In the Philippines, all occasions that call for parties requires the giving of gifts. Whether Filipinos are attending birthday parties, baptism, wedding anniversaries or wedding parties, they usually bring gifts with them. Gifts could be in the form of food or tokens which they know the celebrant will like.

In the Philippines, all occasions that call for parties requires the giving of gifts. Whether Filipinos are attending birthday parties, baptism, wedding anniversaries or wedding parties, they usually bring gifts with them. Gifts could be in the form of food or tokens which they know the celebrant will like.

The customary way of giving gift is by thrusting it into the hostess’ hands with a murmured apology, “I’m sorry this is all I can afford” or “This is just a little gift for you. I hope you will like it”. The hostess is expected to chide the gift-giver for having taken the trouble, (“Uy, ito naman nag-abala pa!”) or “You shouldn’t have bothered” or “There’s no need for this”. The host then receives the gift coupled by “thank you anyway” and puts it aside.

The disclaimers that Filipinos resort to in accepting gifts are done because of the belief that this is the polite way of doing it. A foreigner should not be taken aback by this nor take offense and think that his gift is not appreciated.

The celebrant or hostess rarely opens the gift given immediately unless the giver insists that they do so. Gushing over a gift for would embarrass a Filipino giver especially when this is done in front of other guests. The best time to open the gifts is after the celebration when all guests have left.

Even if the giver has bought his gift at a high expense he should make it appear that it is not good enough. This is by saying “I’m sorry this all I can afford”. To Filipinos, it is a way of making the receiver feel that she doesn’t owe him a debt of gratitude “utang na loob”.

Filipinos are not accustomed to sending “thank you” notes for gifts receive like Westerners do. Upon receipt of the gift, the receiver waits for an eventful chance to reciprocate in some way.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in the Philippines. However, more affluent Filipinos practice the same. Giving tips usually depend on the service rendered or the quantity of products ordered and what the person personally require. For example, a hotel customer who requires extra services from the staff is expected to give tips to the staff from whom he requested the service.

Philippines is not a “tipping” country there are a few Filipinos who practice it. Tipping depends upon where one goes, what he orders, and the service that is given him or what he exacts. If he patronizes luxurious restaurants and wears expensive clothes or if he is critical and difficult to please, greater “compensation” is expected by those who serve him.

One should not however give tips in places where there is a sign that says, “No Tiping” no matter how posh the place is.

The acceptable practice in tipping is to give at least 10% of the total bill. There are establishments however who have adopted a 10% service charge. When this is the case, one is not required to give a tip or if they want, they can leave an extra amount on the table as an additional tip.

Porters are usually tipped a modest amount while taxi tipping is optional.