As someone who has been to Cebu City, Philippines many times and has dated several beautiful Filipina women, I understand the alluring draw of the Philippines. Not only does this city attract many foreign men because of the dating, the country is also home to over 7000 islands, offering an exciting opportunity to explore adventurous activities with a beautiful Filipina babe tagging along beside you.
In my experience, Filipina women are some of the best women in the world, thanks to English proficiency, intoxicating beauty, and kind-hearted spirits. In addition, Filipino culture tends to welcome foreigners into their families, where traditional gender roles of masculine and feminine are still custom. I’ve met many expats that are content with their move to the Philippines, particularly Cebu, and are now living the good life.
The key to unlocking dating success in the Philippines is to understand the unique Filipino dating culture, utilize the best dating apps, learn how best to approach and meet Filipino women in the shopping malls, and manage long-distance relationships. By understanding these unique strategies that I’ve learned through experimentation and put into practice, one can find success in casual or serious relationships with Filipina women.
And as much as Western men are attracted to Filipino women, the opposite may be more true – Filipinas love Western men!
Understanding Filipino Dating Culture
For a complete guide on Filipino Dating Culture: Dating Culture In The Philippines 101: A Foreigner’s Guide
Open-Minded: Filipino dating culture tends to be quite open-minded compared to other Asian countries. While still traditional and conservative, many Filipino relationships start in a casual manner where both partners get to know one another before becoming a couple. Often times relationships are formed by connections through the huge families that Filipinos often have.
Physical displays of affection (PDAs) in public are not common in Filipino dating culture. Hand holding, kissing, and other overt gestures are often frowned upon especially early in a relationship. Couples usually keep public affection to a minimum. It’s important to keep your Filipina date comfortable by waiting to kiss her in private and not trying to do so in public, as this will probably embarrass her.
Welcoming Foreigners: The Filipino dating culture welcomes foreigners, especially Americans, Canadians, Britains, Australians, and other Europeans, perhaps more than any country I’ve visited. The bond between America and the Philippines goes way back, and thanks to General MacArthur who freed the Filipinos from the Japanese in WW2. In my experience, the Filipino dating culture is the most open-minded to dating foreigners.
Meeting The Family: Westerners should understand that meeting the family is a significant event. Traditionally, when a Filipino man meets a Filipina woman, they usually introduce their partner to their families early on. But, in my experience, if you are a foreigner, I would suggest waiting to do that until you know you are serious about the relationship and ready to take a long-term step. I’ve heard stories of guys showing up to meet the family and they treat the meeting like an engagement announcement.
Family approval is very important in Filipino relationships. Families are closely involved throughout the relationship and engagement often only occurs once both families approve. She may keep her foreign boyfriend a secret (you) for awhile at first, but if she tells her family about you that means she has long-term intentions with you.
Also check out my thoughts: Is Cebu City, Philippines Safe For Foreigners Traveling?
Tips for Impressing Filipina Women
When trying to impress a Filipina woman, it’s important to understand the more conservative dating culture in the Philippines. While extravagant displays may be impressive, Filipinas often appreciate sincere gestures and good manners more. They value a man who displays a little patience and doesn’t pursue physical intimacy too quickly after meeting. If you can wait a few dates with your urges, it will go a long way in her attraction for you.
One of the best ways to impress a Filipina is to embrace traditional gentlemanly actions like opening doors, pulling out chairs, and carrying bags. Acts of chivalry and good manners will go a long ways with her. Giving sincere compliments is also key.
While gifts are appreciated, especially to family members, avoid extravagant or overly personal gifts early in dating. More modest gifts given with sincerity are your best bet. One of my favorite gifts to give a Filipina is a cosmetic care package. Check it out and other ideas in my article: 11 Gift Ideas That’ll Impress Your Filipina Girlfriend
Best Filipino Dating Sites and Apps
For a more in-depth review of the most popular dating apps in the Philippines, check out my article: Top Dating Apps In The Philippines To Find A Filipina Girlfriend
When looking to meet Filipino women online, using a Filipino dating site or app designed for that purpose can be very effective. Here are some of the most popular options for Western men trying to find Filipinas, including my favorite (FilipinoCupid):
FilipinoCupid – This is my #1 personal favorite dating website/app for the Philippines. Part of the Cupid Media network, this site has over 3.5 million members seeking relationships. Paid subscriptions unlock messaging features, but it is free to create a profile and browse the many beautiful women on the website. The site verifies profiles and has anti-scammer detection.
