Courtship in the Philippines
Courtship in this context is the act of gentle persuasion to make someone like you and become your romantic partner or better become your spouse.
Generally, it is the man who's to show effort and sincere thoughtful actions towards the woman of his desires. During this period, he should be showing off his best qualities to get the acceptance from the apple of his eye.
Unlike any other country, Philippines have a unique style of courtship. Traditionally, one couldn’t get a sweetheart without having to court first. Although ‘millennials’ now have a different perspective with romanticism, courtship is still quite an experience. Today, girls will feel envious of other girls being courted.
Why? Let me give you an idea.
In the Philippines, when a guy likes a girl and wants her to become his darling, all he have to do is follow these steps: First, get a total makeover – get a clean, neat haircut, wear that expensive cologne that’s been hiding for special occasions, and put on that polo, pants and shoes that’s only been reserved for Sundays.
Second, buy impressive gifts – although bouquet and chocolates will do.
Third, muster all the courage to go and knock on their door. When it opens, the boy is considered lucky to even meet the parents. They will let him in their “sala” and they will interrogate him until they’re satisfied with his answers.
It’s another way to say that he needs to court the folks before he actually get to court her. Supposedly, he needs to be coming from a decent and well-off family and is studying in a decent school with an expensive curriculum. Or else.
That leads him to fourth, finally sitting down with her in the same room, in person. They will be sitting in opposite benches with the girl in between her parents. It is a must to keep smiling and calm despite the loud drumming in one’s chest. When she smiles back and her parents keep their cool – not to mention that huge sharp bolo hiding ready just under the sofa, the boy is granted to continue the courtship the following days until he gets victory.
And the effort doesn’t end there, apparently.
One common courtship picture is the guy standing outside the house of his love interest at night. Usually, he does a serenade by playing a guitar while singing. He does this until the girl hears him and opens up her window for him.
If she’s fallen for his singing she’ll continue to listen and if not she’ll pour him piss from an “arinola.” You mostly see that on local movies. Sometimes effort doesn’t really guarantee, but your patience and persistence does.
It’s easy right? Well, if she says no after a year or so at least he did try.
It’s not that unfortunate as it may sound.
Filipinos are popular for being intimate and family-oriented because courtship actually made it so. During those times of romantic pursuit you get to know and criticize who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. It doesn’t matter looking like an idiot so long as you get to show effort and sincerity with your feelings for someone you love and that impression lasts a lifetime.