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I’ve mentioned previously how titles and forms of address are much more important here in the Philippines.  It’s a little something that isn’t a big deal to most foreigners (it can even be a bit amusing, such as the part-time commissioned water bill collector in our neighborhood who insists she be addresses formally as "Collector de la Cruz", never Ms. or Mrs. de la Cruz).  Just a little part of the culture you need to be aware of, and likely should go along with to make things ‘flow’ easier in your life.

Medical professionals are normally addressed as doctor or doctora … this is quite common in the US so it won’t feel all that strange.  But basically any other professional person, with 4 years of college or more, has earned an official form of address as well.  An engineer is always addressed as such, a lawyer is always "attorney", even a 4yer chemistry graduate will undergo official exams, licensure and has earned the right to be "Chemist de la Cruz".  (here’s an interesting site I came across that tries to keep close track of all the many and varied exams and reports the results )

There are some other titles I have run into that don’t have to do directly with degrees.  For example, anyone who has ever piloted a plane, even as just a private pilot is "Captain" … I’m so old that I remember when pilots in the US were treated with a certain respect, but since I’ve never been a professional pilot, and never worked for an airline, no one ever called me "captain".

Now if someone has a title and you, as a foreigner, aren’t aware of the fact, don’t worry, it’s unlikely never to be a problem, but it’s a little part of life and etiquette here that I find it easy to catch onto and will help smooth the road of living.

Oh, one other thing which many, at least from the US may be unaware of (may not even agree with).  Old people, especially those a generation or more older than you are automatically in a position of respect an reverence.  It doesn’t matter if the garrulous old man in the corner speaks with a heavy accent, or bores you with tales of the time he saw General MacArthur drive by, you add a respectful "po" to your responses and even if you think he’s "bobo", you keep the opinion to yourself.  Life just is easier if you do your little bit to fit in.

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