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Welcoming Population
Welcoming Population of the Philippines
Welcoming Population

Welcoming Population

Discover the legendary Filipino hospitality, a unique mixed culture and a dynamic expat community that will welcome you like family.

92%
Speak English
110M
Inhabitants
80%
Catholics
100K+
Expatriates

The Values of Filipino Hospitality

Four cultural pillars that make the Philippines the most welcoming country in Southeast Asia.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Kapamilya Spirit

Treating you as a family member

Spontaneous meal invitations
Immediate help when needed
Inclusion in celebrations
Community protection and support
🤝

Bayanihan

Spirit of mutual help and solidarity

Collective help for moving
Support during difficulties
Sharing of resources
Voluntary community work
🌟

Mabuhay Attitude

Warm and enthusiastic welcome

Genuine smiles everywhere
Constant friendly greetings
Benevolent curiosity
Pride in presenting their culture
💝

Pakikipagkapwa

Natural and selfless generosity

Spontaneous gifts
Food sharing
Time given generously
Hospitality without expectation

Communication Without Barriers

English as an official language facilitates your immediate integration.

92%

Official English

Of the population speaks English

Official language since 1935
Education in English
Media in English
Bilingual administration
85%

American Accent

Strong American influence

Clear pronunciation
American vocabulary
Familiar expressions
Easy comprehension
95%

Service Sector

English-speaking staff

International call centers
Tourism in English
Banks and administrations
Hospitals and clinics

A Unique Mixed Culture

Three major influences have shaped the modern Filipino mentality.

Spanish Influence

333 years (1565-1898)

Colonial architecture
Catholicism (80%)
Family names
Culinary traditions

Impact on Modern Mentality

Respect for elders, extended family, religious celebrations

American Influence

48 years (1898-1946)

Educational system
English language
Democracy
Pop culture

Impact on Modern Mentality

International openness, entrepreneurship, innovation

Asian Influence

Millennial

Confucian values
Traditional medicine
Martial arts
Commerce

Impact on Modern Mentality

Social harmony, mutual respect, balance

Dynamic Expat Communities

Join thousands of expatriates already settled in major cities.

Manila

50,000+

expatriates

Main nationalities:

AmericansJapaneseKoreansEuropeans

Active organizations:

Manila Expat Community
International Women's Club
European Chamber
Rotary Club Manila

Regular activities:

Networking events
Cultural festivals
Business meetups
Charity work

Cebu

15,000+

expatriates

Main nationalities:

JapaneseKoreansAmericansAustralians

Active organizations:

Cebu Expat Society
International Cebu
Cebu Business Club
Rotary Club Cebu

Regular activities:

Beach parties
Island hopping
Business forums
Cultural exchange

Dumaguete

3,000+

expatriates

Main nationalities:

AmericansGermansAustraliansCanadians

Active organizations:

Dumaguete Expat Community
Silliman International
Negros Expat Group
Retirees Association

Regular activities:

Coffee meetups
Book clubs
Volunteer work
Cultural tours

European Expat Testimonials

Their authentic experiences of Filipino hospitality.

"Filipino hospitality is not a myth. My neighbors have become my family. They helped me settle in, taught me Cebuano, and invite me to all their family events."
Marie L.
France
3 years in Cebu
"What struck me most is the sincerity of Filipinos. Unlike other Asian countries, here the welcome is genuine, without commercial ulterior motives."
Thomas K.
Germany
5 years in Manila
"I have never felt like a stranger here. Filipinos have this unique ability to make you feel at home from day one. It's magical."
Sophie M.
Belgium
2 years in Dumaguete

Tips for Successful Integration

Key points to fully enjoy Filipino hospitality.

✅ Do

Learn a few Tagalog words

"Salamat" (thank you), "Kumusta" (how are you)

Participate in local celebrations

Fiestas, birthdays, religious celebrations

Respect family traditions

Importance of extended family and elders

Be patient and smile

"Filipino time" and relaxed approach

⚠️ Avoid

Public criticism

Avoid causing loss of face ("hiya")

Systematically refusing invitations

Hospitality is an honor to accept

Being too direct

Prefer diplomacy and subtlety

Ignoring social hierarchies

Respect for elders and positions

Ready to Discover Filipino Hospitality?

Join a community that will welcome you like family.