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.

Laws of Attraction: What Filipino Girls like in A Man

If you are a man looking to date a Filipina, then you should know what Filipino girls like in a man. Filipino girls by nature are sweet and romantic. They like to be wooed, the traditional way, of course. The traditional way of wooing a Filipina is to come to her house, get to know her parents and hopefully, they could see your intentions. During these modern times, if you do not want to court a girl the traditional way, you can show it differently. Flowers and chocolates are still a must. Dates are part of the wooing process and this is the phase where you must be consistent and persistent.

Consistency is one of the characteristics that Filipina girls like most in a man. This is a great trait because every girl wants someone who will continue to woo them. This characteristic is also a way they know whether a man can be depended on. When a Filipino girl is looking for a man to have a serious relationship with, they want someone who’s responsible. What they mean by responsible is being careful in making decisions. Once a girl sees that you are responsible and hardworking, it shows that you are qualified for long term commitments and possibly even marriage. That is the goal, isn’t it?

Another popular saying is, “You are what you attract.” This goes without saying that you attract what you put out. If you want a girl to like you, then you must make sure you are attractive both outside and inside as well. Clean and well-groomed are what Filipino girls like in a man. They don’t want someone grubby and greasy. Make sure to fix yourself up. It won’t hurt you if you smell good as well. Intelligence is something respected and looked up to. Be smart and witty. Talk to her about things other than the weather or your favourite sports team.

A girl needs a caring man, someone not just sweet, but kind and thoughtful as well. If she’s sick, visit her and show her you care. A bowl of hot soup and a glass of orange juice will make her feel better if she’s sick with the flu. Little things like leaving sweet notes or thoughtful texts will make her feel special. Filipino girls like a nice guy, someone who knows the right thing and someone who will be there for her. While crossing the street, you should be at her danger side. When you will eat at a restaurant, hold out a chair for her.

If you want a Filipino girl to like you, then you must be yourself. Do not pretend to be someone you’re not. If you’re funny, tell her jokes, make her laugh. Do not pretend to be richer than you are. Be honest and loyal. Somehow, girls have this internal radar which buzzes them if you’re telling a lie. It’s called women’s intuition, a gut feeling. So, you better be honest, because girls tend to know when you’re not. Romantic, sweet, thoughtful, honest, loyal and intelligent; these are what Filipino girls like in a man.

The Filipino Spirit: What Filipino Festivals are Celebrated by Filipinos Worldwide

What Filipino festivals are celebrated by Filipinos worldwide? There is a very long list that will answer this question. Filipinos are known for their festive spirits and for the enthusiasm in having to celebrate even little things. For every month of the year, there is usually some sort of  celebration going on in the country. Some of the most celebrated events are the town fiestas. Town fiestas are celebrated to honor the patron saint of a particular town, and as we all know, the Philippines is largely a Catholic nation. Most residents cook and invite guests to their home for a taste of good home-cooked meals.

Another festival that Filipinos practice even if they’re somewhere else in the world is Holy Week. This is the time of the year, when Catholics pay tribute to Jesus Christ journey from life to death, and back to life again. Different cities have a different way of celebrating this event. In some cities, the people observe Holy Week rather quietly, while in other cities, there are grand celebrations going on. The Moriones festival which features the re-enactment of the passion of Christ is an example of how Filipinos celebrate the Holy Week. However Filipinos celebrate Holy Week, you can bet that there is always a good amount of fasting and praying during that entire week.

Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan are both a form of religious devotion to the Sto. Nino and a way for people to unwind and break free from their monotonous lives. Participants put black paint on their bodies, add a little bit of bold and bright colors and they wear head gears made of indigenous materials. Then, with feathers on their heads, beads and eye-catching shields, participants march down the street to the beat of drums. Bystanders feel the beat and enjoy the rest of the festivities.

Filipinos are not just known to celebrate religious devotions and events, there are also other festivals that they take pride in. Some are harvest festivals to help the town prosper and others are festivities that center around flowers. The Panagbenga festival of Bagiuo is known for beautiful and colourful parade floats that are made of blooming flowers. Aptly celebrated during the merry month of February when the flowers are in full bloom, the Panagbenga festival is definitely worth seeing.

Every year, during the 12th of June, Filipinos all over the world raise the Philippine flag in remembrance of their Independence Day. A flag is waved from the balcony of Emilio Aguinaldo’s house, the place where the flag was first raised.

Catholics are not the only ones to celebrate their religion in the Philippines. There is also an annual celebration of the Ramadan, an entire month wherein Muslims fast. Another event held in celebration of the spread of Islam is the Rajah Baguinda festival.

Christmas is a festival that is celebrated by every country, and Filipinos are no exception. During this time, Catholic Filipinos and their families go to church together and wait in anticipation for the birth of Christ. Early morning masses or the Simbang Gabi is a tradition followed by the majority of Filipinos. Hot choco and puto are the food choices after every mass. So what Filipino festivals are celebrated by Filipinos worldwide? All these and still a lot more.

What Filipino Girls Don’t Like Most In A Man

Being overly pretentious is what Filipino girls don’t like most in a man. It’s one thing to please a Filipina, but a completely different thing to go the extent of pretending to be someone you really are not. There are certain qualities that Filipina women are looking for in a man, but it does not mean that you will do a complete revamp of your personality just to fit in the shoes, so to speak. Of course, if the change is done for the right reasons, then well and good, but if the sole reason for the change in attitude is simply to get a woman’s attention, and not at all wholeheartedly done, eventually your real self will begin to resurface, which may turn the woman off for good.

