It's great to have you joining in here! You may be up on the fence now, but I'm sure you will be jumping off soon to begin the adventure of your life. I suggest that you write to both Filipinas and Latinas. If you can, check out both Latin America and the Philippines. You won't really know what is right for you until you see for yourself.

I am very happily married to a Filipina (1 1/2 years) and divorced from a Latina (American born). I have little experience with Filipinas, but was involved with Latinas for the past 30 years. I never had a Latina pen pal, but most of the Latinas I’ve dated were born in Latin America. Some were raised here in South Florida, while others were still wet from crossing the Rio Grande or the Straights of Florida on a raft. ;o)))  A real mixture!

My experiences:

Well, first let me say that I don't consider myself an expert by any means, especially with Filipinas…or women in general. LOL I am really generalizing here so I hope no one takes my post as gospel. There are some great Latinas and Filipinas that P-L members have been involved with. There have also been some bad! My luck with Latinas was not so good over the years, so I will come across as being pro-Filipina. These are just my opinions, based on my personal experiences and those of friends, relatives, and neighbors.

I have found many similarities between Latin American and Philippine cultures. Not surprising since the Philippines was a Spanish colony for almost 400 years. The Philippines seems quite Spanish, with some Asian and a touch of American culture mixed in. Filipinas usually speak good English, unlike most Latinas. I speak Spanish fairly well, but found communication sometimes frustrating with Latinas…something was often lost in the translation. Sometimes Filipinas will not understand your point at first. It is usually because they speak English by the dictionary and are not very familiar with most American slang and double entendres. This can cause some misunderstandings, as well as some hilarious moments. But, they are fast to catch on and learn.

I find Filipinas to have some of the elements of the Latin temperament and character, but milder and more rational. The jealousy or anger of Filipinas and Latinas is most different in the way it is expressed.  Latinas tend to unleash their anger and will argue and fight. While Filipinas more often hold their anger in and tampo (sulk). Filipinas are the best of both worlds, a blend of Spanish fire and Asian cool. I have found Filipinas to be more jealous than the average AW, but milder and more calm and rational than most Latinas. My Filipina wife would never think of causing a scene in public, with some Latinas...the bigger the audience the better! I find many Latinas to be game players, which I no longer have the time or patience for! 99% of the time, I am cool, calm, and laid back and don’t like to stir up my 1%! Some Latinas have told me that they perceive a man that is too agreeable and kind as being weak. Then they will take advantage of him. They may protest, but they prefer things a little unsure, unstable, and exciting…”macho bad boy.” It is like Nathan once said, ”Latinas tend to be outraged when their boyfriends or husbands cheat, but think they are whimps if they don't try.” A quote from a Latina friend, referring to her womanizing, physically abusive ex-husband that she still lives, “If I am going to live with a man who treats me bad, it might as well be the father of my children. Besides, he is so charismatic and exciting!” Many Latin men create problems or act difficult just to keep their women in line. Nothing bad usually, just little things to keep life uncertain and the women on their toes. If the woman wants to do something the man may disagree, even if it was something that he also wanted to do. Not for me! I was looking for a woman that I could be honest with, was fun to be with, calm, simple, family-oriented and DEFINATELY not a game player. It seems that I  got all of the best in my wife. Many of the other guys have found just what they were looking for in Filipina and Asian wives on P-L also.

Most of the Latinas that I know are much more materialistic than the average Filipina. To a Latina, displays of wealth and power often makes a man more attractive. Filipinas on the other hand, may find such displays offensive. Many just want to live a simple life with the man they love. A man who is kind, faithful, God fearing, and can provide the necessities for his family. Looks and large age differences are often unimportant to them.

Most of the Filipinas that I know don't really have a "past" that would include anything more than handholding or a kiss on the cheek. Often you will be "The First." Many remain virgins until they marry. Latinas tend to flaunt what they have, leaving little for the imagination.  Even young virgins often look like ho’s. Brazilians even more so. Sex or the image of it, sells! I’m sure in the more rural areas, the people are more conservative. As Jeff mentioned, there is a lot of talk about “bubble buts, big hooters, sexy way the women dance, etc” on the Latin board, but is seldom seen here. Well, except about Windmill Boy’s Japanese friend! ;o))) It is easy to “fall in love” 20 times a day, sitting by a pool in Cali. Filipinas are very conservative in manner and dress, especially while in public. A “Filipina bikini” consists of a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. In the Philippines it is easier to use the “big head” in my opinion. PDA’s (public displays of affections, kissing, etc.) are uncommon in the Philippines. At least in the smaller cities where relatives or friends may witness it. In private with their husband…that is another matter! ;o)))

Filipinas, like Latinas, can be very beautiful! They come in many different sizes, but most tend to be small and petite, with black hair. Some Filipinas look very Spanish, while others very Chinese...and everything in between.  As with Latinas, they range from very dark to very light skinned.

I am very happily married and have never been treated so well in my entire life by Latinas or AW. This may be due in part, to the way most Filipinas and Asians are raised to think about the group or family first and themselves last. Mostly, it is just my wife's nature. Many Latinas today seem to have more of a "me first" attitude (not as much as with many AW's). Unfortunately, this attitude is also becoming more common in the Philippines, especially among some of the younger ladies.

Good Luck!

Dave H.

I tried to post a Filipina VS Latina post without pissing anyone off, which is hard to do. I admit that I am biased in my opinions, based on my experiences over the years. There are always exceptions to every rule or generalization. I respect the Latina lovers choice and I am not about to go crap on their board. What's right for me is wrong for someone else. Latinas and Filipinas are not right for everyone. To each their own! There is absolutely nothing wrong with either Latinas or Filipinas in general. In fact, they have many traits in common. I know some great ones and also a few bad ones. I am much more familiar with Latinas than I am with Filipinas or AW's. After 30 years, I was just ready for a change in my life. My wife was just what I was dreaming of.

Dave H.

I never worried too much about the public arguments or PDR's (Public Displays of Rage)...it was the private ones that almost got me killed. It really depends on the lady. I've known Peruvians who were very calm, while my neighbor is intense and ready to go at the drop of a hat. I have more experience with ladies from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela,the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Brazil. A friend of mine is Puerto Rican/Colombian which would seem to make her a crazy woman, yet she is as calm and passive as can be.

Dave H.

- Jeff

Well I don't speak Spanish and I do not like public displays of anger.  Don't really like "games" either.  But I understand what you mean about "falling in love 20 times a day at the swimming pool!"  LOL!  That was a GOOD one!!!

I think I will write both Filipinas and Latinas, as well as visit both places.  Although I am in no hurry to get married, I do want to start narrowing down my choices/options.  When I do meet that special one, Filipina or Latina, both she and I will know that I am "ready."

Thanks again for the very informative post!  It looks like I have found some new friends on P-L!  Peace!

LOL My wife likes our hot South Florida weather. The temps here are usually about the same as in the Philippines. It was friggin' 88F/31C here today. 91F/32.7C a few days ago. I spend most of my time complaining about the heat. ;o))) I guess Filipinas eventually adapt to the cold winter weather in most of the US, but I hear many of them complaining until they do. LOL

Dave H.

I think I will just stick around here! )  They don't need me over there hanging out in the dogpound. I wish the Latin Board guys the best!

Dave H.