Living in Pilar, Philippines:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

If you’re moving to Pilar, Capiz, you have to learn the language and culture first. To facilitate smooth conversations with the locals and to know what you have to learn about their culture, learning Hiligaynon is a must. It not only helped ensuring enjoyable experience while living in Capiz, but would easily let you integrate yourself with the locals—you’ll easily be at home.

Aside from the language, the culture is the next thing you have to learn, especially if you came from highly-urbanized cities like in Manila. There are norms and practices in the province, not just in Pilar, that may come as a shock to you. For example, eating with your bare hands while sitting on the floor, ‘cursing’ as a sign of shock, concern, love, etc., and last but surely not the least, the belief of ‘mangkukulam’, ‘aswang’, and any other entities that the eyes could not see.

As a parting note, I think it’s best to keep in mind that moving in another place is a really stressful experience. BUT, it could also lead us to meet wonderful people, explore exciting places, let us grow as a person, and overall give us the ‘refreshment’ we all need in life.