What Are Some Aspects of Filipino Culture That is Attractive to Western Tourists?

Lately, a tremendous increase in the number of Western tourists has been experienced in the Philippines. While the recognition of Boracay and Palawan as among the World’s best resorts and the naming of the Undergound River in Puerto Princesa as one of the New Wonders of the World have without a doubt immensely contributed to the statistical results, there are many aspects of the Filipino culture Western tourists find attractive and which make them want to come back to the Philippines over and over again.

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For one thing, there’s the hospitality thing which Filipinos are very well known for. It is part of the Filipino culture to be hospitable. Anywhere in the Philippines, you’ll find Filipinos attending to their guests as if they’re royalty. When Filipinos know you are coming for a visit, they will put their “best foot forward”, not to show off, but to make you feel comfortable. Filipinos will hang their new curtains, change the beddings, polish the floors, and serve you the best foods on their best china! They will even offer you their own bed if they don’t have a guest room for you to stay in. And if you are staying for a few days, they will take some time off from their daily activities to get you around town. It’s really very rare for a Filipino not to go the extra mile for a guest, and this is one aspect of the Filipino culture that many Western tourists appreciate greatly.

Filipinos are also family-oriented. Filipinos uphold family ties and they have a deep respect for the elderly. In the Philippines, it is not uncommon to see families (up to the 3rd and 4th generations in many instances) living together, getting together or doing stuff together. Such a sight brings a warm feeling to anyone, especially to Westerners who may not have seen their own parents since they left home at 18.

The fiesta celebrations and festivals in the Philippines which showcase the Filipino culture and which have themselves formed part of the Filipino culture also serve as an attraction to Western tourists. Fiestas are held even in small political units like the barangay, and in almost every part of the country, festivals are being celebrated monthly. For Western tourists coming to the Philippines, witnessing these events first-hand is truly de-stressing.

The Filipino’s way of celebrating Christmas is another tourist attraction. Only in the Philippines will you experience the celebration of Christmas beginning as early as September. The Philippines, it is said, is one country that has the longest Christmas celebrations. Come September, radio stations start playing traditional Christmas hymns and, the malls are decorated with Christmas stuff. By November, the houses are well lit with Christmas lights, and by December, everyone, wealthy or not, is in a gay and generous mood. It’s almost impossible for anyone not to be influenced or affected by the Christmas spirit.

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There are many Filipino traditions that Westerners delight in, such as the Mano Po, which is the Filipino way of greeting the elderly. Mano Po is done by taking the right hand of the elderly and bringing the back of it (hand) to one’s forehead.

Filipinos eating with their hands is an interesting sight to Westerners. It’s called Kinamay or Kamayan, a well-loved Filipino tradition right to this day. I don’t know how this affects the taste, but it does make eating Filipino dishes more fun.  

Western tourists are attracted to Filipino courtship and wedding traditions, which typically involve practically every member of the Bride’s family. In the Philippines, it is customary for a foreign guy to meet the girl’s family if he wants to get serious with her. He will have to make time and effort to go to the Philippines to show the girl and her family that his intentions are pure. Getting together and blending with the girl’s family in the Philippines is usually what makes it a fun experience for the foreigner.

Usually, the bride’s family will insist on a church wedding being held in the Philippines. Weddings in the Philippines are more fun, with the long line of entourage, and almost everyone in the barangay invited to witness the occasion. The night before the wedding, festivities are usually held in honor of the engaged couple, and on the wedding day itself, another party will be hosted. Although the entire process may take a longer time, for many Westerners, the Filipina is worth going back to the Philippines for!

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