Here are
some tips/facts to know when living in the Philippines:
Communications.
Filipinos
speak very generally. For example if asked, “Where are you going?” the typical response should be “just there” (like in the U.S. we answer,
“fine” to “How are you?” In the same sense, when asking for directions, ask
more than one person. (especially when getting on a jeepney)
If you have
an opinion it is better to keep it to yourself. Where articulation in valued in
the States, silence is valued here. Rather than pointing out someone’s fault,
it is better to keep it to yourself to save his or her reputation.
The goal of
communication is harmony NOT giving and receiving information.
Philippines, social status determines one’s expressiveness, not personality.
Food
Don’t try
the street food unless you know the people.
Tap water
is not safe for drinking.
Drink extra
fluid to avoid dehydration in the summer months (now).
Appearance
The modern
trend= conservative/modest. More flesh, the more invitation for trouble.
When
leaving the house to go to the mall, the doctor, the restaurant, you dress up
slightly.
Good
hygiene is highly important.
Best part
of appearance is your smile (Philippines is the Land of Smiling Faces).
Values
Family-based
society. It is impossible to refuse family obligations (You become a doctor to
support the family).
Successful
family members support the rest of the family (extended family included). You
take care of the elderly (Retirement homes are not well-known).
Titles are
valued. For example, people would be called “Doctor Bob,” “Ate Lisa,” and “Kuya
Chris” (Ate [ah-tay] is a “elder sister/female”, “kuya” refers to an older
brother/male). Even if you are emotionally close, you still refer to each other
by the title AND the name.
Time
Filipinos
are very flexible on time.
If they
invited someone over for dinner they will typically wonder if they are really
coming until they really show up. Therefore, the food will never be “ready” at
the designated time, as the family will start preparing when you arrive.
OUR
MINISTRY!
I
am SO EXCITED to share this finally!
squad teams are housed at the same location all month: Kids International
Ministry in Cainta, Rizal (just outside Metro Manila). We are sleeping in bunk beds and on
the floor and are fed every meal thanks to Long family. In this area there is
two schools and a children’s home, as well as a typical low SES neighborhood (“Cuatro”
is the name of the neighborhood area).
Wrecked 52:7 and L.P.P. are teamed up for
our primary ministry with Action International and more specifically working
with boys home called “Children’s Garden” located in Antipolo, Rizal. It is a
home mostly consisting of boys from ages 14-18 who came from street life or
institutional life. They learn about the hope of Jesus, as well as shop skills
such as welding, electric, and woodwork. They also help minister to kids still
living on the street.
Secondary ministries may include
construction, cleaning the streets, ministering to families, helping at the
children’s home where we live, working in the nursery, or just playing
basketball with kids.
with the boys and I can’t wait to tell you all more about them!
