Actually I have found that the Moon's Cafe near the boulevard has probably some of the most attentive service in town, from having a greeter that is responsive to other workers who are responsive to everything else you may need. I noticed there was not one person on the phone.... they were all doing what they were paid to do... no distractions from their jobs or group meeting as the customer needs are ignored. They do a good job there.

(my comments do not reflect on the Moon's Cafe in the mall... I do not go there)

 

I think a lot of times they think Oh crap here comes another know it all.
If I want someone I don't know to do something I will ask my wife to explain what they need to do.
Go into a store and say "hey where's the X?"
Go into a store and say "Hi. Can you help me? I am looking for X."
The reaction will be quite different.
People are very, very sensitive to any criticism, real or perceived.
My dos pesos.

 

Our experience is just the opposite; the Mall location seems better organized and prepared even with their problem of dealing with a remote kitchen. We're a group of 5 and always tip appropriately.

 

Other than the year I took off after working in Afghanistan, I'm usually home for a couple weeks after a number of months working. Either scenario I honestly just let the wife handle things, be it stores or restaurants. She has the ability to track down a waitress or store worker and get service one way or the other; there is rarely a reason for me to get too excited about things. I basically smile and say thank you when my beer or food arrives.

Works for me...

Shawn

 

At least for me I do get service from all the security guards out there. Its rare that when entering especially at Hypermart, LP, or Robinsons that I don't get a greeting directed at me. My fiancee has complained they always acknowledge me but rarely her. My belief with that is because I'm always greeting back or nodding a nodded greeting at them. I'm not sure how many other foreigners are like I am but I think their must be a decent number of us to create that effect. Of course their are some arrogant sour pusses out their that just scowl and act superior. Yet still I rarely if ever see any Filipino's acknowledge the odd greetings they get who tend to just act like the guard doesn't exist. Its a rough job though standing there all day long bored out of your mind pretending like your checking things but not really because you don't want to offend by being invasive. I'd sure hate to be a security guard doing that job and not even getting a friendly greeting.

 

It is unfortunate that this seems to be something that most Filipinos suffer from. My Wife (To my annoyance) will say why should I smile and say hello, I don't know them, My Answer is and you never will but you may need them one day and guess who they will attend to First.
Then they call us strange Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm As I said in another Thread "Civility" cost nothing

 

Some of the friendliest locals include early-morning scavengers, street sweepers and security guards, many who will surprise you with their good english. Some of the worst are some local joggers who'll won't give way including that penitente mumbling latin prayers while charging blindly over everyone.