I’m not at all saying that you cannot anymore change certain qualities about you. After all, there are desirable qualities that only take some discipline to achieve, like for instance, being on time. Filipina girls like their men to be on time most of the time, at least, if not every time. If you have had a habit of being late in your appointments, this is one thing you can easily work on as it only takes, yes, discipline, to get your time organized in a way that you will not miss your appointments. And this is one change of habit that is going to reap many great rewards sooner or later, other than winning the heart of your girl, that is.

It’s the same thing with being thoughtful, a quality that’s also desired by Filipino women. If you’re not by nature a thoughtful person, that, too, can be changed, although there is no guarantee that it can be done overnight. From being a rather thoughtless person to a thoughtful one should not take a lot of hard work, but it pays to have a lot of determination. Starting your journey to eventually becoming thoughtful does not require a lot of monetary investment, either, because as the saying goes, it’s not the gift that matters; rather, it’s the thought that counts. Being thoughtful means making time to remember a loved one, whether through inspiring messages sent through text or email, or some other means. Surely, this is something you can do everyday, right? Once the habit grows into you, showing thoughtfulness in some other ways, ultimately becomes second nature to you.

What Filipino girls don’t like most in a man is when they end up overly pretentious. For instance, to get a girl’s attention, one pretends to be richer or more powerful than he really is. To a Filipina girl, doing that is actually an insult as Filipino women really looks beyond a person’s wealth, fame or power. Likewise, Filipino women find it utterly bad taste to pretend to have a sense of humor when that does not come naturally at all.

To win a Filipino girl’s heart, just be yourself. You will be appreciated far more than pretending to be what Filipino girls don’t like most in a man.

How Will A Filipino Girl Learn To Like You

You will not find it that necessary to know how will a Filipino girl learn to like you unless you are enamored by her beauty, charm, or wit. Well, you certainly are not alone. Men from different countries and all walks of life are just as interested in Filipino girls as you are. Filipinos do have that kind of charm that magnetizes men. Sometimes, all it takes is one look and you know there’s nothing else you’d want more than make her learn to like you.

Well, Filipina girls are not hard to please, so don’t feel intimidated. But it doesn’t mean that getting a girl from the Philippines to like you is a walk in the park, either. You cannot be overconfident. Learning how to balance your actions is very critical.

The first step to getting a Filipino girl to like you is to be a gentleman. If you’re not exactly the gentleman type of a guy, you must work on it to increase your chances of winning the heart of a Filipina. Feminism is now being given importance in the Philippines, and being a gentleman does not have to change that, all. Actually, to be a gentleman in these modern times does not mean rescuing a lady in distress or making the girl feel she needs you all the time to do stuff for her. To be a gentleman simply means being there with her, not necessarily, for her. To be a gentleman is not to go overboard with your actions to the point that they become insulting or even revolting to the opposite sex. It doesn’t sound very easy now, does it? Well that makes the whole process of getting the Filpina to like you more challenging, more exciting.

You will increase your chances of a Filipina liking you when you show her in any way that you’re thinking about her. An easy way to d this is by sending her text messages. Texting in the Philippines has become a favorite pastime. The girls actually look forward to their cellphones beeping, alerting them of an incoming message. Send her something that will put a smile on her face. You don’t have to say a lot for as long as it is something that you really mean to tell her. But you wouldn’t want to fill her inbox with text messages coming from you. Keep the excitement going by sending her messages in the morning, at midday and once at night time.

You may want to give her flowers, too, to let her know that you think of her as someone special. But keep in mind that not every Filipina loves to receive flowers, especially from virtual strangers. Determine first if the Filipina is the flower type sort of girl and find out what her favorite flower is before sending her a bouquet.

Be in your best behavior while being yourself at the same time. Don’t change who you are. Just be yourself and show your best qualities. That is how will a Filipino girl learn to like you.

What to Say to Filipino Parents When You Want to Date Their Daughter

It’s hard enough meeting the parents of a woman you’re dating, so imagine how much harder it is if you’re dating someone whose cultural background is radically different from yours. This is the main problem faced by western men dating Filipina women. Even if you’ve been to the Philippines a few times, and even if you have several Filipino friends, you’re still not equipped with the right things to say to the parents of a Filipino woman you’re dating. What do you say to Filipino parents when you want to date their daughter? How would the subject even come up?

Date a Filipina Girl
Date a Filipina Girl

The good news is that there are two magic lines that can help you make a great impression right from the start. Here they are:

Magic Line #1 – “When I got to know her, it was obvious to me that she came from a good, respectable family. That’s why I wanted to meet you.”

This may sound like a strange thing to say at first, but Filipinos are very family-oriented. Apart from caring about traditional family values, they also care about how their family is perceived. Filipino parents would appreciate hearing that the good character of their daughter reflects their own good qualities as parents.

Magic Line #2 – “She’s very smart, understanding, and kind. I also admire how much she loves and respects you both – I hope I can do the same.”

It’s a common mistake to try and impress Filipino parents with your own list of achievements. But what most western men don’t know is that humility is important to Filipinos. They play down their own achievements and good qualities. Bragging is frowned upon.

Instead of talking about yourself, praise their daughter. Note that you don’t have to use the exact words listed above. Any praise noting the character of the woman you’re dating will do. It’s also important to mention how she cares for her parents, and how you are willing to do the same. This will go a long way expressing to them that you are open to accepting them as part of your family should you decide to make a stronger commitment later on.

While these two magic lines won’t get you through the whole conversation, it’s a great way to start. Don’t be surprised that, as a result of saying these words, the family will welcome you with open arms and invite you to sit down with them on a spontaneous celebratory meal that marks the start of your courtship.