Balut, jeepney and sabong are three traditions of the Philippines that every foreigner who gets off the plane at a local airport will have to get to know. The local culture and customs are one of the most exotic in Asia, and therefore experienced and seasoned travelers prefer to book tours to the Philippines.
Patchwork quilt
It is this household item that comes to mind when it comes to the ethnic composition of the Filipino population. About six dozen ethnological groups peacefully coexist here, including such exotic as sea gypsies or tribes of hunters. About eighty languages and dialects can be heard in the Philippines, but English is officially recognized as the language of politics and commerce.
Motley as a patchwork quilt - and public transport in the country. The most exotic is the jeepney. The tradition of the Philippines to paint American military buses that remained on the islands after the war still exists today, and it is impossible to meet two identical vehicles here.
Only for men
Another Philippine tradition is cooking and eating balut. This dish is a duck egg, in which the fruit is already sufficiently formed. It is brewed and sold everywhere, and the use of such exotic things is considered especially useful for a strong half of humanity.
Unlike ducks, chickens in the Philippines have time to hatch chicks, and the strongest roosters get the opportunity to glorify the name of the owner at cockfights. The police here are almost done with illegal fighting, but the permitted - sabong - is another ancient tradition of the Philippines.
The story goes that having domesticated chicken about five thousand years ago, people in India did not use it for food. Fighting was then a lot of birds, and this fashion gradually penetrated all continents and islands, including the Philippines.
Useful little things
- Slowness and calmness are the main distinguishing features of the locals. It is not customary to fuss here, and therefore, when making an appointment, be prepared to wait for the late at least half an hour, or just be late yourself.
- Do not be embarrassed or surprised by the questions that the interlocutor may ask here. In the tradition of the Philippines, asking about everything that interests you directly, even if the question is very intimate.
- Although sentimental enough, the average Filipino will never show his feelings in public. Modesty in emotions is also expected from the guests of the country.
