Something happened to me the other day when I was shopping in the Department store of one of the larger malls here in Davao. It was such an amusing situation that I wanted to share it. It was just something simple, but we had such a laugh, it really reminded us again of how open and friendly and hospitable some of the Filipino people can be. I went looking to buy a microwave oven with my friend Steve. We are both renting apartments right now that have limited cooking facilities, and NO OVEN, and as Christmas day is rapidly approaching and Steve is going to be cooking a full traditional English Christmas dinner for some of our less fortunate Filipino friends, we agreed we really needed the back up of a microwave oven!!
So we both walked into the electrical appliance area of the Store.
We browsed the shelves and pretty soon a couple of store assistants approached us and we were asking questions about the various appliances.
We always receive service with such a smile and friendly behaviour wherever we go in the stores and this was no exception (is it purely because we are foreigners? I dont know). Anyway, before long Steve selected the microwave oven that he felt would be the most suitable.
Something that is so great here in the Philippines compared to England, is when you purchase something here, the assistant will always unpack it all and demonstrate that everything is in working order. So, yes, we got a working demo of the microwave. But this is the funny part. Myself and Steve both tend to have rather a sense of humour and we like to joke and laugh in most situations. So, while the microwave demonstration commenced, we were chatting and laughing with the shop assistants.
We seemed to attract quite a lot of attention, because before we knew it, there were 8 shop assistants all around us. The guy actually serving us was a little embarrassed because the microwave required an adapter to be plugged into the wall and he could not find one. To help ease his embarrassment while he was hurriedly searching through the drawers and shelves we began chatting and bantering with the other staff.
Suddenly 2 chairs were produced so we could sit down, in the middle of the shop floor. The microwave was placed on the floor infront of us, waiting to be plugged in.
“What channel can we get on this?” I asked, thinking the guys would understand my humour, but at first they looked a little confused.
So, Steve, with a dead straight face said, “This is not very good.”
“Sorry sir, sorry sir,” they were saying, obviously apologising about the wait for the adapter plug.
“No not that,” Steve continued, “But the picture is not very good. Where is Star Movies?”
Suddenly all the guys realised what we were implying. Here we were, sitting in the middle of the store, on chairs, surrounded by them all, staring at a microwave on the floor and we were making out it was a tv. Well they howled with laughter. Most of the department seemed to come to a halt, everyone was looking to see what all the commotion and hilarity was.
Well finally the plug arrived and they set it up and put a mug of cold water inside, to demonstrate that it would heat up. They did this and handed Steve the mug with now hot steaming water. He simulated taking a sip and looked at them seriously and said, “No good. This hot tea tastes terrible.”
For a second they looked worried then again the joke was realised and they cracked up laughing and clapping. It was hilarious.
By now I think nearly all of the shop assistants in that entire department were with us. All over a microwave on the floor and us sitting on chairs having a good laugh.
It really was a pleasure to be assisted by these guys. Shaking hands, back slapping and winking went on while the fully functional microwave was repacked.
Then, one more hilarious thing happened just before we left. Steve leaned forward to the assistant packing the microwave and said, “Can I have the adapter please?”, knowing that we needed one and wondered if they would just throw this one in as a freebie.
“Pardon sir?”
“I need the adapter” Steve repeated.
Several of the guys looked really concerned.
“Are you ok sir?” There was genuine worry on their faces and awkward shuffling.
We could not work out what the heck Steve had said to them, it was a mystery, until one of them repeated…”You need a doctor sir?”
“Doctor???”
Steve and I looked at each other in amazement and then suddenly it dawned on us – they thought Steve said he needed a doctor.
We just fell about laughing even more now.
Steve grabbed the adapter and held it up. “I need an adapter – not a doctor!!!!”
Well – the howls and hoots and laughter must have travelled throughout the entire mall.
By the time we had finished, the microwave was packed and we had paid our money, our sides were aching from laughing and I think we had shook hands with nearly everyone in the store.
Never before has buying an electrical appliance been such a funny experience.
They say laughter is the best medicine – I know that will be the perfect excuse for Steve to carry on spending!!!!!!!!!!
But it was a great situation and a true demonstration of the Filipino sense of fun. Believe me, we could do with some of that magic in the stores in England.
Well done guys. Merry Christmas.
About John
But, the real question is… did they throw in the adapter or not?
What fun! You guys had some pretty good lines! This is definitely the best way to spend the time between a decision to buy and walking out the door with your purchase!
No, Bob, I bet they only had one! But they probably would sell a lot if they stocked them!
>when you purchase something here, the assistant will always unpack it all and demonstrate that everything is in working order.
Early this year I went shopping for clothes and an electric kettle. It was a pleasant feeling remembering how friendly the retail experience was and how they unpack and demonstrate that everything is working before you buy. It’s the same treatment for foreigners and Filipinos although it looks like you attracted a much larger crowd!
