How is it with your western Families?

[beth18]

I was just thinking about my trip to Phils and the people I met. Because I was with Charie and she called her mother 'Nanay', I also used this way to refer to her too which I think went down well, her sister I called 'ded chi' which I think is a more personal way to refer to her.........please correct me if this is not the case, but my Mahal said to use this term.
We spent a lot of time in the company of her uncle too, and because of the way we go on together, I called him Uncle.
I think for me and the way I tried to fit in with all of the family I met, it was not out of character for me to use these terms of familiarity, I think it was appreciated that I 'want' to be part of their family and so I was made to feel at ease all the time.

Steve

That is all fine Steve, Filipino culture are too seriuos about being respectful especially to someone older than you, but normaly you can call anyone older than you by thier names, but not her parents. For that your mahal will be well credited if you give respect to the elders.

Its okay for the parents to be called, Nanay, mama, mom. all my friends call my mother mama. For relatives if you think they are older thatn you, you can call them in thier names.