Filipino Customs for the uninitiated

The Filipino people are some of the most hospitable that you will find anywhere. Even if their behaviour is less than considerate, foreign visitors to the country are treated with the utmost respect. Although few will expect you to return the favour, they will like you even more if you do. Whatever the purpose of your trip, a little consideration for the local customs can be a very good thing to have.

Thoughtfulness is next to godliness
A Filipino woman, whether she's a friend, employee, co-worker, or lover, will greatly appreciate you remembering her birthday, anniversary, or an important promise. Even if it is just a small gesture, the fact that you remembered at all will be taken as a huge compliment.
The same goes for Filipino men. If you are meeting a Filipino male friend or an in-law the first time, it is customary to bring a small gift such as a bottle of wine or a packet of cigarettes from your home country. This is a mark of respect, and can often make the difference between acceptance and the coldest of shoulders. The word ‘pasulobong' means ‘gift' in Filipino, so if your intended recipient doesn't speak English, this word alone should be able to explain your good intentions
Greetings
First impressions count for a lot in the Philippines, so you don't want to put someone offside when you first meet them. A simple smile, a gentle wave, or a cheery ‘Hi' or ‘Hello' is all that's required. Keep it short, sweet, and friendly, or they may think you are hitting on them. Although some locals will greet you instantly, the majority will wait for you to do the first move.

‘Salamat po' means ‘thank you'
The Western habit of thanking people frequently and unnecessarily is taken to be hugely complimentary by locals in the Philippines.

Apologise and you'll never be sorry
If you accidentally bang into someone, or offend them in some way, make sure you apologise. It doesn't take much effort, and it might save you from getting into a violent confrontation

Don't be afraid to say ‘excuse me'
Life in the Philippines is a little more laid back than it is in some more industrialised countries. . It is common for Filipinos to stop in the middle of the street to look at something or talk to a friend, and none of them are likely to mind when someone asks to get by. So don't assume that they're going to notice that they're in your way. All it takes is an ‘excuse me' or a cleared throat, and you're through.
Be prepared to wait
The pace of life in the Philippines is a fair bit slower than it is in many Western countries, and it is common for people to think for a while before they speak. These are both things to aspire to, and are part of the reason many Westerners choose to live in the Philippines, but if you're not the most patient person in the world, then this might be frustrating for you at first.
However, if you stick around, you'll start to see the wisdom in this custom. If you were to hustle and bustle like a typical New Yorker, for example, you'd be in hospital within a week. So, when you come to the Philippines for the first time, be sure to wear your saint-like patience on your sleeve.