3 Striking Differences Between the Philippines vs Western Culture
Have you been to the Philippines before?
If not, you’ll enjoy this article. Life in the Philippines vs Western Culture is a constant topic of conversation amongst all foreigners.
Learning to embrace these Cultural differences in the Philippines differences or at least understanding them is the key to enjoying your time here.
So, let’s take a look at 3 striking Cultural differences between the Philippines and Western Countries.
1. Less Order, More Chaos
Chaos might be taking it too far.
However, it illustrates the point I’m trying to make.
The Philippines is far from an orderly place, despite the impression that it tries to give.
For example, take the traffic. While there are road signs, lights, lines on the road, and traffic cops, most people do whatever they want. Rather than rules, there is the honk. When you turn a corner, you honk. When you overtake someone, you honk.
Honk for anything and everything.
Hell, honk if you’re happy.
Contrary to what some people might think, no one will look twice if you honk all day. It’s normal. It’s kinda like a game show where the first one to hit the buzzer is the winner.
This leads to what you might call “orderly chaos”. Your first time driving in the Philippines will probably feel terrifying but once you understand how the game works, you’ll get comfortable and begin to intuitively sense the order.
Philippines vs Western Culture? Western Culture craves Order. Philippines Culture exhibits a “Me Now” vibe.
Basically I am going to do exactly what I want to do right now, regardless of the consequences so you must ALWAYS be on your guard because nobody will be there to make the others follow the rules.
2. No Rubber Padding
What do I mean by that?
No rubber padding means no one is there to protect you if you make a mistake.
Almost.
While there are rules and regulations in the Philippines, they are seldom followed. Often, bribes determine what you can and can’t do, rather than any strict adherence to rules and regulations. This applies to daily life and business.
This can be a good thing and a bad thing.
If you get into trouble with the police then a bribe is the easiest way out. The alternative is time & money consuming plus a record is kept. Paying a bribe is ‘fire & forget’ Basically it never happened.
If you get in a bad situation in business and try to resolve it inside the ‘system’ you’ll find that the court system here SUCKS, the lawyers here SUCK and once you are involved there is no governmental department that will help you get out of it. (Ask me how I know)
Conversely, the government, like the Tax Man can easily be paid to let things slide. A nice advantage.
Western Culture means follow the rules. Philippines Culture means a mistake does not have to ruin your life.
The lack of “rubber padding” means that the Philippines is something of a “wild west”. If you have never been here before, you will be astounded at the fun that you can have in the Philippines. There is a burgeoning expat community made up of people that are sick and tired of the constant rules and regulations in the West.
3. Time and Productivity
At first glance, some people make the assumption that most Filipinos are lazy.
While this is true in some cases, it is wrong in many cases. I think that this error stems from a misunderstanding of the Philippine Culture.
Consider the culture of any typical Western country. We are conditioned from birth to adopt certain attitudes to life, work, and productivity that are really not universally held beliefs.
Often, we are taught that it is better to be productive than to sit around and enjoy the weather. While this is especially true in terms of ambition, creating change, and making a ton of money, it’s not necessarily the best path to happiness or fulfillment.
The Philippines has a beautiful climate year round which means there is no rush to prepare for anything. It’s never going to get cold, snow, freeze. Food grows year round, fresh water comes from the sky and lots of fish in the sea. (At least there were).
Philippines vs Western Culture? Western Culture demands productivity. Philippines Culture emphasizes Fun.
When you come to the Philippines, you’ll need to keep this in mind. If you arrange meetings with people, schedules or are planning to do business t’s worth keeping in mind that time is fairly loose and there is not a huge emphasis placed on punctuality or productivity.
Example:
BADLADZ Beach Resort and BADLADZ Staycation Condos are located on the Beach with a truly Awesome View and beautiful Sunrise & Moonrise guaranteed.
What we see though are many foreigners that simply cannot relax. They say they are on vacation to enjoy, unplug, chill out but we see them ….laying on a lounge chair in this pristine environment ‘doom scrolling’, game playing and otherwise occupied with a cel phone inches from their face….blocking the view.
Now I get it, sometime you still need to work on vacation and we provide STARLINK Internet & Mesh Wifi to facilitate this but don’t hide behind your cel phone.
Learn to embrace the Philippines Culture. Slow Down, Enjoy the Beauty of this World.
Interested?
If you want to have fun, relax and let the good times roll, there is no better place to come than the Philippines. Despite the differences, it is a magnificent place. BADLADZ Beach Resort and BADLADZ Staycation Condos
are in Puerto Galera, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. We are just 3 hours from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. If you’re looking for a tropical getaway that you won’t forget for a long time, there is no better place than BADLADZ.
Book today!
BADLADZ Beach Resort and BADLADZ Staycation Condos
Cheers
Sean
