Hannah’s Resort, Paoay Church, Paoay Sand Dunes. (Find out more information about scenic spots to visit in Ilocos including La Union and Pangasinan in this article.)

Audio translations for useful Ilocano words can be found below. Hovering underlined texts gives you Tagalog and Ilocano translations.

Are you visiting Ilocos soon?  Ilocos is defined for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, historical structures, and great mountains.  Ilocanos are known for their thriftiness.  Why? I don’t really know the exact answer. It could be the fact that their mindset is to keep their money for important things that their family needs.  It could be the thoughts of sending their kids to the best schools, which is a great deal of expense.  It could be the pressure of owning a house or having a nicer house. Of course, there are many shopping areas in the neighborhood and this means that people are fond of shopping and contradicts the thought about thriftiness. Forget about thriftiness, but think about hospitality, and it is what Ilocanos are good for, that is why Ilocos is one of the most visited places in the Philippines by tourists.  The friendly Ilocano atmosphere is very welcoming to many who are visiting the place.

Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are neighbors and they share pretty much the same local culture as far as values, foods, beaches, historical spots are considered.  It is situated in the Northern part of Luzon.  Ilocos is accessible through an airplane or a bus from Manila.  It is about 7 hours to Ilocos Sur and 8 hours drive to Ilocos Norte.  People who are in the business prefer the airplane.  If your plan is to visit Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur and planning to stay for the most in these places, then reaching your destination is easier through an airplane.  Riding the bus is a good option also.  Some top of the line buses that give you a comfortable ride are Fariñas, Maria De Leon and Partas.  These bus lines offer the deluxe type of buses which are equipped with restroom, comfortable seats, and wifi.  Having a road trip gives you the option to see beautiful structures and scenic spots along the way plus the opportunity to buy good stuff on side streets.  The view of the oceans while riding on a bus is one of the highlights you won’t like to miss.  If you are coming from Manila, you will pass through Pampanga, Tarlac, and La Union before you reach Ilocos Sur and eventually Ilocos Norte.  Ilocos region comprises 4 provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.  On a trip to Ilocos, you will see pretty much of La Union on the way. Pangasinan is a little bit west of La Union, which is out of the way.  Some people love to see the whole Ilocos region as a package when they travel to the North.  If you plan on that, there are hotels mainly in the capital city of each province, but some small towns are not exempted from having good ones also.  The cities are; Laoag city in Ilocos Norte, Vigan in Ilocos Sur,  San Fernando in La Union.  And yes, these places are now in your favorite Google Maps for your exploration if planning for a travel.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Find out more information about scenic spots to visit in Ilocos including La Union and Pangasinan in this article.)

Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur’s Mestizo District is found in the City of Vigan. It contains the largest concentration of ancestral homes and other colonial-era architecture in the Philippines, built by Chinese merchants who settled in Vigan.  The houses are still preserved and maintained by the Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center.  The district is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines.  St. Paul’s Cathedral is known as the Vigan Cathedral.  This church’s most prominent feature is its separate belfry, built 15 meters away from the main structure.  The structure was built in “earthquake baroque” style, meaning it has thick walls and buttresses that can sustain strong natural disasters.  The Palacio de Arzobispado, or the Archbishop’s Palace, was built in 1783, and it served as the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia.  Currently, it is the only surviving 18th-century archbishop’s residence in the Philippines.  Inside, it is the Museo Nueva Segovia, a museum which showcases archdiocesan archives, a throne room, antique portraits of bishops, manuscripts, and other religious artifacts from various colonial churches all over Ilocos Sur.  Burgos National Museum is the former residence of the martyr Padre Burgos, a member of the GOMBURZA priest triumvirate, is now a museum exhibiting various treasures and antiquities depicting the Ilocano culture and society.  A display of Padre Burgos’ memorabilia can also be found in the area.  Santa Maria Church, a Baroque masterpiece found in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  It was built on a hill elevated from the central town plaza together with its distinctive bell tower.  Other places to see are Baluarte Zoo owned by famous Chavit Singson,  Noah Bulanos in Narvacan and many more!

Bangui Beaches, Patapat Bridge, Madongan Dam, Laoag City’s Bell Tower, Dragon Fruit Farm (Find out more information about scenic spots to visit in Ilocos including La Union and Pangasinan in this article.)

