Filipino Hospitality: Welcoming the World While Neglecting Our Own?

  Yes, we Filipinos are hospitable, but it often feels like this hospitality is reserved primarily for foreigners and tourists.

Is Filipino Hospitality Only for Foreigners?

As a Filipino myself, I deeply believe that we are among the most hospitable people in the world. This is not just my opinion; the Philippines is widely recognized for its hospitality. For example, New York Times highlighted the warmth and friendliness of Filipinos in various contexts, such as the acclaimed Filipino restaurants Archipelago in Seattle and Kasama in Chicago, which have been celebrated for their welcoming atmosphere and outstanding service​ (GoodNewsPilipinas.com)​.

Moreover, numerous travel blogs and vlogs from visitors worldwide frequently mention Filipino hospitality as a standout feature. They often share personal experiences of how Filipinos go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and at home.

However, this makes me wonder why our hospitality seems so selectively extended.

As a solo traveler within the Philippines, I've observed that Filipinos tend to showcase their best hospitality to foreigners, sometimes to the point of neglecting their fellow countrymen. Unless you are a prominent politician, a local celebrity, or a famous vlogger, the level of hospitality you receive can be significantly different.

This is disheartening.

It feels as if we are honoring foreigners excessively while disregarding our own people. It's painful to see that Filipinos might bend over backward to please a foreign visitor while offering only a casual greeting to another Filipino.

Here are some circumstances that illustrate this disparity:

1. Sense of Priority

When foreigners visit, they are often given priority in various settings, from restaurants to tourist attractions. Meanwhile, fellow Filipinos sometimes face longer wait times and less enthusiastic service.

2. The Government

Government initiatives and resources are frequently directed toward improving the experience for tourists. While this is beneficial for the country's economy, it sometimes leads to neglecting the needs and concerns of local citizens.

3. Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions are often maintained and showcased with great care when foreigners are expected. However, these same places may not receive the same level of attention when it comes to local visitors.

4. Community Interactions

In our communities, there's a noticeable difference in how we interact with foreigners compared to fellow Filipinos. Foreigners are often greeted warmly and treated with exceptional kindness, while locals may not receive the same level of hospitality.

Don't get me wrong, It is wonderful that we extend our hospitality to visitors from around the world. However, it's essential to remember that our fellow Filipinos deserve the same warmth and generosity. 

Let's strive to be equally hospitable to everyone, regardless of their nationality.

Let us reflect on this behavior and strive to extend our renowned hospitality to everyone equally, regardless of their nationality. This way, we can truly embody the spirit of Filipino hospitality that we are so proud of...