Moving to Manila is exciting… until you realize you have no idea where anything is, what half the slang means, and why everyone keeps asking if you’ve eaten yet.
1. Find your go-to Filipino food 🍛
Learn which Filipino dishes you actually like and find an affordable place near campus.
2. Learn the essential Filipino words 🗣️
Start with words and phrases you’re likely to hear every day, including po, opo, kuya, ate, and Filipino slang.
3. Figure out your transportation 🚗
Learn how to get around Manila using the LRT/MRT, jeepneys, buses, or ride-hailing apps.
4. Make Filipino friends 🤝
Don’t be afraid to start conversations and ask questions about Filipino culture.
5. Find a little piece of Vietnam 🇻🇳
Whether it’s Vietnamese food, Vietnamese friends, or simply calling home, find something that keeps you connected to your culture.
6. Embrace the culture shock 😂
Accept that some things will be confusing at first. Ask questions, laugh at your mistakes, and stay curious.
Vietnamese girl + Manila college life = endless culture shocks. I’m a Communication Arts student exploring the funny, surprising, and sometimes confusing differences between Vietnam and the Philippines. Basically, I’m here to answer one question: Pho real? 🍜
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