How to Court a Filipina: The Does and Don’ts of Filipino Dating

The culture of the Philippines is steeped in history and tradition and thus the act of courting a Filipina has a list of dos and don’ts attached to it. In fact, dating is not common in the Filipina culture, rather courting is more common. The act of courting is more serious than dating. It, unlike dating, is entered into with seriousness and a desire to begin a long-lasting relationship that very well may end in marriage. Courtship, thus, must be taken seriously. So exactly what should a man do when courting a Filipina?

Filipino women are traditionally shy and secretive. Often times it is required that the potential suitor visit the woman at her home and ask permission to visit from the girl’s father. Showing up announced or trying to speak to the woman without the expressed permission from the elder is considered offensive.

Flowers, love notes, and tokens of interest are considered common in the Philippines. Do bring flowers or send them ahead of time when you are attempting to court a Filipina; the gesture will be viewed favorably.

After the initial visit many women will accept a date as friends first. The suitor should be patient as this is a way for the lady to feel out the suitor and his intentions. A series of group dates or chaperoned dates are likely to commence thereafter.

Filipinas are instructed to play “hard to get” to show a good upbringing, modesty and restraint. Suitors are encouraged to serenade and “woo” their potential mate with gifts and flowers. A beautiful bouquet of flowers before or after each date is considered acceptable forum.

During this type of courtship is also important for the suitor to impress the Filipina’s family members. The family is an important aspect of the Filipino culture and must be navigated successful if a relationship is to bloom appropriately. The suitor should speak with the father of his potential mate and her siblings with respect. He must also show the mother of his potential mate great respect. It is expected that Filipino men will behave like gentlemen when in the courting process.

If done correctly the couple will progress into boyfriend and girlfriend. Following the serious dating stage engagement and marriage often follow. The entire process is rich in cultural tradition and is meant to keep the morals, ethics and values of the Filipino culture intact. In many parts of the world this type of courtship has been pushed aside for a more modern form of dating, but for many the romantic nature of the Filipino form of courting is lost in translation.

It can be summed up fairly simply; in order to successfully court a Filipina a suitor must be kind, loyal, gracious and above all gentlemanly. A woman looks for a man with these qualities when picking a mate.

Flowers and Gifts Davao is a premier flower shop in Davao City that has provided flowers and love tokens for courtship occasions since its founding. The flower shop also provides and online retail space for each and convenience when picking the perfect flower bouquet for the intended lady.