Ilocos Norte

Paoay Church is one of the most popular structures visited in the Ilocos Region.  It is one of UNESCO’s List of World Heritage. This beautiful old church was built and completed in 1710 in honor of St. Augustine and one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the Philippines. Bangui Windmills have been steadily gaining popularity among travelers to the Philippines.  These energy generators standing proudly at Bangui Bay were prominently featured in one of the country’s tourism advertisements, firmly asserting its status as a tourist destination.  Laoag City is the capital city of  Ilocos Norte and is a home to a selection of tourist destinations, including Marcos-era mansions and a Spanish-inspired Fort Ilocandia Resort hotel. More importantly, the city is rich in heritage amidst its developing economy, making it a significant yet convenient traveler’s pick.  Paoay Lake’s freshwaters not only offers the tourist a magnificent view of the Ilocos landscape, but it is also a biodiversity hotspot, elevated as a national park and protected area.  Malacañang of the North was once the official residence of former President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte.  This palace is now a museum showcasing memorabilia owned by its previous occupants.  It also presents a great view of the Paoay Lake.  The Marcos Mansion which is the ancestral house of the Marcoses has been converted into a museum displaying souvenirs of the late President Marcos’ 20-year reign. It also houses the preserved body of the late President.  Fort Ilocandia’s sprawling complex south of Laoag is a great getaway up north.  Aside from the estate’s beautiful architecture, Fort Ilocandia also has great restaurants, a shooting range, paintball, archery and a variety of water sports.  It also offers a tour of the nearby Suba or Paoay sand dunes where it is now a great area for sandboarding.  Pagudpud is hailed as the “Boracay of the North,” with the gazillion tourists.   The secluded Maira-ira Beach is commonly known as the blue lagoon brings the vacationer a most sought-after relaxation, as there are hardly any visitors on these fantastic shores.  Hannah’s Resort is one of the most popular resorts where you will see a match of the mountains, Disneyland (famous Disney characters are around the area) and New York (Statue of Liberty is standing tall overseeing the whole beach resort).  Some resorts in Ilocos Norte that can be considered worth visiting are Saud Beach Resort and Hotel, Casa Victoria Beach Resort and Restaurant, Kapuluan Vista Resort, Evangeline’s Beach Resort, Hannah’s Beach Resort, Polaris Beach Resort, Terra Rikka Beach & Dive Resort, Punta Garvida Resort, Punta Azul Beach Resort, Arinaya White Beach Resort, Keahana Beach Resort, Agua Seda, Kingfisher, Roq’s place, Northridge Beach Resort, Villa Carlina Resort, Casa Consuelo, Madrid Beach Resort, Punta Azul Beach Resort, Jun & Carol Beach Resort, Pagudpud Rinnovati, Pannzian Beach and Mountain Resort, Kapuluan Vista Resort, Alta Vista Ilocandia, Palm Grove Saud Holiday Complex, Apo Idon Beach Hotel, Villa del Nico, Maria Exaltacion Lodge, Britanya Lodge, Ria Grande De Laoag, Playa Tropical Resort Hotel.  One can also see a view of the Bangui Windmills, the magnificent power generators situated in Bangui Bay.  Dragon Fruit Farms are also becoming popular in Ilocos Norte.  locos Norte is aiming to become the “dragon fruit capital” of the Philippines.  Get a taste of the king of exotic fruits in Ilocos.  Other places and structures to see are the Kapurpurawan Rock formation and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos Ilocos Norte, Pekkan Falls in Vintar Ilocos Norte, Madongan Dam in Dingras, Tanap Avis Falls in Burgos and many more!

Ilocos Pinakbet, Batac Miki, Dinengdeng, Royal Bibingka, Tupig, Ilocos longanisa, Igado, Bagnet (Below are more information about Ilocos Foods that are fun to try.)

Ilocos Foods

Don’t forget to taste some of Ilocos’ sumptuous dishes, foods or drinks like Pinakbet/Pakbet, Bagnet, Dinengdeng, Empanada, Ilocos longanisa, Igado, Pinapaitan, Pakbet Pizza, Tinubong, Ilocos bibingka or suman, Igado, Dinakdakan, Batac Miki and fresh sea foods.

Empanada –  Usually stuffed with pork longanisa or eggs  and vegetables rolled with rice flour colored with achuete oil for the orange color.  Some prefer vinegar or ketchup for dipping.  We have the Vigan version in Ilocos Sur and Laoag version in Ilocos Norte for this food . Each has a little bit distinct taste, but both are fun to taste.

Bagnet –  It is a crunchy pork belly (sometimes pork legs and other parts of a pig) that has been boiled, hung to dry, and then deep fried. You can find this dish both in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

Pakbet or Pinakbet – A mixed vegetables usually eggplants, string beans, bitter gourd, okra and lima beans stewed with shrimp paste, bagnet, tomatoes, onions, and fermented fish sauce. The authentic Ilocano version uses small round eggplants, baby bitter gourd and seldom uses squash.

