Americans say respect is earned , not given. In the Philippines it's the other way around - it is automatically given and it's for you to lose it.

The day a CR attendant at the NAIA opened a Handicapped stall for me, sanitized the seat, went on all fours to mop the floor and turned on a fan to dry it to prevent falls, I felt emotional, taken care of. I have not been home for over 20 years and I felt welcomed by this kind act and respect. I can’t imagine this happening for me in America. I have tears right now.

I agree John. I live in California. Life in the US is fast paced, too much emphasis on materialism, and people easily complain. There's no family values. People are proud, forgetting to care for others. But as a Fil-Am, I've instilled Filpino values to my children, esp respect to elders & family. As well as humility. Somehow, I'm still grateful. It's my wish to retire in the Philippines.

3 Words that strikes my mind when I heard Philippines ~ Faith, Family and their sense of gratefulness..

Maybe this is a little different because as a Filipino living in Australia carries with me some degree of traditional respect for the elderly. At one time I offered my seat to an elderly lady in a train ride and she yelled at me like she’s not that old. So I just backed off and smiled. 😂 I think she not ready yet but one day she might. I still think I did the right thing.

The 3 things I really notice are kindness, peace, and respect. To me the number one thing is peace! I just can't put a high enough value on the amount of peace I feel when in the Philippines which is what draws me back.

So true. I had a culture shock when i moved to canada. I went to highschool and kids would come to classes late with food eating in front of teachers. We would never dream of doing that in the ph as a highschool student. We treat our teachers like authority/ 2nd parents.

i can say it in two words … “big thanks” for appreciating the Philippines the people and the culture. Me as a filipino live here in the US im so happy to hear that from american who’s one of the happy living right now in the Philippines. God bless you sir!

King John! Your right.....RESPECT....is huge in the Philippines, for me I don't get much respect here in Seattle, but that's fine, cause Philippines here we come next year to open our hotel there......Ohana Beach Suites.....LET'S GOOOO!!!

Human compassion and kindness that is what Phils is full of...

Everything starts in the home. Filipinos are very strict disciplinarians elders do not tolerate children yelling, throwing tantrums, talking back, and yes, that "mano po" culture all that instill respect and orderly behavior. 🇵🇭❤️

Filipinos as a family unit is pretty much stronger compared to the US. Family values are pass on from generation to generation. Respect is always the first lesson to learn as a kid so mutual respect is always practice in every household. We carry that value wherever, whenever we are either inside or outside our home as we grow old.

Thanks John As always, a very interesting topic. I am also trying to study the history and customs of the Filipino, since I live on the island of Mindanao, I am studying the language a little, as well as their traditions, Now, as a Ukrainian refugee, I have the opportunity to go to America, but after reading and talking on the forums of bloggers living in the Philippines, I don’t really want to go to America

This makes sense. From an outsider, I feel like the culture in the US is all about gaining respect, that respect is something that is earned either through financial wealth, dominant personality, dominant race, etc. It is romanticized in your Western dramas, wherein protagonists are praised for violent acts. In the Philippines, you inherently deserves respect until you do something to lose that respect. That’s why it’s rude to raise your voice in public, or to be mean to people below your stature. It happens in dramas, but rarely happens in real life. That’s also the reason why we’re not very direct people. We’re afraid of offending people, of appearing rude - being rude means being uncultured.

Youre so right down to it sir. Also a prominent pastor who used to live in the Phils.said that the real talent of Filipinos is not singing. Aside from resilience they are very hardworking people. Family is second God being first too.

Agree 100% !! I can't wait to get back to Cebu... The respectful polite culture and people are my #1 reason !!

Such a heart warming opinion for us Filipino's, thanks!! The virtue of RESPECT is instill in us Filipinos as we opened our eyes to the world. Thanks for highlighting one of our common traits, I never knew it gives a big impact to foreigners.

Humility, respect for elders, and self-respect plus the social ramification of acting stupid in public are the reasons Filipinos treat others with kindness and compassion. Add to that our religious upbringing, where parents actually follow what they preach to their children. And so, there's this ever-present feeling, even as adults, that we do not want our family to be embarrassed of how we behaved with others. Family reputation is so valued, and family pride is a shared responsibility. At sixty, I still think when I'm tempted to cuss others when they are being rude to me -- "oh my God, my parents will be so ashamed of me if they learn I did about what I'm about to do." Or, "my siblings will disown me."

I lived in a few countries, Philippines is definitely the place I love living in the best. For me , people ( culture) makes a place. The people are great here!!

The most obvious is RESPECT to each other especially for seniors.

