Filipina Dating: Know These Before Jumping Into the Scene

What Is Dating a Filipino Woman Like?

Everyone naturally has reservations about the unknown. For instance, many foreign men consider dating Filipino women as unfamiliar territory; hence, they’re cautious.

However, many men have expressed enjoyment in dating a Filipino woman. Why? Here are some reasons:

1. They’re easygoing.

Patience is a virtue many of us lack. But for Filipinas, it’s a common trait. They’re easygoing women who don’t let minor inconveniences get to them.

Their optimism helps them power through most days, and the numbers support this. The World Happiness 2024 Report shows that the Philippines jumped 23 spots from its previous ranking, placing 53rd out of 143 countries.

Does this mean Filipinas are pushovers? No. Just because they have easygoing demeanors doesn’t mean they’re doormats.

2. They have strong family ties.

The family is the central unit in Philippine society. They are Filipinas’ top priority, no matter their life stage. They don’t make decisions, especially life-changing ones, without their guidance.

Some cultures may not be as family-oriented as the Philippines, so this may be a refreshing change for you. But who wouldn’t want tight-knit and supportive people looking after your well-being?

Family members will speak their minds. While this may often come off as unsolicited advice, know they're only considering your best interests. Perhaps you can hear them out or reject them politely.

3. They don’t mind broadening their horizons.

A Filipina dating a foreigner isn’t taboo like it once was.

More and more Filipino women are open to dating people from various parts of the world because they now realize that love transcends borders. When doing so, Filipinas don’t hesitate to learn and meet their match’s cultures halfway for a healthy compromise.

The least you can do is return the favor.

4. They’re independent and self-assured.

Some still unfairly stereotype Filipina dating as a gold-digging opportunity. Don’t let dating scams and other horror stories dissuade you. Not every match will scam you out of your money.

Don’t get this wrong; Filipino women appreciate help. However, they don’t solely rely on it. These ladies can create and make the most of opportunities for themselves. Codependency isn’t something they like to lean on.

5. They prioritize the bigger picture.

Most Filipinas dislike making small matters into big deals. While they appreciate the little things, they’re clear about what they want and need from you. You won’t have to worry about them being the “I come and I go” types.

When a Filipina dates you, she isn’t in it for fun and games. She commits because she wants to be with you for the long haul. She doesn’t see the point of sticking around if she can’t see you building a happy future together.

While you should keep your guard up, don’t forget to open your heart while pursuing Filipino women. This healthy optimism will enhance your dating experience.

Where to Meet Filipino Women

Are the above reasons convincing? Why not take them as a sign to give Filipina dating a try?

If you don’t know where to begin your search, here are a few good places to start.

Online

Online dating in the Philippines has become more prevalent than ever. Philstar reports that 42% of Filipinos have used a dating app since the pandemic.

There are a ton of Filipino online dating platforms you can choose from.

You can visit general online dating websites to cast a wide net. Do you want something more specific? Explore niche Filipina dating sites. For instance, if you’re looking for someone middle-aged, you can sign up for a dating site catering to users within that age range or preference.

But the question is, will you find genuine love?

Just because a relationship began online doesn’t make it any less genuine. Some long-term couples even started their love stories on a site or app.

In Person

Many Filipinas are dating online. But some prefer going offline. And that’s okay—these people have their reasons and preferences.

Perhaps you can give this approach a try. There’s a reason people often caution against judging books by their covers. Seeing Filipino women in person might break stereotypes or misconceptions you’ve had about them.

If you decide to meet a Filipina in person, the best option is to travel to the country yourself. It will take time, money, and effort, so plan your trip adequately.

Approaches to Dating a Filipina

Some parts of dating in Filipino culture share some sensibilities with modern Western cultures. Meanwhile, some parts of it make it uniquely local.

Brush up on these to make your transition and adjustment less stressful.

The Art of Panliliigaw

Before the Internet, Filipinos had an elaborate tradition of building romantic relationships called panliligaw (courtship). The whole practice goes back to the Spanish colonial era.

Courtship is not a one-size-fits-all method. According to a 2020 study, the Philippines has various panliligaw styles due to its archipelagic makeup.

For example, Ilocano people traditionally practiced tapat—a custom where the suitor would express their feelings by singing romantic songs accompanied by a guitar at night. Meanwhile, people from Cebu would recite balak or love verses.

Compared to modern dating strategies, panliligaw takes longer to execute. Suitors need to woo not just the women but also their families.

Also, suitors undergo many stages to prove their genuine affection. Here is a breakdown of each one:

Initial interest

A courtship is meaningless if there are no grounds for it. The man should hint at his feelings for the woman.

Teasing

This stage doesn’t involve name-calling. But after the man hints at his feelings, he probes the woman for a reply.