Dinengdeng or Inabraw – It is a mixed vegetable soup usually made of eggplants, some types of gourd, malunggay (Moringa) or vegetable tops like potato tops, string bean tops, saluyot, alukon etc. boiled with fish sauce.  Some prefer it without meat toppings, but some are fond of mixing it with bagnet, grilled fish, or dried shrimp.

Longanisa – The sausage of  Ilocos which is made of ground pork with lots of garlic, pepper, and vinegar.  There are Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte version.  Both are sumptuous and has a distinct taste.

Tinubong –  It is made of rice flour,  coconut meat, and margarine.  It is steamed in bamboo tubes. You can buy freshly made ones in Ilocos Sur.

Tupig – It is made of rice flour usually mixed with coconut meat, milk, butter or margarine and sesame seeds wrapped in banana leaves. This food is popular in Ilocos Norte.

Igado – It is made of pork meat plus liver mixed usually with bell pepper, peas, and carrots with lots of garlic, ground black pepper, and laurel.

Dinakdakan – It is a grilled pork cut into small pieces with pork brain mixed with vinegar, some garlic, and onions.

Pinapaitan – It is a very popular dish among Ilocanos.  The dish consists of goat and ox innards and its meat flavored with bile, tamarind, and chilies.

Pakbet Pizza – Yes, it is a well-known local pizza served with mixed Ilocano veggies plus anchovy (fermented fish).  Some local Pizza stores make the authentic ones though  Pizza Hut serves them also.

Basi – It is a fermented drink made of sugar cane.  It is Filipino’s inexpensive wine and wine lovers are fond of buying them anywhere in Ilocos. Some are homemade by the neighborhood.

Bibingka – Ilocos makes the best bibingka.  There is a hotspot in Ilocos Sur where buses stop for a taste of local freshly made bibingka.  It is made of rice flour or grated potato mixed with coconut milk, coconut meat, butter or margarine and cheese usually seated on banana leaves and grilled slowly to perfection.

Batac Miki – It is a noodle soup made of egg noodles simmered in homemade broths topped with bagnet and hard boiled eggs.  Miki is very popular in Ilocos but you can find the best ones in the plaza of Batac.

Lastly, Ilocanos are known for eating the well known “bagoong” (fermented fish) and a lot of sea foods. They are usually part of every Ilocano dining. There is much to explore about foods in the locality. Don’t forget to take home some good stuff if you think they are good for a present to your loved ones. You can also buy some of the locally grown or made products like garlic, tobacco, Ilocos vinegar and Ilocos wine for a cheaper price in the area.

Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan. (Find out more information about scenic spots to visit in Ilocos including La Union and Pangasinan in this article.)

La Union and Pangasinan

There are cool places to see when you reach La Union.  Agoo-Damortis National Seashore is a great place to see.  It is declared the National Park in the municipality of Agoo, La Union.  Another one is San Juan Beach.  It is the “Surfing Capital of the North”, with stretched white sand beach facing the South China Sea and it is a must-go place for anyone who loves to surf and has a passion for water sports. The ideal surfing months are from November to February.  If you are on a road trip through a rented or private vehicle, you may consider going a little bit west of La Union to see the beautiful province of Pangasinan. Hundred Islands National Park is the coolest place to see in the province. This national park is famous for the beautiful islets dotting the coast of Alaminos City.  Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is great to see also. This lighthouse standing at Bolinao, Pangasinan was built by the Americans in 1903 on a 300-feet high promontory at the western section of Cape Bolinao.  Up to now it still sends signals to vessels passing by the nearby sea.  Manlaleuag National Park is another must-see place.  This forest area was declared as a National Park in 1940 and is a host to both scientists and tourists interested in the environment.

Learn the Ilocano Language

>>> Useful Words When Visiting the Place

Ilocos Foods 

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See VIDEO below…

Aim:  This lesson aims to give you some Tagalog translations and the basic culture of meeting a Filipino for the first time.  Useful phrases are translated to Tagalog.

Filipinos are hospitable and very friendly to foreigners.  It is always interesting for them to see people from a different nation.  You may find some who are shy and very reserved but, you can always have a good conversation with them if you do your best to be friendly as well.  They may see foreigners as very interesting, but they will try to observe themselves and discuss how things were in your meetings or dealings with them.

>>> Read more stories about the Filipino Culture while you learn the basics of the Filipino Language.

Useful phrases when meeting with Filipinos

When you meet a Filipino person for the first time, it is best if you introduce yourself with your name to show your sincerity.  He or she may see you as interesting for the first time and approaching him or her for small talk will be more successful if you show such a great attitude of sincerity and politeness.

Openers:

* You want to get to know a person for the first time.

Hi, how are you?

Tagalog: Hi, kumusta ka?

