- Common Courtesy: When you meet a Filipino, expect eye contact, a handshake, and genuine smile, and someone who will ask for your name, learn to pronounce it correctly, and remember it.
- Respect for Women: Unlike other parts of Asia (and America), the Philippines generally rewards talent and education, regardless of gender. I see as many women in serious management positions here as men, with a seeming absence of resentment on the part of the men, or swagger on the part of the women. Example: yesterday, a (male) business owner told me that he often argues with his (female) Quality Assurance Manager, but when she insists on a point, he knows she’s better informed on the issue and defers to her judgement. This, in her presence.
- Love of Fashion: Filipinos love good clothes, and show them off despite the oppressive heat and humidity. Branded stores here abound, but unlike Rodeo Drive or the Rue de Rivoli, locals are actually in them and buying the merchandise. Women wear colorful dresses and heels, and men don Lacoste and Ralph Lauren and are never, ever caught wearing shorts out on the town.
- Sports Lovers: There’s no such thing as a casual comment about sports here, especially when it comes to the NBA. I mean, this is a country that elected it’s famous boxer, Manny Pacquiao, to the Philippine House of Representatives! Ask your average taxi driver his thoughts about Australian rules rugby, and you won’t get a word in. Wimbledon – he has his bets placed. Cricket – he can run down for you the latest gear being used. This is the only Asian country I’ve encountered that covers NASCAR races!
- Security Guards: They always say hello, let you pet their sleepy attack dog, carry sidearms so old they can’t possibly work, and can often be seen helping carry a lady’s packages to her car.
- Jollibee: You can find McDonald’s and Burger King here, but you won’t find many Filipinos in them. The Philippine version of a fast food chain has a staggering array of choices, all fresh and wonderfully spicy! From burgers to fried chicken to pasta, it’s all good.
- OK, in the interest of balance, here are two things to hate about the Philippines: cigars, which taste like smoking cow pies, and elevators which, even in the best hotels, are not air-conditioned.
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