Po and Opo
Adding 'po' to sentences shows respect to elders. 'Opo' means 'yes' respectfully. 'Mano po' (touching an elder's hand to your forehead) is a greeting of deep respect.
🤝 Etiquette in Philippines
Etiquette in Philippines is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Philippines, etiquette comes down to a few things: po and opo, hospitality is extreme, and hiya — social awareness.
Hospitality is extreme
Filipinos will feed you even if they have little. Refusing food is difficult and will be met with insistence. Accept graciously — it's love in edible form.
Hiya — social awareness
A concept of shame and propriety. Filipinos avoid confrontation, embarrassment, and causing others to lose face. Read between the lines — 'maybe' often means 'no.'