I going to meet my husbands family in the Philippines for the first time?

Question

My husbands wants me to get a chance to meet his family in the Philippines in Manila. Though I have never been there before so this will be my first time and I just want to get a ideal of what to expect when I do go there since my husband has not been there for over 15 years.

Answer 1

Just decide to be interested in them.the rest of you will follow.

Answer 2

This is going to be a hard one to explain. I'll start of with how Manila is brutally honestly. When you first arrive in Manila it will be crazy. The traffic,the people and just the really fast pace will be abit much. There are quiet alot of poor areas in Manila but also alot of rich areas so don't be surprised if you see huge rich estates neighbouring slums. There's plent to do there thats for sure like all the tourist stuff and the shopping malls but that gets old quick. I do like the huge selection of food choices there so I'm sure you'll like that. My advice about Manila is to go there with an open mind as I'm sure alot of people hate it but alot of people love it so its a case by case thing really.

As far as your husbands family is concerned. They will be really friendly since I assume you aren't filipino and your are also their sons wife. But be warned they will be judging you the second they meet you. Don't be discouraged because they are just like that so just be yourself and if they like you they like you, if they hate you well not much you can do if you've been yourself right?

Some more advice from a fellow traveller. Be carefull with your money and try not to look rich. Drink bottle water and please don't judge the people there since you are a visitor. Other than that I'm sure it will be a learning experience for all. Bring some American stuff as gifts thats a good way to earn some points.  

Answer 3

They are going to adore you, sweetie and your two kids too.  They are going to pamper you and not let you lift a finger.  But it doesn't hurt to score some brownie points by offering to help in household chores.  Play it by ear, girl... everything's gonna be alright.

Maybe the 3rd child you're hoping for could be conceived in the Philippines.   Wouldn't that be swell!!!

Have fun, girl!

Oh, go easy on what the kids eat and drink.  It takes some time to get used to our food and our way of cooking.

_____

to the answerer below me:  To really help an asker, you study his/her QnAs.  You don't have to know anyone personally to tailor your answer to an asker's needs.  You just have to take your time and some effort to do a little research.

And yes, the "pagmamano" (kissing of the hand), as suggested by VB, is indeed a beautiful Filipino tradition.  Ask your hubby if he would like you to do that.  In this modern day and age, some Filipino families sadly do not adhere to it anymore.

Answer 4

The first person, "Inday", who answered your question seems to know you personally by guessing you already have a kid and all without you even mentioning it on your question.

Anyway, just like every daughter-in-laws, the job and proper way is don't expect anything, just be courteous to your elders. And if your husband introduced you to an elder relative (like grandmother or an Aunt or Uncle) not just shake their hands but hold their hand and have the back of their hand touch your forehead. This is one way to show respect to Filipino elders.

http://elijah_matthew091282.blogs.friend...

Answer 5

Bring gifts for his immediate family.

It is a Filipino tradition. You don't have to be Santa Clause, but they appreciate little gifts that are not readily available in the Philippines.

They will adore your children. Filipinos are especially fond of their grandchildren and will spoil them to death.

Eating, germs, and sanitation:

I have had food poisoning in the Philippines and it was no fun!

At first I thought I was going to die, and then, after a while I was afraid I wasn't going to die!

Filipinos can eat stuff that you and I can't.

Their tolerance to food-borne illness begins with breast milk. One of the reasons breast milk is best for babies is; it passes natural antibodies from mother to child, and the child becomes immune to different illnesses.

You and your kids do not have these natural antibodies.

When eating home cooked meals:

Be mindful of how long food has been left out if it is offered for you to eat.

Be mindful of food temperature.

If it smells bad it has a high bacteria count, and even though they are eating it, you and your kids should avoid it.

The tap water in Manila is good (I drink it), but if there has been a recent storm avoid drinking the tap water.

In restaurants:

Do not eat food from street vendors, or small local "mom and pop" establishments. Even ice cream that is from a street vendor that is not prepackaged can give you food poisoning.

The major hotels prepare food to international food safety standards.

Chain restaurants that you see back at home (like McDonalds, KFC, Wendy’s, Outback, etc.), prepare food to international food safety standards, and use "potable" ice.

Find some literature online for food safety for travelers and read it.

Filipinos are fun tolerant and hospitable people. Be kind and courteous and down to earth, and they will forgive the cultural transgressions you make in ignorance and they will love you.

p.s. When it is dinner time they like to serve the guests first and then they eat after you are done. I could never get use to that!

Since I got a THUMBS DOWN so quickly let me reiterate:

DO NOT EAT EVERYTHING THAT IS OFFERED TO YOU!!!

My wife thought it was ok and sometimes funny to get me to eat different things and eat just like a Filipino…

Until it put me in the hospital for a week, and nearly made her a widow. If you are pregnant and get a food-borne illness you could loose your baby.

If you have ANY doubt about food that is offered to you:

DO NOT EAT IT!!!

Educate yourself about food safety before you go...

Answer 6

They are going to just adore you ! That's how filipino relatives always are. They are going to be over excited and keep smothering you with there emotions haha. They expect a respectful young lady so always give the elders respect. If you're talking about what to expect in the Philippines, if you know the right places, there are some beautiful travel destinations and classy shopping areas. Have all the fun ! Make sure you don't say no when they offer food, they love feeding and offereing food to guests. They also love "pasalubongs" or things from America or wherever your from like even chocolates or snacks.