u/Oversharing-31

Looking to buy a new house with DR Horton. The sales guy seems like a shady POS at Indian River Preserve. Anyone ever deal with DR Horton and are they always like this?

I am a Filipino born in the Philippines but raised in the United States. Over the last few years, I have spent significant time in the country, including a recent three year stint. During this time, I noticed a frustrating trend regarding the famous Filipino hospitality.

I have traveled all over the country and found that people are not actually as friendly as they claim to be unless you are an obvious foreigner. Because I love being outdoors, specifically fishing, hitting the beach, or just walking, my skin gets very dark within a couple of weeks. Since my Tagalog is limited, I usually stay quiet to blend in and only use simple phrases like "Magkano 'to?" when buying things.

The difference in treatment is night and day, especially when I try to go to foreigner catered places like bars or clubs. It is often the Filipino guards who have a problem letting me into these establishments.

When I am blending in, service workers are often indifferent. I rarely get a smile, a greeting, or even basic acknowledgment. I have actually been told straight to my face that people assume I am a trike driver or a fisherman because of my dark complexion.

The moment I speak English, their demeanor shifts instantly. Once they realize I am American and not a local laborer, they become significantly more helpful and friendly. However, the reactions are often insulting. In the city, people will tell me that I am not Filipino and suggest I am Malaysian or something else. In the provinces, they question if I am just faking being a foreigner, as if I would lie about my own heritage.

If you look dark skinned and poor, it seems you are suddenly not worth the effort of basic kindness. Is this just the reality in the Philippines?

UPDATE: To be clear, this is about the Service Industry.

I am not talking about social etiquette or strangers on the street. I am talking about professional bias.

For example, when I first bought a house in a subdivision and did not have a car yet, I had two different experiences where the guards were completely unprofessional. I know it is not common for a homeowner to be walking in and out of the gate, and I actually like that they question people to keep the area safe. But the specific tone they used was the problem. They were rude and condescending when asking "Anong ginagawa mo dito?" until they heard me speak English. Then their entire attitude shifted to "oh sorry boss."

The famous hospitality feels like it is for sale to tourists but denied to locals. I am not looking for guest treatment. I am pointing out a systemic classism where basic respect drops the moment staff perceive you as a local.