WHAT KIND OF MEN DO FILIPINAS LIKE? 20 Things You Should Know!

Pea runs through a comprehensive list of physical attributes, personality traits, and dating etiquette that matter to Filipinas, explaining not just what they prefer but WHY — rooted in cultural norms, what's common in the local population, and how Filipino social expectations differ from Western ones. She covers everything from body hair to circumcision to why being a skilled lover might actually work against you.

What's Covered ​

• Physical attributes — what Filipinas think of your body

  • Body hair: Asians have very little body hair — "the average Western man has more hair on one arm than an Asian often has on their entire body." Excessive body hair is off-putting — a thick mat of back hair makes it "kind of like dating your dog." Most Filipinas don't like excessive body hair, but each defines "excessive" differently
  • Facial hair: More split opinions. Neatly trimmed beards or mustaches are more accepted (Pea personally likes it), but the majority prefer clean-shaven — "perhaps just because it's what we're used to"
  • Gray hair: Not the negative you'd expect. Gray hair is seen as a sign of maturity, which is valued and respected in Filipino culture. "Tell that to Richard Gere, who's probably gotten more action than an officer or a gentleman." And if you don't like it, dye it
  • Baldness: Not regarded as attractive because it's not common among Asians — "most Asians keep at least some of their hair even when older." Most Filipinas prefer their mate do the same
  • Big muscles: Counterintuitively, a lot of Filipinas are intimidated by an overly muscled guy. In the West, a perfect physique might signal narcissism; in the Philippines, it can be straight-up intimidating. Gym membership isn't common, so people are used to men on the slender side. "The impressive body you built up in the West might not have quite the same effect here"
  • Being overweight: Despite economically disadvantaged societies sometimes seeing extra weight as a sign of wealth, "not here. Put away those Big Macs and curly fries because here fat is seen as fat." Filipinas are less judgmental than some about body types, but if you want to make the best impression, lose the fat
  • Cologne: Generally fine — some Filipinas like it, and it's culturally similar to how some Filipinos use cologne. "Within reason, please"
  • Tattoos: Mostly accepted on men. Not common locally, gives a "bad boy" image. Since Filipino culture considers it bad taste to call attention to yourself, you won't see nearly as much ink as in the West. "Your filipina will probably accept the portrait of Elvis on your back — but don't ask her to get one"
  • Piercings: Other than pierced ears, not common or preferred. Body piercings are generally accepted but not liked. Genital adornments — "hoops, rings, or beads down there" — are a Western thing and if you surprise her with them, "be prepared for a bewildered look as our eyes search for the nearest exit"
  • Circumcision: "The vast majority of Filipinos had their gift wrapping removed" so most Filipinas have never encountered anything else. Being uncircumcised isn't repulsive or a dealbreaker, but "it's just something that takes getting used to" and the majority would rather not have to adjust. Pea calls this her "honest tip about the tip"

• Personality traits — cultural expectations for men

  • Don't brag: Talking about wealth, possessions, or accomplishments is particularly rude in Filipino culture. "We might sit there and smile while you discuss that third sailboat you just purchased, but it's only a polite smile" — unless she's a gold digger, in which case "it'll be quite genuine, but for all the wrong reasons"
  • Be a "cowboy": This Filipino term means someone who's low-maintenance, doesn't complain about minor inconveniences (like water drops on a restaurant chair), and can deal with problems instead of raging against them
  • Don't be "strict": If your Filipina calls you "strict," it's NOT a compliment — it means too rigid, too orderly, too meticulous. "She worries about her friends being too noisy for you, or leaving a dirty dish in the sink, or not doing something as well as you think we should." Pea personally likes "strict" men but acknowledges this is unusual
  • Don't be "loud": Not about volume — it's about aggressive and confrontational behavior. Don't call attention to yourself in public, never point your finger at another person. Any of these will embarrass your date
  • Don't curse: "A lot of Westerners use the F word like it's a universal adjective good for describing anything from getting a speeding ticket to grandma's cookies — 'man those were so effing good.'" Filipinas may not say anything about it but "it embarrasses us, especially where other people can overhear you"

• Dating etiquette

  • Always pay: "You probably spend more on dinner than she makes in a week, if she has a job. So don't even ask — just pick up the check." Exception: city girls who prefer to pay their own way
  • Learn to say "joke lang" (just kidding): Western sarcasm and teasing are often taken literally. This phrase should be "the first thing you learn after salamat." You'll find it ridiculous to constantly clarify that you're joking, but it's essential
  • Don't probe into her past: Filipinas don't like talking about themselves beyond the basics. Past relationships are especially uncomfortable — "local couples usually just agree to pretend we have no past, which is hard to do when you're holding a child in each arm, but we do it anyway"
  • No kissing in public: "We're usually very conservative when it comes to public displays of affection." Even if she'd be receptive, you risk embarrassing her. Let her take the lead — "if she's comfortable holding hands, don't worry — her hand will find yours." Behind closed doors things may be different, but in public, let her set the pace

• What Filipinas think about your bedroom skills

  • The worst thing you can be is a "chick boy" — the Filipino term for a player. Someone with a huge notch count who "knows all the signals by heart and can steal a few bases before we even know what's going on"
  • Most Filipinas have had their share of experience but "it was probably a pretty straightforward encounter without all the bells and whistles"
  • Pea's advice: "When you step into the batter's box, relax and know that it's YOU we want to be with — not A-Rod. Although that would be fun at bat too"
  • Being overly skilled/smooth actually signals that you're a player, which is a bigger turnoff than being average

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