Guides and Tips

From the traditional “mano po” gesture to the deep value of hospitality and respect for elders, navigating social norms in the Philippines can be challenging.  With this guide, you’ll be able to blend in with the locals and win the hearts of even the most discerning titos and titas.  Here’s our list of 11 essential components of Filipino etiquette! 1. Using “po” and “opo” The use of honorifics is a crucial aspect of Filipino etiquette and shows respect towards elders. The two most commonly used honorifics in the Philippines are “opo” and “po.”  “Opo” is the polite form of “yes”…

Filipino values are an essential part of Filipino culture and society. They shape how we interact with others and approach life. They’ve also helped Filipinos overcome challenges and build a solid and vibrant culture.  In this article, we explore 12 positive Filipino values that are innate and integral to Filipino culture. 1. Family-orientedness Family is considered the most important thing in a Filipino’s life. Filipinos are close to their family, especially grandparents and parents.  Filipinos respect their elders and care deeply for them because they know they may not have much longer to live if they don’t get proper care…

Filipinos are inherently wonderful people, but we can’t deny that we do have some unhealthy practices that are deeply ingrained in our culture. Here’s our take on 12 Filipino traits that need to change. 1. Crab Mentality Filipino Crab Mentality refers to the tendency for Filipinos to pull each other down instead of lifting each other up. This can manifest in the form of jealousy, envy, or a lack of support for one’s peers.  These actions can take many forms, from a colleague refusing to share valuable information or resources to a friend spreading negative rumors about another person to…

The Philippines has 134 ethnic groups and about 182 ethnolinguistic groups scattered around the country, making it a culturally-diverse nation. Wherever you go in this country, there’s always a unique cultural experience to be had. So without further ado, check out some of the best activities the Philippines has to offer. 1. Participate in Filipino festivals Numerous festivals in the Philippines inspire enthusiasm every month with lively dances and colorful feasts as they symbolize bounty, love, and a sense of community in the country. Parade floats, banderitas, and excellent cuisine also fill these festivities. The entire city is dancing or…

Filipino Time is a concept that has been around for centuries, and it’s about more than just being late. It’s about how Filipinos interpret time in their own way. If you’re an expat mingling with Filipinos and are feeling frustrated by Filipino Time, this article is for you! What is the meaning of Filipino Time? “Filipino Time” refers to the tendency of Filipinos to arrive late to appointments, events, or gatherings.  It is a cultural norm in the Philippines, where punctuality is relatively less valued. Oftentimes, it is not considered a big deal if someone is late.  Where did Filipino…

For the past few years, everyone has been obsessed with keeping their eyebrow game strong. We’ve all experienced exchanging tips on how to draw and maintain this select patch of hair that has the ability to frame your whole face. While it’s nice to learn how to draw on your brows, nothing beats a professional’s touch at shaping your eyebrows and giving you a line you can trace when you touch up at home. Here at The List PH, we reviewed one of the best Filipino-owned eyebrow salons: The Brow Studio. How We Reviewed The Brow Studio Accessibility The Brow…

Whatever the occasion or time of the year, it’s no secret that Filipinos love getting themselves dolled up. For many of us, a mall run wouldn’t be complete without a quick pampering through a mani-pedi or a haircut. While we’ll never run out of beauty parlors to choose from, one salon that may catch your eye during your next mall visit with its bright purple logo and interiors is Freshaire Salon. Its first branch opened in 1990 and since then, Freshaire has continued to expand and has been committed to caring for their customers through reasonably priced, quality beauty services.…

The travel industry is opening up once again, with piso-flight promos and direct flights to new destinations springing up from premium to budget airlines.  Before you book that flight or hop on that plane, you gotta make sure that your passport hasn’t expired! We’ve heard too many horror stories about people being denied boarding their flight because of nearly or actually expired passports. Luckily for us, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has set up an online appointment system which makes it so much easier to get your passport renewed. Here is The ListPH’s step-by-step guide to getting your new…

If you’re unsure about what to do in Metro Manila on the weekends, you don’t need to go very far.  There is a variety of fun outdoor activities in the metro that families, couples, and even tour groups may all enjoy. From strolling to wall climbing, Metro Manila offers plenty of activities to people of all ages and preferences.  Keep reading as we highlight 10 popular outdoor activities in Metro Manila that you can enjoy when you have free time! 1. Take a stroll around historic Intramuros. The Walled City of Intramuros was built by the Spaniards in 1521 as…

When it comes to skin treatments and beauty enhancement, you know that you should be in for a premium experience. All of us have heard too many horror stories about cosmetic procedures gone wrong, and nightmarish after-effects of facials and microblading sessions. With any kind of treatment involving our face and our bodies, safety should be the priority. You wouldn’t allow just anyone to work on you! The reason behind this is not just neglect on the part of the specialists, but also because of the insistence that one type of look will suit every customer. Montage Skin Science and…