Are you curious about the traditional dating norms in the Philippines? Like in many Asian nations, a young couple’s relationship is seen as a family matter; thus, the male must make an in-person introduction by visiting the woman’s home to meet her family. Even though the West has heavily influenced the dating culture in the Philippines, it is still believed that if a man has the guts to ask a girl’s parents for permission to date their daughter, their relationship will be considered “legal.” If you plan to ask a Filipina out, you must make a good impression, or else you will not stand a chance to call her your nobya (Tagalog for girlfriend).
While there are some similarities between dating customs in other Asian nations and those in the Philippines, there are also significant differences. Their dating culture is a complex fusion of their basic beliefs, religious practices, the influence of elders, historical norms, and direct Eastern and Western impact. Rural and suburban parts of the Philippines continue to follow conservative and traditional dating customs.
1. Asking a man out is improper for a girl.
It is considered improper in traditional Filipino society for a woman to initiate contact with a man; instead, the male should initiate contact first, signaling the start of the relationship. Younger Filipino women are beginning to confess to a man first because of the impact of Western society, although it is still unusual. Girls in suburban and rural settings still adhere to traditional dating conventions.
2. It is appropriate for the man to play the leading role.
It is often the male who initiates contact in 98% of cases. Whether it is merely to say hello or to ask them out on a date. In the traditional Filipino dating culture, it is how things are typically done. Typically, ladies merely wait for the right moment for a man to ask them out. Most people in the Philippines still adhere to this custom today, particularly in rural areas and smaller provinces. In partnerships, the Filipino guy also has a significant and guiding influence. He will ask his girlfriend out. There are certain traditions around the date itself. After the date, the guy would pick the female up from her house and take her home. What they will do throughout the date is written on the man’s hand.
3. Support From Family Is Important
Family relationships are vital in the Philippines, as they are in most Asian nations. As a result, family support is crucial when it comes to dating. Meet not only her/his immediate family but also their grandparents, distant relatives, cousins, aunts, and uncles. In the past, a male had to obtain her parents’ consent before dating a Filipino woman. Her parents must know your plans to see their daughter and may even set a curfew. Some, though, might insist on a chaperone. However, it is rare. There is a great demand for a devoted son’s potential.
4. Virginity is important
Most women in the Philippines believe that virginity is essential, even though this topic is taboo. Most women have been taught to hold onto this until their marriage is consummated.
5. The “Hard To Get” Game
Filipino women tend to play the “hard to get” to their lover because of their timid nature and cultural traditions not to speak their minds. Despite being indifferent on the surface, they have intriguing hearts. They want to observe how fervently the men pursue her and work to gain her affection.
You might be shocked by how much Filipino females adore getting handwritten letters and the harana in terms of traditional Filipino customs surrounding dating. The idea behind harana is straightforward: captivate her with your music. In the Philippines, serenading has historically been a form of wooing whereby the males, known as manliligaw, introduce themselves to the ladies and sing what they want to say. Typically, it occurs at night when a lady would be more likely to exhibit interest if she opens her window. The woman will not accept his love if the window is kept shut.
Regarding intimacy, Filipinos like conversing on dates, typically held at the lady’s house or in parks. Everything on the first date will be highly formal, and men cannot hold or even touch most women’s hands. The Filipino woman is also prohibited from touching, hugging, and kissing the guy she is dating according to religious traditions. Once they are legally married, it is the only time they may do this.
However, the younger generation has been heavily impacted by Western society, which has caused them to stray significantly from traditional dating customs. Given the current state of technology, most men and women in the Philippines are engaged in online dating. With the help of these apps, you may start dating foreigners or even meet Filipinos.
Additionally, most families today let their children wed foreigners as long as the guy observes Philippine traditions. The pair must be discreet while expressing their devotion. However, they commonly move apart while holding hands or offer brief kisses on the cheek. As opposed to then, it is not denigrated now. Women are no longer expected to stay at home and are now permitted to work if they so choose, in terms of their function in the partnership.
As we get to this point, we hope you have gained more knowledge about courting and Filipino dating customs. Because of their extreme conservatism, Filipino women and men, like many other Asian nations, may not respond well to public demonstrations of affection or marriage proposals. Of course, contemporary Filipinos (and members of the younger generation) can follow the current fashion for spectacular or even lavish gestures, but sticking to tradition will undoubtedly be a terrific way to win the respect of her family.