Why do people in the Philippines stare hard at other people?

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Katty

You should expect that as a foreigner. Filipinos specially in the province / countryside are like that. It is because you look different from them. Even if you're not a foreigner, but has a "presentable" or "good-looking" look, they will really stare at you. I have also the same experience, even I'm not a foreigner. It is maybe because I'm from Manila. But not all places in the Philippines have people like that. There's no such thing in Manila or other cities in the Philippines. Just in the countryside.

Steve F

Filipinos are friendly people so thats why they're staring at you...

Big P

I don't know why Matt think his white skin represents cleanliness.
I am black american and I still get lots of stares.

When foreigners travel into certain regions people will stare because of curiosity.They are not used to seeing foreigners travel through their area unlike Makati. Little children will stare at me the same way but I don't mind the little children because that's their nature.

The hard stares from adults can be very annoying but they can't help themselves. They don't know that we are all from the same planet.
There is no human life existance on Jupiter,Mars,Saturn,Pluto or any other planet in the galaxy.

Keep in mind that many locals have never traveled outside the country before. Thats why they stare I believe. I am used to it now. It doesn't annoy me anymore.

rhythm

When people (young or old) stare at you, they are just curious. You're someone unfamiliar. It's nothing.

Filipinos are a friendly bunch of people. Just say "hi!".

Juan C

maybe because of curiosity...

but since you look local, that would be in your own perspective now... probably because you're new face...

but if you're white/black/other race that looks foreign to them, now that's annoying... maybe because those locals don't see a lot of foreigners in their area...

Greevy Thom

I believe this is something that is not unique in Philippines.

When I went to a remote town in Colorado, people there stare at me. Probably because they also are not used to seeing Asians, much like people in the provinces are not used to seeing foreigners.

In short: you look different, so naturally people there will stare at you, just like what they will do when they see a new decoration or poster along the streets.

I'dStillPreferNoName

wear a hideous clothes

Jacinto Luis

Staring at somebody is a universal thing although its duration varies by several seconds in length than normal depending on the culture. The languages in the rural areas of the Philippines are not as complete and contains unusual redundancies unlike English so eye contact and body part expressions supplement them to carry the message effectively. In this case the message might be, who are you, you look pretty, where are you from, which relative in the barrio brought you over, do you need help in directions and etc. You do not need to respond verbally although a fleeting hello, a short eye contact or a smile will suffice. Filipinos are very accommodating and generally friendly so nothings is unusual about a long stare, just learn to handle it appropriately and live with it. It would help if you invite a relative to go jogging with you in the future.

Fidel Joseph A

Yes I asked this question months ago. Back then the reply was more of denial rather than awareness. It's weird cause there were those who simply abused me of rude answers.

Most Filipinos stare at others. I've been in many places/countries but it's more common amongst Filipinos. They make eye contacts and oftentimes stares at you for a couple of seconds regardless of your physical features, clothes, races etc. It's interesting if you smile at them they turn away and pretend seeing nothing. Although there are those if you smile at them they also smile back and initiate a conversation like a long lost friend.

I think staring at others is their way of "initiating conversation" rather than a simple greeting such as "how're you going mate?".

There are those who stares at others if they dressed differently or those with unique physical features. In other countries it's a case of "none of your business" situation but in the Phils its a big deal to them.

Little Big Boss

For one thing, most people don't exercise here by jogging.
The air quality is too poor, so only the poor walk and you are acting out of character.
You may be wearing different or better clothes than they have and they will know that you are an outsider.
They can't stand to see someone who is better off than they are and don't respect anyone who they perceive as showing off their money or who is obviously wealthier than they are.
It is a rude show of disrespect, but a habit among the lower classes here.

Mickey the zombie

these folks just wanna lick or eat yah top to bottom or maybe ye can poke them in the eyes when these folks starts staring at yah!

oki doki!!! just tell yer parents to pay their debts it seems like they owe a lot of cash to these people!!!!!!!!!!

SUGAR

Like you said, maybe coz no one in there runs on long pants and Tee's anymore. XD

dude

Why wear long pant to jog? that seems silly when it is so hot out.

susiemcd22

i usually just smile and they look away or giggle, it's something you get used to. I have a filippino friend who lives in uk and she says that people stare at her there.......

J@ps

There are a number of people who do that, but not all. And those that do, do so out of curiosity or amazement or to witness something out of the ordinary. And of course they have no idea that it is rude to do so.

What to do when that happens to you?

Then smile back. Wave. Nod your head. Or even say hi, hello or talk to them in English in your American accent, that would surely do something for you.

Either they will stop staring, leave you alone or leave all together or they will engage you in a conversation.

Matt T

Filipinos stare at you because they adore your white skin (whether you are White or East Asian). As simple as that. They see you quite blessed, to tell you frankly.

When children stare at you, do wave back! But when adults stare at you, just ignore it - they are admiring your skin.

-------

Maybe they think of you as a Filipino-Chinese. Most Filipinos know that Fil-Chinese can speak and understand Tagalog but they still find Chinese people kind of interesting and mysterious. They can very well detect the differences between Southeast Asians and East Asians and are particularly good in picking which race a person belongs.

Or, maybe you refer to Filipinos in the province. They also marvel at Filipinos from Manila or Filipinos from abroad, who are stereotyped in the provinces as intelligent, rich, well-mannered, and good-looking people. Seeing that you are dressed in a sort of different way (long pants and T-shirt) they will naturally be more curious toward you, knowing immediately that you come from Manila / abroad.

A.W.

I consider introducing them to my middle finger.

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