John, I would add more of what you say about Respect? Here in the Philippines, you can't hear small children calling to older people by their names but we address that with Kuya, Ate, Nanay, Tatay, Lolo, or Lola...Not like in Western countries where even the small kid only calls your names even if you're very old enough..Hehehe...

what i missed about my country that dont have here in japan is that in the philippines, neighbors are like your family❤ when you see each other outside you greet each other, you talk a lot, you laugh a lot , we help each other a lot, and for some reason you know them on personal level, while here in japan we are living in the same house for 10years and know nothing about our neighbors aside from their face😅 we dont even know their names. just family names because its in their gate.

no casual crimes in subways, no streets filthy with human poop and drug and paraphernalia, no rampart car theft and break ins, almost no hate crimes, not many karens (Karens in the US are on another level, it's stupid), no mob robbery of luxury stores, no thieves having "shopping sprees" in grocery stores

phil teaches kindergarten, elementary and highschool first hour morning subject everyday is GMRC.. (Good Manners and Right Conduct) 😊

Thank you John. I truly appreciate the good words. I live abroad for 40 years now but Philippines is where my heart is. Soon I will go back home and live the simple life. More power to you and your family. God bless😊

People that are sensitive need to grow thick skin when someone disrespects them; stand your ground respectfully that usually diffuses the situation and make the conversation transactional.

Yes sir I agreed with you. I am a Filipino. Most of my life spent in the Philippines but when I get married my husband brought me here in the USA. When I came here I had no problem adjusting, I felt like similar to the culture I grew up back home very welcoming but after 10 years in here I noticed the changes. There are more don’t care kind of people which I am sad. In my own opinion I think the respect is still there but they don’t want to show it because of lack of love for each other. As a Filipino people we believe that love is the most important thing because of love you cares ❤

Thank you so much for the kind words for us Filipinos,our culture,and Country.. You're welcome here in Philippines Sir😊🙏.

Thta's TRUE. They give you RESPECT outright as a human being.

The biggest issue is individualism, which is euphemism for selfishness.

Thank you for appreciating our country and culture, Sir. I wish you more success. God bless you.

I can proudly say that paying respect is a major rule every Filipino parents sets to their child because in that way parents were not afraid that their child will not get harm when their not around or when they were outside our home basic recpect and kindness is something that thought inside every Filipino home and also caring to each other is one also...

In spite of the Philippines' hot humid temperature, Filipinos are still patient, always smiling 😄😁. The barometer Filipinos' patience is so high.

Those things that you said, are sadly the things a lot of Filipino kids nowadays are trying to get rid of from their DNA as a consequence of bad influence from social media or radical groups. Some even sees it as a sign of weakness or intimidation, so to shake off the stereotype, they show no respect. However, finding the right balance between politeness, respect and assertiveness is what parents should teach to their children.

husband speaking age 80 - John, my Filipino wife and I are starting our 47th year of marriage. We were pen pals for 5 1/2 years, this being in the early 70's. My first trip to Cebu was 1979 with a new wife. So much has changed since that first visit. Friendly, kind and very helpful as well as respect for anyone older than you are. My wife is of the Ceniza Clan, she was a teacher in Mandaue ( until I gave her early retirement ) We currently have a home on Mactan Island, Vistamar Resort where currently we spend 5 months a year. We still have a home in Everett, Wash. ( 30 miles North of Seattle ) Heading back this Nov. 15th. 2023.

I remember My Mom ( bless her soul ) upon arriving from America for our younger Sister's wedding, embracing my young daughters tightly and said.. " ohh how l Miss you all !!.. I DON'T WANT YOU TO EVER GROW UP IN AMERICA!! ".. THIS was during the 1980's.. One can imagine what America now is 😮😢

I love this video. Thank you John. RESPECT, its what everyone should give and crave.

Great content John. Thank you. Another interesting factor with the US is the prevalence and style of divorce and how much it tears families apart. I think if you look at that factor it has a lot to do with the deterioration of the American family unit since roughly half American marriages go through this.

What you said about the US about having more to offer, consumerism at its finest and unfortunately, that's also the root of the unhappiness and anxiety. So many choices, so many things you need to get or own or achieve..in PH, it is all about valuingvwhat's more important and going back to the basics - this is also the reason why we are resilient and welcoming and happier in spite of all the limitations. People strive here to have a comfortable life - not necessarily to be rich or be millionaires. You can ask Filipinos what they want to own..they'd tell you house, business, etc..anything connected to family but I doubt hardworking Filipinos have signature handbags or sports car as their top goals - almost everyone like something that can also make their family and friends happy or share/benefit from that success. The difference, I think, is more on the values. In PH we are more family oriented values vs individualistic values in the US. That is why it is ingrained to Filipinos to be respectful - the way we treat our elders, the way we treat our friends, customers, guests..it all roots fron that affinity to being family oriented - valuing the sense of belonging, embracing and making one a part of that family/society - until you prove that you dont deserve it. That' s where the respect roots from because otherwise, we wont care. However, it isn't always perfect and this has some toxic effects too..but nonetheless, I think that sense of valuing connections and compassion makes it easier for us to be happy in spite of the things we lack because at the end of the day, when you think of it..which is more priceless and can make you happier? Your relationships/connections/family or your mansion, your status, etc? I think we can pretty much can find the answer to that in our societies.

