the Philippine culture. Even as children, Filipinos are taught family values, discipline and respect, especially for elders. The first thing you would notice Filipino girls do when they are in the presence of their parents or elders is they give them a kiss. This is how they acknowledge someone older than they are is with them. A kiss is done when greeting their parents or their elderly. They also do this before they go to school or someplace else.

Mano po is another way girls respect their elders or their parents. This gesture is usually done when greeting or when saying goodbye. What they do is take the hand of their elder, the palm faced down, and they bring the hand to their foreheads. This is not just a sign of respect, but it is a way the elderly give their blessings to the younger generation. The elders then reply by saying, “God bless you”.

The words “Po,” “Opo,” and “Ho” are words that connotes respect for elders and those superior when talking to them. These words are used to end a sentence. These can also be used when answering questions that require yes or no answers. In the past, these words were very popular and were a must in a Filipino’s vocabulary. However, some ofthe younger generation today dismiss the whole tradition. They say that it’s too embarrassing and it cramps their style. Some Filipino families still want to uphold this value to teach their children the importance of respect.

How does a Filipino girl respect the elders? Filipino girls give respect to their elders and parents when they obey them. Filipino families are very conservative and some of them would ask their daughters to go directly at home after school or work. The dutiful daughters would oftentimes do as they say.

Filipino girls are modest especially when they are in the presence of their superiors and elders. They tend to be quiet and keep to themselves. This is how Filipino girls were taught to be.

The Filipino language is equipped with the necessary words to show respect for the elders. Aside from po and opo, Filipinos address older people with manang, ate, manong or kuya. Ate and manang are words used for addressing older females like cousins and sisters. Kuya and manong are used for older male cousins and brothers.

Before marrying someone or before accepting a suitor, Filipino girls ask the opinion of their elders and their parents. If the elders do not like the guy, most of the time, the girl would not go through with it. Approval of the guy furthers the relationship and serves as the blessing.

The Filipino culture and tradition highlights family values. These values are then passed down from generation to generation to ensure the continuity of the traditions. Children born into a Filipino family are taught to respect elders. Continuing family tradition is also how does a Filipino girl respect the elders.

Pre-Wedding Facts: How Does a Filipino Woman Respect Marriage Traditions

How does a Filipino woman respect marriage traditions? Simply by following a few of them, that’s how! Marriage is a big deal for most Filipino families because it is a time when two families come together to celebrate a union. It is a time when the woman enjoys planning for her soon-to-be wedding. Since Filipinos are highly religious, most marriages take place in churches.Even if they don’t have enough money, they would still push through with a church wedding. This is one of the many traditions of Filipino marriages.

Filipinos regard their parents and elders with utmost respect. That is why Filipino women, before marrying, would sit down and talk to their parents. Before making any decision about getting married, the bride-to-be and her fiancé must get the blessing of the parents and elders. The tradition of “Pamamanhikan” or the time the man, together with his parents, visits the woman’s residence to make wedding arrangements. Some families still uphold the tradition of the dowry and some parents expect the guys to be of service to them.

Brides-to-be are expected to wear white during their wedding day. It’s a tradition that sprung years ago. Brides also wear long veils or short veils. Wedding jewelry must not be made of pearls or anything with a pearl. Pearls are gemstones that are shaped like tears. Brides should avoid them because wearing them on the wedding day will spell heartaches and sadness for the married life.

The question, how does a Filipino woman respect marriage traditions, is easy to answer. Most Filipino women go by the rules of the book, especially when they want to have a traditional wedding. Church wedding ceremonies involve the veil and cord ceremony as well as the candle lighting. The pinning of the veil and the cord symbolize fidelity within the marriage for years to come. Lighting the candle symbolizes the unity of the man and woman during marriage.

Wedding traditions include throwing of rice over the heads of the bride and groom once the ceremony is over. This ensures a happy and prosperous married life. The bride should make it a point to assign people to throw rice at them once the ceremony is over.

The reception that comes after the wedding is also a part of the traditions. The common venue for the reception includes the hotel ballroom, the backyard of a home, a garden or by the beach. Delicious food dishes are served during the reception. Receptions in the past served home-cooked dishes. Today, dishes are catered.

The money dance performed during the reception is a part of the wedding traditions. A slow music is played, and the bride and groom dance while family, friends and guests pin money bills on their clothes. This is a fun way to gain money without asking for it! Two white doves are also released during the reception to symbolize the love and commitment between the newlyweds. These are just a few of the wedding traditions in relation to the question, how does a Filipino woman respect marriage traditions?

