Bits of Culture Differences

I've met a few more Pinays married to Koreans these past few days and of course, culture comparisons between our home country and Korea won't be unheard of. We generally know a lot of big difference but little things do come up every now and then. So here is some list about social interactions that I have come across lately:

* bringing along someone else after being invited only in the first place
* bringing a gift for an occasion is not  really required
* bringing a gift is almost required
* listing up the amount of cash gift and returning that on the next occasion for the giver
* a stranger calling you with your kids name instead of some general term for a stranger

Make a guess which are Filipino and Korean ones?

The first two are very Filipino. Prior to meeting my husband, I had no idea that the first one is actually a little common culture for Filipinos. I was made aware of this ever since my Korean husband has brought this up early on of our relationship when comparing cultures. When you invite a Filipino for a meet up or a party, do not be surprised if he shows up with someone. We are not talking about a damsel with chaperone here. Although most often, it is a lady that shows up with another friend in tow. And they don't see anything wrong with it. I have never noticed this one before but ever since my husband pointed this out, it made me more aware of this possibly happening every now and then. Although, I am more aware that I do not do the same thing coz I really do think it is a bit strange even though I lived most of my life in the Philippines.

I may understand that single ladies would opt to go with a friend when meeting some guy for a date for the first time or something like that. But other than that, I do really think that it is not cool to bring along someone when one is invited without asking if it's okay. But in the Philippines, it seems to be just okay. Some do ask, while some just show up with someone in tow.

The next one is bringing a gift for the occasion. Bringing a gift is not that common specially for friends and relatives birthdays. One can always get away without the gift although bringing one will always be welcome. (Who doesn't like gifts after all?) Nowadays, it is almost changing specially in the urban setting.

The remaining three are Korean ones.

Gifts are almost always a requirement. Cash and goods alike. The amount of cash is listed in a guest's gift  list specially in formal occasions. This is used as a guide when you get invited and have to bring a cash gift later. Common gifts would be socks, t-shirts, food packs (Spam etc., fruits), drinks (alcohols, medicinal drinks, etc.) beauty packs (facial mask, etc.),  bath toiletries pack (shampoos, soap, lotions, etc.) and cleaning agents (bathroom tissue and laundry powder for people who have just moved in.)

I think gift-giving is almost as an affair of its own like it is Japan. (Talking about origami art of gift wrapping here.)

The last one is about calling strangers with their kids name. There is an old man who lives on the first floor who does that to say hello to me and my husband. He would call out my kid's name as a greeting or to get our attention or something like that. It's just seem strange for me coz we usually just address a stranger with a general Manong, Manang, Ate, Kuya or something like that. But since the old man is way older than us, it would be Hija or Hijo, Ineng, or something like that. Hearing the old man call out our kid's name even if the kid is not around is just strange for me but seems to be the way for Koreans.

That is about it for now. I'm sure there will be more later on. :D