My name is Anna (or I’m Anna).  I am from the United States.

Tagalog: Ang pangalan ko ay Anna (or Ako si Anna).  Taga United States ako.

What is your name?

Tagalog: Ano ang pangalan mo?

* You need help from someone. – In situations where you need help and you are in a big city, it is not necessary to tell your name.  The only time it becomes necessary is when you are in a small town where it is important for people to know specifically who they are talking with.  Small communities are called Barangays.  The people who live in a Barangay outside Manila pretty much know each other.  Though, in Manila, Barangay is not a well-known word for some people (they use more the street name and the city where they live), everyone is aware that he or she belongs to a Barangay.

Scenario # 1. (Looking for a restroom)-

Excuse me, Do you know where the restroom is?

Tagalog: Mawalang galang po, alam mo ba kung saan ang restroom?

Scenario #2. (Lost and needs to know where the right way is)

Excuse me,  I am lost. Where is the post office?

Tagalog: Mawalang galang po, nawawala ako, saan ba ang post office?

 Scenario #3. (Need to know where to buy something)

Excuse me, I need something to drink. Where can I buy?

Tagalog: Mawalang galang po, kailangan ko ng maiinom, saan ako makakabili?

*  Indirect Approaches

1. May I borrow your bicycle?

Tagalog: Pahiram naman ang bisikleta mo? (It can be said, “Pahiram ang bisikleta mo”)  – The word “naman” conveys more politeness. (May I borrow – Pahiram, your bicycle – bisikleta mo)

2. Would you happen to know a good hotel?

Tagalog: Mayroon ka bang alam na magandang hotel?  In Tagalog this is only the way how to translate the question above which literally means “Do you know a good  hotel?”.   (Do you know- Mayroon ka bang alam, good hotel – magandang hotel)

3. Sorry to bother you, but is this seat taken?

Tagalog: Mawalang galang po, mayroon po bang nakaupo dito?  ( Sorry – Mawalang galang PO,  is this seat taken – meron PO bang nakaupo dito)

               Mayroon is usually pronounced as “Meron”

               PO – it is optional  (to convey more politeness to a stranger or an older person)

4. Would you mind telling me where you got that?

Tagalog:  Puwede po bang malaman kung saan mo nakuha iyan? (Would you tell me (mind is not necessary)   – puwede po bang malaman; where you got that – saan mo nakuha iyan?)

5. Could you please change my dollar money to peso?

Tagalog:  Puwede po bang pakipalitan ang  dolyar ko sa peso? (could you please change – puwede po bang pakipalitan, my  dollar – ang dolyar ko)

Please – Paki (it is usually a prefix of a verb)

Examples:  Pakitulungan  – Please help; Pakikarga – Please carry; Pakisamahan – Please accompany;  Pakidala – Please bring; Pakigawa – Please do; Pakitawagan – Please call; Pakiabot – Please pass

6. Would you happen to know if there is grocery store near here?

Tagalog: Meron ka bang alam na  tindahan na malapit dito? (Would you happen to know – meron ka bang alam;  grocery store – tindahan;  near here – malapit dito)

*  Direct Approaches

1. This is a great hotel, isn’t it?

Tagalog:  Maganda itong hotel, hindi ba?

2. I can’t believe how busy the streets are.

Tagalog:  Hindi ako makapaniwala, sobrang ma-traffic ang mga daan.

3. Nice day, isn’t it?

Tagalog:  Maganda ang araw ngayon, hindi ba?

4. Isn’t a great day to go around?

Tagalog:  Hindi ba maganda ang araw na ito para maglibang?

Don’t forget to say:

Thank you.

Tagalog: Salamat  / Salamat po. (po emphasizes a more polite way of saying thank you.)

Talking About Yourself

Hello, how are you?  My name is Bob.  I am from the United States

Tagalog: Hello, Kumusta, Ako si Bob. Taga United States ako.  (typically this is the normal approach if you would like a small talk with someone you don’t know)

If the person is in the mood to continue speaking with you, most likely he or she will be interested in finding out more about you.  And if you are interested to know him or her more, it is important for you to tell a more detailed introduction of yourself and what your intentions are.  A person may be aloof if you don’t tell a more detailed description of yourself.

I am single.  I am a writer and I am very interested in writing about the Filipinos that’s why I am here to stay for a while.

Tagalog:  Wala akong asawa.  Manunulat ako  at interesado akong isulat ang mga bagay     tungkol sa mga Pilipino kaya mananatili muna ako dito.

The first things you can tell about yourself are your name, place, status, your hobbies and interests,   interest in Filipino or your purpose for visiting the Philippines.

