“If, by chance, a foreigner would like to [date or] marry your child, will you approve of it?” In trying to gauge their openness to co-existing with foreigners, YouTuber K Explorer asked this question to Korean elders. Most of them were open, but one was honest in saying he’d be uncomfortable if this happened. Another one was very open-minded and said that he thinks racism is very outdated. He thinks that if there are Koreans who are still prejudiced against foreigners, they are most likely not educated. In the Philippines, the situation is not very different, and most families are usually open to multicultural dating or marriage.
Of course, it never hurts to win extra pogi points even if the family isn’t against the relationship. If you’re in it for the long run, having a good foundation with the parents’ full support can help strengthen your connection. That said, wonder what you need to take note of when your foreign partner is about to meet your family? We asked three couples to share some tips:
How To Introduce A Foreigner Partner To Your Pinoy Family
Teach him how to “mano.”
Patrice Averilla and Martin Solhaugen met at an international tourism event six years ago and have been together for four years.
Patrice: “He learned how to do the ‘mano po’ and I think that’s what made my family like him from the start because it shows that he respects my culture. I think it’s also very important that your partner is open to a different tradition when it comes to celebrating Christmas here in the Philippines. I remember he did try different dishes that were foreign to him. He liked most of it, but the fact that he tried made my family think that his intentions were genuine toward me.
“He also says “po” and “opo,” which is a huge factor [to me]. The fact that he automatically says it without me having to remind him got my family really impressed. To me, it’s not just about impressing my family. But I saw that he showed a lot of respect to the elders.”
Patrice was actually able to create a vlog about the first time Martin met his parents during her birthday dinner in 2019. Watch this if you’re curious how it went:
Get ready to be your partner's personal teacher and translator.
Thalia and Jazy met through a dating app and have been together for four years.
Thalia: “Based on my experience, ‘yung magiging tip ko is turuan nila ‘yung partner nila na mag-mano sa parents mo.
“Then, since my parents are not comfortable to speak in English, lagi akong naka-alalay as translator para ‘di awkward ang situations. Also, sinabihan ko din ‘yung partner ko kung ano itatawag sa kanila since sa culture nila, they can just call their parents by their names.”
Give your parents and partner some reassuring words.
Unica Mae Bacamante and Moonjo Kim met online through Omegle and have been together for 70 months.
Unica: “I was hesitant at first to introduce my BF to my parents since we are in an LDR. Syempre madami silang assumptions like [baka] scammer [siya], ganon. Just be confident. I still remember it was Valentine’s day when I informed them. Sinabi ko lang na, ‘‘Di na ako sawi this Valentines!” Don’t be shy—susupportahan ka naman nila if they see na okay ‘yung partner mo.
“Also, I already met his family (his mother and sister, specifically, since ‘yung dad niya ay abroad). In regards to Seollal (Korean New Year celebration), he just told me to prepare myself for meeting his other relatives. Pati ‘yung mga pag-bow [and other traditions] during special occasions.”
Do you have other tips when you’re introducing your foreign boyfriend to your family? Share them with us through comments!
