Pakikipagkaibigan
Student 4

Filipinos are naturally friendly, even towards foreigners. They are prepared to learn about different cultures and races. Their aptitude for learning different languages is evident in their ability to live in different countries and adapt to different cultures. This aptitude is why Filipinos are found throughout the world.

Filipinos easily make friends with foreigners. They want the newcomers to feel like they are part of the local group. They always ask about the immigrant’s place of origin and about various characteristics that are commonly assumed about them. But this is the only way Filipinos can really get to know the foreigners and lift their spirits.

The question usually asked of an immigrant is, “where do you come from?” This helps to break the ice, especially if they come from a place that Filipinos already know about. If the new comer comes from the same place as the questioner then this leads to deeper conversation. If they come from different places then this simply adds to the Filipino’s overall knowledge of the world. Sometimes this knowledge gives Filipinos the opportunity to gain an acquaintance in a place they’ve never been to.

Asking questions of foreigners also allows Filipinos to opportunity to hone their knowledge of different languages. For example, English speaking foreigners are often surprised that a Filipino answers them in English even though they may be speaking in Tagalog or another local dialect. Filipinos want to prove to foreigners that they are able to use foreign languages. Many Filipinos want to be able to use foreign languages such as English.