“Bahala Ka”—Okay, But How Much Do I Pay You?

You hire someone in the Philippines, the work gets done, and when you ask what you owe, the answer is: “Bahala ka”—it’s up to you. For a new American expat, that’s where the confusion begins. How do you pay fairly without being a Cheap Charlie—or accidentally establishing the American Rate?

The Secret Language of Filipino Gestures

Why is he pointing with his lips? Why did that child put your hand to his forehead? And why does “come here” look like “go away”? Filipino gestures can puzzle American newcomers, but learning a few of these silent signals makes everyday life in the Philippines much easier.