Marecho.Com - PHILIPPINES

Land Size :116,000 square miles comprising 7,107islands, of which 880 are inhabited; the two largest, Luzon and Mindanao, account for more than 64 percent of the entire land area, which is slightly larger than Arizona.

Government : Republic since 1946. The 1987 constitution provides for a bicameral legislature with a president, elected for a single six-year term, as head of state and chief executive. The 24 members of the Senate are elected for five years and the 200 members of the House of Representatives for three. Up to 50 additional members of the House are appointed by the president to represent various minority groups.

Climate: Tropical except highlands. Average temperature at sea level is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with overnight lows around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. High humidity and heavy rainfall, especially from June to November.

Currency :Philippine peso. P1=100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 pesos; coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 pesos as well as 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

Correct Name :Filipinos (the people collectively); Filipinos (men); Filipinas (woman).

Value System: Filipinos are casual and fun-loving, sensitive and hospitable people. Person and family honor are stressed, as well as dignity and pride. Filipinos accept what comes their way and bear it with hope and patience. Education is highly valued and families make great sacrifices to educate their children. Bayanihan is the communal spirit that enables Filipinos to come together and help each other at a moment's in times of need.

Family: The family is more important than the individual, and interdependence is more important than independence. The extended family is the basis of society, with the clan providing security and easing the impact of illness or unemployment. Divorce is illegal, families are large, and the mother's advice is listened to and followed.

Greetings: English greetings are customary. Show respect for elders by greeting the oldest person present first. Children may take a visitor's hand and press it against their forehead as a sign of respect.

Names and Titles: Use Mr., Mrs., Miss or appropriate professional title + family name until specifically invited by your Filipino hosts or colleagues to use their given names. Engineers, architects, lawyers, doctors and others use professional titles.

Many women retain their maiden name when they marry. Some women add their husband's family name after a hyphen. Example: Mrs. Maria Bacani-Aquino. "Vda," written between a woman's maiden name and her husband's family name, means she is a widow. Example: Mrs. Maria Bacani vda Aquino.

Most Filipino families have Hispanic names due to more than three centuries of Spanish rule.

Body Language: The people are smiling, open, warm and friendly. There is more touching than in most other Asian countries. People of the same gender may hold hands in public as a sign of friendship.

If Filipinos don't understand a question, they open their mouths. Raised eyebrows signify recognition and agreement. Laughter may convey pleasure or embarrassment; it is commonly used to relieve tension or in emotional situations.

Avoid prolonged eye contact or staring. It could be misinterpreted as a challenge. Although staring is considered rude, Filipinos may stare at or even touch foreigners, especially in areas where foreigners are rarely seen.

Never beckon with your index finger; this is an insult. Instead, extend your arm and hand, palm down, and make a scratching motion with your fingers.

Filipinos don't point at an object or a person. Instead, they shift their eyes toward an object or nurse their lips and point with their mouth.

Manners: Western utensils are used. The fork is often held in the left hand and used to push food onto the spoon, which is held in the right hand.

Don't sit until your host seats you. The guest of honor generally is seated at the head of the table. It is polite to decline the first offer of seating, food or drink. Accept the second offer. The host generally gives the first serving to guests. After that, serve yourself. Keep your hands above the table during dinner.

Compliment the host on the good food; eating heartily is the sincerest compliment. Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you are finished eating; place your fork and spoon on your plate.

Do not get drunk--it is considered "greedy." Filipino women rarely drink alcohol in public. Do not offer them liquor. Women generally drink soft drinks, orange juice or calamansi (a local citrus fruit drink).

Home : Some Filipinos remove shoes in their homes; follow your host's example. Do not refer to the woman of the house as the "hostess." The term is often used to refer to prostitutes.

Helpful Hints : Show respect for the elderly. Greet them first. Offer your seat if none is available.

Expect to be asked personal questions. Don't be offended. These questions show interest. Feel free to ask the same questions in return, especially about family.

Speak softly and control your emotions in public. Make requests, not demands. Bargain everywhere except in large department stores.

Never bring disgrace or dishonor on a person. This is a disaster not only for the individual, but also for his or her family.

Never criticize anyone, especially in public. Don't criticize a person's family, the country or the culture!