6 incomprehensible local customs in the Philippines. Never say no and unique table culture

The Philippines is a diverse country that integrates Eastern and Western cultures. Its customs are unique and interesting. I have sorted out the customs with Philippine characteristics for you. See how many you can accept? Do these interesting and unique cultures make you want to know more about the Philippines?

🌟 1. Philippine time
⏰In the Philippines, the agreed time is not so "accurate"! It is usually 30 minutes to 1 hour later than the agreed time
💬Although many people are trying to change now, "lateness" is still a daily phenomenon. Don't worry if you encounter it. This is just their culture~
✅So, if a Filipino friend invites you to a party at 1 pm, it is best to arrive at 1:30 or even 2 pm.

🌟 2. It is difficult to say "no", and the words are very subtle
🙅♀️Filipinos don't like to say no directly. They often use "maybe" and "I'll try" to express "I won't do it."
😟For example, if you invite a friend to a party and he says "I'll try my best", then he probably won't come~
✅The secret is to listen to their tone and words. If they don't agree readily, it's basically a rejection!

🌟 3. Catholic and superstitious
🤔More than 90% of Filipinos believe in Catholicism. The Black Jesus Day and Good Friday are solemn and grand.
👻However, they also believe in superstition: they can't go home directly after the wake, and it will be bad luck if their immediate relatives get married in the same year.
✅It's rare to find a country that believes in Catholicism and superstition. Just respect the local culture!

🌟 4. Switch from knife to spoon, unique table culture
🍴Filipinos rarely use knives when eating. They are used to using forks to push food onto spoons before eating.
💬It is said that during the colonial period, in order to prevent resistance, the rulers banned the use of knives. Over time, Filipinos used spoons instead of knives.
✅Friends in the Philippines just follow their own habits!

🌟 5. Lifting the house to move?
😖There is a tradition in rural Philippines called "Bayanihan". When moving is needed, villagers will work together to lift the whole house and move it!
🤝This peculiar way of moving was originally intended to avoid floods or landslides. The house is also made of lighter materials such as bamboo and palm wood. This method is not only practical, but also symbolizes solidarity and mutual assistance.
✅Meeting "Bayanihan" can assist the community or villagers to complete such relocation, help each other, and convey goodwill!

🌟 6. Special respect gestures
🤔When the younger generation in the Philippines sees their parents or grandparents, they do not express intimacy with hugs, kisses or handshakes, but hold the hands of the elderly and put their hands on their foreheads to show respect.
👉The name of the gesture is "Pagmamano", which is like the action of accepting blessings, similar to the bow in Japan and the kiss on the cheeks in Spain.