Vacation in the Philippines: First Timers

By: Kira Chan

Part and parcel of travelling is the various new experiences it brings. During your short term stay in the Philippines, you may be shocked by how foreign everything seems. Look at those differences as opportunities and not as hindrances. After all, a vacation in the Philippines promises to be exciting and memorable. How special can a Philippines vacation be if it resembles home too closely?

FOOD

There are many types of international cuisine readily available in the Philippines but Filipino food is still the most predominantly served whether you are in the malls, the beaches, or the hotel. Most Filipino meals are served with rice, and are not too ‘exotic’. Still, there are some strange Filipino delicacies. These foods are tasty, but their descriptions may discourage you from sampling them. One such treat is the balut a duck delicacy.  Another kind of street food is the "Isaw", when you taste it, you will keep on coming back.  But its best eaten with fresh and veggies.

WEATHER

Whenever Filipinos go abroad; they usually wear many layers of clothing. This is because the Philippines is near the equator, making the country very humid and hot. Air-conditioning is also relatively rare – generally only the malls have air-conditioning 24/7 which makes it a very popular place to hang out in. If you are planning on going to the beach or taking public transportation, prepare yourself accordingly. Wear light clothing, slather on some sun screen, and bring other protective wear such as a hat and/or sunglasses. Others may also want to bring a hand fan, or an umbrella. Another thing to do would be to plan a vacation for the cooler times of the year. The ‘cold’ season is generally from December to February. Don’t worry, there will still be a lot of sun for your ideal beach trip!

PEOPLE

Even to strangers, Filipinos are generally very open and friendly. If you need help at any point during your temporary stay in the Philippines, you can ask any Filipino. They are likely to help you and smile while doing it too. That being said, there are certain traits common in many Filipinos that should be avoided. One of these traits is the bahala na habit where Filipinos ‘solve’ problems through inaction. It is the belief that things will work themselves out. While this may be the case at times, some problems are better tackled head on. Another common quirk that may irritate others is the Filipino sense of time. Many Filipinos often show up late for appointments, and many events often start an hour behind schedule.

These culture shock surprises can be hard to accept, but ultimately they make for a better vacation, since the differences in life ultimately enrich it.