If you come to the Philippines and are a foreigner there is a very good chance that you may have heard someone say "Hey Joe" as you walk down the street...
This comes from World War 2 when the americans were helping with the fight in the Philippines. Many Filipinos started calling them "Joe". This was more popularized with "GI Joes" in action figures and on TV. Simply put it became rooted in Filipino culture that if a foreigner was in the country he was probably an American, and a standard greeting was "Hey Joe!".
Of course this may come across sometimes as sounding "negative" or "disrespectful" but the way I look at it is... it comes down to Education. Many Filipinos will not have had many conversations with foreigners. A lot of Filipinos as well will be afraid of talking with a foreigner due to racial differences or the possibility of a "nosebleed" from speaking english! But I am 100% convinced that the best thing you can do to someone who says "Hey Joe"... is share a little happiness, and even better...
EXPLAIN TO THEM where you are from, and what your real name is :)
Having a short conversation in a positive way can really make a difference and educate someone who calls you "Joe". As well it may persuade them to not stereotype or call everyone "Joe".
There are also a few things you should avoid doing when someone says "Hey Joe"... This is a little fun video tutorial :)
If you don't have time for a chit chat... a simple apir, smile and sharing of happiness will at least get you some "street credit" :)
Hey Joe Pa More!
One day at a time, One Joe at a time... #BecomingFilipino
Super Apir!