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For a foreigner visiting the Philippines for the first time, many Filipino practices might seem outright strange (The roaring jeepneys! Cigarettes sold by the stick! Too much texting!) and it is easy to err and, perhaps, cause the amusement of some locals. But this really should not worry the foreign traveler; Filipinos are a considerate people – perhaps more so here in Davao – and we would be all-too willing to guide you on how to do things our way.

Now, perhaps the customs that you, the foreigner, need to familiarize first is that of Filipino dining because eating, as it is in most cultures, is a central social activity here in the Philippines. You may measure your acceptance in a family or group – if you are sensitive enough – by how you are treated during meal. So in order to acquaint you to our “ways of eating,” I have listed here some of the things you may wonder about during mealtime and the answers to each of them.

(Note that the imagined setting here is in a Filipino home and not in a restaurant.)

Should I act here as I would in Rome?

Not necessarily. The adage “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” applies here only to an extent. For example, you may remain using your utensils even when the locals are eating by their hands — we have certain foods which we think are more savored when eaten by hand — but you, being an honored guest, must always eat in the same table as the host. When in doubt, you can always ask the person nearest to you how you should proceed. Also, it would be better to have a close friend to serve as your liaison to the rest of the group.

What time should I arrive?

The more intimate the social gathering, the more one is expected to arrive on time. Although certain cliques may find it chic to come in late, arriving at the appointed time is never an offense. Curiously though, even if Filipinos are said to be always late in arriving, we always prepare for people to arrive on time. See also, The Filipino Time article.

Should I bring anything?

Anything would be welcome, although some gifts may be more appreciated than others. Wine may not be a very good idea since only a small percentage of Filipinos really enjoy the liquor. Local fruits may also not have a lot of impact; chances are your hosts already have some chilling in the fridge. The safest thing to bring is perhaps some sweets/chocolates, or better yet, something you made yourself with a recipe from your home country. (Note that guests are not really required to bring anything, your gift is only a token of your appreciation for being invited, a form of giving back.)

Why is everyone fussing over me?

Relax — it’s just how we are. Filipinos are known to be accommodating, so just enjoy the attention. We give special treatments to our guests, and to foreigners more so. Expect to be offered the first piece, slice, or serving of everything on the table, and if you finish your food quickly, get ready for a second helping. Don’t hesitate to make requests — but do say so politely — and accept offers with grace and humility.

Would anybody mind if I smoke?

Actually, yes. Cigarettes are a lot cheaper here than in some other countries, and this might tempt the smoker to horde up and puff away. Pay attention, however, to where you smoke: only do it outside of the house or in allotted areas. (Also, refrain from doing it while in a large crowd or in public since Davao has an anti-smoking city ordinance.)

Is it safe to eat this bloody little thing over here?

It depends: do you have a strong stomach? Filipino cuisine may not be the best Asia has to offer, but we do come up with some of the most interesting foods (the balut, adidas, and papait, for example). So if you have a sense of adventure — and the gastronomic tolerance to match it with — then feel free to try all the culinary wonders (in terms of being exotic, that is) that may grace your table. Who knows, you might even develop a liking.

Who pays for what?

In a home setting, the hosts normally provide for everything — from the welcome beverage to the dessert. The guest is only required to bring some good humor and a sense of appreciation. However, if you are visiting a family or group that is not very well-to-do, it is not impolite to slip in some cash to the host to help with the expenses. (Just practice this with discretion, as Filipinos are easily embarrassed.)

When dining in a restaurant, on the other hand, it is often the one who invites who pays for the meal.

What’s after dinner?

There is what we locally call painom, or the drinking session. In this particular form of socializing, it is expected for the guest — or the cause of the celebration — to be the sponsor, as a way for him to show his gratitude. Although the ladies may not join in, few men would refuse to take part in this activity. For Filipinos, the importance of drinking in a group is perhaps indicated by the preferred “family size” bottle, which everybody takes turns to drink from, underscoring how drinking goes beyond just the imbibing of drink — it celebrates social intercourse.

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“Who Pays For What?” And Other Mealtime Queries is written by Gabriel Millado.

