Pinoy Party Etiquette

Who doesn't love going to parties? At my age, most of the parties that we have been invited to are weddings and kiddie parties. I have compiled my very own party etiquette (as a guest) based on observations and experiences:

1. Respond to RSVP.
• Some Pinoys are still accustomed to just showing up (or not showing up) at parties without confirming with the party hosts/organizers. We must understand that organizers do it for one reason: TO PREPARE! Invitations, most of the time, include RSVP information. It is polite to return an RSVP. In this way, the hosts can prepare how much food to order, how many souvenirs or loot bags to prepare and how many chairs and tables to reserve. The list goes on and on. 
• In this digital world, we do not really have to show up to let the host know if we are coming or not. They are usually a call, SMS or email away. Do it!
2. Dress appropriately.
• Invitations usually indicate the proper attire for the party. Follow them accordingly. Do not wear jeans when you are asked to wear formal. For themed parties, you are highly encouraged to dress accordingly. This is not normally compulsory unless stated otherwise.
3. Bring the right number of guests.
• We Pinoys are family-oriented. We love our family so much that we usually want to bring everyone in the party we are invited to. Basic rule is to ask how many seats are assigned to you if not indicated yet. Party hosts may or may not be ready for some extra expenses. Let us not put them in a difficult situation by having them pay beyond their allocated budget.
4. Be on time.
• Churches are usually strict about time in wedding ceremonies. Most of them will start even if the entourage is still incomplete. If you are part of the entourage, your efforts may go down to waste if you do not get to walk down the aisle just because you do not make it on time.
• Parties, especially those held in restaurants, fast food joints and activity areas only have a limited time. Usually, these places will only allot 2 hours per party. The party will start on time if the guests will arrive on time. If the program starts late because a lot of guests arrive late, some parts of the program may be cut off to make up for the lost time.
• Sadly, ‘Filipino Time’ is oftentimes associated with being late. Let us change this notion by being on time, EVERY TIME!
5. Bring a gift.
• This is an unspoken rule though not compulsory. The hosts invited you (and your family) because they want to share their special occasion with you. It is highly advisable to bring something for the celebrant(s).
6. Don’t “Eat and Run.”
• “Eat and Run” in Filipino practice is when you immediately leave an event after eating. Thus, the term. 
• I have been to parties that usually start off with the number of guests so huge that you do not have a seat anymore. A little later, guests start to disappear after eating and before you know it, the party area is almost empty!
• Unless you have an emergency, or you have given your notice in advance, you are encouraged to finish the whole program.
7. Participate.
• In kiddie parties, should you bring a gadget for your child, keep it away for a while and encourage (but not force) your kid to participate in games. It will help him develop his social skills.
• Pinoys have the tendency to be shy (and sometimes, for the wrong reasons). So if you are asked by the hosts to participate in games, join! You are not likely to lose anything. You will surely have fun. And if your child is with you, he gets to see you having fun too. That is a good thing, right?








• If it is time for the “Happy Birthday” song, sing! People do not care whether you are in or out of tune. It is a celebration after all, not a competition.
8. Thank your host(s).

There you have it. That is my list. For me, getting invited to a party is a privilege. People remembered you and will spend money on you. In return, do your fair share. It may be the other way around sometime where you get to be the party host too. I am pretty sure you would appreciate the same courtesy you do on parties you attend to.

Voters Registration

After dropping off Kiel from school, I went to the post office to claim a package I bought at Lazada. Surprisingly, it was a quick and smooth transaction. I was impressed! Anyway, I wanted to kill some time and still have 2 hours to spend before picking up Kiel from school. So there, I went to the C.O.M.E.L.E.C. (Commission on Elections) Office to ask for requirements on how I can apply for the reactivation of my name from the roster of active voters. In the past elections, I was not able to exercise my right to vote. It’s not that I don’t want to, but because I was working back then and unfortunately have work even on holidays. Well, enough about that. So there I went to the office. Posters are all over the place so read first before you ask (LOL!).