When you meet a Filipino, it is not common for them to ask a lot from a foreigner.  They may be hospitable, and some may be good at conversation,  but most are very reserved and won’t initiate to talk about anything with a foreigner.  It is fine to speak to them in English (they will understand you),  but they will be more engaged in talking with you if you speak to them in Tagalog or in the dialect that they understand and speak better.  They won’t observe the grammar, but it is about communicating an attitude of your interest in Filipino which helps them to be more confident in talking with you.

If in the United States, we can start a conversation about the weather in a day to day basis (for Filipinos, it becomes a topic when a typhoon or a flood had just happened), it is not something that people do in the Philippines.  It is not common for Filipinos to ask a person directly about what he/she does for a living as we do in the United States (it is someone’s preference if he or she will initiate to tell what he/she does for a living).

If the conversation continues, some of the things you can talk about would be everyday subjects that the person you are talking with and yourself are familiar with, such as:

• personal interests and hobbies
• your environment (hotel, airport, roads, beach, etc.)
• if there was a typhoon or a flood that had just happened that you both know, it is fine to discuss it.
• your location, city, school, workplace (it is fine to initiate talking about what you do or where you work and ask them afterwards)
• current happenings such as cultural events (Filipinos are fond of festivals)
• Basketball (the men are into this topic more than the women)
• Beauty Pageants (Most Filipinos are rooting for beauty pageants – most Barangays have their own beauty pageant.  Sometimes kids have their own pageant as well.)
• Movies – many Filipinos are fond of watching Foreign movies.

Even though for some other nations, it may be too intimate to talk about marital status, age, religion, or politics; most Filipinos are open about these topics, even during your first time conversation with them.

Showing Interest

You’re kidding!

Tagalog:  Nagbibiro ka lang!

Funny!

Tagalog:  Nakakatuwa naman!

Is that so? Really!

Tagalog: Talaga?!

That must be very exciting to do!

Tagalog: Masaya yatang gawin ‘yan!

Very interesting, fantastic!

Tagalog: Ang galing naman!

Some expressions are the same in English and Tagalog like; Wow!, U-huh

Staying in Touch

It’s been great talking to you.

Tagalog:  Natutuwa ako na nakausap kita.

We’ll have to stay in touch. / We should get together again.

Tagalog:  Sana magkita ulit tayo.

Give me a call or I will give you a call.

Tagalog: Tawagan kita o tawagan mo ako.

Send me an email or I will send you an email.

Tagalog: Email mo ako o Email kita.

>>> Read more stories about the Filipino Culture while you learn the basics of the Filipino Language.

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See VIDEO below…

1. Learn the basics of Filipino culture, the weather and know the nature of the place you will be staying.

Pag-aralan ang mahalaga sa kultura ng mga Filipino, ang panahon at ang lugar kung saan ka maglalagi.

2. English is pretty much a second language for people from Manila.  Filipinos that live outside of Manila have their local dialect. Tagalog is their second language, but pretty much all Filipinos know the English language.  Average Filipinos are just awkward sometimes  to speak English with a foreigner who they think knows better. They are very aware of their grammar and their accent. It helps them to get comfortable by being patient and nice when they are trying to speak to you in English.  You won’t have too much problem with others at all because many are good in speaking  the English language.

Pangalawang salita ng karamihan sa mga Filipino na naninirahan sa Manila ang English. Sa mga naninirahan sa probinsiya, ginagamit nila ang kanilang salita at pangalawang salita nila ang Tagalog pero karamihan sa Filipino ang marunong ng English. Minsan lang, nahihiya silang magsalita ng English pag kausap nila ay dayuhan dahil batid nila na iba ang kanilang punto at eksperto sa pananalita ng English ang kausap nila.  Nakakatulong kung maging matiyaga ka at mahinahon sa pakikipag-usap sa kanila. Pero, karamihan ay nakakapagsalita ng English at walang problema na kausapin ka. 

3. Get prepared for a hot and humid weather. It gets cold in the months of December through February but not as cold as we experience in the western part.

Maghanda sa mainit at mahalumigmig na panahon. Malamig sa mga buwan ng Disyembre hanggang Pebrero pero hindi kasing lamig ng nararanasan natin sa bansang kanluran.

4. Be prepared for brownouts. They cut off the power supply when there is typhoon and there is usually a power shortage in the summer time. Generators are available for hotels and shopping malls.

Maghanda sa brownouts.  Nawawala ang kuryente pag mayroong bagyo at madalas nawawala ang kuryente sa panahon ng tag-init. Gumagamit ng generators ang mga hotels at mga shopping malls.