Because why would we disrespect the elders or other people? Being respectful is a basic manner and being rude reflects on the way our parents raised us. Kindness is always better and more convenient than being Karen.

Life is about living and loving and sharing with people. Without experiencing people, we are no different from a plant. In philippines, that is what we do best, live, love, share

Respect, humility and kindness and apply to everything in your life but filipino was so resilient and thats what make us different from other plus the culture of giving,kindness,fun loving etc adds up to the sauce.

Thanks a lot on your evaluation about the Philippines. May your thoughts open the eyes of others.

RESPECT! Thank you for recognizing the traditional Filipino culture and the kind words. Awesome! Enjoy your stay in the Philippines.

Thank you for the nice remarks about Filipinos and our culture 🙂👌💜

Thank you so much for this🥰🥰🥰Much love from the Philippines❤️🇵🇭

Thank you for noticing it sir deeply appreciated!

In addition to respect for elders (and other people) and obedience to lawful authority, one other trait that I instilled in my 3 children from the time that they were toddlers is COMPASSION, especially for the poor and under-privileged, for the natural environment and for animals. We carried out for 22 straight years an annual sharing caravan every Christmas eve that brought food and other basic necessities to dirt poor homeless folks around Manila. This was the only kind of Christmas Eve activity, not the traditional lavish Noche Buena feasts, that my children grew up with until their 20s for I believed that the only way for them to become compassionate to others is to actually see the squalor, poverty, hunger and homelessness that envelopes many people, many eating out of garbage bins and trash piles. From one sleigh (car), we grew to as many as 20 sleighs at one point with other parents tagging along their kids to be exposed. An Augustinian priest from India who joined one of our runs confessed to me (not the other way around huh?) that while he had seen much poverty in his own country, this was the first time that he came so close to the really destitute ones. We were not the only ones doing this, there were many others we saw doing the same. We'd cap the usually 4-hour caravan before sunrise with an early Christmas day breakfast of hot choco, bibingka and puto bumbong at Aristocrat Restaurant, Roxas Boulevard along Manila Bay.

Im an expat from UK ...moved to Philippines after marriage in 2018 and been here ever since, there is a certain love and respect you feel for this country and culture... unlike where I was from where I would usually not feel safe just going to a shop at night because of the hoodie culture in UK, in PH everyone is your tita tito , lolo or even lola even if you only met them once .. they always give you respect you dont find elsewhere ... it can be exspensive in PH compared to other countries but you learn to adapt... good video ... My life is a lot better here but there is also the requirement to take your spouse to cexperience where you come from ... in my case ... one day i do dread lol but ill take her ..

Thank you for sharing this!🙏🏼

My cousin who is married to an American they used to live in Thailand because of work now they're back in the states but her husband don't feel secure everytime she goes out alone because what's been happening over there

Your one of my fav Phils vlogger because of having the experience of living in Australia plus your got a great vibe and attitude

Thank you very much and Godbless you🙏

This is refreshing.. such enlightenment to everybody. God blese you sir.

Thanks for talking about this, that a way to say respect for the filipinos, some of my family members live in the US, i am filipino and greatful that you respect our culture and who we are

Yeah I am from California to and I cant wait to get back to the Philippines Yeah sure we have a lot to offer here But all of the crime and too many shootings The philippines reminds me of what the US use to be back in the 50s People in the Philippines are a lot more friendly then here in California they will say GOOD MORNING back to you Not In calif LOL they just walk right past you like you never said a word

RESPECT...yes, people show respect to each other, especially showing respect and honoring their elders (mano po). "Blessing".

