Can you answer this test about Filipino Culture Part 2? When is the best time to open gifts?

We have formally started the long Christmas celebration in the Philippines 😀.  You know how it is in the Philippines, once the 'ber...

We have formally started the long Christmas celebration in the Philippines😀.  You know how it is in the Philippines, once the 'ber' months start, the atmosphere becomes festive and joyous.  Filipinos are already planning to shop for gifts for their loved ones and for the Christmas parties that will start even at the later part of November.  Just so you know, gift giving is really personal to Filipinos.  

Which brings us to the question, when is the right time to open a gift?  Should you open it, in front of the gift giver?  Should you open it with everyone watching?  Must you have a right expression when you open someone's gift to you?     

I don't want to sound like a party pooper but this is very important.  So here are four (4) situations that most likely you will encounter while you are in the Philippines.

  

Scenario 1.  You receive a gift from your lady love/sweetheart.  She took pains in buying it.  She carefully planned it to surprise you. Finally, the time has arrived for her to give it to you.  Upon receiving it, what will you do?

A.  Open it right away, without any clue about what it is and be prepared for both your reactions.

B. Delay the opening, do a guessing game, until she gives a hint about what it is and that's the time you open it (Because you are sure you are going to like it.)

C.  Tell her you want to open it in private.  

Scenario 2.  Christmas parties are a big thing in the Philippines especially to the Catholics because they celebrate Christmas.  Expect that offices will hold Christmas parties and there will be gift-giving and exchanging gifts, food galore, games and prizes.  Just pure entertainment and fun. 

During exchanging gifts time, what will you do?

A.  Open the gift that you receive immediately.

B.  Wait until everybody starts opening theirs.

C.  Take a peek on what's inside by making a small tear 

in one area, if you like it, that's the time you tear open the wrapper. 

Scenario 3.  For ladies only, once your sweetheart asks for your hand in marriage, and takes out an engagement ring, what will you do?

A. Gush over the ring, the proposal and accept it 

instantly.

B.  Refuse it (which is really a crazy thing to do)

C.  Share the news to everyone and be proud of it.

Scenario 4.  You receive a big package from home (overseas or local).  You have no idea what's inside.  The other people know you received a package from home.  What's the best thing to do?

                        A.    Take the package in your room and open it there.

                B.    Upon opening the package from your home (overseas or local),  you give some shareable like food stuff or other small items with the locals or your friends.

                C.    Don't share whatever was in the package and let everyone wonder what you received.

                D.    Don't give anything and let them think what a thoughtless or greedy person you are.

                E.   Open it in front of everyone and be ready if they start asking for some items.

So based on the situations, you now have an idea on what time you can open the gift before the gift giver and when you should not.   Remember to thank the gift giver, whether you like the gift or not.