What Filipino Men are Like: The Inside-Scoop

Getting the inside view on what Filipino men are like is as easy as looking into the glass. Typically, most Filipino men are the same. Inwardly, they are all protective. Being males, like most animals, they make sure that their mates are well-cared for. Instinctively, men will do anything to protect their women. This is the reason why, when crossing the street, the men are always on the danger side of the women.

Filipino men are programmed to be gentlemen. Since they were kids, they were taught to respect their elders and be polite. They open doors for their dates, pull out the chairs, open the car doors, etc. When they get down from the vehicle, they hold the woman’s hand to help her down and to prevent her from tripping. These gestures may sound a bit old-world, and some feminists may disapprove, but that’s how Filipino men are. They say “po” or “opo” to address their elders. Being polite and courteous is stitched into their DNA.

They can also be conservative because that’s how they were raised. Old-fashioned Filipino men still prefer women who show less skin to those who show more skin. Sometimes, they also prefer timid and nice girls to the loud and wild ones. Case in point, some men would shun away smoking, alcoholic girls who party all night. Other guys make like these girls, but the typical nice and sweet guy would rather cuddle with the nice girls who stay at home.

Wanting to learn what Filipino men are like is the first step to getting closer to one. One thing about these men is that they are friendly and jolly. They love looking at smiling faces and would rather be with laughing with friends, having a few drinks. They are also outgoing. Even though the Philippine culture is quite conservative, it does not stop people from throwing parties and social get-togethers.

Although they are outgoing, Filipino men have a tendency to keep quiet when it comes to expressing their feelings. They don’t really know to say what they feel, and they prefer to keep silent. This is true in situations where they opt to be inoffensive.

Filipino men are known to be generous and very hard-working. When they have something to share, they do share it with friends or family. They are considered to be excellent breadwinners of their families because they always put the needs of the entire family first. This is the reason why men work hard and concentrate on their work.

Filipino men, especially those raise Christian, are God-fearing. Thus, they are loyal and faithful to their loved ones, and their wives. Once they say their vows, it’s until death do you part.

Guys with these characteristics are worth getting to know, and who knows? They may grow on you. Men who are nice, thoughtful, caring, respectful, loyal, smart, outgoing and God-fearing are scarce. They are rare and are the type to settle down and get serious. These characteristics embody what Filipino men are like once you take the time to know them better.

Unveiling Male Behaviour: How Do Filipino Men Treat Filipina Women

How do Filipino men treat Filipina women? Like queens, princess and well, the senoritas that they are. Filipino men are affectionate and they like to express how they really feel. They grew up in a culture wherein respecting women go hand in hand with love. Filipino courtship, especially the traditional “ligaw”, is a process where a man serenades the woman under her window, does household chores and cajoles her into a committed relationship.

Men will do anything for the object of their affection, sometimes, even if that means, making themselves look like complete fools. Filipina women liked to be treated like queens. During sunny days, the men would carry the umbrella for the women so that they don’t get exposed to the sun’s rays. Sometimes, the men also carry the women’s heavy luggage. There are also times when the man would do chores around the woman’s house. This practice was done way back a few decades ago. However, some men still practice it today.

Filipino men, when in love, tend to shower gifts to their women. They are romantic when they want to be. They pamper their women. A man overdoes the whole romantic thing. He showers her with flowers, chocolates, sends food over and takes her out on romantic places. If he’s feeling really creative, he’d cook for her; they’d have candle-lit dinners and watch black and white movies.

How do Filipino men treat Filipina women? They treat them with velvet gloves. Filipino men adore and respect their women. Aside from doing chores for the woman’s family as a form of courtship (pamamanhikan), men also accompany women wherever they go. They tail their women even when they go shopping. This is to make sure that the women are safe at all times.

A Filipino man becomes sweet and thoughtful when he is with the woman he loves. He introduces her to his family and friends, and he is proud of her. He makes sure that she knows how he really feels inside and that he’s serious about their relationship. When it rains and she didn’t bring a jacket, he would gladly offer his jacket to her. He writes her love letters and read poems that he has written himself. He remembers to pick her favourite cup of coffee during cold days.

In marriage, men tend to submit a bit to their wives because they respect them. For example, since men are the breadwinners, they give their wives their pay check. They do this because their wives are the ones in-charge of the home. The wives budget the money to fit the monthly needs of the family. Men also become more responsible once they get married.

Filipino men often treat their women like how they would their mom. This is not the I-care-for-you-because-you-remind-me-of-mom thing. They respect the woman they love, give her opinions and ideas importance,and care for her. Men make it a point to make their women feel like queens who deserve only the best in life. How do Filipino men treat Filipina women; like glass figurines.