1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Filipinos, what is it like living in the UK? Any tips or practical advice?

Discussion in 'Life in the UK' started by Numpters, Jan 6, 2017.

  1. Numpters
    Offline

    Numpters Active Member

    Just dropped the boyfriend off at the airport a few hours ago. I feel sad and empty, but when we were together, we said that whenever we're feeling down about being apart, we should just prepare for or research about moving to London to make us feel like we're closer to our goals. Hence this post.

    One of the things we've always been interested to find out is what it is like for Filipinos to live in London/the UK. What are the differences in culture or daily activities? What did you learn or notice? Do's or don't's? Do you have any tips? It can be anything under the sun!

    It would be great if you could share your personal "moved to the UK" stories, then share tips/advice afterwards. Thanks!
    • Like Like x 1
  2. Timmers
    Offline

    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I'm sure a lot of the newcomers to the UK can give you their thoughts, @joi1991 just arrived in the UK and is just finding her feet.
  3. Maley
    Offline

    Maley Well-Known Member

    Im on my 2nd month here in scotland. So far my main adjustment part is the cold weather (rain). I couldnt do a lot of walking/hiking which i liked to do, Maybe after a few months
    - malls close early (unless its a 24 hr ASDA or equivalent)
    - personal services are expensive vs ph (Includes massage or spa, hair and makeup, dermatologists etc)
    - need to learn how to drive again on the different side this time
    - some food choices arent available so your fave coffee brand might not be available. Jasmine rice is the closest i get to the rice in ph. I havent seen any 'silver swan' soy sauce or 'datu puti' vinegar or 'papa' banana ketchup, 'purefoods' corned beef. Cooking dried fish is a dangerous business. Best time to try international cuisine.

    Not applicable to everyone but if it is the first time to be away from family, skype is a must and if there are no internet connection in ph, pay for connection for the family home. Homesickness will kick in for sure and monthly internet connection is cheaper than calling international.

    The best you can do is to explain to them what to expect here in the UK. They will leave their family and frends but they will make new one and as long as they know you are there along the way, everything will be fine.
    • Like Like x 2
  4. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I've been in the UK for 6 months last year and able to experience what it's like there although it's more of a vacation for me so I didn't really feel the real pressure yet.

    I realised living in the UK is really different. The first thing you will notice is their weather. They have rain, another rain, light rain, heavy rain, more rain. Oh never ending rain. Never really had problem with how cold it is though since I came over during Spring and Summer so I'm yet to experience the real cold if I move over soon.

    People seem friendly there, it's only a small town so it will be different in London where you'll live. People always greet you in the shops, even on the street with some random people.

    I love their food, their infamous fish and chips, that's my fave.

    People there are restless they always have something to do, walk with their dog, stroll in the park, jog, go to the pub, shopping and things like that. And there's just plenty of cars parked along the street, each household seem to own a car and I think it's a must there..

    I have plenty to talk about but it would take me forever to type. There's a lot of good things to appreciate in the UK. A better opportunity and a new beginning so probably a better life (at least for me). The saddest thing is leaving your family and best friends behind but internet is your friend :cry:

    I can't really give you tips or advice as I don't know what it's like to live in London but when you're there you should learn how to use and familiarise the underground. That's one thing I love in London. Gets you from Point A to B anytime. Work opportunity wise I think you'll be okay and you'll probbaly find new friends easily. :like::cat:
    • Like Like x 2
  5. joi1991
    Offline

    joi1991 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I'm taking baby steps at the mo. Probably, changes would be noticeable for me once I started to meet more people or get to work. I'm Staying at home most of the time so I'd say I am learning more about motherhood for now than UK life :)

    My Fiance's advise, always remember that in every countries, things are not "wrong", they're just "different". (He said that after I mentioned that rice wasn't cooked very well. Lol)
  6. Methersgate
    Offline

    Methersgate Well-Known Member Lifetime Member

    I like this thread. Obviously I can't contribute anything but I'd like to thank all those who have posted something here.
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. oss
    Offline

    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    Me too, this was one of the great hopes Sean had for this place and it is wonderful to see a much greater contribution from our Filipino members especially where they are now helping each other to adjust to this country, these threads are great.

    For those that don't already know Sean was the founder of this forum and went under the name of Kuya http://www.british-filipino.com/index.php?members/kuya.3/ he was a good friend to all of us, he passed away less than two years ago, this is a really good thread in which to remember him.
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
  8. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    That gave me goosebumps.

    I was wondering who founded this forum and I quite got an impression he did and I know he passed away already which is sad but he'll forever be remembered here, though we never actually corresponded.

    Kodus to Kuya. :like::)
    • Like Like x 1
  9. knightstrike
    Offline

    knightstrike Well-Known Member

    If you haven't done traveling to any western nation (e.g. US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc.) then you'll really notice the difference in culture.

    I have lived in Australia for four years and then came back to the Philippines for two years before I went to the UK.
    I am using my experience in Australia to cope with the culture and life in the UK as there are a lot of similarities (e.g. drinking culture, banters/'asaran' between friends, etc.).