Your video has caused me to think a lot about my Filipino wife and me making a visit back home to America in the near future. We were married for 12 years now. I am 77 years old and living here steadily for the last 18 years. My wife is 62 and would like to see what America is like. Respect is something your article brought out. She has a Filipino friend who is inviting us to join her and her husband in California for a visit. My family came from Wisconsin and I would like to fly to Wisconsin while in the US. The Problem is that my brother, Niece, or son can't or won't help us in any way to make our visit pleasant. They show little interest in helping us. After being away for so long, I no longer have a car or a driver's license there. Public transportation in the states is very poor at best. Not like the Philippines. I could just go to California and skip Wisconsin. This would mean that I could die here without having said goodbye to my family there. I can see what you are saying with respect when they have very little in their own families. I am only living off my Social Security income so I have no saved up savings. Is this added expense worth it in the long term?

Thank you for your video Sir. It is always our prayer that we Filipinos continue to uphold the Word of God. It is our declaration from generation to generation because I believe that the love of God will bind every family and it is manifested in our community, church, neighborhood, schools and as a nation. Today, it is a big challenge to live like Christ but it is always our choice to do so.. Basically if God is absent in the family, chaos is expected. May the good Filipino traits, character and attitude continue to impact people wherever each one goes local or abroad. God bless everyone.

I think I agree... In general we Pinoys like to make other people comfortable and at ease in our own place. We know we make do with a lot of things that other people especially foreigners may not necessarily be comfortable with... so we try to help them adjust, adapt and blend in easily... that's all!! Yes... Its kindness redounding to respect...

Thank you for citing one of the most important values that we Filipinos embedded in our culture 😊❤❤

Empathy is huge among us, Filipinos, too. Maybe it's an extension or another form of respect. Whatever, it's a very rare trait that I hope stays with us forever.

100% agree.We value respect so much.

thank you for everything you said. Its too early but I hope you'll have a wonderful Christmas!

Filipinos have the ability to live simple life perhaps owing to admission of dignity, but they can be merciful, despite that, and stay focus.

Thank you. God bless

Thank you sir for your kind words about the Philippines 🇵🇭♥️👍God bless you and your family 🙏God bless the Philippines 🙏🇵🇭God bless the USA🙏🇺🇸🙏

For me its the love in the Philippines. I do realize from listening to other channels that I was extremely lucky to find the partner I did. But I absolutely see what you are talking about. He has now been approved by USCIS and I've already been warning him that here (this will sound bizarre to some I think) we have to be more careful. In Cebu and in Carcar and in Sibonga - we could be and were totally ourselves. We held hands in public, we went to Seaside mall with some of his family to buy his engagement ring. His priest even said he would perform our wedding if he were permitted to. His mother hosted a big engagement party to which everyone anywhere near his home came. NO ONE CARED. Here, most would not care, but those who did might very well become violent. I didn't put that down to respect, but to historic culture - but I do realize listening to you, that it is a manifestation of respect. Thank you for opening my eyes to that. To be honest, if we could have gotten married there, and if the medical care on average had been a bit better, we would have stayed there, my retirement and passive income would have given us the best of all lives - but it was not to be, and we want to be married, so he will be here in a few months (we were together there for half a year). I have never been happier, but I do worry about what America might do to him. He is so shy and quiet and gentle (well educated too). Thank you for the channel.

Thank you for appreciating our culture. 😊♥

I'll be in Chicago tomorrow, where this is still true. Twin cities, too. Milwaukee not so much. Calling people by their first names kept in about ten years ago, and I find that grating.

That's super important. I agree

This "respect" comes from the Filipino people's humility. More Pride means more "disrespect" : of parents, of teachers, of elders, of people in authority, of people who disagree with one's ideas. Pride is the #1 root of all conflict: between individuals, between groups of people, even between entire races, nations, and religions. Greed is only #2.

Thanks for sharing!

As from western europe, can agree. The biggest assets in Philippines is the people

You're right about that young Man thanks 👍👍

Long live John and Father blesses you more❤❤❤❤

Here in the Philippines our sons and daughters do not have to leave the nest until they want to. And when they do, we make sure that they are strong enough to make it on their own no matter if they are 18, 30 or whatever... and they are welcome to come home anytime. Having been given this care by our parents we in turn see to it that we are there for them in their sunset years. This is so in most of Asia.

nice one.......

I was in line at departure area in NAIA , maybe around 100 people Befoe me waiting for ticketing When a guy pulled me over and Directed me to a station to hasten My ticketing. I was suprised anf Ask him why? Your a senior. . you Dont need to stand that long.

True this. And faith in God. And all the Judeo-Christian and Filipino values that come with that.

You are so right.👍👍👍

OH GOD BLESS YOU❣️

I never been in abroad but yeah you are absolutely right..!👍

Two thumbs 👍👍 up that's my #1 pet pet anywhere respect

Having visited P.I 5 times when I was in the Navy, then returning to marry my girlfriend in '95, then one final time when I had to return for her funeral (was waiting for her visa to be approved when she died), every Filipino I met was kind and respectful. They don't yell or cuss or anything like an American would. Great folks. I would like to go back there again some day, perhaps to retire. Going to look into it.

