Courtship in the Philippines: A Guide | FilipinaMeet

Courtship in the Philippines: Traditions and Modern Dating

What courtship in the Philippines looks like, from panliligaw, harana, and pamanhikan to how these traditions shape modern Filipino dating.

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Article section: Culture Guides

Primary keyword: courtship in the philippines

FAQ: What is courtship called in the Philippines? Courtship is traditionally called panliligaw, and the act of courting is ligaw. It refers to the period when a man shows sustained, sincere effort to win both a woman and her family's trust, valuing patience and consistency over grand gestures.

FAQ: What is harana in Filipino courtship? Harana is the traditional practice of serenading a woman outside her home, usually with a guitar and friends. She could accept the gesture by opening her window. It is rarely practiced today but symbolizes the effort and sincerity that Filipino courtship values.

FAQ: What is pamanhikan? Pamanhikan is the formal meeting where a man and his family visit the woman's family to ask for permission to marry and to discuss the couple's future. Unlike most old customs, it is still widely practiced among Filipinos today.

FAQ: Do modern Filipinas still expect traditional courtship? Most urban Filipinas in their 20s and 30s do not expect full traditional courtship, but many still appreciate the values behind it: respect, consistent effort, patience, and a genuine relationship with their family.

FAQ: How is courtship in the Philippines different from Western dating? It tends to be slower, places more of the early effort on the man, and involves family much earlier and more heavily. The underlying goal, a sincere and committed relationship, is the same, but the pace and the role of family set it apart.