Strategies to Online Dating in the Philippines

Online dating is one of the biggest in the digital industry of the Philippines. It’s the classification that has the most users and the most number of services being offered.

So how do you maneuver the online dating scene in the Philippines to succeed? Here are the essentials of the dating culture in the country and recommendations you should follow to be victorious in the landscape.

Online Dating Culture in the Philippines

Filipinos and the internet

The young generations — even the older ones — seem to be fascinated with international trends. They are constantly trying out what is fashionable abroad and would often spin their own unique take on it. This amusement, fueled by the rapid rise of the internet as part of daily life, has catapulted the online dating industry in the Philippines to greater heights.

Despite the orthodox culture of the Filipinos, the use of online dating platforms has grown into epic proportions. The worldwide “swiping” revolution has taken the country by storm! Along with pioneering online dating sites and apps come more efficient and innovative platforms like TrulyAsian. 

The Filipino online dating culture

The rise of the internet in the Philippines has indeed paved a path towards modernization in the country. However, the Filipinos have still retained intrinsic values, especially in relationship matters. The Filipinos still consider romantic relationships to be something serious, whether in person or online. 

Online casual dating in the Philippines is a slow market. While the online dating industry is booming, most Filipinos use it to find long-term partners. To most single Filipinos, the internet is simply another way of meeting people aside from going out in social places. It may not be as practical, but it’s as viable as an option. This reasoning enables the singles in the Philippines to uphold socially acceptable behaviors online as they would in person. 

You might be wondering, what then is the dating culture in the Philippines?

The Filipinos are conservative people. The population is largely composed of Roman Catholics and other Christian believers. It has always been since the country was colonized by the Spanish in 1521. So, you can imagine how set in their ways the Filipinos are. 

The core values of the Filipinos are derived from the Church’s teachings on family, respect, love, and peace. The Filipinos manifest these values by highly regarding the elder’s opinions and advice, recognizing traditional gender roles, avoiding conflict, and other ways that prioritize faith and religious beliefs. In relationships, these values manifest through avoiding public displays of affection, delaying sexual relations until after marriage, and practicing monogamy.

As concepts of gender equality, inclusion, and freedom of expression and agency emerge, the dating culture of the Philippines has continually shifted. 

Today, the Filipino society is lenient (if not accepting) towards the LGBTQ community, the married who wish to separate, and the young to freely choose whoever they want to marry. They’ve adjusted to subtly express affections physically in public, have sex during the dating phase, and generally be assertive against oppressive or unfair standards.

In summary, regardless of setting — online or offline — the good-natured Filipino will always be patient, pliant, and kind.

Foreign influence on the dating culture in the Philippines

The Filipino’s amiable nature is not online confined to the Philippines but also extends to the world.

The Filipinos have a strong sense of connectedness to other nationalities. With so many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Filipino migrants in other countries, and tourists flocking the country itself, it has become natural for Filipinos to bond with foreigners like they would with any other Filipino. 

This attachment is translating into the number of foreign marriages in the Philippines. The latest data by the Philippine Statistics Office reveals that 3.5% of all marriages in the Philippines were between Filipino and foreign nationals.

This constant exchange among cultures has facilitated progressive changes in the mindset of the Filipino people, especially from the liberal West. 

In the present, women play an active role in the courting and dating phase. It is also now acceptable for singles to express their sexuality. Meanwhile, it’s now a norm for the young to take charge of their dating decisions. Foreign dating has also become typical. Lastly, the digital world has become a good way to mingle as physical locations.

How to Succeed in Online Dating in the Philippines

Now that you have an idea of online dating culture in the Philippines, it’s time to dive into it. Here are some tips on how to win in the country’s online dating scene.

1. Be open-minded

Filipino society is a mixed bag of beliefs. While most Filipinos are still tied to tradition, society overall is finding its way to be a more inclusive and less judgemental community. 

Through this transition, you must be understanding and open-minded. Online, find your balance. Decide on what you want and be clear on your preferences. At the same time, don’t limit yourself to a small-scale pool and explore. 

Also, work on your profile so it attracts many. Master the best dating profile tips to score a date.  Enhance your chances of getting genuine matches by completing your details and taking personality and relationship questionnaires honestly. 

Physical attributes are less important than attitude and character to Filipinos. You can show your assets even in pictures by choosing photos of you in action. Demonstrate your hobbies and passion. Is it sports? Art? Food? Travel? Whatever it is, nothing is more appealing to the Filipino than dedication and productivity.

2. Never stop learning

Follow the Filipino’s example! Study and be keen on which principles to grasp, accept or not accept. 

For example, read up on legit helpful advice on meeting Asian singles online or information about why online dating isn’t working for some. This will ultimately help you avoid mistakes that others committed. You will also gain essential second-hand experience that will speed up and enrich your online dating journey. 

It’s also a good idea to have connections to have a community that can emphasize and help with your unique struggles.

3. Prioritize safety

While the netizens generally reflect the population in general, we can’t deny that the internet may have more scammers. Online, it is easy for criminals to disguise themselves and pretend to be the perfect romantic partner. 

Choose a reliable app to meet Asian singles that ensure your security online. Opt for sites or apps that verify their users and provide support 24/7 should you need to report or block a user. 

Be aware of Asian dating scams to protect yourself as well. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) is the best source of information for romance scams on the internet. The Love Scam is the most rampant in the online dating landscape in the country, but it is also the easiest to avoid. 

Remember, you are the best person to protect you. The authorities are there to help, but you must learn by heart the signs of a possible scam. 

Below are some of the red flags you should watch out for:

• A scammer will avoid revealing their real identity. They will make up excuses so you can’t meet in person or can’t video call. 
• The scammer will try to get to know personal or intimate details about you to build rapport or obtain information that they can use to blackmail. Keep your sensitive data from people you have just met.
• In a short amount of time, the scammer will try to build a serious commitment that will seem inescapable for you. They will come up with an elaborate story that will solicit compassion and deep emotions. Never be hasty with extending help, especially if you have not known the person very long. Medical emergencies, airport/flight problems, or any time-pressured crisis are usually the tactics that scammers use to victimize. 

4. Be positive

To succeed in online dating in the Philippines, you must have a positive outlook. Filipinos are happy people able to smile even in tough times, so they are attracted to cheerful individuals. Allow yourself to have new experiences and let go of trivial things.

We know this is easier said than done, but there is no greater dating advice than this: Be the person you want to be with. 

5. Invest in your online dating journey

There are fantastic online dating sites that you can join for free. This gives you the chance to explore the hows of a site and ascertain your fit to the services it offers. 

Nevertheless, purchasing a premium account will augment your capabilities within the platform. For example, you can have uninhibited use of communication tools, or you can get to know potential dates better through access to more information.

A premium account will advance your search for dates and will support you take an active role in your online dating life.

Enjoy your online dating journey in the Philippines

Online dating in the Philippines is fun and bright. It is a promised adventure you simply must not miss. Your tropical hunk/beauty is just a click away!

For more dating tips and advice, check out our helpful guides.