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Philippines :: Culture and Food
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Culture and Food
LanguagesLanguages Spoken: There are two official languages - Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English; eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocan, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

ReligionReligions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%

People and CulturePeople and Culture: The inhabitants are friendly and welcoming. Signs of respect to elders and women are important in their culture. Many of them understand English to some degree. The official languages are Filipino and English, although there are roughly 80 other spoken languages and hundred of dialects. They are mostly Catholics with some Muslim and Buddhist worshipers. The annual festivities are vibrant and a mix of traditional celebrations, religious ceremonies displaying the ethnic diversity in dance, music and cuisine. Many of the churches, the historic town of Vigan and the Spanish walled city of Intramuros, in Manila are cultural heritage sites.

A resident or national of Philippines is called "Filipino". The Term used to describe things from here is "Philippine". For example, "Philippine food".

Tipping and BargainingTipping and Bargaining: Tipping is practiced here. Bargaining is practiced in markets and bazaars.

Restaurants: 10 - 15%
*Porters: 40 -50 Philippines Pesos per bag
Taxi: Round Up

* Try to use local currency. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and will be useless to the person receiving them. Foreign paper money requires a trip to the bank for exchange. However paper US dollars are accepted almost universally.

FoodFood: Roast pig, seafood and chicken usually spiced with soy, coconut and/or vinegar are the more traditional dishes you can savour. Influences from Spain include paella. Chinese noodles, dumplings and vegetables have also found their way onto the Filipino menu as well as American cakes and pies. Halo-halo is a desert well known and much enjoyed in the Philippines. It is a combination of sweetened fruit and beans, coconut and rice with sugar, milk and crushed ice and ice-cream. Local alcoholic beverages include beer, rum, gin and rice wine.
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