5. When packing your luggage, know that it is great to shop in the Philippines. Just bring the stuff you need not unless you plan to leave some of them in the Philippines.   There are many bargains when you go for a shopping in the Philippines and you probably want to buy them all and this will not put you in trouble of paying for excess weight on your luggage when you go back. Excess weight can be very expensive.

Kapag nag-iimpake, isipin mo na magandang mamili sa Pilipinas.  Kuhanin lang ang mga kakailanganin maliban lamang kung plano mong iwanan ang iba sa Pilipinas. Maraming mura pag namili ka sa Pilipinas at siguro marami kang gustong bilhin para hindi ka magbabayad ng labis sa timbang ng bagahe mo pagbalik mo. Mahal ang bayad sa labis na timbang.

6. Cotton and light made clothes are best to wear (it is what I think). Sandals are best worn, but shoes are a  great protection to your feet when you go for a hike.

Pinakamaginhawang gumamit ng mga kuton at magagaan na damit lamang.  Ang karaniwan na ginagamit ay tsinelas pero mas maganda pa rin ang sapatos pag malayo ang lalakarin.

7. Bring a good off-mosquito lotion and sprayer.

Magdala ng good-off mosquito lotion o sprayer.

8. Philippine Airlines is the major carrier of the Philippines. If you want to practice your Tagalog language while you are on board and get familiar with Filipino foods, then this airline is the best way to go.

Philippine Airlines ang pinakamalaking tagapagdala sa Pilipinas.   Kung gusto mong matuto ng Tagalog at matikman ang ulam ng mga Pinoy sa biyahe, itong eroplano na ito ang pinkamainam na sakyan.

9. It is nice if you know how to say some of the basic Tagalog languages when meeting Filipinos like “Kumusta kayo?” which means “How are you?”. They can understand your English greetings, but it will make them smile more when they hear you saying your words in their language.  When meeting older people, they would love to hear from you the words, “Kumusta po kayo” which means a more polite way of saying “How are you?“.

Mabuti kung alam mong bigkasin ang mga mahahalagang salita sa Tagalog kagaya ng “Kumusta kayo?”.  Maiintindihan ka nila sa salitang English pero ikakatuwa nila na marinig kang nagsasalita ng Tagalog.  Pag makakakilala ka ng matatanda, mapapasaya mo sila pag babatiin mo sila sa Tagalog at gagamitin mo ang po. (“Kumusta po kayo?”) dahil ito ay nagpapakita na nirerespeto mo sila.

10. When you reach the Philippines, you will be greeted by Filipinos with the word “Mabuhay” which means “Welcome and Long live”, and usually porters are around to help if you need help to carry your luggage. You know the  usual rule of giving them tips for their service.  There are porters who will just grab your luggage and try to help even without asking them, this is their way of getting your attention to avail their service. Just politely say, “Kaya ko ito, salamat”  which means “I can manage, thanks”.

Pagdating mo sa Pilipinas, babatiin ka ng “Mabuhay” at marami ang nag-aabang na tutulong na magkarga sa mga bagahe mo.  Alam mo na kailangan mong magbigay ng tip. Minsan makikita mo na lang na ang isa sa kanila ay hinahawakan ang maleta mo.  Ito ay agresibong paraan para makapagsilbi sila sa iyo pero kung hindi mo kailangan ang tulong, sabihin mo lang,  “Salamat, kaya ko ito”.

11. When riding a taxi to the hotel, it is common to get the plate number of the taxi (it is not to be paranoid but if you have some issues with them, you are prepared for a reference). Ask them if their meter is working because you can be more confident that they will charge you appropriately for your fare. Tell them you want the shortest way to the hotel.  They are usually fun to talk with even asking them personal things like “Kumustaang pamilya mo?” which means “How is your family?”,   “How is your taxi driving today?” which means  “Kumusta ang pagmamaneho natin ngayon?”.  Every Filipino loves to talk about politics.  You can ask “Kumusta ang trabaho ng presidente?” which means “How is the president doing?”.

Kung sasakay ka sa taxi papunta sa hotel,  karaniwan na kinukuha ang plate number.  Tanungin ang driver kung gumagana ang kanyang meter. Sabihin mo na kunin ang pinakamalapit na rota. Masaya silang kausap. Puwede mo silang tanungin ng personal kagaya ng “Kumusta ang pamilya natin?’, “Kumusta ang pagmamaneho natin ngayon?”.  Gusto ng mga Filipino na pag-usapan ang pulitika. Kumustahin mo ang trabaho ng presidente.

12. Traffic in Manila is bad during rush hours. Rush hours in the morning start from7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and in the evening, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. People are usually out for shopping on the weekends, so expect a heavy traffic anytime.  In the provinces, traffic is not bad.