Informal meetup

Once the woman subtly indicates her interest, she and her suitor have a few meetups to get to know each other better. Friends usually tag along during this stage.

Confession

After getting to know one another, the suitor formally asks for the woman’s consent to court her. This stage takes courage. It comes with the risk of rejection and the reward of approval.

Meeting the family

As mentioned earlier, the suitor should also court the woman’s family. Since Filipinos consider the family a sacred unit, it’s only natural to seek their approval.

Formal courting

At this stage, the suitor makes gestures such as serenading, writing love letters, and servitude.

Panliligaw has a more subdued and indirect nature due to local sensibilities. With that, suitors emphasize respect toward women and their families. Direct approaches are frowned upon in traditional circles, which explains panliligaw’s multiple stages.

Modern Dating

Like most things, Filipino dating culture has evolved because of technology. Online platforms have replaced elaborate courtship methods.

For instance, instant messaging has replaced old-school customs such as harana (serenading). Daters forgo structure and directly ask potential partners out, making movement and development quicker than panliligaw’s gradual pacing. What we have now is not too distant from Western practices.

This shift is especially prevalent among the younger generation. While you can see older Filipinos dating online, you’ll often see those in their early to late 20s scrolling and swiping on their phones for potential matches.

Statistics affirm this change. Per a Philstar report, a 2023 survey stated that, among its participants, 73% of males and 58% of females (all aged 18 and above) admitted to having a relationship with someone they met through an app.

In-person meetups remain encouraged, but they’re no longer a make-or-break event for dates. Modern relationships mostly have virtual interactions. Some are due to distance, and others are because of convenience.

Does this change mean traditional courtship is dead? The answer is no.

Daters are still free to follow such practices. Regardless of the approach, put 100% effort and sincerity behind it.

Tips to Date a Filipino Woman

Whether you’re dating a Filipina in person or matched with someone on a Filipino online dating site, you should navigate the scene with some proper guidance. These tips will help you out:

1. Keep the PDA to a minimum.

We may be in modern times, but PDA (or public displays of affection) remains a sensitive matter in the Philippines. Given that it’s a religious and conservative country, it makes sense that couples keep their hands to themselves when they’re out and about.

Even if you’re both open-minded and don't take issue with PDAs, you may want to cut them down. Not everyone likes to see physical affection, especially when excessive, as they do their business.

Keep the PDA to wholesome gestures, such as hand-holding and arm-linking. They’re more than enough to show sweetness.

2. Don’t assume anything, especially the worst.

The worst you can do is offend someone with an avoidable mistake.

When dating someone from a different culture, there are many things you might not know. This is why you should let your assumptions go—they do more harm than good. As they linger, they’ll sow the seeds of resentment—a dangerous thing that kills even the strongest relationships.

If you’re unsure about something, feel free to ask your Filipina match about it, and she’ll gladly answer. Why leave something unaddressed when she can easily clarify that?

Asking questions is the best dating and relationship exercise. It helps you know more about each other and learn to communicate better.

3. Don’t rush the process for faster results.

Most foreigners, especially those who met their match on a dating site in the Philippines, rush the dating process. Understandably, progress is exciting.

However, rushing kills relationships more than it advances them. The more you force things, the less you’ll enjoy them. You may even regret your choices instead of embracing moments as they happen.

Keep the innuendos out. Have the decency to be a gentleman and keep things wholesome. This shows a Filipina that you’re serious about your pursuit.

4. Don’t play mind games.

While we’re on the subject of seriousness, mind games are a deal-breaker for Filipinas. They don’t have the time and energy to play hard-to-get just for the thrill.

So, if you like someone, don’t beat around the bush; let her know. She’ll appreciate your honesty over silly mind games. Who wouldn’t like someone who wears their heart on their sleeve unabashedly?

But should you confess, take notes from top #3 and go slow. There’s no need to be bold about your declaration of love. Also, don’t overthink things. Simply tell your Filipina match how you genuinely feel.

5. Let your walls down.

Dating is a serious matter, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring. Who says you can’t enjoy falling in love?

Once you and your Filipina match get to know each other better, don’t be afraid to let go and be vulnerable. It encourages her to trust you and also open up to you.

And as that trust grows, so does your overall connection. Why shut her out when you can let her into your world?

The more you let your walls down around each other, the better you’ll know one another. This leaves little room for doubt to grow as you get more comfortable with each other’s orbits.

Love Beyond Borders

Filipina dating has been made possible. Time zones and distances are no longer impossible hurdles to conquer. You can easily find someone to match with through a few clicks.

But at the end of the day, whether you go online on one of the best Filipina dating sites or offline, it starts with committing to take that leap of faith. Once you do, this guide should help you make the most of your pursuit.

Good luck and enjoy your search.