What to expect when you're courting a Filipina:

Chaperon: We do this not only to protect ourselves (from whatever bad circumstances, you just never know) but also to have a friend or a sister check the guy out.  After the date, we will both expound why and why not we should see you again.

Maturity:  There are exceptions to this rule but most of us never mature until the age of 25.  Even at this age, we would still have the baby tantrums left in us as well as baby fat (teehee).  So I suggest you guys go for those who are in their late 20s or early 30s and those who have held a job or is pursuing a career.

Tampo:  Yeah, this is one Pinay trait that should be reckoned with.  Actually, I have never had a tampo in years.  And I credit that to my hubby who never tires to draw me out whenever I am in one of my tampo moods.

Money:  Hello poverty.  Most of us lived it and is living it.  The reason why we want security is that we are tired of being poor.  A man who can provide for us and make our lives a little bit better is a plus in finding a husband.

Living in America:  No matter what you think guys, but most of us don't want to live here.  Home is where the heart is.  We are willing to uproot when love calls for it but our hearts will always be in the PI and we will always call it our home.  Those who told you that they want to live here probably don't know what its like.  They have no clue to the amount of homesickness and feelings of not belonging that they have to endure.

Rules of Engagement:  Yeah, once you guys decided to marry us we better set some rules on what you expect from us and vice-versa. Learn to compromise.

Man as head of the household:  You guys should learn to take charge.  We feel much better if a decision is mutual and not forced.  

Family:  We value our family but we also value our spouses and children.  How many of your mahals addressed your parents as Mom and/or Dad?  We easily accepted your family, so what's keeping you from accepting ours?  If you can't love them the way we love your parents, then learn to co-exist with them.  And accept the fact that we want to help them financially, we can never be happy knowing that we live a little bit better lives than them and not help.

Bashings:  Do not bash our family even if you have a hundred million reasons why you should.  It hurts to hear it specially coming from someone we love.  Same goes with our country and Filipino men.  Please, those of you who think that there are no good Pinoys in the PI that's why we married you is mistaken.  It just so happens that we fell in love with men of different culture.  And not all Pinays want foreign husbands, never mind those who tell you otherwise.  I've dated several Pinoys when I was single and they were all fine and good, its just that they didn't ring the bells in my heart.

Sex and the Filipino woman:  I'm treading on dangerous ground here.  Do not engage or start  a sex banter with a Pinay, it would be enough to get you slapped.  Most of us still have a little bit of Maria Clara in us, so watch it.  Also, virginity is still common in the PI.  So your mahal might be a virgin, just be careful....and yeah, give private lessons (**blush**)

Accept the fact that your house will be cleaned and you will usually come home to a home cooked meal.  Maaaaannn, you guys got it made!

Did I forget something?  Let me know.

So, let me add a few more tips.  

For some of us,  the Maria Clara attitude is still very much present.  We still believe in fairy tale romances, and believing that someone out there is that Prince Charming.

We were also taught from childhood that it would be improper to make the first move towards the opposite sex.  So,  most filipina women wait for the gentlemen to say hello or even start a conversation.   *s*

Pinoys usually interpret "tampo" as KSP (Kulang sa Pansin)...meaning, your wives need extra loving attention ... in what area?  Go figure it out! )

rgg

A younger, more spoiled "girl"  for example would manifest all those that you characterized.

But, some would even just keep quiet.

Carrise didn't tell you the best medicine for "tampo".  It's a trip to the mall.  I told her Sunday that I can't afford more than $200 worth of tampo a month.

Stephen

- Kevin

"Living in America: No matter what you think guys, but most of us don't want to live here." - All too true! Every single penpal I had who married American (or European) has told me how homesick they are! One family I know actually moved back and retired in Cebu after their kids finished high school here. The girl I am dating in Baguio in fact wants me to move there rather than her coming here....

"You guys should learn to take charge. We feel much better if a decision is mutual and not forced." - Could you please clarify? Taking charge, doesn't that imply forcing a decision on someone?