Filipinos the world over have been famous for their unique brand of hospitality. The country is always noted for the warm smiles it has to offer first time and frequent visitors. There is a certain lightheartedness that abounds, whether you’re in the laidback provinces or in the more cosmopolitan urban centers. Being accommodating to balikbayans and the friends from overseas they bring over to Philippine shores is a definite given.
Give your guests from overseas a good, old-fashioned Filipino welcome with these traditions—both old and new—that Pinoys are known for. And whether you’re touring your friends through the islands or taking them out on the town, remember to greet them with an authentic Pinoy smile!
Good Eats
A staple of every Filipino family is bonding, celebrating and coming together over a good meal. Hosts are always known to shower foreign guests with a slew of traditional dishes to introduce them to the culture. Filipinos love to eat and love to impart the bounty to anyone who comes over—each welcome is paired with a drink, a home-cooked meal or a fancy dinner out. Every first timer deserves a chance at eating balut or getting a taste of Anthony Bourdain’s hailed “best pig in the world,” lechon.
Fab Fiestas
No matter what time of year you make a visit to the Philippines, there’s always a party going on. Fiestas, whether they are religious or simple soirees that have become a tradition for families or friends, are a constant part of life. Taking folks from overseas to a big party like Sinulog or a now-popular music festival out of the city such as Malasimbo is a great way to introduce the fun, festive spirit of the islands.
Pasalubong!
No visitor ever lands on Philippine shores without a welcome gift, and no one ever leaves without a handful of presents to bring back home with them. Sending your visitors off to their home countries usually means giving them a bayong full of dried mangoes, a pretty capiz picture frame, or a mother-of-pearl inlaid dining set. The value of your pasalubong doesn’t matter—with Pinoys, what’s important is that guests leave the country with happy memories and personal items they can remember their hosts by too.
The Blue Leaf Filipinas offers guests a new venue to host parties, corporate events and intimate get-togethers for friends and family. With our modern take on classic Filipino traditions, we can help you forge new bonds and create new memories, no matter what the occasion. For inquiries, call The Blue Leaf Filipinas at 632-9188 or visit
filipinas.theblueleaf.com.ph for more information