Being an Ideal Guest in a New Zealand Setting

So now, alam mo na kung ano ang Tea, Dinner at Supper. Ano naman ang mga common protocols na dapat sundin kung ikaw ay naimbitahan dumalo sa isang kainan sa ibang bahay? You would want to project yourself as an ideal guest, siempre. Dahil kung hindi maganda ang impression sa iyo ng iyong hosts, asahan mong hindi ka na mai-invite sa uulitin. Sundin ang mga sumusunod.

1. Huwag ma-late. Huwag pairalin ang Filipino time. Try to come 5 to 10 minutes early. And if you’re gonna be late for more than half an hour, give the host a ring.
   
   
2. Huwag mag-sama ng iba na hindi naman invited. Kadalasan, tamang tama lang ang food na naka-prepare para sa mga invited guests. It’s a very awkward situation for the host kung may kasama kang isang banda, tapos ang nakahandang sinaing e isang rice cooker lang.
   
   
3. Corollary to the previous rule, if you are not invited, don’t come. This is true in most children’s parties where only the children are invited. Malalaman mo ito kapag may naka-specify na drop off at pick up times for your child sa invitation. Kung walang naka-specify, ask. Huwag kang sumali sa children’s party, dahil usually wala naman nakahandang pagkain para sa adults. Sumali ka kung naka dress up ka na clown.
   
   
4. Magdala ng drinks or food. This is optional pero kung malakas kang uminom better bring your own, a six-pack or bottle of wine. If you don't drink, bringing something for dessert will give you pogi points.
   
   
5. Take your shoes off before entering the house. This is a common practice in NZ homes as a sign of respect and consideration for the house owner. Wala naman kasing maid dito na pwedeng maglinis ng sahig later. Pagkatapos mong hubarin ang iyong sapatos, ayusin mo sa isang tabi nang hindi ito maapakan o makatisod ng ibang guests.
   
   
6. Make an effort to introduce yourself to other guests. Medyo hirap ako dito kasi likas akong mahiyain. But lately, I try to approach other guests, introduce myself "hi, I'm Brad, Brad Pwit" and shake hands with them.
   
   
7. Offer to help in the kitchen. This will definitely give you more pogi points at tiyak na matutuwa ang iyong hosts. NZ households don’t have the luxury of domestic help, hence, they appreciate the slightest gesture to offer assistance especially in the kitchen.
   
   
8. Restrain your kids. There is nothing more annoying than out-of-control kids running inside the house, spilling food and drinks on the floor and carpet. The sight of carpet stains, a sure thing to make your hosts’ blood boil or give them a heart attack. TIP: If you are the host and want to avoid carpet stains, offer only water or Sprite or 7up for drinks. No coke or red wine.
   
   
9. When it’s time to eat, huwag makikiuna sa iba. Paunahin mo muna ang iba. Minsan nauna ako sa pagkuha ng pagkain; susubo na sana ako nang biglang nagsalita yung host: “Mag-pray muna tayong lahat. In the name of the Father and of the Son….”, pahiya ako, gusto kong maglaho nung oras na yon. ... Amen.
   
   
10. Be considerate of the neighbors. After 10pm lalo na kung may pasok the following day, most people will already be sleeping. Ibaba ang volume ng karaoke or close the doors and windows. Patulugin niyo naman ang mga kapit bahay. Otherwise baka ma-report kayo sa noise control.
    
    
11. Know when it’s time to leave. A party normally lasts around 2 to 3 hours. If you notice your host yawning or says something like “hay naku pasukan na naman bukas” o kaya nagpatay na ng TV at entertainment unit, it’s time to say goodbye. Kapalmuks ka na lang talaga kung hihintayin mo pa silang maglabas ng banig at kulambo.
    

Follow these simple rules and you’ll be assured for people to invite you again on the next occasion. Unless….if you never bother to invite them or reciprocate the favor, eventually makakahalata sila. Dahil bakit ganoon? Sila na lang parati ang naghahanda, ikaw, you don’t invite others to your home kahit, pa-skyflakes lang at pa-kape. Huwag madamot, paminsan minsan ikaw naman ang magpa-lunch or dinner.