Women from the Philippines colloquially referred to as Pinays or Filipinas, on first impressions, would generally be shy, reserved and extremely polite. But as you get to know them more in your conversations, you will see that they possess a great deal of qualities most nationalities find intriguing and somewhat attractive.

Because of the general state of the country’s economy, most Filipinas are not materialistic. Although you cannot deny the fact that many of them dream of improving their lives, they do not dwell on the hardships of daily life but concentrate more on the few positive things/deeds they encounter each day such as family, friends and good health. This is one of the reasons why Filipinas have a great deal of fortitude in them even in the midst of trials. Most families in the Philippines live modest lives that whatever improvement they introduce to this lifestyle is treasured and one such is marriage to a western man. Western people may not think much of their lifestyle but what is a little to the west is a lot to the Filipinos.

I am not saying marriage to a western is the only ticket out most Filipina girls have because contrary to what many westerners think a lot of Filipina girls are actually educated and hold degrees and qualifications. Education is one of the main priorities in a Filipino family. Even the very poor families strive to send their children to college and get themselves sorted for the future. Most parents believe education is an inheritance which no one can rob you of. So if a Filipina would seem shy and reserved at first meeting that should not be considered an indication of stupidity. Think of it this way “silent waters run deep”.

Most Filipina women are very humble and it is very unlikely that you will find a conceited Filipina who thinks very highly of herself. They blush with flattery and most don’t even know how to react to flattery. Lots of these girls grow up in a conservative environment so do not be surprised if your internet girlfriends do not throw themselves at you when they meet you for the first time. Even when you meet them in the second and succeeding times they would still exercise reserve especially when they are in the Philippines where public displays of affection is still considered taboo.

Now we are talking about traditional Pinays here. There are also Filipinas who live and grew up in the big city (like Manila) who might not be as reserved and conservative as the general Filipina population.

It is always advisable to exercise caution in this case as NOT ALL FILIPINOS ARE GOOD. I am a Filipina myself by I am saying this, not because I distrust my countryman but out of countless stories I have heard from foreign friends who have had not so good experiences. Because of destitution a lot of people in my country are driven to a life of crime, which I know is not a good excuse but what can you do?

Generally speaking though, Filipinos are good people and if you get the chance to find yourself a good wife, it is like finding gold. For Filipinas make very good wives. They take good care of their husbands; they are very faithful and will stand by you through thick and thin. There are certain myths and misconceptions though about Filipina ladies and marriage to a Filipina that a lot of western men, I think, should know. This I will discuss in my succeeding posts.

MORE INFO ABOUT FILIPINAS:

Unlike in other Asian countries, women in the Philippines occupy a high status. As a wife, the woman holds the purse and manages the affairs of the household. Married women are permitted to work in many fields. They carry their talents from the home to where the economic activity is.

Equality with men is a birthright of the Filipino women. Unlike her Western sisters, they didn’t have to march the streets to be heard. Philippine literature alone presages the simultaneous nascence of the sexes. The most popular take of creation relates how the first man and woman came from the bamboo tree. A tickling bird pecked at the bamboo until it split; from the same bamboo cylinder sprang Malakas (the Strong) and Maganda (the Beautiful). Discovering their compatible natures, they moved toward their assigned roles and without guilt or grandeur populated the entire country.

The new Philippine Constitution provides equal opportunities in employment regardless of sex. It amends and expands the legal rights of women and clearly defines the status of married women. Under the family law, the Filipina wife assumes management of domestic affairs. She may purchase things necessary for the support of the family and even borrow money for this purpose should circumstance dictate. Although the husband is named administrator of conjugal properties, the wife who is co-owner and may for cause, exercise this power. With few exceptions, the husband may not dispose of real properties without the wife’s consent.

In the new Constitution, marriage to an alien does not strip the Filipino woman of her Philippine citizenship, unless through her own act or omission, she is deemed to have renounced such citizenship. Her children are considered natural-born citizens of the Philippines by virtue of her own citizenship.

Women are highly respected in the Philippines. They may walk alone on the streets. They can drive alone. Western women, however, are expected to dress discreetly and modestly; this is because whiter complexion tends to attract much attention from the men.