The reasons I prefer FilipinoCupid for dating in the Philippines:
- Large user base
- Women are specifically looking for foreign boyfriends
- No local men to compete with
- Has the best filtering features (body type, english ability, attractiveness level, etc.)
- Less ladyboys than Tinder and Bumble
Tinder – A mobile app, Tinder probably has the most Filipino users over any other platform. The big problem for foreigners, including myself, is the abundance of ladyboys on the website. I found it to be annoying and don’t recommend using Tinder in the Philippines. Plus, you’ll be competing with lots of local Filipino men on the app.
Bumble – Bumble, a mobile app, is quite decent in the Philippines. It tends to attract women that are more looking for serious relationships. The key feature of Bumble is that if you match with a woman, she is required to send the first message or the match will expire. It tends to lead to less flaking.
PinaLove – This semi-free dating app is specifically used for Filipina women looking for foreigner boyfriends. It is free to send one message every ten minutes, which is annoying but makes it “technically” free. If you want to send more messages you need to pay. The interface is simple and designed for mobile use.
DateInAsia – Once the top dating website in the Philippines, DateInAsia has slipped since the emergence of Tinder and so many other dating apps. It can still be useful as there are some beautiful women on there, but not as good as it once was. The big advantage is that it is completely free to use and message.
Badoo – Badoo has risen the ranks of dating apps for SouthEast Asia, as I have used it in other countries like Thailand and Vietnam as well. Anecdotally, I found many beautiful women on the app in the Philippines but the women did not seem very serious about meeting up.
While all these websites/apps connect Western men with Filipina women, they each have slightly different audiences in terms of age demographics and relationship goal intensities. Considering your own preferences can help determine the optimal site or app to use.
Also, read my article about how to avoid most common scams for online dating in the Philippines.
Challenges Foreigners Face When Dating Filipina Women
When dating Filipina women, there are some unique challenges that you may encounter. Here are some of the most common ones:
Language Barriers
Many Filipinas speak English well as a second language, but their comfort levels and proficiency can vary. I’ve found that in major cities like Cebu City, Manila, and Dumaguete, english levels are very high. But when you get out into the provinces the English levels diminish some.
Also see: An Expat’s Guide to Dating in Dumaguete City, Philippines
Cultural Differences
Filipino culture is very different from Western culture. There can be differences in dating norms, family values, religion, and more that may take some adjustment. Doing your research on Filipino culture and being open minded can help navigating any cultural differences that arise.
Long-Distance Relationships
Many relationships between foreigners and Filipinas start out long-distance. The distance can make communication difficult at times. Setting a regular schedule for calls/video chats and having an end goal to eventually meet can help manage a long-distance relationship with a Filipina.
I have experience dating in a long-distance relationship with a woman in the Philippines. It can be tough. Eventually the relationship fizzled out from not being able to meet in person consistently. Try to meet her in person as often and for as long as you can.
Immigration Concerns
If your relationship gets serious, immigration concerns may arise if you want your Filipina girlfriend to eventually move. Understanding the visa process in advance and seeking legal help can make immigration easier down the road.
For an in-depth guide of the most common problems you’ll likely face when foreigners date Filipinas, check out: The Most Common Problems w/ Solutions For Expats Dating Filipinas
Meeting Filipinas In-Public
For dating in the Philippines I like to combine online dating with making public approaches in shopping malls. Filipino women tend be very polite in conversations. Even if they reject you, it will be done in a very kind way, unlike some brutal rejections I received in the United States.
Shopping malls: In the Philippines, shopping malls such as Ayala Center Cebu, SM City, or SM Seaside make for great places to approach beautiful women. Because of the cool air conditioning, Filipinos enjoy going to the mall just to hangout and socialize. In addition, shopping malls are the best place to have first dates because of the abundance of cafes and restaurants.
Indicators of Interest: Instead of doing cold approach, use the indicators of interest method to approach Filipino women. Cold approach is when one goes out and approaches every attractive woman he sees. Whereas “indicators of interest” is when one looks for eye contact, a smile, or a hand gesture from a woman before making a move. This way, you avoid being a public nuisance.
Style: Having a sense of style can really set you apart in the Philippines. The women take much pride in the public appearance and personal hygiene. I’ve witnessed many expats with a sloppy sense of style in the Philippines, and they still do well dating, but you could really set yourself apart with a little effort.
Hotel close to mall: The Philippines is a mall culture. Therefore, I always book accommodation very close to a shopping mall so it is simple and easy to setup first dates. I recommend doing your first date in a public place, and the malls are the best place for that because they have tons of restaurants and coffee shops.