Social Acceptance in the Philippines: 🌏🇵🇭 Some Things We Should Think About

In this video, I discuss social acceptance in the Philippines, sharing insights from my 7 years of experience living here as a foreigner. We explore the realities of building genuine relationships between foreigners and Filipinos, going beyond surface-level kindness and into the deeper layers of trust and mutual respect.

Watch the full video to discover the things you might not realize about social acceptance in the Philippines and how understanding these dynamics can enrich your life abroad.

I also tackle common questions like:
- Do foreigners have to give money to be accepted in the Philippines?
- What are the challenges of navigating cultural differences?
- How does the stereotype of "rich foreigners" impact relationships?
- Are age-gap relationships between older foreigners and younger Filipinas socially acceptable?

This video is for anyone thinking about living in the Philippines, current expats trying to understand Filipino culture, or Filipinos curious about how foreigners view social dynamics. My goal is to provide insights that help both expats and locals build deeper, more fulfilling relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.

👉 What’s your take on these topics? Let me know in the comments if you think foreigners need to give to be accepted and share your thoughts on age-gap relationships. Let's keep the conversation going! 😊

#SocialAcceptance #philippines #philippinesculture

[edmadrinan]

I heard this quote a few years ago. It not only applies to traffic but life in general. It says - "I can't control what goes on around me, but I can control me".

[jadehernando]

This is a deep analysis - really shows that you understand life and individuals, and that’s why you are still in the Phlippines with all our goods and bads.

[peternielsen]

Gee, its nice to hear a lot of common sense. Nice chat. I'm living in the Philippines. Southern Leyte. When I first moved here I felt kind of obligated to give to most beggars. But then I realized begging for many had become a job. So now days I generally only give to the old or disabled who obviously are in need. I don't tend to give to woman with babies as they obviously carry them around for the extra sympathy/income. Once again a job. But I enjoy living in this country. People are so friendly and welcoming. And I am quite happy to give strangers a smile, a wave and a good morning and it is nearly always returned. As you mentioned, patience in everyday life is fundamental here. And the average Filipino has this quality in abundance. No matter where you are, there will be the good, bad and the ugly. It just depends on what you value most and ignore as best you can the down sides. Have a positive attitude and you'll be happy.

[iteliano]

Another great video! Thanks for your posts

[rickinhawaii]

Great vid 👍👍👍. Driving in phills is without a doubt the hardest adjustment for me. I just keep telling myself calm, cool, collected x3. Your looking much more comfortable talking to the camera. Definitely noticeable over time compared to much older vids. Good job keep going Your doing great 🤙

[esthergoh]

G-5 PHILIPPINES I love your blogs and honesty Thanks for your Appreciation of the Filipinos God Blesed

[rctcIcmn]

5:46 "foreigners are expected to give money" If that stems from your experiences dealing with Filipinos,
then I would say, you are definitely around the wrong kind of Filipinos.

[inamoy]

Yes this guy knows how to tip and also gained awareness on when to tip in a good way. You will notice beggars that does it for convenience and gauge people that wants to take advantage. You being foreign in their minds are likely loaded w money to throw away and some people would try. Good thing about tipping specially with in your neighbourhood or places you always shop or go to is they will give top service and genuine care. Birthday parties mirrors “social status” and this thing is valued by many filipinos.
Sadly many of your wife’s fam members have some “expectations” and comes back to
Social status.

[ArnelSabinay]

You are ON POINT.. Practical, Very True and Humbling. You are a humble person. I'm amazed by your narratives.

[TXAgileBear]

Great VID. Made me think of a qoute. "Happiness is not a destination, it's a journey. And the journey is far more enjoyable when we choose to appreciate the scenery, even when it's stormy." - Unknown

[Scrappy_Moo]

You have an honest perception of the whole idea of social acceptance.

[ericg]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Great video.

