Befriending Filipinos

[davewe]

First off I want to wish everyone wherever you are a Happy Thanksgiving!! 

 

One topic I have been curious about is making friends with Filipinos. When I retire to the Philippines I will hopefully make a couple friends of fellow expats and maybe even join a group that meets. I'm not all that sociable in my advanced age so a friend or two and a handful of acquaintances is plenty.

 

But I don't want to be one of those expats that only engages with other expats. I hope to have a couple Filipino friends as well. Frankly I wouldn't mind if I end up with more Filipino friends than expat friends.

 

So here lies the question of how to go about that. My wife's family and friends might be a start but since we don't intend to live in her town that might not help much.

 

Any suggestions?

 

And please - for those of you who don't like "the locals" - you might consider sitting this topic out. I know you have good reasons for your views and maybe have had some bad experiences, but I am much more interested in how to make a few good friends, rather than why I shouldn't. 

[Steve & Myrlita]

Believe it or not, 90% of my friends here are Filipinos.

[Jake]

First off I want to wish everyone wherever you are a Happy Thanksgiving!! 

 

One topic I have been curious about is making friends with Filipinos? 

 

Any suggestions?

 

And please - for those of you who don't like "the locals" - you might consider sitting this topic out. I know you have good reasons for your views and maybe have had some bad experiences, but I am much more interested in how to make a few good friends, rather than why I shouldn't. 

Great topic Dave!  And you added an appropriate statement about all the positive aspects of befriending a Filipino and not the other way around.

 

Again, I will claim that I have a BS degree in BS, so please be gentle with me, OK?  One of the best ways to meet the local men folks is have you wife introduce you to her old classmates or neighbors.  If you're residing in a totally strange area (no relatives or friends), then concentrate on their eyes.  Common sight?  How about the local tricycle driver waiting in line for you.  How do you interface with him or others like him?  Eye contact can reveal some of the true nature of a complete stranger.  And of course, the rest of their body language needs to be observed.  Many books on this subject about meet and greet.

 

Is it really necessary for them to learn English in order to be friends with you?  Would it be nicer if we could make them feel more comfortable by showing the initiative to learn their culture and language.  I found it to be an icebreaker if you could start telling nasty jokes with a some Taglish thrown it.  

 

And then get ready for some drinking sessions.....he, he.  Do you sing My Way?  

[Jake]

Believe it or not, 90% of my friends here are Filipinos.

Well, I'm part of that 10% where I can't leave the reactor room.  I was banished down there by Steve because I was a ba-boy.....he, he.

[Old55]

Well to start with most of us have befriended a special Filipina.

To have a friend be a friend. I know things are not always that simple in Philippines but that would be a good start.

I suggest you find something in common. A good example is Photography. There are very active photography clubs there. They travel around in small groups taking pictures learning sharing technique and entering competitions.

My best friend is a Filipino who I met in Philippines fifteen years ago. We met through a mutual hobby. I know Chris has close Filipino he met through his activities too. I have no Foreigner friends living in Philippines but about a dozen Filipinos who I am close with it make visiting there fantastic.

 

I plan to meet some of you knuckleheads someday too, who knows maybe make a few new friends.

 

Notice, I did not mention Jake. Not after "the incident".

Edited November 26, 2015 by Old55

[Medic Mike]

Believe it or not, 90% of my friends here are Filipinos.

I must admit, I am in the same boat, easily 90% :)

[Steve & Myrlita]

 

Believe it or not, 90% of my friends here are Filipinos.

Well, I'm part of that 10% where I can't leave the reactor room.  I was banished down there by Steve because I was a ba-boy.....he, he.

 

Funny, I thought Judy was the one who restricted you to the Reactor Room?

[Mike J]

I have met and made friends with some very nice people that I met in the local church that has an service in english.

[chris49]

I must admit, I am in the same boat, easily 90%

Me too.

 

Every pension day, I see the same guys in the bank (Phil-Ams on Pension) and see the same guys in Mc Donalds through the morning. Sometimes with the wife, which helps a lot, because Gina is usually with me. Since they are in my age we talk. My bike club mates are younger, but I always found it easier talking to people my own age.

 

Sometimes in town, Vigan City, it's easier than here locally. Most of the local guys here are farmers with limited English. The bigger the town or small town, the more people you are likely to meet.

Edited November 26, 2015 by chris49

[WordsandMusic]

Making friends in the Philippines is a matter of being engaged in the culture and lives of those you come in contact with. There is a small village of about 7 huts loaded with children and young couples. More people than you might think in those huts. When the ladies come through selling veggies and fish, I buy extra and my wife gives it as gifts. It's not expensive to share with them and they have all reciprocated with friendship and laughter. I don't give often but I know there is a real need and I'm happy to help. The kids love sweet potatoes and fish so I buy large bags of fish at peso 100-160. Bags of sweet potatoes are peso 100. But if I never gave a thing they are just happy to sit and stare and talk. My son has broken the ice with most of them because they are amazed to see a mixed boy. He sings and dances in true Filipino style. Most cab, Jeepney and tricycle drivers are friendly and enjoy hauling my big butt around. I ask questions and some try to reply others just smile and nod. It's all good, friendly people who make the best of the life given to them. Hard working and all about the family, who wouldn't like to around those kinds of folks? Making friends, no problem! In fact it's life changing in the Philippines!