Getting your non-Filipino significant other (S.O.) ready for their first trip to the Philippines is an important milestone that allows you to share more of your culture and create lasting memories in your beloved country. While it’s exciting to share more of your local traditions and introduce them to your loved ones, it’s also important to help them prepare for—and not feel overwhelmed by—the cultural differences.
By offering insights on Filipino customs and what to expect, plus travel tips, you can help them feel more confident and ensure that the journey is a fun and unforgettable experience for you both. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Encourage them to learn the local language.
We’re not saying that your partner has to be fluent, but learning a few basics can help them connect, manage the language barrier, and even break the ice—especially if they’re meeting new people. Teaching them a few words (and when to say them) can go a long way.
A few vocab recos in Tagalog: “kumusta,” “salamat,” “hindi,” “masarap,” “maganda,” and “ingat.” Want to go the extra mile? You can also teach your S.O. the importance of using “po” and “opo” as a sign of respect toward elders.
2. Help your partner pack.
If they’re not familiar with the tropics, then you’ll have to help them prepare for how hot and humid it’s going to be. Light fabrics, like linen and cotton, would be the best choices. Don’t forget to pack a few nice outfits for evenings out and formal wear if you’re attending any weddings.
Planning on introducing them to your family or close friends? Explain the concept of preparing pasalubong, and ask if it’s something they’d be interested in doing. If they are, make an effort to help them find a gift that’ll come across as thoughtful and special to your loved ones to help them leave a good first impression.
3. Explain family dynamics and Pinoy culture.
You’re not going to be able to explain everything, but there are certain points that you can go over. If your family is the type to “mano” as a greeting, you can show your partner how it’s done to avoid any embarrassment. If you have a tito or tita who is not politically correct or likes to ask invasive questions, you can warn your partner and just create a “secret signal” so you’ll know if they need some help.
If it gets overwhelming, reassure your S.O. that Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality, and remind them that you’ll always be there if things get uncomfortable.
4. Warn them about the traffic.
One of the biggest shocks to foreigners is how horrible traffic can be in the Philippines, not just in Metro Manila and other major cities, but even in beach destinations like Boracay and rural areas. Let your partner know that getting from point A to point B can sometimes take several hours—especially if you’re commuting. Managing their expectations is an easy way to avoid any fights or misunderstandings.
Tip: Bring snacks and a power bank for your cellphone to help time go a little faster. While you’re at it, you might want to remind your S.O. that “Filipino time” is also a very real thing, so they won’t get too stressed if schedules aren’t followed or you end up running late.
5. Get him to share the local food culture.
We Filipinos are big foodies, so you have to make sure that they’re ready to try lots of new flavors and eat at least two to full three meals a day (plus snacks and merienda!). There are plenty of food options to choose from, so make sure that they get a chance to try the classics like balut, lechon, dinuguan, sisig, isaw, sinigang, and kare-kare.
Since food is one of our favorite ways to connect with new people, try to encourage your partner to say “yes” or be open-minded whenever they’re invited to taste or try local food. If they’re a picky eater, make sure to start with things that are guaranteed to be delicious (think: menudo, adobo, mangoes, and lumpia).
6. Expect a lot of get-togethers…and pictures.
If you haven’t been home for some time, chances are, you’ll be meeting up with a lot of friends, family, and even old officemates while you’re in town. Let your partner know that during these catch-up sessions, they can expect to be asked a few personal questions—like details about their job, family, and even about how you met. These are all normal for Filipinos, but some foreigners may find it invasive, so informing them about these cultural differences can help prevent any awkward exchanges.
P.S. Don’t forget to let your partner know that Pinoys also love to take lots of pictures during social gatherings, so if they’re camera-shy, they can just volunteer to be the photographer.
7. Remind them that it’s not always safe to drink the water (or have ice).
Unfortunately, drinking tap water in the Philippines isn’t the best idea for foreigners because the water quality can vary and (tbh) it might not meet the hygiene standards they’re used to. To avoid any embarrassing stomach issues and to keep your travels worry-free, always stick to bottled water or bring your own hydration flask whenever you head out.
And when it comes to ice, be cautious! While it’s tempting to order a cold drink, even having filtered ice can be tricky for those with sensitive stomachs—even if you’re at a reputable restaurant or hotel.
8. Introduce them to the art of tawad (haggling).
One of the best things about coming home is the shopping! When you’re hitting tiangges, street markets, or bazaars, teach your partner that bargaining or to tawad is part of our cultural norm and that some prices are more flexible. Warn them that some vendors might raise their prices when they spot a foreigner, so it’s usually better to haggle a bit or ask for a discount whenever possible. It can also be a nice way for your partner to interact with the locals and create some unique memories via their exchanges.
9. Make sure he knows a good karaoke song.
This may be cliché, but there is a high probability that there will be karaoke at one of your parties and that he will be pressured to sing at least one song. If your partner is an introvert or a bit shy, you might want to practice singing a few songs with him before your trip to the PH (just search your fave videoke song versions on YouTube). This way, if they’re asked to sing, they’ll be a lot more confident and ready to take the mic.
10. Teach them how to add load on their cellphone.
Getting a local sim card or e-sim is a smart way to save on unwanted roaming charges, but it’s also important to make sure that your partner knows how to top-up their credit. This way, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing that you can always contact your partner (and vice versa!) and ensure that they have access to the Internet whenever they need it. It’s a small move, but it can help them feel more independent and give them a confidence boost while spending time in an unfamiliar country.
KUBO extra: Don’t forget to show them which local apps to download on their phone like GCash and Maya to help them make purchases, or Grab to book transportation or to order food, too. It’s a practical tip that makes the travel experience smoother and more hassle-free.
