Do's & Don'ts of the Philippines

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DO Carry your own toilet paper. Let?s get right to practicality. You never know where you might have to relieve yourself. Tissue ? even in public restrooms ? can be hard to find.
DON?T Be offended by open grins and frank stares. Filipinos are curious and friendly by nature, and many have never met foreigners up close. You are an alien, and they generally don?t put on airs. Just smile back, but don?t stare.
DO Bring cash. Public ATMS are few and far between in these islands.
DON'T Indiscriminately hand out coins to children even when tempted. You?ll quickly be surrounded by a mob following you through the streets. Same goes for photos; grab them and move on fast, or in no time, you?ll have the whole town hamming for your camera.
DO Allow plenty of time for traveling. Canceled, delayed or fictionalized boat schedules are not uncommon here. Be prepared to improvise.
DON'T Be afraid of riding motorcycles. They?re the favorite transportation, carrying up to seven passengers at once. Enjoy the ride; you probably won?t get killed. But don?t ride with six other people.
DO Get used to sharing your transport space with pigs and bananas. To the local Filipinos, they are by far a more critical cargo than you.
DON'T Be put off by free-roaming carabao. They are the economy?s backbone, afforded special privileges. Stay alert to avoid hitting them because that would most certainly leave a mark.
DO Ingratiate yourself by drinking with the locals. They?re fun.
DON'T Expect them to pick up the tab. Everyone?s on their own.

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David Haldane











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Philippines






DO: Carry your own toilet paper. Let?s get right to practicality. You never know where you might have to relieve yourself. Tissue ? even in public restrooms ? can be hard to find. DON?T: Be offended by open grins and frank stares. Filipinos are curious and friendly by nature, and many have never met foreigners up close. You are an alien, and they generally don?t put on airs. Just smile back, but don?t stare.
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