What we can learn from the Filipinos

Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Philippines to visit my son, who has gone there to pursue his medical education. The name of the place I visited is Davao, which is the largest city in Philippines in terms of geographical area and 3rd largest in terms of population. Davao is considered as the cleanest city with the lowest crime ratein Philippines, which means it is a safe place for overseas travellers.

Philippines is a nature lover’s paradise with beautiful beaches and bountiful greenery making it an ideal tourist destination.

I have always believed in the philosophy, that there is always something to learn from anyone and everyone, in the world. Every country has its own unique cultural identity, which makes it different from others. So, I was having a keen eye on finding, what we could learn from the Filipinos.

What striked me most was the level of hospitality and courtesy, the Filipinos show towards their guests.

The Ministry of Indian tourism, has as its marketing tag line, “AtithiDevoBhava”which means 'Guest is God'. The idea is to emphasise that we need to treat foreign tourist with great respect and courtesy.But in reality,quiet a number of foreign tourists who visit India, go back home with bitter experiences, of being cheated by auto/cab driversor a bad attitude of the tour guide or the uncourteous behaviour of the public.I felt this tag line,more aptly suits the Filipinos. They really, seem to treat their Guests as Gods. They look up at guests with utmost respect. The way they smile, greet and show courtesy is truly beautiful.

As I walk into the hotel, right from the security, the bell boy, the receptionist, the helpers all greet with a smile, bow down and wish the guest in a rhythmic tone. The way they say “Good morning, Sir” or “Good morning, Mam” looks more like a song, rather than just a phrase.The first time, it looked artificial, but over the course of time I realised that it was the same pattern, wherever I went.It sounded nice and makes us feels good.

The Filipinosseem to be veryhumble people. Though they have Filipino as their native language, everyone seems to be comfortable in speaking in English, which makes it easier to communicate. They speak in a soft, pleasing tone. I did not see a single Filipino speaking in an aggressive or harsh tone. They are extremely polite and courteous.

Though most of the shops are located in the big malls, even in the street side shops I did not find bargaining anywhere.This to a great extent saves the anxiety of travellers, in terms of not being exploited.

The cab drivers get friendly with us, by initiating a conversation, as we get on with our travel. They also care to open the door and wait for the customer to be seated comfortably, before they move the car.

Whatever duty they perform, they seem to do it with a smile. There is no frustration or bad attitude towards the work they are doing. When we give them a tip, they gratefully acknowledge it, by saying “God bless”.  It does not look like just words from their lips, but deep from their heart. I could see the level of poverty in their eyes, when they gratefully acknowledge the money given to them. Philippines is very much a poor country like India.Though their currency rate is marginally higher to the Indian currency, the lifestyle of the Filipinos depict that they are much poorer than India. Still they are a bunch of happy people, from whom there is a lot we can learn.

To sum up, the good things we can learn from the Filipinos are:

·        Showing respect to all;

·        Greeting everyone with a smile;

·        Being polite and courteous with Guests;

·        Always speaking in a soft, pleasing tone;

·        An Attitude of Gratitude; and finally

·        No matter what you are going through in your life, present yourself to the world with a smile and right attitude.

Happy Reading,

D. Senthil Kannan

Article Dated Jul 2014