[kikayme]

I like your honest opinion, I’m Filipino who also needs to bring a lot of patience when I visit or decides live there long term. Birthdays…are only strictly close family members not extended to other people, beggars…I don’t give money to them. Age gap relationship…I will not go there because that’s personal although I cringe seeing them…🤨😖

[olivianazareno]

I was born and raised in Ph but I left when I was 22 yrs old. Been living away from it for 36 years now. To be honest, I don’t miss it much..

[Philibusting]

The birthdays are a point of contention for me also. Especially when I know that the expectation is for the foreigner to turn every single one into a total blow out. I often get the, “it’s our tradition”, but I have my traditions too and expect them to respect it. I’ve been cutting down on the celebrations by not sending any money for every single birthday, she has way too many cousins, siblings and aunties. Enough is enough.

[eiffeltower]

Money expectations depend on where you stay in the Philippines or who are you associating with in the country. If you mingle with Filipinos who are established professionaly then they won't expect anything from you as a foreigner they just want your friendship.

[opsecclassified]

Hello my friend. Good video. Also keep up the good job with walking. It helps for sure.

[ejtaylor]

FriendLY does not mean friend. You need to take the time to get to know people, listen to what they say and watch their actions/behaviors before accepting them as a friend. Until you consider someone an actual friend, don't disclose too much about your personal life, 1st and foremost out of safety concerns. 2nd, locals may see you talking about your worldly experience as bragging and condescending towards them, because they may not have ever left their barangay. You hear many times, that locals are just friendly to foreigners because they have alterior motives of trying to get money out of you. I'm sure for some that is true, but it's not true of all, unfortunately everyone gets lumped together, just as foreigners do, that is how stereotypes are born, and there is always SOME truth to them. One bad foreigner gives them the impression they all are the same, just as 1 local scams you, then you see them all as scammers. Me personally, I think the ONLY reason to give money to ANY ONE is because you WANT TO, not because you feel you HAVE TO or you are obligated/expected to. YOU worked most of your life to EARN what you have and ONLY YOU decide how you will spend it. It's not your job to be financially responsible for other adults (Excluding your wife), they are responsible for their own financial well being. When it comes to driving, as a foreigner, ALWAYS have a dashcam, once the people/police know you have it, their attitudes will change VERY quickly. ALL relationships are transactional, because BOTH parties are giving and receving, transactional does not just mean financial, it includes emotional, mental, physical, and supporting. Age gap relationships, they "claim" to be religious, Matthew 7:1: “Judge not, that you be not judged, " yet these allegedly religious people are some of the most judgemental people there are.

I don't think you should try to be polite and PC about certain topics, the truth hurts, and the more painful it is to hear, the more true it is. Some need to hear brutal honesty to get it ingrained into their heads. They call you a "Cheap Charlie" because you didn't give, but how much have they themselves given, what have they done to help their own people, charity starts at home. They "claim" to be religious, Proverbs 14:23 "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty, " or the one even atheists know, Thessalonians 3:10 "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat, " along with MANY other verses saying the same thing, WORK for what you want, DON'T BEG. There is also Philippine Presidential Decree 1563: Sec 3.a. "Mendicant" refers to any person, except those enumerated in Section 4 (refers to children) of this Decree, who has no visible and legal means of support, or lawful employment and who is PHYSICALLY ABLE to work (NOT if they can find a job, but are capable of doing one) but neglects to apply himself to some lawful calling and instead uses begging as a means of living." You are breaking the LAW by giving to beggars, better to be thought of as "tihik" than being an actual convict. Although the decree is meant for beggars, it does say "ANY PERSON", and can be interpreted as it is ILLEGAL to give money to her family if they don't work also.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions, I hope you and the family have a great day Boss.

[michaelfirestone]

PATIENCE, YOUR VIDEO IS SO TRUE, THANKS FOR SHARING BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER ♥

[bornonjuly]

Oh i stumbled on your channel and like it. I admire your thinkings and attitudes towards living in the coyntry you choose to live.9 years living in the country means you have that full grasps in life buddy.