What should foreign guys know before dating in the Philippines?

Ronna Lou

Matchmaker, Dating Advisor, and Wannabe Writer

Dating in the Philippines can take foreign men by surprise with how “familiar” it can feel. A lot of our dating practices can be very modern and “Westernized.”

For example:

A lot of Filipinas are on dating apps.

Modern Filipinas are no strangers to casual relationships.

Physical intimacy isn’t always tied to emotions.

Some Filipinas will demand to be treated the way they believe Western women are being treated (but this one can be unclear, since not everyone is on the same page about what kind of treatment this refers to).

Despite all these similarities, there are still things that are specific to dating in the Philippines.

If you’re a foreign man dating a Filipina, you need to be prepared for some of these things:

Family members and even distant relatives will usually comment or give unsolicited advice about your relationship.

Some Filipinas will expect that because you’re dating them, it means you will marry them someday (which is why communication really IS key).

Being a man and a foreigner will also give you the reputation of being a generous lover (which can translate to you being expected to pay for everything).

A lot of Filipinas really WILL save physical intimacy for marriage (yes, even kissing).

Going out in public places with your Filipina girlfriend will usually get you stared at.

Dating in the Philippines isn’t always “rustic” or all about going to the beach. We have a lot of modern dating spots and fancy restaurants. In fact, our shopping malls are considered small palaces with a lot of high-end amenities for couples to enjoy.

Yes, there are romance scammers in the Philippines. You need to be careful about who you meet and how you meet them. There is risk in both online dating and in-person connections, so you have to do your research.

Why are Filipino women so beautiful and desirable?

 

Ronna Lou

 

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Matchmaker, Dating Advisor, and Wannabe Writer

As a Filipina, it’s always nice to read about people from other countries appreciating beautiful Filipino women.

I can’t speak for all the men who find Filipinas attractive, but I’d like to believe that it’s because of how our physical characteristics blend with our personality traits.

Most Filipinas are morena or have a dark brown complexion. For a lot of guys, this is highly appealing. We also tend to keep our hair long and well-maintained, and because we’re used to doing household chores and keeping ourselves busy with taking care of our families, we’re also often in good shape.

As for personality traits, Filipinas are usually modest and dainty. Since traditional gender roles are still common in Filipino culture, the women in the country are also more feminine.

Despite all that, it’s not always obvious to us Filipinas that we are considered beautiful or desirable. This is mostly because conventional beauty standards are based on Western features, like blonde hair, pale skin, and high-bridged nose—features that are distinctly non-Filipino.

So it’s nice to read things like this. You may not be talking about me specifically, but you have my gratitude all the same.

Let me end my answer by sharing photos of more beautiful Filipino women:

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

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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

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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