In today’s society, it’s not uncommon for people to move into a neighborhood almost undetected. Nonetheless, being welcoming to newcomers is a time-honored tradition. Whether you are the new house on the block or you are the new house on the block. And for that reason, Filipinos are well-known around the world for our culture and hospitality. It is so natural for us to want to help others, especially our foreign visitors. We always want to provide newcomers with the best experience as neighbors as part of new neighbor etiquette when they visit our country or decide to settle here.
However, Filipinos extend hospitality not only to foreign visitors but also to their fellow Filipinos in the community. This includes welcoming new neighbors with open arms, as if they were members of a large family, and finally returning home after years of working abroad. The only difference is that these new neighbors are moving to a completely different neighborhood, which is completely unfamiliar territory for them. If you have recently moved in with new neighbors and genuinely want them to feel welcome in their new surroundings, it is not too late to give them the reception that we Filipinos are known for.
You can also check out this article from Bria Homes- Living in the Philippines: one of the Friendliest Countries in the World.
Here are some suggestions that may be useful if you need advice on how to welcome your new neighbors from the neighborhood you live in:
1. Introduce yourself properly
The first step in making your new neighbor feel at ease is to properly introduce yourself. This does not have to happen right away or while your new neighbor is still dealing with the stress of moving in. Begin your relationship by making a friendly gesture toward your new neighbors. This could include bringing a small gift to your new neighbor’s house when you meet them for the first time.
After a few days, you can introduce yourself with a simple hello from a distance. If they responded to your warm welcome with equal enthusiasm, you know you could form a friendship with your new neighbor and even knock on their door to say hello and welcome.
2. Begin a conversation
Having called on new neighbors is one of the few times when dropping by unannounced is acceptable. As for new neighbor etiquette, go over to your new neighbor’s yard and say hello, or knock on his door and introduce yourself. You might be invited in, or you might not if they aren’t ready for “company,” but keep your visit brief. The goal is straightforward: to greet them and exchange names and possibly phone numbers. There is no statute of limitations, so if you become aware of newcomers weeks or even months after they move in, you can still knock on the door and introduce yourself.
While a simple hello is the bare minimum of a welcoming act of kindness, an actual relationship can be built over time when you initiate a conversation with your new neighbor. Ask them where they came from before moving in, how they feel about their new place, and anything else that will help you all gets to know each other better.
3. Hand them a gift
When they have a visitor, Filipinos insist on giving them something to eat and drink before they leave. This is a reference to the way that Filipinos’ naturally feel obliged to give guests a pleasant gift or experience while they are in our home or vicinity. It also applies to Filipinos new neighbor gift etiquette, according to which they are willing to give you something.
If you knew your new neighbor was on their way or if they were already there,, give them a fruit or vegetable basket as a welcome gift. It is undoubtedly a thoughtful gesture that will be appreciated by your new neighbors, who will most likely become your new friends as you get to know each other better. Just for a new neighbor gift etiquette, a word of caution about gift-giving, avoid giving food or alcohol as a gift because many people are allergic to certain foods or do not drink alcohol. Instead of food, consider bringing a gift to your new neighbors, such as a potted plant, succulent, or some cut flowers.
4. Attend Community Events
Events and activities are a great way to meet new neighbors and learn about what your community is passionate about. Look up events in your area, and make a note of any events listed on local businesses’ bulletin boards. Farmers’ markets and festivals are popular local events in many communities. One of the simplest ways to meet your new neighbors is to get involved in the community by attending local events.
5. Inform your neighbors about important neighborhood information
There’s a good chance your new neighbors are clueless and know little about the neighborhood and this is one of the most important new neighbor etiquette. Because what they most likely know so far is that the community they chose is conducive to a relaxing environment and is conveniently close to establishments, businesses, and institutions.
You can provide them with a wealth of neighborhood information. This includes trash pickup days, emergency phone numbers for fire and medical services, and local authorities to report a theft and other crimes. You can also share information about which internet service providers in your community have the best connectivity levels. These appear to be small acts of kindness that, when practiced collectively with their new neighbors, can make a significant difference. You can also introduce your new neighbors to local groups, organizations, charities, businesses, and services that they should know about.
6. Accommodate a dinner party
Once you’ve met all of your neighbors, consider inviting each set over for a dinner party separately. This will give you the opportunity to welcome each set of neighbors into your home and get to know them better. If you enjoy parties and celebrations, hosting a block party within the community will be the epitome of welcoming new neighbors. As a result, you can gather all of your neighbors for a night of good food, drinks, and karaoke as the infamous Filipino way of celebrating milestones and occasions.
7. Provide assistance
The spirit of Bayanihan is another worthy example of Filipino culture. This was something that every Filipino had seen an entire community helping each other. It’s no different when a new neighbor arrives with a truck loaded with their furniture, appliances, and other possessions, and most likely this is the new neighbor etiquette that Filipinos already have.
If you see them struggling to carry a piece of heavy equipment by themselves, do not hesitate to knock on your neighbor’s door and offer assistance. If your old neighbors see you doing it, it will set off a chain reaction, and others will feel obligated to assist as well. This is an excellent way to foster a positive relationship with all of your neighbors, including newcomers.
8. Respect them if they decline your assistance or invitation.
Not all newcomers to the community want to be helped. And that’s perfectly fine if they want to live peacefully. After all, moving in can be a pain, and some people simply do not want to be bothered. Or, to put it another way, not everyone enjoys small talk or is introverted. Even so, you can maintain your friendly demeanor by saying hello or smiling whenever you and your new neighbors cross paths. Hospitality is not always a warm welcome with a lengthy chitchat, but it is also about respecting one’s privacy.
Coming home to a neighborhood where people are polite and respectful, accommodating, and genuinely kind to one another is always pleasant. And if you’re looking for a reason to live in a Filipino community as a new neighbor, Bria Homes also will be glad to provide you with these helpful tips The Golden Rules of Being a Good Neighbor for you to know more about the new neighbor etiquette and the new neighbor gift etiquette and also BRIA Homes primes itself on the development of affordable house and lot or condominium units that caters to ordinary Filipino families aspiring to own their own homes It had evolved into the ideal option for ordinary Filipino workers looking to invest in a high-quality yet affordable home.
Written By: Mark Anthony Seña