I had forgotten though that they do the same for underwear – the salesgirl would unpack the briefs, unfold it for you and ask “Is this the right size or you need smaller/larger?” which always made me feel a bit self-conscious, even when growing up back home.
HA! Really, that was a riot John! Makes you wish you could buy a major appliance every day, doesn’t it?
rob – Wow! talk about a red-faced experience! Ignoring the accurate answer to that question, what did you say?
Great story John. One of the first things my wife noticed when she moved here to the States was the lack of salepeople working in retail stores (as compared to the Philippines). We bought some fish for our auquarium one time and waited about 30 minutes before anyone came over to assit us. It was ok because we’re both patient…..it is what it is…
Last time I visited, I had a similiar shopping experience when purchasing a power convertor in one of the Mall hardware stores in Quezon City. I had about 8 folks gather around to assist and join in the conversation. Can’t remember the dialog, but I do remember some good natured exchanges/laughs (with those little ackward pauses for the cultural differences to sink in on both sides…..followed by a good laugh)
John,
I agree it makes for a nicer experience while in the mall shopping. I think Elena is getting used to me, joking and talking to the sales staff. I will always compliment a female if she is cute, adorable or has a great smile.
I also joke with the male and females.
The other day we were buying a steam iron. While it was heating up the girl was looking for something to iron to demonstrate. I joked and offered my shirt, or at least the tail. She understood the joke and looked at the male assistant and asked for his underwear.
Once at the cashier, the girl rang up our purchase and the item for the man behind me. The cashier asked, since it was a credit card purchase if they could just give me the guys payment to make up for my charge. I joked with him about the free gift you can win when playing the number game at the mall. I said from all our shopping, we have about a dozen badmitten sets and would he like one. He looked confused as well until I explained again and then he laughed.
I do enjoy all the helpfull staff and how they will carry a purchse to your car too.
One time I told a clerk I was out of cash to tip him, so I will carry it out. He said “No Sir, I will carry it” and wished me a Merry Christmas.
Hi john humour is agreat way to make people fell comfortanle with you.Glad to hear you and
Hi john humour is agreat way to make people feel comfortanle with you.Glad to hear you and Steve have anew place of adode for Xmas.
John
You made me laugh here just hearing it all second hand, being in the malls many times i can imagine it happening very well described
Bob posted (and Klaus) recently about cultural and humour differences and it was an interesting post, this is an example where the delayed punch line (letting the sales staff comprehend the joke) helped rather than hindered
Just a funny story John, good humour and service as well
i am laughing while i am reading your blog john. it is really funny and you make people laughed. yes filipino are really helpful and they make you always special. foreign people are special for us as long as they are kind. you really make me laughed about the adapter then goes to a doctor that was funny. well, as i can say, you can always say your word very clearly and loud. because even filipino can speak good english but some of us is still learning how to speak english…so…all you have to do guys is speak clearly and loud so that everyone can understand you…well, thats was great then…
John,
That was funny… talking about lost in translation.
This reminds me of my brother’s experience when he went to Cleveland for an international conference. He told one of the guys he needed a bag. The guy was wondering why he needed a bug.
Oh, and by the way John, it’s the accent too.
I agree with what Ems said
>talk about a red-faced experience! Ignoring the accurate answer to that question, what did you say?
I always start small, then request for the next larger size, hehehe.
I remember when we first had our UK engineering contacts visit us in the Philippines, I had to really listen closely to get a feel for the accent. There was also one time when we watched the British movie ‘Billy Elliott’ with my officemates and I joked to them that I wished there were subtitles so I could understand what the characters were saying.
great post John…..lauged so hard this morning had coffee coming out my nose…….kinda enjoyed it…..
Hi John,
I got a good laugh from your story. I was in the Philippines for the first time and found simliar experiences in Davao as far as how I was treated by just about everyone, not only salespeople. I, too, wondered if this was only because I am a foreigner and my friend who is Filipina agreed that this is likely the case but generally they tend to be friendlier than Americans.
I remember when John and I were in Thailand, and we were talking to a Thai friend over dinner. His comprehension of English was great, but his actual verbal communication was quite limited.
Anyway, apparently I have an extremely “British” accent and over dinner our friend looked at me and said, “You sound like Helicoptor.”
Helicoptor???? Myself and John were bemused and confused. We asked him to repeat it again, and again, and again, and he was still calling me Helicoptor in his strong Thai accent.
“Do I look like I have rotor blades coming out of my head?” I laughed.
Finally the penny dropped. Our Thai friend said, “You talk like Helicoptor, there is book and film about you in England.
Oh my goodness – he was saying I was like HARRY POTTER.
We laughed til we cried.
WOW, what a funny story! I’m so glad I found this site today!