I picked up on something on another thread, and I hope the poster doens't mind me reposting it here and doesn't take offence, but I just wanted to use it to highlight something in Filipino culture for anyone that is still new and exploring the differences.

Quote Originally Posted by cessxy View Post
HI, you can inquire to this website http://www.planwisetravel.com . A friend of mine own this agency, prolly you can get a good deal for your holiday if you try to haggle
Essentially, in British culture if we are to recommend a friends or family members business, this would have quite a special meaning. Mostly we would expect if recommended that we'd probably get special assistance and would often probably get a heavy discount or cost price. If anyone disagrees with this, it might be because I have true Yorkshireman blood and like a bargain.

Anyway in the Philippine culture, from my personal experiences and from talking to those around me, a recommendation doesn't always mean that your going to get anything special or different treatment. It's just a suggestion, even if you're being referred to a family or friends business.

I learn't this the hard way by accepting some bad recommendations when I initially moved to the Philippines, and have since taken more of an effort to fully research a decision before I do it.

Would be interested to hear other experienced posters views, especially filipino's views on my understanding of this cultural difference.