How are dreadlocks seen in the Philippines? Should I cut my
dreadlocks before traveling in the Philippines?
I spent 10 days traveling in urban and rural parts of the Philippines with dreadlocks. Read on for my experiences and suggestions for dreadlocked travelers.
My time in the Philippines was split between Manila, Davao City, and a small village in northern Luzon.
The interesting experiences started in the Manila airport just minutes after getting off the plane. Waiting for my checked luggage to make its way along the conveyor belt, I felt the subtle tug of people feeling my dreadlocks. Folks, Filipinos are not shy about sneaking a feel of your dreadlocks. You should have no worries about people not being willing to come close to you because they are concerned about your hair's implications for your personal hygiene! I felt people checking out my hair almost every day - in big cities and small villages, in malls and school rooms
Although I didn't see any Filipinos with dreadlocks, I was told by a woman who has has lived in the Philippines for many years that they can be seen on locals, although it's rare. She said generally Filipinos with dreadlocks are seen as being rebels against societal norms. However, she thought that locals, when faced with a respectable, polite, and clean person with dreadlocks, would not allow stereotypes to overrule their perception of someone.
Bottom line - If you are polite, clean, and respectful, you should experience a good reception in the Philippines even with dreadlocks. Your visit will help break the stereotypes that people with dreadlocks are counter-cultural. However, if you are not respectful and have dreadlocks, please steer clear of the Philippines. You'll only make the stereotypes worse.
If you have traveled in the Philippines with dreadlocks, post a comment to share your experiences!
..Isaac..
I spent 10 days traveling in urban and rural parts of the Philippines with dreadlocks. Read on for my experiences and suggestions for dreadlocked travelers.
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| Isaac talking with some teachers in Davao del Norte (C) LEAD |
My time in the Philippines was split between Manila, Davao City, and a small village in northern Luzon.
The interesting experiences started in the Manila airport just minutes after getting off the plane. Waiting for my checked luggage to make its way along the conveyor belt, I felt the subtle tug of people feeling my dreadlocks. Folks, Filipinos are not shy about sneaking a feel of your dreadlocks. You should have no worries about people not being willing to come close to you because they are concerned about your hair's implications for your personal hygiene! I felt people checking out my hair almost every day - in big cities and small villages, in malls and school rooms
Although I didn't see any Filipinos with dreadlocks, I was told by a woman who has has lived in the Philippines for many years that they can be seen on locals, although it's rare. She said generally Filipinos with dreadlocks are seen as being rebels against societal norms. However, she thought that locals, when faced with a respectable, polite, and clean person with dreadlocks, would not allow stereotypes to overrule their perception of someone.
Bottom line - If you are polite, clean, and respectful, you should experience a good reception in the Philippines even with dreadlocks. Your visit will help break the stereotypes that people with dreadlocks are counter-cultural. However, if you are not respectful and have dreadlocks, please steer clear of the Philippines. You'll only make the stereotypes worse.
If you have traveled in the Philippines with dreadlocks, post a comment to share your experiences!
..Isaac..
I have never traveled in the Philippines with dreadlocks, but I love reading about the adventures of Isaac's hair.
ReplyDelete-TJ
Isaac's hair rocks, no matter what Parrot thinks.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this article.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Filipino local and I've got dreadlocks and most people would sneak touches on my hair. LOL. Especially the kids.
You're right about the stereotype and you're right about the polite, clean and respectful part.
Some tip though, if you want to see more Filipinos in dreads, try visiting our beaches during the summer ^^.
Hope you enjoyed your visit here.
Cheers!
I have a question for assurance only
ReplyDeleteIm planning to have a dreadlocks extension (will im doing it because i want to experience it, but im a student) anyway is their a rules in philippines airport about the hair thing? Thankyou for responding