The Philippines is an island country that attracts many travellers for its stunning landscapes, paradise beaches, beautiful islands and dense rainforest. Its warm climate and the wide range of animals and plants make the Philippines a popular destination for Europeans and Americans. But what are Filipinos like? Why is it a culture that we love and want to live with all over the world? What interesting facts should you know about Filipino culture? We tell you in this blog.
The Philippines is so called because, in the 16th century, the explorer Ruy López de Villalobos arrived in the western islands to colonise them and named them the Philippine Islands in honour of the Prince of Asturias and the future King Philip II. It was once a Spanish colony, which is why some families have Spanish surnames.
But what other curiosities make the Philippines unique and different?
- They speak more than 165 different languages, although most of them speak in English. Tagalog or Filipino is the language that the whole population knows, although for many it is not their mother tongue. Languages such as Ilocano, Bicolano and Cebuano are also spoken in the country.
- The predominant religion in the Philippines is Catholicism, having been a Spanish colony for many years. Moreover, it is a very religious culture, where religion plays an important role in their society.
- They have two official flags, which is very strange in most parts of the world, as only Bolivia also has two. However, there is very little difference between the two official flags of the Philippines: the Philippine flag we have in mind can also be found in reverse, with the red stripe at the top and the blue stripe at the bottom.
- The knife is a part of the tableware that Filipinos do not use. Forks and spoons are the only cutlery used in this country and in many cases, they even eat with their hands.
- The motorbike is the most common form of transport on Philippine streets and roads. For this reason, children learn to ride motorbikes from an early age. However, jeepneys also invade the streets of the Philippines. A legacy from the colonisation of America that is currently one of the cheapest means of transport in the country.
- One of the most populated cities in the world is Manila, with 20 million inhabitants.
- Do you know how to ask for a bill in the Philippines? The typical gesture of signing in the air is not used there, on this island they have their own way of doing it, by drawing a rectangle with their hands.
Filipinos are very cheerful and friendly, respectful and loving people, so it is very pleasant to talk to them. In fact, family and religion are the pillars of this society. For this reason, loyalty is one of the most valuable values for them. And it is thanks to these characteristics that at LPDS we have been working hand in hand with this culture for a long time, which provides all our clients and their families all those values and the treatment they desire.
Would you like to hire our Filipino domestic services to take care of your home and family? Do not hesitate to contact us. And if you are Filipino and would like to work with us, we would be delighted to meet you.