    But if I will only be employing my Filipino ways, I'll be totally at lost here. There's a lot of differences between our Pinoy culture and the British culture. One good example and one of the most important one in my opinion is the perception of time. We Filipinos have something we call 'Filipino time.' When we say meet-up at 5:30, arriving at 6:00 is generally okay (some even arrive later depending if it's a party or not). Then we'll just make some excuse like traffic or an accident happened. Here in the UK, being late even three minutes will make people mad, especially if you don't call the person back and tell him/her you'll be running late. There are no excuses.

    Everything here runs in a system. Public transport comes and goes and is on sync with the schedule. People have diaries or reminder of what they have to do at a certain time.

    Other examples I could give you that have not already been listed by others are:

    1. Humour:

    British - Sardonic/cynical, witty, dry
    Filipino - Self-depreciating, love for puns, warm
    Note: Hugots won't work here. I tried it several times on girls and they all just gave me that deadpan look. Hahahaha.

    2. Drinking culture

    British - Beers for lunch, beers for dinner, totally acceptable any day of the week (my manager does it). I even drink in the office during Friday closing hours and no one bats an eye.
    Filipino - Beers but only during Friday/weekend nights out.

    3. Getting a loan

    British - Totally acceptable even if you are not broke.
    Filipino - You are broke.

    4. Money talk

    British - All part of life. (e.g. How much is your expected salary?, How much do you need?)
    Filipino - Rather shy about it (e.g. Um... 18,000 gbp is enough, Um... 100 gbp is fine. )

    5. Arguments (in general)

    British - Stick to your guns then seek compromise or force way through
    Filipino - Be meek then seek compromise or excuse yourself altogether from the conversation

    I can write an essay about this topic and I haven't even started on the differences between people in London and people outside in London. But in general, people outside London are friendlier and more upbeat. London is like a 'country' of it's own

    Piece of advise, listen to your boyfriend/husband when you come here. Let him teach and guide you and learn as much as you can. When you find a British who likes you or sees something in you, and you befriend them, they'll go out their way and lend you a hand. I now have several people who I call 'mentors' and they teach me a lot of things about life here in the UK. A girl in my office who is about my age taught me about the 'Nandos experience' (which is another topic of its own). An old chap I met in a pub when I first arrived here taught me how Oyster cards and public transport work in general. Remember to show gratitude and thank them! They will appreciate it and will make them help you more.

    Another advise, a lot of Filipinos here in London have become very boisterous. Upmanship/crab-mentality at play in a lot of Filipino places.
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2017
    • Winner Winner x 6
  10. Maley
    Offline

    Maley Well-Known Member

    Oh yeah, good that it was mentioned. Never ever do it or you will not live it down. It is better to be early to any appointment or gathering rather than late (unless there is a life-or-death emergency).
  11. SoldierRJ88
    Offline

    SoldierRJ88 Active Member

    The army has always taught me always be there 5 minutes before but that doesn't fit with my other half's Filipino time haha.
    • Like Like x 2
  12. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Filipinos are generally not a good timekeeper but I it's not always the case. Some can be very organise and very strict with time management. I admit I have the Filipino time syndrome as well so I don't come clean :D
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  13. tipipay
    Offline

    tipipay Active Member

    Good thread. This will surely help those who are just adjusting or coming to the UK.:like:

    When I got into a small group with other Brits (in Vietnam), I also noticed that they are very much into footie. I think for Filipinos who are planning to settle in the UK and are not much into the game should try to get to know the different teams and how it works. :D
  14. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I'm with Leicester City already. Hahaha Jamie Vardy. :cat::cat: Let me know what's your team when you get to appreciate the game :D
    • Funny Funny x 1
  15. tipipay
    Offline

    tipipay Active Member

    Blackburn rovers. I can only count in my fingers their victories but my fiance is very much into them. He is very determined not to change teams. :oops:
  16. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Hahahah they also seem to be loyal to the team they're supporting so maybe you can't expect your fiance to change :D I just came to love Vardy and appreciate Leicester because I was watching their games when I was in the UK and they won the Premier League last year.But I am not an expert of the game yet and not familiar with all the teams, as you know footie is not really a thing here so might take time to really appreciate it . :cool::D
  17. knightstrike
    Offline

    knightstrike Well-Known Member

    Girls are not expected to know about footie. But it will be great if you can get into it. Your husband will be surprised and love you more for it. Hahaha...

    It's only for us lads, especially conversations in the pubs or during lunch breaks.

    -------------------

    Another tip by the way and quite Filipino/Asian

    It's okay not to take a bath everyday or at least do it during the evenings.
    Every other day is preferable depending on your work/daily activity.

    It's cold here so you'll not be sweating a lot.
    Also it allows you to retain that natural oils/vitamins in your body (it's not kadiri. It's a proven scientific fact).
    It will help you stay healthy.
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2017
  18. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    This is so true lol my partner can go on a day without a bath even 2 days but I can't. I'm actually more driven to take a bath there since it's cold and the warm bath is very relaxing but I only do it once a day or he will keep on telling me about saving water bla bla bla :oops:
    • Like Like x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
  19. tipipay
    Offline

    tipipay Active Member

    Oh no. :cry: Shower is life. :eek:
    • Agree Agree x 1
  20. Brom27
    Offline

    Brom27 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Funny. Agree. Like. Hahaha went for the agree coz it's true that's why when I was there I do take a bath everyday, not more than once though or I'll be sent away by my landlord. :frust::blackeye:
    • Funny Funny x 1

Share This Page