HOSPITALITY, FILIPINO STYLE

One of the most remarkable traits of Filipinos is their hospitality. It is a pattern of national behavior that unites them, yet sets
them apart from other peoples.
The Filipino host has a zealot’s eye for the needs and wishes of his guest; he spots them, anticipates them, and provides for
them. A guest must want for nothing. Attention to a guest’s needs and wants becomes part of the host’s personal duty. The guest is
waited on hand and foot, with heart-deep sincerity.
The Philippines is perhaps the only country in the world where the host is indebted to his guest. The Filipino host smothers
his guests with attention. Invited guests, unbidden guests, friends of friends, or perfect strangers are equally welcomed and regaled
with very kind attention. Outside of a small family party, every Filipino party is a sort of open house where it is rude to inquire in
advance if the invited guest is coming or not, or how many of them there would be. A host is expected to provide all contingencies: a
guest may not come at all, or he may be accompanied by several relatives and friends and friends of his friends completely unknown to
the host. Nothing pleases a Filipino host more than to be imposed upon.
The guests are showered with food, drink, flattery, constant attention, and gifts to take home when they leave. Food is ladled
on the guest’s plate to overflowing; drinks are served to him until they run out of his ears.
However, it is expected of a guest to taste everything served even those he had never seen before. Sometimes it is best for a
guest to take on a sampling of everything and leave them on his plate if he dislikes them.
The Filipino host believes that guests should never be left unattended. He feels a sense of guilt if the guest is seemingly left
unentertained and left alone by himself even for a short time, even if the guest prefers it that way.
The “open house” hospitality of Filipinos is put to a test when they celebrate special occasions like town fiestas, baptisms,
weddings, or “passing the bar examination” and the like.

COMPREHENSION CHECK:
1. A remarkable national trait of Filipinos is
a. Honesty b. Hospitality c. Obedience d. Religiosity
2. The Filipino host serves his guests with
a. Expectation of some reward
b. Halfhearted sincerity
c. Deep sincerity
d. Reluctance
3. The Filipino party is usually a sort of
a. Show off c. Close family reunion
b. Neighborhood get-together d. Open house for all
4. It is considered rude for the Filipino host to
a. Serve very little food
b. Serve local drinks
c. Eat with the guests
d. Ask in advance if one’s invitation is accepted
5. It is equally not nice for the guests
a. To eat to his heart’s delight
b. Not to sample all the food served
c. Bring along his own friend
d. Leave the party when some are still eating
6. A Filipino host considers his party a success if at the end of the day
a. All food has been consumed
b. There is a lot more food left
c. Some wares were broken
d. He is tired and penniless
7. Baptisms, weddings, and town fiestas are occasions for holding
a. Open house party
b. Close family reunions
c. Picnics and excursions
d. Small neighborhood get-together
8. The Filipino host feels a sense of guilt when
a. Invited guests did not come
b. The guests arrived late
c. The food served was not consumed
d. A guest is left unattended
9. Hospitality as a trait among Filipinos unite them further and at the same time
a. Sets them apart from other people
b. Identifies them with foreigners
c. Hurts their pockets
d. Make them model hosts
10. Hospitality Filipino style, can
a. Improve the economy of the Filipino family
b. Improve every Filipino family
c. Set back the economy of the Filipino family
d. Attract foreigner to our country