Here’s the COMELEC Registration Procedure:

photo credits: www.pehpot.com

Step 1: Interview

You’ll be asked for one valid ID (and supporting document if needed). Proper form will be given for you to fill-up. Complete list of valid IDs here.

Note: Proof of billing is required for some IDs. I saw this poster right outside the room:

photo credits: www.pehpot.com

Complete registration requirements here.

Step 2: Filling up of Forms

Forms are FREE and must be accomplished in three (3) copies.

You may download the forms at the COMELEC website too. I’ve copied the link here.

Step 3: Recording

Your forms will be checked and proper precinct will be assigned.

Step 4: Biometrics

On this step your photo will be captured as well as your signature and fingerprints.

Step 5. Releasing

Acknowledgment receipt will be given to you. It's a piece of paper originally from your application and will be handed to you at the last step.

If you’re already a registered voter, please make sure that you also have your biometrics registered. If not (or unsure), check with the nearest COMELEC office. You may also use the "Precinct Finder" from the COMELEC's website to verify your biometrics status. Click here. 

For Filipinos working abroad, please check this link on how you can register:

I encourage every Filipino citizen to register and vote. It is both our right and our duty to our country. And please let’s vote wisely. Let’s do a lot of research and know our candidates religiously. I personally regret not voting for the past elections so for the coming elections in 2016, I'll surely do!

Voter Registration is until October 31, 2015. 

For more information about voter registration, you may visit COMELEC’s FAQs.

Online Resource:

http://www.comelec.gov.ph

Walk in the Mud

Since my son started going to school, I always look forward to their forthcoming activities. Seeing him engage and do different things out of the ordinary makes my heart skip a beat.

A few weeks ago, written on Kiel's reminders notebook was the list of activities for the month of August. Browsing through the reminders, I notice a "scouting" event and as I understand, this event encourages students to participate in outdoor activities and socialization. And for older students, there's also overnight camping in the school premises, bonfire included! So when I learned about this upcoming event, I got curious on what they have in store for the little kids. 

The Event.

We were advised to come in early, bring extra change of clothes, slippers, extra snacks, and some toiletries. Registration started at 6:30 am and we made it! Hahaha! The school prepared a half-day program for kids from Nursery to Grade 3. Kiel’s excited because I told him they will play outside the whole time. Too bad, parents were only allowed to go inside the school premises at 10 am so I didn’t get to see him play though I’m pretty much sure he did used his knees for playing as there’s evident dirt on his jogging pants. 

I don’t have the slightest idea why he’s holding a flag when I finally saw him.  They were already finished with their group games and we’re now being prepped for the much-awaited “Mud Walk.” Time to put on their slippers and roll up their jogging pants but Kiel preferred to wear his shorts.

Teacher Clare with Kiel holidng their group's flag.

The Mud Walk.

Kiel was asked to line in first because his holding their group’s flag. Parents were encouraged to walk with their child so I geared up and rolled up my leggings pants.

How ecstatic Kiel was when I told him it was time to walk in the mud! When we reached the camp base where they prepared the mud walk, I happily removed my sandals, and Kiel, his slippers.

Time to walk in mud!

Kiel can't hide his excitement as we wait for our turn.

So slippery. Just glad I did not fall on the mud.

Time to wash off our feet!

Kiel enjoyed this activity so much that he asked me to do it again. After that, we washed our feet, Kiel ate his lunch and we headed home.

So what did we gain from this kind of activity? Aside from the idea that it’s really fun, at first I  just thought that my son needs some dirt every now and then. Contemplating on it now, activities like this teaches kids to tolerate healthy competition, that there will be winners and losers in a game and it’s okay. It’s also a way to bond with your kid while he’s at school. And last, it’s great reminder for us that parents and children can still have fun and learn in so many unconventional ways!

Do you have exciting activities you would like to share? I would love to hear them!