I will definitely consider your suggestions regarding the "mano" gesture. I do understand that it is traditional and I myself think that it is a very good gesture to symbolize respect, but I have been told that it is mostly a "tagalog" practice. Same goes for "po" and "opo".
Whilst my mum has met my boyfriend a few times already, my dad has only been able to speak to him on the phone (lets just say we all live in different time zones). He knows very much the importance I give my family, especially my parents and he hasn't taken it lightly when I told him that my parents are the "deal breakers/makers" . And so far with the respect that he has shown them, I am happy to say that my parents are slowly being won over!
Thank you again for all your helpful advice, and I hope you keep them coming
