Living like a Filipino
During your stay in the Philippines, you are advised to dress up casually, bearing in mind that it is a Catholic country. Hence, avoid walking around in a swimsuit, for example. Filipinos are very friendly people and are always smiling. Feel free to respond to their smile. Moreover, Filipinos can approach you anywhere to engage in a conversation, whether at the restaurant or in a public place, as they are very open people.
When invited by a Filipino, remember to remove your shoes at the doorstep, and if you are invited to come over for a family dinner, do not eat everything that is on your plate. Generally, Filipinos will leave a small amount of food on the side as a sign that they have had their fill.
Philippines cuisine
Rice is very present in the Filipino cuisine and can be considered as equal to bread in the West. However, Spanish, Chinese and Malay cultures have deeply influenced the local gastronomy, giving rise to a blend of delicious smells and tastes that can be a real delight for foreigners. The adobo, which is a meat dish cooked with vinegar, salt, garlic, pepper, soy sauce and other spices, is probably one of the most popular local specialties. As regards desserts, you will love the Pastillas de leche which is prepared with milk and sugar.
Culture
The Spanish and US cultures have undeniably influenced the population in all spheres of everyday life. Once you have got acquainted with the country and its different regions, you will also sense Chinese and Japanese influences in various ways. Therefore, regardless of your nationality and the country where you have been living previously, you will discover a real blend of cultures and flavors during your stay in the Philippines.
Climate and Landscape
The Philippines is considered a “megadiverse” country, due to the thousands of plant and animal species inhabiting its mountains, rainforests, beaches, and coastal shorelines. Qualifying as a tropical maritime climate, the country recognizes three distinct seasons: the hot dry season, the rainy season, and the cool dry season.
Due to its consistent year-round warmth, the Philippines is a popular tourist destination for beachgoers and wilderness explorers alike. Annual average temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 32°C (90°F), and the country follows closely to Western patterns (with the hottest months being May and June, and the coolest being January).
Cost of Living
You will be happy to hear that the cost of living in the Philippines is very favorable compared to the United States. According to the cost-of-living database, Numbeo, consumer prices are 51.46% lower in the Philippines than in the U.S. Rent prices are 79.46% lower, restaurant prices are 70.53% lower, and groceries are 54.17% lower than in the United States.
Some notable average prices include (USD):
- Meal for 2 at a mid-level restaurant: $13.7
- 1 liter of milk: $1.50
- Dozen eggs: $1.45
- Basic monthly utilities (85m2 apartment): $75
- Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $248.92 (monthly)
- Outside city center: $128.38 (monthly)
- Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $485.47 (monthly)
- Outside city center: $236.16 (monthly)
- Price to buy per square meter (city center): $1,430
- Outside city center: $842.94
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