Matumal ang daloy ng sasakyan sa Manila sa mga oras na marami ang tao sa daan.  Marami ang tao sa mga oras ng alas siyete hanggang alas nuwebe sa umaga, at alas kuwatro hanggang alas diyes naman sa gabi.  Namimili ang mga tao sa katapusan ng linggo kaya kahit anong oras sa mga araw ng Sabado at Linggo ay puwedeng maging matumal ang daloy  ng sasakyan.

13. Filipinos are good at serving. They would love to help all the time :). Any request is possible. They will give their best to meet your needs. I hope you don’t mess up with them because they know it when you do.

Ang mga pinoy ay likas na magaling maglingkod. Gusto nilang maglingkod sa lahat ng oras. Ano man ang kahilingan mo, ibibigay nila lahat ang kaya nila para mapagsilbihan ka. Huwag mo lang silang lokohin dahil alam nila pag ginawa mo ito.

14. Know at least some popular good foods you can try like “Adobo”, “Sinigang”, and “Leche Flan” and the famous “Pandesal” bread. When being served on a table, they usually set up a fork and spoon to go with your plate. You can request for a knife.

Alamin mo ang mga kilalang ulam sa kanila na puwede mo ring subukan katulad ng “Adobo”, “Sinigang”, “Leche Flan”, at ang kilalang “Pandesal”. Kung pagsisilbihan ka sa hapag kainan, madalas tinidor at kutsara lang ang ibibigay kasama ang plato mo.  Puwede mong hilingin na bigyan ka rin ng kutsilyo.

15. Be prepared for rainy days, floods, and typhoons. They usually happen in the months of May through December.

Maghanda sa tag-ulan, baha at bagyo. Nangyayari ang mga ito sa buwan ng Mayo hanggang Disyembre.

16. Drink bottled or filtered water. Don’t eat foods from the streets to avoid getting sick.

Uminom ng “bottled o filtered water”.  Huwag kumain ng mga pagkain na nabibili sa mga kalsada  para maiwasan ang magkasakit.

17. Most Filipinos love shopping, parties, outings, and Karaoke. Karaoke is everywhere. Learn to sing “My Way” or “Dancing Queen” professionally. There are just many of them that can sing these songs like those on American Idol.

Karamihan sa mga Filipino ang mahilig mamili, magsaya, lumalabas at nag-kakaraoke. Makakakita ka ng karaoke sa lahat ng dako. Pag-aralang kantahin ng mabuti ang “My Way” o “Dancing Queen” dahil karamihan sa kanila ay magaling kantahin ang mga ito na parang sa American Idol.

18. Don’t show off that you have good cash in hand to avoid getting robbed. Credit or debit cards are great options, but they are not accepted in small stores. Don’t worry about security, just know the proper way how to use your credit cards. I’ve always used my debit cards the time I lived there and I had no problem about security.

Huwag ipakita na mayroon kang hawak na maraming pera para maiwasan ang mga magnanakaw.  Puwedeng gumamit ng  “credit cards or debit cards” pero hindi nila tinatanggap sa maliliit na pamilihan .  Alamin lang ang mga pamantayan sa ligtas na paggamit ng mga ito.  Ginagamit ko lagi ang “debit card” ko sa Pilipinas noong nakatira ako doon at wala naman akong naging problema sa seguridad.

19. Don’t be annoyed when a business shuts down from12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. It means all workers are on lunch break and it is the way some of the businesses do.

Huwag magalit pag ang mga opisina ay nakasara sa tanghali.  Marami sa mga negosyo ang nagsasara sa mga oras na ito dahil nanananghalian lahat.

20. Don’t be annoyed when they say “sandali lang po” which means “wait for a moment”, and it has taken them forever to do it. Sometimes it happens.

Huwag magalit pag sinabi “sandali lang po”, at sobrang matagal ang paghihintay.  Minsan nangyayari ito.

21. Divisoria and Baclaran are well-known bargain centers for shopping but don’t go to these places without a Filipino friend with you. It is safer for foreigners to hang out in the malls like SM and Robinsons Shopping Mall, and not in these areas.

Magandang mamili sa Divisoria at Baclaran dahil mura ang mga bilihin pero huwag pumunta kung walang kasama na Filipino. Mas ligtas ang mamili sa mga shopping malls katulad ng SM o Robinsons Shopping Mall.

22. Filipinos love to have fun and that is why probably the Department of Tourism came up with the all time theme “It is More Fun in the Philippines”. Fun for them is simple. Giving your time to talk with them and joining them in what they are doing even just for simple things like riding a bicycle, watching movie series “teleserye“, singing in karaoke are fun for them. There are a lot of fun activities to do in Manila  but if  hiking and beaches are your way of fun, explore outside Manila.

