Four Tips For Easy Acclimation In The Philippines!

I’ve had exactly ZERO problems since arriving! Literally everything I planned to accomplish was made easy because of the friendliness of the people. One particular friend (who I’ve yet to meet in person) Ehrly has been a tremendous help with suggestions for travel and even introducing me to others in locations I'd planned to visit.

Adjusting to a new culture is not always easy, but with the right attitude and understanding, it can be an enriching experience. The Philippines has a unique culture that may be unfamiliar or seem strange at first, but it is possible to assimilate into this environment with very little effort.

Here are some tips for successfully adapting to the culture of the Philippines:

1) Get to know the people

One of the best ways to assimilate into a new culture is to make friends with locals and get to know them on a personal level. A great way to do this is through social gatherings such as parties, sporting events or community activities and festivals. Even just visiting the same coffee shop in the mornings will result in new friendships. The Filipino people will delight in helping you learn more about their customs and traditions.

Remember a key rule of life: "Success is not to be pursued, it is to be attracted". In order to be a successful person, you must become an attractive person. Success will find you!

2) Learn the language:

Learning the language is essential for assimilating into any new culture, and the Philippines is no different. There are many resources available to help you learn Tagalog, including online courses, tutoring services and books. Even if you aren’t able to become fluent, learning basic phrases will show locals that you’re trying to make an effort.

Learning Tagalog can be great fun. with its colorful and vibrant language that can prove to be an exciting new challenge. You will find it a rewarding experience, if you just give a little effort. (Tagalog is the official dialect; however, there are many. So learn the dialect where you live.)

3) Respect local customs:

It is important to be mindful of the cultural norms and traditions of the Philippines. Be aware of your manners and dress appropriately for religious ceremonies or other formal gatherings. Additionally, it’s beneficial to learn about Filipino customs such as handshakes and greeting rituals. Some common Philippine customs include adapting to a “Filipino time” mindset, showing respect for elders, addressing people politely, dressing modestly, avoiding public displays of affection, and being mindful of local beliefs and taboos.

Adapting to Filipino time means understanding that things usually take a bit longer than expected. It is wise to plan ahead and give yourself extra time in case of delays, as being late is seen as rude.

Respecting elders is also important in the Philippines, with age being directly correlated to rank and respect. To show respect for elders, people should use titles or honorifics when addressing them.

When interacting with other locals, it is important to use polite language and address people using their titles or surnames. As a sign of respect, it is also common to take off shoes when entering someone’s home.

Dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and dress in a manner that is respectful of local traditions and customs.

Finally, visitors should be aware of local taboos and beliefs in the Philippines. These may vary from region to region, but some common taboos include avoiding talking about death or the supernatural, and not pointing with the index finger.

Being mindful of these customs is key to having a successful visit when travelling in the Philippines.

4) Being open minded:

Have an open mind when it comes to new experiences and ideas. Try to see things from a different perspective, rather than judging or criticizing them based on your own preconceived notions. Additionally, be willing to try new things, such as local cuisine or customs that may be unfamiliar to you.