Understanding the Cebuano culture

For quite some time now, I have provided you information about some places, establishments and others found in Cebu. Of course, visiting Cebu is out of the question since there are indeed a lot of sights to see that you may want to just stay forever. However, do’s and don’ts are carefully laid out here also.

I, myself, wouldn’t want to just screw around in a place where I’m just visiting since there might even be laws or regulations that are needed for visitors to comply. But I’m not going to talk about acts, decrees or commandments here. I’m just going to let you know about some important concerns that will be able to help you in absorbing insights about the local place of Cebu, and of course the whole Filipino culture as well.

The following are some of it:

• Smile. Neither the fake smile nor the naughty smile but a smile that will provide the form of greeting. This actually works anywhere on the planet but, somehow, Cebuanos are kind of provide that high esteem to respect the elders and relationships.
• Insist in inviting them to something. This is actually one of the things that I don’t understand but it’s part of our culture. Do invite a person, or people, that you meet at least 2-3 times because, to them, insistence is something that develops the form of genuine invitation. Now that’s something.
• Special occasions to Cebuanos (and Filipinos) is very special. Proper attire is recommended to those who take the sign that the whole event is very important to you as much as it is important to them. In a wedding or mass, sandals are a no-no.
• There are times when you have to give a resident some slack or carry them out of a situation that is more likely to embarrass them. No wait… not at time, but as long as you can. If you’re unable to do that, it’s going to be the end of the world for them. That’s how they treat embarrassments here.
• Please don’t ever use the OK sign in the local public scene because it means “money” here. Use the thumbs-up sign instead to provide agreement.
• Avoid using your forefinger upward if you want to call a local resident. It is actually considered, well, degrading. One way for you to respectfully call someone is to beckon your hand in a gentle downward action. Of course, if you have been visiting Cebu for quite a long time now, you may ask the people you know dearly for their nicknames because this is actually stored for close friends.

These are just some initial adjustments that one has to undertake but, hey, it can work out overtime right? After all, enjoying the Cebuano sights, places, establishments events is as enjoying as known the culture of Cebuanos and of course, the Filipinos.

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One Response to “Understanding the Cebuano culture”

1. cebuano culture | June 9th, 2010 at 3:35 am
   

   1. When Cebuanos ask you “where are you going?” simply give a vague answer like, “over there” or “just here”. This question is a kind of informal greeting all over the island. So don’t be annoyed if they ask you this always. The same is true when they ask you where you have been. Filipinos have a knack for asking what’s obvious.

   2. Don’t hold personal information if you want to gain the trust of the locals or don’t want to be labelled as “stand-offish”. Sharing personal information is a way of establishing the foundation of relationships.

   3. If you are a single female or a single male, it is best that you don’t announce this fact, otherwise be ready for the matchmaking campaign that the locals will be doing for you. You can prevent this by simply claiming you have a boyfriend or a girlfriend waiting for you back home. It is handy to keep a photo of someone in your wallet just in case. But if you don’t feel comfortable deceiving people about your status, you can just go along with their matchmaking efforts and meet all the eligibles that they will introduce you to.

   4. Don’t be offended if they ask you your age, saying it is a secret is acceptable. Just say “secret” in a sweet manner. They won’t be able to resist your charms.

   5. For females, don’t fall for the charms of married Filipino men. They can be very good flirts and treat you like a queen until you eventually will fall for them.

   this is from this post
   http://cebutravels.asia/2010/06/are-you-ready-to-live-in-cebu/

   i just wanted to share apart from what you’ve mentioned. thanks

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