Dress code at Immigration
Now as a guest here in the Philippines its very important to obey the laws and to try and fit in the culture of the land. Last week I had to visit my local immigration office and I am fully aware that the dress code is very strictly followed as in most government offices throughout the country.
Plaza in Davao
Now that means for us guys no shorts or sleeveless shirts and NO SANDALS, if you break this rule there is no obligation on anyone to service your needs and most likely you will be asked to leave by the security officers.
A European man tried to enter and was refused entry for the above mentioned reasons and decided to make a huge verbal fuss, and believe me he really was not thinking, as the immigration office with all its powers is not a place to make such a process as all he had to do was go over the road and get the required clothing and problem solved.
I listened to him making all his fuss and the security officer was well trained to deal with us silly foreigners and never lost her temper and even offered to to assist him by taking his paperwork in and out of the office for him whilst he waited in the hot Sun.
I had little consideration for his dilemma until i looked around the room where I saw most of the ladies dressed in Sandals with nail varnish and bare legs and skirts that went up and up and up, i dreaded anyone leaning over the desk to fill in the application forms. LOL.
Now a dress code is reasonable but why oh why is it that only the male species can’t show feet and legs?
Hi John, I’ve been actively involved with visiting the Philippines for harly 9 years now and living her for more than two … and it never ceases to amze me how often this issue comes up. I have a thought that part of it harkens back to my theory that to know about life in the Philippines you should look at the US … or England for that matter, i lived ther 40 yerars ago too.
In ‘those days’ no one would _think_ of entering a government office, let alone just walking donw the street in the sloppy looking ourfits one sees everywhere in the US today.
When people went out, they changed into more suitable clothes. Today, people think nothing of going anywhere in whatever state of dress … or even undress (Panties, Britney?). I am not ‘pronouncing’ on this … what is, is. But people should give a moment’s pause to think about the age and mindset of the folks who run government agencies. Most men there wear shoes and pants. Likely the women there even wear underwear. (I haven’t looked
). Maybe it is wrong on their part, but most have not yet entered the “grunge” generation.
So to some that may make them old-fashioned, fuddy-duddy, behind the times and so on. Fine. For me, all of the above are true. (I’m bald, too). But you have to take the chaff with the whest, as my daddy used to say.
My thought is, when dressing to go out … or when I find myself ready to lose my temper at some silly rule I have run up against is, “Remember who you are and act accordingly”. Soem may like my article here:
http://tinyurl.com/5bk4qr
I have spent a lot of time waiting and waiting in US Immigration offices (while my wife went through the process of Green card and then Citizenship) .. the US offices seem to have no dress codes, but plenty metal detectors and draconian, surly guards while the Philippine guards and officers have always been courteous and efficient for me … of the two I’ll take the Philippine BI any day of the week.
haha – I’ve experienced the DOI dress code – landed in MNL, needed to process my paperwork during my one day layover before departure to Gensan – in the parking lot I slipped some wrinkled slacks that had been stuffed in my suitcase over a pair of rather nice dress shorts – didn’t really bother me at all. To make a big deal out of it is asinine.
As for double standards – they are alive and well. The attire for male vs female argument – two things: 1. Typical help wanted ad in RP: wanted 18 – 24 years old, female, college degree… 2. I recently worked for a corporation here in the US which prohibited men from wearing sandals or shorts, but allowed women to wear virtually any type of footwear plus they could wear skirts and/or skorts. Before you think “big deal”, this is in Dallas – one August here and you’ll think RP is downright temperate
My point being – 1. the lug-head making a fuss should repeat this mantra “you can beat the wrap, but you can’t beat the ride”. 2. there may be times when guys aren’t allowed to wear skimpy clothes, but think about when gals are forced to wear ‘em…
hi john,
probably because of male’s stinky feet and toe nails are longer and dirty, hairy and sweaty legs.
in other words, unpleasant to look at the male legs.
Hi John,
I think it is almost an unwritten rule that ladies always do get some leeway in dress code. Men’s wear are clearly defined, women’s wear are not., i.e, stiletto heels are still open toed sandals. That’s why in clubs where dress codes are enforced, women always get away with anything that may deny them entry. As for the foreigners needing to wear pants, shirts & shoes when they enter gov’t offices ( no shorts, no armpits, & no sandals rule), I truly think that this is a universal standard and not uniquely Filipino. If I enter the UK Embassy, I don’t think I will be entertained if I wear those really comfortable outfits. But then, I have not really tried.
John,
I do not understand everyone that makes a fuss about the dress code. It is the code. We are guests in this country. Why be argumentitive, just follow them and stop being stressed out and making others stressed at you.
I know the security lady at BI, especially since we were there this week. Every time she sees us, Elena usually with me, She smiles and I always ask how she is. I also comment on her pretty smile. I am not surprised she offered to walk the guys papers in for him since she is so nice.
I am surprised the guard at the gate does not just stop eall not dressed correctly.
About women, I used to complain in the business world men had 2 choices, shirt, tie slacks and jacket, or a suit. Women could were slacks and blouse, skirt and blouse or a dress. So many more options.
Women in open toe shoes or sandals is much less noticed.
We are trying to be accepted here and then there are those that fight the rules, complain all the time and agravate both filipinos and us foreigners. My feeling, if you hate it here so much, just go back.
Hi John . When in Rome do as the Romans do i think the saying goes.
my mottos:
Never piss off the people who cook your food.
When you hold the low cards…always smile when you talk
Things get sweeter with sugar than with S%#@ !
and yes…I’ll still respct you in the morning !
Ummm, well In the Philippines Men are still Men and Women are still Women? Aww they will get liberated one of these days, until they do… I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna enjoy the heck out of all the slits in the short dresses I can find. Well until the main boss lady Filipina (aka my GF) pokes my eyes out.
That Kano lucky he didn’t find himself on his way home.
Hi Rusty- I like your thinking, Rusty! I’m with you!
Dave
You are correct as I recall when I went to any Government office in the UK everyone was dressed smart and well behaved, but now the person who shouts the most and looks the worse gets the attention.
How things have changed!!
Gary
You at least had a change of clothes on you and as you say its not a big deal, that’s why I never understand why so many people make such a scene?
Dans
Does that mean you sniff the ladies feet lol
Roy
In a way I wish the standards in the Philippines were enforced elsewhere too.
Bruce
I do not think anyone mentioned “hate”, but I agree its a small price to pay to be here.
Frank
Come back soon.
Brian
Cannot agree more
Rusty/Bob
Not sure I can agree with that seems a little sexiest lol.
However I am on the other-side of the fence
I’m with Rusty and Bob
Dave,
OK, I will change how I stated it. “if your not comfortable with the way things are here, and you cannot change them, just accept and go on enjoying the place you decided to live.”
Hi John, first thank you for letting me know that even SANDALS are not allowed (for men). I had the impression they were ok, so long as you don’t wear shorts, flipflops, sleeveless shirts, etc. You men must have stinky toes – hahaha.
This is nothing specific just to the Philippines. Everywhere we go, when we check in, we wear decent clothes – no shorts, tank tops, slippers, flip flops. Mexico is very strict on this as well. But it has become a habit for us to show respect to any country we are visiting. In some of the South Pacific Islands, we (especially women) must dress appropriately on Sundays – no shorts, sometimes no pants, only long skirts, no exposed shoulders, and sometimes no sunglasses, and no hats. It is our responsibility to read up and know the rules – and more importantly, to respect the rules. We are THE VISITORS.
Bruce
Thats a true statement my friend
Ellen
Agreed I have no problems with those rules it just seems a little bias to the ladies to show the skin lol
I dont mind the rules when they are consistent, but when they are inconsistent and one sided then it annoys me. I agree with John’s observation of some of the ladies that were inside the immigration office. I was with him that time. They had skirts up their bums and tops that had cleavages almost down to their navels and they were allowed in, leaving nothing to the imagination. Then the poor American guy who had travelled from far afield was showing a little bit of leg !!! And he was not allowed in at all. It made me laugh (better than crying). Makes me think that the rules were made up by very sexist, heterosexual, hypocritical males. JUST KIDDING. (well kind of….).
I also dont understand why, some days I can walk into the supermarket with my bag on my shoulder and no one blinks an eyelid, and yet another day, I have to put it at the baggage counter, when it really is a small bag, and at the same time women are allowed through with bags big enough to conceal a rocket launcher!!
Oh well, all part of the fun and surprises I tell myself.
Steve
I think maybe you looked at too much leg lol