Which Philippine destinations are most worth visiting for long-term residents?

 

Ronna Lou

Matchmaking Consultant (2016–present)Jan 22

I guess it depends on your preferences.

For example, if you like the beach vibe, you can visit Siargao, Boracay, or Palawan.

El Nido, Palawan

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

If you are into fresh mountain air and the smell of pine, Baguio or Banaue are good destinations.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Photo by John Renzo Aledia from Pexels

For a more modern feel, with a skyline that can compete with other beautiful cities around the world, Metro Manila and Cebu City should be on your list.

Downtown Cebu

Photo by Gil Aguirre from Pexels

But if you prefer an open wilderness and experience exotic wildlife with the amenities of a developing city, Bohol or Davao are your best options.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Photo by Jondave Libiran from Pexels

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, offers a wide variety of destinations that even locals will want to visit soon. Whether you go to the beach, explore a modern city, or hike up a mountain, you’ll get to experience firsthand the rich culture, history, and heritage that the country is founded on.

What Filipino practices are unique from other cultures?

 

Ronna Lou

Philippine-Women.com Dating Coach and Matchmaking Consultant

There are so many unique Filipino practices that set us apart from other cultures. Some of them include:

• "Pagmamano"

A traditional way of greeting elders by taking their hand and placing it on one's forehead as a sign of respect. This practice is still widely observed in many Filipino households and formal gatherings.

• "Pabitin"

A traditional Filipino game where prizes are hung on a bamboo frame and participants try to grab as many prizes as they can by jumping and reaching up to the frame.

• "Sari-sari stores"

Small neighborhood convenience stores found all over the Philippines that sell a wide variety of goods, from snacks and drinks to household items and toiletries. They are a unique feature of Filipino culture and are a convenient one-stop-shop for many Filipinos.

• "Kamayan"

A traditional Filipino way of eating with one's hands, usually done during feasts and special occasions. Food is served on banana leaves and diners use their hands to scoop up portions of rice and viands.

• "Pasalubong"

The practice of bringing gifts or souvenirs for friends and family when returning from a trip. It's a way of showing thoughtfulness and appreciation for loved ones and is an important part of Filipino hospitality.

Related info: Filipino Practices You Should Know About

Hope this helps!

What are some facts about the Philippines?

 

Ronna Lou

Philippine-Women.com Dating Coach and Matchmaking Consultant

Matchmaking Consultant2016–present

Studied Information Technology

Lives in Phoenix, AZ2017–present

The country is made up of 7,641 islands, making it the second-largest archipelago in the world.

The world's largest pearl was discovered in the Philippines, known as the "Pearl of Lao Tzu". It weighs 14 pounds and is valued at approximately $40 million.

The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Cordillera region of the Philippines are known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." They were carved by hand over 2,000 years ago and cover an area of over 4,000 square miles.

It is home to the world's smallest monkey, the Philippine Tarsier, which can fit in the palm of your hand.

It is the only country in Asia that is predominantly Roman Catholic due to its Spanish colonial past.

It is the world's leading producer of coconuts and pineapples and is also a major exporter of bananas and mangoes.

The world's largest indoor arena is the Philippine Arena. It has a seating capacity of up to 55,000 people.

It is the first country in Southeast Asia to gain independence from a colonial power, which is the United States in 1946.

Hope this helps!

[photo edited from Canva]

As an expat, is it possible to ride in the Philippines jeepney?

Philippine Deep Dive

 · 

Following

Answered by 

Ronna Lou

 

If you want a cheap and fun way to get around, riding a jeepney is the best option for you.

You just have to remember that since it’s a public vehicle, it can get crowded and sometimes uncomfortable, especially during rush hour.

But with a bit of patience and flexibility, it can be an exciting, unique, and memorable cultural experience, especially if you’re an expat.

Related read: Filipino Practices You Should Know About

What Filipino foods can I serve to my white friends?

Ronna Lou

 · 

Philippine-Women.com Dating Coach and Matchmaking Consultant

What Filipino foods can I serve to my white friends?

According to my foreign friends, these are some of the Filipino dishes they can’t resist.

• Adobo
• Lechon
• Sisig
• Kare-Kare
• Lumpia
• Sinigang

For desserts, these are the ones they love.

• Halo-Halo
• Leche Flan
• Buko Pandan
• Maja Blanca
• Cassava Cake
• Ube Halaya

You can read more about Filipino food here: Top Must-Try Filipino Dishes

Ronna Lou

Philippine-Women.com Dating Coach and Matchmaking Consultant

For Westerners, it's truly more fun in the Philippines!

Philippine Deep Dive

Answered by 

Ronna Lou

Why do Western people want to retire in the Philippines?

Other than the country and the people itself, there is a myriad of reasons why most foreigners would want to live the rest of their golden years in Asia’s Pearl of the Orient. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Decent cost for an average lifestyle
• Great food
• Rich culture and heritage
• Almost anyone knows how to speak English
• The warm and tropical climate
• Relaxing and calming effects of nature and scenery

To learn more about the reasons why more and more foreign people are coming to the Philippines, read: Life as an Expat in the Philippines

What are the worst ways to offend a Filipino person?

 

Philippine Deep Dive

 · 

Following

Answered by 

Ronna Lou

As a Filipino, here are some things other people do that I find offensive

• Insult our food
• Insult our family members
• Laughing at our accent
• Disrespect our religion
• Assume we are all uneducated
• Bringing up toxic stereotypes

Sometimes, it’s an honest mistake. Other times, there are people who intentionally offend Filipinos just because. And if that doesn't reveal their personalities, I don't know what does.

Related read: What Not to Say to Filipinos