When you backpack in the Philippines, especially in Manila, here are the things you can do to be one of the locals.
- Ride a public jeepney.
- When you ride a public jeepney and you’re somewhere in the middle and payment is passed to you, take it and pass it next to you until it reached the driver.
- When you reached your destination, just shout “Para!”
- If you’re more adventurous, cling to the bar outside of the back of the jeepney.
- When talking to people older than you, use “po” after a phrase. It still is acceptable even if you’re using an English phrase like “Thank you po” or “How much po?”
- Eat Philippines’ famous street foods like balut (developing duck egg), isaw (barbecued chicken intestines), banana cue, or fish balls. You can have a couple of them in less than a dollar.
- When you bumped into someone you know, just nod and smile. Sometimes you don’t need to say anything unless you haven’t seen each other in a long time.
- If you’re smoking, buy a stick (not a pack) of cigarette when you see cigarette vendors in the street.
- If you don’t have a lighter, borrow one from the people smoking near you.
- Buy a peso of snack or junk food in a sari-sari store (variety store).
- Sing using a videoke.
- Play basketball on the streets. Of course, look for a basketball ring first.
- If you’re a Catholic and you pass by in front of a church, do not forget to make a sign of the cross.
- Eat a meal using your hands.
- Eat rice every meal.
- When you shop at a flea market, do not forget the art of haggling. Say the word “tawad po” which means “discount po.”
- Drink instant or 3 in 1 coffee to start your day.
- Use timba (pail) and tabo (dipper) instead of shower when taking a bath.
- Eat Jollibee’s crispy chickenjoy. Most Filipinos prefer the thigh part so ask for it.
*Note that this is a running list.
