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?
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.
One of the biggest culture shocks I experienced in the Philippines wasn’t the food or the language—it was discovering that while Americans spend money trying to get tan, many Filipinos spend money trying to get lighter skin. The reasons have everything to do with history.
One of the biggest culture shocks for many American retirees isn’t the food, weather, or language—it’s the noise. Here’s how I learned to stop fighting the sounds of the Philippines and started hearing them differently.
Cockfighting, known as sabong, is a deeply rooted Filipino tradition and a massive betting industry. After years living in the Philippines, it’s one cultural practice this American retiree still hasn’t learned to appreciate.
A sari-sari store is much more than a convenience store. Discover how these tiny family-run businesses provide affordable goods, community connections, and economic lifelines throughout the Philippines.
If you want to understand the Philippines, don’t start with politics or economics. Start with food. What Filipinos eat, where they shop, and how they share meals reveals a lot about life and culture in the Philippines.
One of the first things foreigners notice in the Philippines is how cheerful people seem despite economic hardship. After years of living here, I’ve come to believe Filipino happiness is less about wealth and more about family, faith, community, and resilience.
European advice about tipping does not travel cleanly to the Philippines. Here, tips are usually not demanded — but they are appreciated, useful, and often a meaningful gesture of respect. I read a travel piece about tipping in, primarily in restaurants, in Europe that basically said this: Don’t tip American-style.Don’t scatter coins on the table.Don’t … Read more
One of the best things about living in the Philippines is not just the lower cost of living. It’s the lower hassle. When something goes wrong, somebody usually knows how to fix it, and fast.