The Philippines is certainly one of the most well-connected places in Southeast Asia in terms of telecommunications. Sometimes it does seem like every Juan is not only busy sending text messages but also with updating his Facebook or Friendster account!

In today’s globalized world, you probably rank connectivity as one of the most important factors to consider when travelling, conducting business and even moving overseas. If the Philippines is your target destination, this article will give you an idea of what to expect with Internet access in the country.

Speed

One thing that may disappoint you with the Internet in the Philippines, if you are used to high-speed broadband Internet back home, is that connecting speeds are in general slower than in other countries such as Japan and the USA. While a speed of 2 Mbps may seem slow in other countries, this speed is already considered pretty standard for households here. Moreover, if your subscription is advertised as 2 Mbps, it really means up to 2 Mbps — don’t expect to get the whole 2 Mbps speed all the time, or even at all!

But it is not at all as bad as it seems. If you’re the type who downloads huge files over the Internet then you will obviously be at a disadvantage, but for most other personal purposes such as reading the news, watching videos and keeping in touch through email, instant messaging and social networking sites, the speed you get in the Philippines does the job well enough.

More high-speed connections (that is, connections that have more bandwidth) that bigger businesses utilize, such as BPOs and call centers, are available, but they are very expensive and not at all practical for homes and smaller offices.

Availability

The good news is that it is easy to get and stay connected. Broadband Internet is usually available by subscribing to cable companies such as Destiny Cable and ZPDee Cable, or through DSL subscription with providers such as Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and PLDT.

Mobile Internet is very quickly gaining popularity for users who need access to the World Wide Web on the go. Students, entrepreneurs, journalists and bloggers — they can stay connected whilst being on the move through services such as Globe Broadband Tattoo or SmartBro Prepaid, whereby users can plug in a USB modem to their laptops and be online wherever they are as long as Cellular signal is available from their respective Network Provider.

Also available are 3G Services from major telecomm companies, where you can access the Internet through your 3G-enabled phone like iPhone, Black Berry or HTC Magic (on either postpaid or prepaid mobile phone plans).

Wi-Fi internet is also becoming commonplace across cities in the Philippines. You can find it at places as varied as airports, cafes, schools and even some fastfood restaurants! More often than not, you will need to pay for something to be able to access the network (e.g. cafes may charge you an hourly rate for using their wi-fi), but you may also be able to access some networks entirely free of charge, if your laptop or smartphone can pick up the signal. In Davao City, for example, you do have to pay for your cup of coffee or pastry at a dizzying number of coffee shops that have mushroomed all over the city, but in return, wi-fi access is free, for as long as you stay in the cafe (and that can take hours, or until guilt starts tugging at your conscience, whichever comes first).

In more far-flung areas or provinces in the country, availability is admittedly more restricted, but internet service providers are striving every day to improve and optimise their coverage as much as possible.

Davao4Expats Notes: There is a new website in Davao where digital technologies are being discussed. You will be getting information on the prices of mobile phones, netbooks, and other electronic gadgets. Product reviews from other sources are also referenced and shown on the website. The website is DigitalDavao.com.

Internet For Business

More high-speed connections (that is, connections that have more bandwidth) that bigger businesses utilize, such as BPOs and call centers, are available, but they are very expensive and not at all practical for homes and smaller offices.

Internet Connection Cost

Quality Internet access has increasingly become less and less painful on one’s budget. An unlimited broadband connection such as with SmartBro is available for P 999 a month (and depending on the subscription, you may or may not have to pay an initial fee). Unlimited connections, however, usually require you to be locked in to a contract of anytime between 1 to 2 years.

Prepaid subscriptions don’t have lock-in periods in general, but as the service suggests, connections are pay-per-use and not unlimited. Initial payments may also cost higher for prepaid subscriptions, but just like a prepaid phone plan, you are in control of how much or how little time you spend on the Internet. An hour’s worth of surfing may even only cost you as low as P20.

You can hence be assured that staying connected will not be a problem for you in the Philippines! Perhaps a bigger problem may be resisting the urge to check your email, weblog or Facebook too much in one day.

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Internet in the Philippines is written by Katlyn Batuigas. Internet Access is among the most common questions we received from the visitors of Davao 4 Expats Website. This is our response.