Ang mga Filipino ay mahilig sa katuwaan kaya siguro ang Department of Tourism ay gamit ang tema na “It is more Fun in the Philippines”. Ang kasiyahan sa kanila ay simple lang.  Kausapin mo lang sila at samahan mo lang silang mag-bisikleta, manood ng teleserye o mag-karaoke, masaya na sila.  Marami ang puwedeng gawin sa Manila, pero pag ang gusto mong gawin ay mag-hiking at makita ang  tabing-dagat, kailangan lumabas ka sa Manila.

23. Don’t say you cannot be up overnight or all day because party for them most of the times is overnight or all day.

Huwag mong sabihin, hindi mo kayang magsaya ng buong magdamag o buong araw dahil karamihan sa mga kasiyahan na ginaganap nila ay buong araw o magdamag.

24. They like to see your reaction when you taste their food. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like them. They just want to capture those funny moments from a foreigner. Try to eat the “balut” or “fertilized egg” :).

Gusto nilang makita ang reaksiyon mo kung titikman mo ang kanilang pagkain.  Ok lang pag hindi mo gusto ang mga ito.  Gusto lang nilang makita ang pangyayari na ito sa isang dayuhan.  Subukan mong kumain ng balut.

25. It is not too much to give a smile even if you don’t like what they eat or what they do or even if it feels or looks weird for you.

Hindi mahirap gawin ang ngumiti lang pag hindi mo nagustuhan ang kinakain nila o kakaiba sa iyo.

26. You can live like a queen or king. Filipinos are by nature, servants and they love to please their visitors. Filipinos are very hospitable.  It is true that you can live like a king or queen because everyone loves to help out.  They won’t ask you to pay them, but you just know that you have to at least give or show your gratitude by giving them something (a kind of gift or cash will do).  You are not required to give them, though.

Puwede kang mamuhay na parang reyna o hari.  Ang mga pinoy ay magaling magsilbi.  Hindi sila hihingi ng bayad pero maiintindihan mo na matindi ang pangangailangan nila kaya maganda rin kung bibigyan mo sila ng regalo o pera  kung masaya ka sa serbisyo nila.  Hindi kailangan na bigyan sila.

27. There are many fun activities to do in Manila but don’t just stay there. Breathtaking sceneries can be found outside of Manila. If you are willing to take some short plane trips, places like Palawan and Boracay are nice places to see. If you want to see the whole of Luzon (flying is optional), a drive will take you to nice places like “Hundred Islands” in Pangasinan, Baguio City, Tagaytay City, and beaches in the North.

Maraming puwedeng gawin sa Manila pero huwag lang manatili doon. Kung puwede sa iyo ang maikli na biyahe sa eroplano, ang mga lugar ng Palawan at Boracay ay magagandang tanawin na dapat puntahan.  Kung gusto mong makita ang buong Luzon (puwedeng hindi sumakay sa eroplano), puwedeng magmaneho sa mga lugar katulad ng “Hundred Islands” sa Pangasinan, Baguio City, Tagaytay City at mga magagandang tabing-dagat sa Norte.

28. Carry some good foods when you go for a long drive. There are stores along your way, but it may not be the foods you wish to eat. When buying something, cash is usually accepted in the provinces.

Magdala ng pagkain pag nagbibiyahe ng malayo. Mayroon ding mga bilihan pero puwedeng hindi mo magustuhan ang mga ito.  Pag nasa probinsiya ka, pera na hawak ang kadalasan na ginagamit na pambili.

29. Have fun, talk to the people, ask them anything. If they see you getting engaged with them, they will feel more comfortable to talk with you in English.

Magsaya, kausapin mo ang mga tao, tanungin mo sila ng kahit ano. Kung alam nila na kinakausap mo sila, makakatulong sa kanila na kausapin ka rin sa English.

30. Don’t be surprised when they will offer you rice for foods three times a day :).

Huwag kang mabibigla kung pakakainin ka nila ng kanin tatlong beses sa isang araw :).

Final Note:

• If you think the Philippines is a dangerous place to go,  I think everywhere is dangerous.  Be nice and you will expect the same. Don’t judge and you will see great smiles.
• Kung iniisip mo na mapanganib ang Pilipinas na puntahan,  sa palagay  ko, sa lahat ng dako ng mundo ay mapanganib.  Maging mabait, at aasa ka rin ng pareho. Huwag manghatol, at makikita mo ang mga magagandang ngiti.

See Lesson 1: Meeting a Filipino for the First Time

>>> Read more stories about the Filipino Culture while you learn the basics of the Filipino Language.

Other Lessons: Learn Tagalog ; Tagalog Video Lessons

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