Ligaw

What is Ligaw?

Ligaw (or panliligaw) is the courtship phase in Filipino dating culture. Unlike Western dating, which might start casual and become serious, ligaw is intentional from day one. It is the process of getting to know the woman—and crucially, her family—with the explicit intention of entering a serious relationship.

In the past, this involved serenading (harana) and chopping wood for the family. Today, it involves:

• Asking permission to court her (often from the parents).
• Bringing gifts (pasalubong) for her family.
• Chaperoned dates where a sibling or cousin might tag along.
• Service (driving her home, helping with errands).

Why it Matters for Foreigners

If you are dating a traditional Filipina, she might expect a form of ligaw even if you met online.

• Don’t assume you are exclusive just because you went on a few dates.
• Win the family, win the girl. You cannot separate her from her family.
• Patience is key. Rushing physical intimacy during ligaw is a major red flag.

The “Sagot”

The goal of ligaw is to get the “matamis na oo” (the sweet yes) or the sagot (answer). Until she explicitly says “yes” to being your girlfriend, you are technically still “courting” (nanliligaw), not “boyfriends/girlfriends” (magkasintahan).