The Many Misconceptions About The Philippines

Ma-what? Oh, haha, mabuhay!

Ma-what?

Via en.wikipedia.org

Protip: Filipinos don’t really say mabuhay. The only people who actually say mabuhay are non-Filipinos and the Filipinos who have to awkwardly say mabuhay back. Wanna say hi to a Filipino? Say kamusta - it translates to “How are you?” in English. But do expect screams of “Mabuhay!” in fiestas - which of course are everywhere. Don’t worry though, you’ll love Filipino fiestas.

The Land of Domestic Helpers

Via tumblr.com

The fact that it's seen as a land of domestic helpers isn’t the issue here. The issue is the stigma placed on the job that millions of people rely on. It’s an honest, decent, and honorable profession that represents a good heft of the beautiful tropic’s gross domestic product. To all the domestic helpers out there, I salute you.

It’s 100% "Tropical Paradise"

Relaxing Nature Videos HD / Via tumblr.com

Uh, no. But also: uh, yes. The Philippines and all the islands that comprise it are full of picturesque views and dreamy topographical wonders. Have you seen Makati’s cityscape? It’s breathtaking, really. And the lush beaches of Palawan? It’s beauty is u-n-r-e-a-l. But it’s time we face the facts, pollution is ripping the fabric of Philippine tourism into pieces. The streets smell of cockroaches, beaches have got floating diapers in them, and plastic bags are literally everywhere. The pollution isn’t nationwide, but it is a nationwide problem.

Weh Ol Tok Like Dis

Petra Mahalimuyak / Jacklynne / Via i51.tinypic.com

No, we don’t all tok like dis. But before you criticize the many Filipinos who do, know this: (1) learning two languages requires a lot of effort, (2) there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having an accent, and most importantly, (3) feel free to giggle. It isn’t the act of speaking English that Filipinos find funny, it’s the fact that both of you are so lost in the struggle of trying to understand each other. But hey, it’s all in good fun.