Cover She likes me, she likes me not—here's a subtle way to know if a Filipina is into you (Photo: A snippet from GMA's hit telenovela 'Maria Clara at Ibarra')
She likes me, she likes me not—here's a subtle way to know if a Filipina is into you (Photo: A snippet from GMA's hit telenovela 'Maria Clara at Ibarra')
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She likes me, she likes me not—here's a subtle way to know if a Filipina is into you
In modern times, women can express their feelings in so many ways: e-mails, Facebook messages, a subtweet, a short call... you name it. But some time in the past, they were more subtle and less confessional, hence the need for abanikos and a bit of body movement. In this write-up, Tatler tells you a thing or two about Filipinas and their secret fan language!
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She's single if...
Above SINGLE (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
Above ENGAGED (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
SINGLE (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
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During parties, a woman can subtly announce that she is open for chitchat and dance with the opposite sex if she holds her fan downwards using the right hand. She can, otherwise, reject or prevent the situation from happening by holding the fan down using her right hand.
You have a chance with her if...
Above SHE LIKES YOU (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
Above SHE DOESN'T LIKE YOU (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
SHE LIKES YOU (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
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When a Filipina likes you she will hold the abaniko near her chest and fan furiously. On the other hand, a woman who is not interested with you and your advances will fold her fan slowly.
Related: The Interesting History Behind Our Proud Philippine Flag
Pursue her if...
Above FOLLOW ME (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
Above I WANT TO TALK (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
FOLLOW ME (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
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A woman who wants to be pursued will give you a striking glance behind her abaniko as this is her way of saying "follow me." If that's not enough, she will also count the ribs of her fan to imply that she wants you to talk to her.
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Give it up...
Above I SEE YOU AS A SIBLING (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
Above DON'T TALK TO ME (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
I SEE YOU AS A SIBLING (Photo: Monchet Y Compania)
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How do you know if she's not that interested? A Filipina will let you borrow her fan with open ribs to imply that she trusts and acknowledges your presence but not in a romantic way; she can also hide her fan from behind if she does not want to talk to you.
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Credits
Images: Monchet Y Compania
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
