CULTURE
Defining Traits That Make an Everyday Filipina
Tan skin, fun-sized, and smiley — these are the first things most people notice about a Filipina.
As you get to know them, you’ll discover that they are ten times more interesting than you initially thought. They are like a mystery box or a Funfetti cake — there’s always an element of surprise when you’re with them.
Are there any Filipinas that have caught your eye recently? Are you open to the idea of seeing one? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
There are so many things you don’t know about these ladies. You’ve seen them as nurses, and you’ve seen them as beauty queens. The range Filipinas have is simply incomparable.
But what exactly makes a Filipina, a Filipina? Here are a few traits you might have noticed about them.
Repurposing items.
What do you do after finishing a tub of ice cream? You dispose of it. Right? Well, not for Filipinas.
They are known to be resourceful. They find ingenious ways to make use of basically anything. If it has the potential to be repurposed, they will surely not miss out on the chance.
Their thriftiness is partially to blame for this trait. They wouldn’t want to spend on anything they can make out of anywhere. The only time they ever throw away anything is when they no longer need it.
Don’t be surprised if your Filipina girlfriend scolds you for throwing away your old documents — she’ll probably find a way to use it as scratch paper.
No rice? No thanks.
Every Filipino will agree that a meal must have rice. If not, that’s no meal at all.
If you plan to take a Filipina out on a date, it would be wise to choose a restaurant that has rice on the menu. Otherwise, she’ll grow hungry later. That’s no exaggeration — she will literally starve moments after.
Their bodies have become accustomed to having rice during mealtime. It’s already within their system to depend on rice for sustenance.
While it is indeed possible for a Filipino to go without rice on one meal, they aren’t too keen to forgo it entirely.
The takeaway lesson? Never take away rice from a Filipina’s diet.
Expect brutal honesty.
Filipinas do not hold back when they are speaking their truth. They don’t hesitate to tell it like it is.
It may come across as harsh, but it’s normal in Filipino culture. Filipinas aren’t fond of beating around the bush, or as they put it “paligoy-ligoy.” It’s nothing but a waste of time, and it’s pretty pointless to them.
Sugarcoating is not one of their strongest suits either. They would rather be honest than put up a front.
Family means everything to her.
Have you ever heard of the saying “When you marry a Filipina, you marry her family”?
This stems from the fact that family is the very center of Filipino culture. It’s like a buy-one-get-one sale — you can’t take one without the other. Even if they are full-grown adults, you bet that they’ll still be living with their parents and grandparents.
This is why most Filipinos are close to almost every single person on their family tree. The concept of family bears great importance in Filipino culture. Filipinos heavily rely on their families to be their support system in life.
You’ll have to learn to live with it, especially when your relationship with a Filipina gets serious. You’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the future. (Also, her family will influence her decision to marry you)
Practical thinking is her middle name.
Like many other people, Filipinas love to treat themselves to the things they love. But, before anything else, they set aside their money for any necessities and expenses — such as bills, savings, food, house essentials, you name it.
These ladies don’t recklessly spend, even if it’s a limited edition Hermes bag they’ve always wanted. They settle whatever they need to settle first, then they splurge with whatever is left.
Being thrifty is second nature to Filipinas. They would be happy to take up your offer on a treat. Though, you might need to convince them a bit since they usually decline out of politeness.
Everything runs on Filipino time.
Filipino time is the bane of every Filipino’s existence. Most of them truly struggle with arriving timely at functions.
Just to be clear, this only applies to casual gatherings. Filipinos take their jobs very seriously and are dedicated to them as well.
But when it comes to parties or dates? Anticipate them running fashionably late.
It’s a casual gathering, so they treat it as such. It’s not like there will be any penalties for running late, and rushing to arrive on time makes you sound like a madman.
So when a Filipina says she’s on her way, she’s probably still taking a bath. That’s Filipino time for you.
Getting invited to Filipino gatherings.
Usually, when a Filipina finds herself a beau, she invites said beau to these celebrations and gatherings. If your Filipina girlfriend is like any typical Filipina, prepare some standard Filipino greetings and pull out your innate politeness because you will be meeting everyone.
From the grandparents to the newborns, from aunts and uncles that she hasn’t even met before, to a distant cousin’s lover — when we say everyone we mean everyone.
Thankfully, Filipinos are very friendly and accommodating in general. You will find yourself drinking with the uncles and eating delicious food cooked by the aunts. You might also have to do a little babysitting too since the kids will be running around a lot.
You will leave the party exhausted, maybe drunk, and a belly full of food.
Why It’s Easy to Love a Filipina
Filipinas shine the brightest when they have someone by their side, someone who wholeheartedly supports them. It can come in the form of a friend, a family, or even a lover.
These ladies have so much love to give. It’s only right that they end up with someone who can give as much as they do.
If you think you are capable enough, why not give dating Filipinas a try? Who knows, your fated partner might be a Filipina.
Suggested read