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Are you a foreigner who's considering migrating here in the #Philippines? Here are some things to consider you probably will not read from anywhere.

I. Traditions and hierarchy

If you are from a culture where hierarchy and respect is highly valued, you should consider migrating as far away from Manila as possible.

You see, the closer you get to Manila (or National Capital Region), the more Westernised it is. Filipino traditions of hierarchy and respect is fast eroding.

For example, if you are from Spain or China, any form of marriage dowry/service is long gone. However, it is very much alive elsewhere.

The Filipino traditional marriage dowry is the guy going into service for the woman's family until he gets their blessing. Filipino-Chinese can choose between that or the Chinese tradition of exchanging precious gifts.

Another thing, Manila no longer cares about family clans. But elsewhere in the country, it still matters.

II. On respect.

If you are Korean or Japanese, you'll be happy to discover that the Filipino language, and all Philippines languages, are rich in words of respect, like how it is in #Hangugeo and #Nihongo.

However, in Manila (or National Capital Region), many of these were forgotten because of the prevalence of English.

Example, if in Korean there are different levels of respect based on age and/or hierarchy, we do have different levels as well. The farther you go from Manila, the more this respect through words are still observed. In Manila, levels of respect is practically non-existent, and if you speak that way, people tend to get surprised because it sounds "old fashioned".

Another example. In Korean culture, the youngest, or the newest member of the company/team, gets ordered around; it's a thing here as well. Also, they're expected to pay for everything, HAHAHAHA. The only difference, we don't have a seating arrangement, so they usually choose the corner to avoid getting ordered around. (Wise, right?)

III. Age.

We don't ask each other's age here. However, it is NOT rude to ask someone's age, even women.

If you're Western, don't be surprised if someone asks your age, especially if you're a woman. We do understand in Western cultures it is rude to ask a woman her age, or anyone for that matter. But you're here in the Philippines.

If you're Korean or Japanese, feel free and be a ease to ask someone's age. Again, it is NOT rude here. We do understand, especially for Koreans, that asking one's age is important to determine respect rules and hierarchy. That's perfectly fine with us.

The way we view "age", which affects the use of respectful words and determining hierarchy, is more about how you look. If you're 20 and you look 80, well, people will use respectful words and treat you an elderly. Seriously.

If you're 50 and you look like underage (under 18), same thing, you'll be treated as an underage, you'll even be asked for an ID to prove your age. 😉 I experienced that a lot, especially if I cut my hair short.

While it is not rude to ask someone's age, it is also in our culture to not bother with it and just guess it.

Is it rude to guess? NO.

But of course, it doesn't mean the person will not be offended if you thought they're 80 when they're actually 20. I mean, who wouldn't?

The thing is, if you guessed our age wrong, we just laugh at it. But still be careful, mental health and all.

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So, there you go. You won't regret migrating here! #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines!