In my dealings with other expats here in the Philippines, one subject that comes up regularly is that it is hard for us to tell the age of people here in the Philippines. Some people look much younger than their physical age, while others tend to look older than they really are. It seems that it is just hard to tell for certain how old a person actually is.
I know one expat who is a single man, and he tells me often that this is a real problem for him. As a matter of fact, this person has resorted to actually checking the ID of any potential dating partner to verify the age before he actually dates the person! He does this because he is afraid of actually dating somebody and then later finding out that the person is much younger than he though. That could turn into a good way to get into some serious trouble, and I don’t blame this fellow for his caution.
Personally, because I am married, I don’t have this same problem, but still, I often have trouble telling ages of people here. Part of it is because people here are generally smaller than people in the USA where I come from. So, when you see somebody who is very small, you cannot automatically assume that the person is a child.
Often times, I will meet a Filipino that is young looking, and in the back of my mind I will be trying to judge what their age is. In my mind, the person looks like they are only 14 to 16 years old, yet in reality I will often find out that they are much older, sometimes as much as 23 to 25 years old! That is nearly 10 years difference from what I thought they were! Because of this, you have to be careful saying things that may give away the age that you are estimating they are, otherwise you might say something embarrassing.
Another thing that I find is that sometimes you will meet somebody who is much older than they appear! This generally happens if the person is quite poor and has lead a tough life. If the person is 25 to 30 years old, they often may look 40, even older! I remember one time when I had an employee that I thought was around 50 years old, and it turned out that she ws 28! Now, that is a major difference.
Now, there is also a flip-side to this. I often find that many Filipinos are unable to judge the age of foreigners! I am 46 years old, but people often mis-judge my age. Almost anytime that I meet new people, they will ask how old I am. My response is always the same – “How old do you think I am?” The answer is generally 25 to 28 years old! Now, I just cannot see how somebody would possibly think that I am 25. Maybe they are just being kind by saying that, but honestly, I have heard it so many times, I can’t imagine that so many people would give the same answer, and I can only figure that they have as much trouble judging ages as I do with them!
Have you noticed the same that I have?
How about the girl in the photo, can you tell how old she is?
Hi Bob
So it wouldn't be hard for some of them to say they are younger than they really are and that could be trouble also.
Hi Bob
I would say the girl in photo is about 30. Am I close??
Off topic I'm afraid but we had a break in last night. Fortunately My wife woke up screaming and the intruder left, apparently without taking anything. It doesn't make sense as a simple robbery anyway though.
Well let me explain. My wife woke up screaming this morning at around 4:30 am She was screaming about seeing someone in the room with her. She was sleeping in another room because our new baby doesn't seem to like air conditioning. At first I thought maybe she had a bad dream but she was adamant that someone was standing over her when she woke. I immediately ran downstairs to see if I could find anyone, the front door and front gate were open. After checking the whole house to make sure we discussed it.
The front door was locked when we went to bed. Who ever it was apparently climbed the fire escape two stories to get on the upper patio and in the house from there(we will definitely be locking that gate from now on). Elvie is convinced that whoever it was was trying to kidnap the baby. We were incredibly lucky that she was holding him at the time or he might not be here. I suspect that they had the front door at least unlocked (on the first floor) before going into the bedroom on the second floor.
After day break we found that they left their sandals by the front gate. Also their was a spot in the flower bed where they apparently waited for some time for me to go to bed (I was up till 2:30 at least). From the evidence it looks like a definite aimed target(not one of opportunity). So I am inclined to agree with my wife that they were probably after the baby. I suppose it's possible that it was targeted rape or just someone who gets their jollies form watching women sleep in their bedrooms but those are very remote chances especially considering that her other son and mother were in the room.
We called the police they weren't even interested in coming out to gather evidence. I have little doubt we could get finger prints from the fire escape and possibly DNA from the sandals. I understand that legally the only thing we actually have even if they were caught is a simple break in but this person most likely has committed serious crimes before and almost certainly will again. I just can't understand why they wont even take finger prints.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – In my experience, once people here get to a certain age, they look much older than they are. Not sure if I am understanding your comment completely…. 😕
Hi Brian C – Not sure… are you just joking? No, that girl is not close to 30.
Hi Bob,
I guess I'm fortunate to not have to worry of the age issue. I'm 46 and my girlfriend Jeanette is 35, so it's a good match in terms of age. Fortunate for me I didn't get involved with someone not forthcoming about their true age. Regarding the girl in the photo, I'll guess she's 14 or 15 years old.
Hi Henry – Like you, when it comes to my marriage, Feyma and I are only 6 to 7 years apart in age, so it is not an issue. You are almost correct on the age of the girl in the photo! 😆
My guess is she is 16 years old. I have the same problem guessing other people ages specially Asians by just the appearance. But give me about 10 minutes to talk to them , I usually will guess their age within plus or minus 2 years. Filipinos who live in US usually look younger than those that live in the Philippines ( the sun damage your skin and complexion, so you look older)
She "looks" 18 or 19, but Filipinas often look younger than their real age (in my opinion) so I guessed her real age is 30 …I thought it might be a "trick" question!
kamusta bob
i did have a simular situation when i first come to philippines.i allready had a chatmate and we decided to meet each other there so when i arrived everybody says to me your soooo young Ronald.we expected an older man.i said thanks to them but i am 36 at the time.most people in philippines told me that most foreigners we see here are much older then you.i was welcomed by one and all there and i love philippines.i would say the girl in the pic was 18 or 19
salamat bob
Hi David B Katague – You are right on the age – she is 16 (or was at that time when I took the photo). I feel that young Filipinos living in the Philippines look younger than their counterparts in the USA, because of a certain innocence here, compared to the US. As they get older, though, then they age more rapidly due to life being hard here for the poor and also the effects of the sun.
Hi Brian C – Ah, OK. Well… she was 16 when I shot that photo. The girl is my niece, Bebe. No tricks! 😆
Hi Ron W – When I first came to the Philippines I was 28, and got many comments quite similar to what you describe. It is true that most foreigners here are of retirement age.
Hi Bob. I would guess the girl to be about 13. Yes I agree that they age faster than us caucasians after about 35,due to climate I believe. I also believe that we do not appear to others as we appear to ourselves. I thought I was looking pretty good for 57. The other day the cashier at the restraunt told me that I qualify for a 10% discount,being a senior. I should have been happy at the saving, But I was NOT! In their books 60 is a senior. I use a cane,but otherwise,ok I thought. Honestly I was Floored!
Hi guy – 😆 Don't you hate it when stuff like that happens! Thanks for sharing – it gave me a laugh this morning!
The girl is 16 in the photo.
Hello Bob, She looks to about 21 yrs old. Do you think ,the absence of growth hormones in the "average" filipino diet might have something to do with it.? Just my two cents.. 😆
I get alot of people who ask how I was able to live over here at my age. They usually guess around 25-28 and I'm 34. I guess they are not used to seeing foreingers living here who are not of retirement age.
Hi Julius – I had not thought of that…. perhaps that has an impact too!
Hi BrSpiritus – Yes, it is unusual for a person of your age, or even mine to live here. One big factor is that most people think that you must have a retirement income in order to be able to live here, and can't imagine being able to earn a living here. I find that to be totally off the mark, myself.
Hi Bob
This has happened many times. Most times they ask if I have children and then try to work it out from there. But still come up with an age much younger. I like that. But some times I get asked directly and we discuss ages. What I have found interesting is that they will ask and discuss my age but never Dino's. Dont know if they are more curious about a white woman or wether I am more approachable.
I have always been bad at judging age so I dont even try. I have also learned never to comment based on appearance. At a recent gathering one of the French ladies asked when someone's baby was due….. she wasnt pregnant. Well yes 😆
Bob:
This may sound racist, but it is not intended to be…I think genetics also plays a part. I've noticed that in Asia, people, particularly women, tend to age more "gracefully" than their American and European counterparts. 😈 (Just joking… I have two ex-wives)
Western perception also plays a part… Europeans, particularly men, nearly always believe Becky is 10 years younger than she is. Filipinos always say "ate" when addressing her. Go figure…
Hi carolynn – Ha ha…. that can be an embarrassing thing. I have had situations where I thought somebody was pregnant, but not 100% certain, so I just don't say anything.
Regarding your age, and Dino's… I think that they key in on you because foreign men here are a dime a dozen, but foreign women are still somewhat unusual here, so it's a new situation for them.
Hi John Miele – I think that women here age more gracefully – if they have money. Those who are poor have a hard life, and the aging process is not kind to them in most cases. Having money allows you to take better care of yourself, avoid the sun more, etc., and thus helps you to age more gracefully. Just my opinion.
By the way, I don't think your comment was racist at all.
hin bob , i was thinking she was around 32 years old.
bob my father inlaw is around 77 years now and he looks to be about 55 years old. his body is still mussil tone of a 28 year old. and he can dance like a 20 year old. he was a farmer all of his life and raised 8 kids . go figure.
I must admit its very flattering when people think I am in my thirties when I am nearly 50!!
However a few weeks ago I met a lady who was convinced I was late 60s, I asked her if her eyeglasses were ok and left sulking
Hi jerry smith – Ha ha… no, she is only half that age! 😆
Great news for your Father in law! I hope that he continues with a great "young" life!
Hi john – I can't believe that lady! Honestly, John… I wouldn't put you a day over 65! How could she say "late" 60's!?! 😛
bob i have him on vidio dancing the ocho ocho. i cant hardley bleieve it eather.
bob this is off corse but what is the peso now?
Hi jerry smith – I am planning to write another article about currency exchange rates soon. Right now, the Peso is about 46 to the Dollar.
Something just occurred to me… have you ever heard of a website called RealAge.com? It asks you a barrage of questions, medical, personal and social and comes up with your "real" age in terms of your lifestyle. When I took it at 30 my real age was 37, I was living in the states at that time. I took it again this year after living here for a year my age was 34 but my real age was 32… so I've grown younger since moving here.
Hi Bob
I meant say someone hooks up with a young lady who is 18 or older and after the man starts sleeping with her she says she is only 14 and wants money or she is screaming rape.
Hi BrSpiritus – Ha ha….. I haven't taken any such test, but I know that my health has improved a lot since moving here, and because of that, I am quite sure that my "real age" (as what the website is called) has gone down in that time.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – Ah, OK… sorry, I wasn't thinking in terms of that….
Hi John H – I am sorry, I missed your comment earlier. Actually, I read it, but got distracted by something and did not respond. I apologize for that.
Wow, this is quite alarming. I hope that you have taken steps to stop any kind of follow-up. Perhaps hiring some security people to man the location would be a good idea for now. It's not too expensive to do that, and may give you and your wife some peace of mind.
I find it a real shame that the police showed so little interest in this!
My prayers are with you.
You just reminded me of a story.
A few years ago, UPS delivery guy mentioned to a friend that he felt sorry for two kids who lived in a house he frequently delivers packages to. He said that there would always be a 14 year old girl or a 16 year old boy who would answer the door to sign the packages. But the parents were never around. As if they're always left alone at home.
Curious, my friend asked for the house's address. Turns out, they were her neighbors. And the 2 kids? Not exactly teenagers. The "boy" & "girl" was me (working at home) & my wife, both 30 years old.
Also, I sometimes I bring my work outside, like cafes, to break the boredom. There were a few times, I'd get asked if my sketches were for school homework and I don't think they meant college either. sigh. And I'm a guy, you should hear about how often my wife's co-workers get surprised when they find out her age.
I do think that the more apparent receding hairline & the effects of lesser melanoma makes caucasians look older & harder to tell how old they are (a reverse perspective here from a pinoy in the US).
I had the girl guessed at 15 maybe even younger.
On the break in unless this is a professional I think some new hardened padlocks should solve the problem but I'm also going to look for a motion sensor for the fire escape. I actually considered getting a security guy for nights but have no idea how to go about it and doubt I can afford it. Besides we plan to move at the end of our lease in three months so it would be tough to find someone interested in that. We will be much more careful about locking all the gates now at least it would make it much more difficult to get in or out.
I'm also going to see how much it cost to get Elvie a handgun since I can't have one and she has carried before. Just need to make sure her 2 year old can't get to it.
Well I'm off to go shopping now…
Hi macky – Ha ha… that is a classic! What a great story. Thanks for sharing that.
Hi John H – Don't take any chances! Be careful as much as possible.
was at a party here inUSA with a bunch of pinoys, girl I was talking to said she was graduating this year..I asked her if she plans on going to collage…she gave me a "duh" look and said," ah… I'm graduating from COLLAGE !!!!" I thought she was at most 17 yrs. old.
Bob: Who is this expat? He must be a very wise man to be so prophylactic when dating! 🙂
Bob,
Foreigners living in the Philippines are normally of retirement age. This is very true. As for myself, I am young enough to be most of them's son… 😆 28 in a few days. I moved to the Philippines at the ripe old age of 22. You get a lot of surprised looks when you tell them you live here at that age.
Hi Anton – Your story is very similar to mine. People here always think I am much younger. I agree, they have as much trouble guessing our ages as we do with theirs! 😆
Hi BOB , for me being 65 and my wife 45 , every time when i am in
iligan or so , people say : my age is 40 to 50 years .
I like that a lot , but i respond alwys with : you must be crazy .
And then they laugh .
It is difficult for them to guess our age , the same as for us to guess they.rs.
As i see my family in law , i often do not know what to say about their ages,
What i know is , that my wife [ now 23 years in The Netherlands ]
LOOKS YOUNGER than her younger sisters from iligan.
And I hope that later , when i come live in iligan , no working , no stress ,
i will realy look younger then my real age,
Hi brian – Ha ha… that's a great one! And, it's much better than if it had been the other way around! If you had assumed her to be older, it could have been embarrassing.
Hi Migs – Am not naming any names on this one! 😆
Hi Mike K. – Wow! I didn't realize that you were just 28! Somehow, I thought you were around my age! Happy Birthday!
Bob,
I am not sure what your age is either. 😆 Most people think I am older due to places I've been and the things I've done. This should be a good birthday. I'm buying myself another computer…
Hi Mike K. – Ha ha.. 😆 …. I've been very open about my age here on the site. I'm 46 years old. You haven't been following close enough, youngster! 😛
i am 55….
Hi Klaus – Great to hear! 😯
There are at least, two reasons why we asians generally look younger than our caucasian counterparts. First, we are generally shorter. So if we were, say just 5'5", the average height of Filipino men, we could easily be mistaken as "teenagers" by Americans :). The other reason is that, asians will try to avoid being under the sun as much as possible. You probably notice we like to bring umbrella with us even on a nice sunny day ;), while caucasians in general, would love to be at the beach getting a tan. BTW, a "tan", according to doctors, is actually "damaged skin", which you probably know already.
Hi Juan da best – Thanks for sharing your ideas on the age issue. I never thought about the height playing a role, but I think you are correct on that one.