Be optimistic. America will rise from the turmoil, in a way it's necessary so we can learn how to sort it out. Love will ultimately win.

We Filipinos are thought from early age to respect and love the elderly, so when we reach their age we will be respected too..

I’m a Filipino currently living in the US, your initial comparison imho is akin to apples and oranges. Remember that the Philippines is a developing country so in terms of the amenities, conveniences, efficiencies in several sectors will not be on par with a developed country in the West like the US for example. So foreigners, esp from developed countries, who come to my country shouldn’t really expect the same level of economic and social services they have in their own countries. Sure there are pockets of seeming economic prosperity and conveniences in urban areas like BGC or Makati or Davao City or Cebu City but there are still more places that are in a state of poverty and in need of economic advancements and social services. But I agree with your thoughts on Filipino respect. In general, we are a respectful people and we are non confrontational. But let me share my opinion as to why we have this trait. It all boils down to family values and religious beliefs. That respect comes from valuing the teachings of our parents. After God, family is the most important foundation of every Filipino’s life. It’s what makes us respectful and resilient. Of course, there are also dysfunctional Filipino families but you’ll find that no matter how dysfunctional a family is, when it comes to tribulations i.e. financial loss, illness, death, they come together as a family, to help out or pay their respects. It may sound cliché, but for most Filipinos, blood remains thicker than water, not necessarily out of loyalty but more about respecting our roots. And as a Filipino living here in the US for a long time, these strong family ties and filial bonds are the stark differences I see and experience. I remember having quite a culture shock when I first got here and at learning one co worker friend hasn’t talked to his brother for more than a decade and I asked if they had a fight and he said no, it’s just that they live different lives and don’t pry into each other’s affairs. And that’s okay, he added. As the eldest brother in my family, I couldn’t imagine not talking to all my siblings for that long and not respectfully pry into their lives. Lol. But kidding aside, I also value and respect American individualism and independence. And I think Filipinos can learn a lot and be more confident from having a bit of these traits without sacrificing our family ties. Lastly, I think materialism plays quite a role in why Americans tend to be disrespectful of each other as well as the recent divisive political climate. That’s unfortunately getting worse. This is why I’m making plans to go back to the Philippines for good. Anyway, I’m sorry if my comment is quite long. Your video and views encouraged me to share my opinion about your topic. Thank you for sharing your insights about my country.

Are you still leavin in 90s you still see Philippines that way wow 2023 our hospitals have modern technology all ready

The roads "a BIT better".......you're funny John😂

We go further than to say Yes Ma'm/Sir by uttering from the bottom of our hearts, from the young and to the adults, elders (eg. followed by KUYA or ATE), co-employees to employers, neighbors, strangers, first acquaintances, regardless of tacit authorities, positions or ranks observed, color or race, perhaps we are colonially subservient or odedient to tradition, we always say more to answer an inquiry or question with utmost respect, we say Yes "po", Ma'm/Sir _____ (name of the person shown respect) or "Opo" Kuya/Ate_____ (double politeness expressed) Automatically followed by Salamat po ng marami! Sir John with emphasis on the "very much" for being grateful, the follow through of politeness with matching island smile, a tap, a shake of hand or a warm hug

I agree 💯

RESPECT

We addressed someone as, "Ma'am /Sir "

wish the video was a bit longer but nevertheless i enjoyed it

Asian culture plays a great difference in the PH, Korea, Japan where you find respect is a dominant trait for the elderly you rarely find in the west. Respect start in the family tradition and handed down through generation a person carry with it wherever he go.

I agree, Filipinos have a basic respect they give to strangers. Rare are the people who waltz around acting entitled and claiming that their respect needs to be earned. Filipinos show respect by default and what you do could elevate or lose that respect.

I really enjoy your videos. I think the Philippines is so connected to faith. It's very refreshing. Thx for sharing this.

I love being a senior here in the Philippines! We seniors are given priority in queues everywhere like groceries, bathrooms, airports, government facilities, public transport, etc. The younger ones just do it automatically without complaints. Not to mention senior discounts in restaurants, airlines, transportation, hospitals, hotels etc. From birth we are taught to greet, respect & care for our elders, a value passed on through generations. I would be terrified to grow old in the USA.

What I watched from the movies of US and Philippines..simply like this: Philippines:..Mom ,Dad stay with us ,,we will take good care of both of you when you aged ..😊 US:..I'm 18 we are going out of here ...find a job. Mom ,Dad We can't take care of you...we will take you to the home of the aged😢