15 Things Philippines Does That Will SHOCK Americans!

Summary

This engaging video takes you through the unique and humorous aspects of Filipino culture, from the chaotic yet charming jeepneys and the concept of 'Filipino time' to the rice-centric meals and quirky building logic. It explores cultural differences such as the minimal ice culture, the importance of bread, and the direct nature of conversations. You'll also learn about public restrooms with fees, the no-shoes rule in homes, and the confusing yet charming Filipino address system. The video provides an entertaining and insightful look at what makes the Philippines a one-of-a-kind experience, with a dash of humor and relatable anecdotes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jeepneys in the Philippines are colorful, chaotic public transportation vehicles that are packed with people but are a cheap and unique experience, with no strict stops or schedules.
• 😀 Filipino time is a flexible concept where being late is common, and punctuality is less emphasized. It’s more about going with the flow rather than strict schedules.
• 😀 Rice is a staple in every meal in the Philippines, with a strong cultural obsession for it, making bread a rare request at Filipino tables.
• 😀 Many Filipino homes and public places rely on fans rather than air conditioning, leading to a constant battle between freezing air-conditioned malls and hot outdoor temperatures.
• 😀 Food portions in the Philippines are more modest compared to the US, but they focus on quality, flavor, and nutrition rather than large servings.
• 😀 In the Philippines, drinks are usually served without ice, as locals often prefer avoiding watered-down beverages and the potential risks of dirty ice.
• 😀 Filipino building logic can be confusing for Americans, as the 'first floor' is actually the second floor, and the ground floor is named as such.
• 😀 Bread culture is an obsession in the Philippines, with bakeries offering a variety of delicious, fresh bread, which is a stark contrast to prepackaged bread in the US.
• 😀 Small talk is not common in the Philippines, and conversations are usually more direct. Silence is golden, and small talk is avoided in public spaces.
• 😀 Public restrooms in the Philippines often charge a small fee to maintain cleanliness, which is a practical system but can be inconvenient if you don’t have small change.
• 😀 On Sundays, many stores in the Philippines close early or don’t open at all, as it’s a day for family and rest, although malls remain open and busy.
• 😀 Filipinos often require guests to take off their shoes when entering their homes as a sign of respect and cleanliness, offering slippers to guests to ensure comfort inside.

Q & A

What is a jeepney and what makes it unique in the Philippines?

A jeepney is a type of public transport in the Philippines, characterized by its bedazzled, colorful design and chaotic nature. Originally made from surplus military jeeps, they are now heavily decorated with rainbow paint, religious quotes, and signs. They're designed for 20 passengers but can fit 30, and they don't follow strict schedules or routes—passengers flag one down and shout 'stop' when they want to get off.

What is 'Filipino time' and how does it differ from punctuality expectations in other countries?

'Filipino time' refers to the flexible approach to time in the Philippines, where being late is common and accepted. It’s not about laziness but rather about taking life easy. In contrast to strict punctuality seen in countries like the US, Filipinos may show up late for parties or meetings, but that’s just how they manage their time.

Why is rice such an essential part of Filipino meals?

Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, and meals are expected to include it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Filipinos are known for having a rice cooker for every family member, and it’s considered essential to a proper meal. If rice isn't on the table, it’s almost as if the meal isn't complete.

What is the typical experience regarding air conditioning in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, air conditioning is not as ubiquitous as in other countries. While malls and hotels may have AC, most homes and public spaces rely on fans or open windows to stay cool. The temperature can be extreme, with AC often cranked to very cold levels in certain places, creating a stark contrast between the freezing indoors and the hot outdoors.

How do food portion sizes in the Philippines differ from those in the United States?

Food portions in the Philippines are smaller compared to the large, often oversized portions in the US. While the meals might seem small at first glance, the food is fresher and more flavorful, and people tend to feel full quicker. Filipino meals are often served family-style, allowing for shared eating experiences.

Why are drinks typically served without ice in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, drinks are often served without ice due to concerns about hygiene, particularly with water quality. While it might seem strange to visitors accustomed to ice-filled drinks, the practice helps avoid issues like watered-down beverages or stomach problems from dirty water. If ice is requested, only a small amount is usually provided.

How is the concept of floors in buildings different in the Philippines compared to the US?

In the Philippines, the 'first floor' is actually the second level of a building, while the ground level is referred to as the 'ground floor.' This can be confusing for those from countries like the US, where the first floor is typically the ground level. It can also create awkward moments in elevators when trying to figure out the correct floor.

What makes Filipino bread unique, and how is it different from bread in other countries?

Filipino bread is a central part of the culture, with a variety of breads that are freshly made and sold in bakeries. From soft, sweet breakfast rolls like pandol to cheesy pastries like ensaymada, Filipino bread is flavorful and often made fresh daily. Unlike pre-packaged bread in many other countries, Filipino bread is rich in flavor and free of preservatives.

What is the Filipino approach to small talk compared to American culture?

In the Philippines, small talk is generally avoided, with conversations being more direct and purpose-driven. Unlike in the US, where small talk about the weather or other trivial matters is common, Filipinos typically engage in conversation only when necessary, making it feel more focused and efficient.

What is unique about Filipino public restrooms, and how are they typically structured?

In the Philippines, public restrooms are often divided into separate rooms: one for sinks and mirrors, and another for toilets. This structure is different from the all-in-one stalls typically found in many other countries. While it may seem confusing at first, it is designed to reduce awkwardness by separating activities like washing hands from using the toilet.