Blog 7 - Some Canadian cultures that maybe shocking for new Filipino immigrants

“This is good, eh?” You might hear the “eh” at the end of each sentence with some native Canadian English speakers. It’s like the same with the “eh” of the Batangeno.

Saying good night when leaving work even though it’s just 5 pm or earlier. At first, this is very awkward but I adapted already.  

You don’t invite your coworkers to eat when lunchtime. Unlike in the Philippines, you always invite your coworkers to eat.  Sometimes I will just hear some of my coworkers sitting beside me munching their lunch. 

There are no excursions. In the Philippines, during summertime, coworkers plan a getaway to a resort or beach. So far in my more than 15 years of living in Canada haven’t experienced it. 

During summer sunset is 10:30 pm and sunrise is 5 am. During winter the sun is gone by 5 pm and rises at 7 am. In the Philippines day, time and nighttime always get an equal share of the 24 hours and there are only two seasons: summer and rainy season. 

A vehicle is a necessity in Canada. In the Philippines, there are plenty of modes of transportation. Here in Canada, most city buses are owned and operated by the municipality only. 

Canada is not dominated by the catholic religion.  There are so many religious beliefs from Christianity, Muslims and atheists. Also voting in Canada is not influence by religious groups. 

Although the majority of Filipinos can speak English, Canadian English is a little bit different. For example, Louis is pronounced with a silent “s”. The same goes for “The Pas”. Newfoundland pronounced as noo-fuhnd-luhnd and basically pronounced as bei·si·klee.

Everything goes on sale. You name it from hotdog, meats, milk, cereals, bread, canned goods, toothpaste, McDonald's meal and so on. When I was still living in the Philippines, I don’t remember these items being on sale. Typically items go on sale in the Philippines are electronics and clothing. 

So far these are the things that I find odd but not really shocking. Let me know in the comments if there are others things that you find different from your culture.