There is more to eating than the ingestion of food; it is not only a biological function, but it has strong social and cultural components that must be highlighted when considering food culture in the Philippines. All the more so, if one considers that this is a country where eating is conceived of as a social act, as an activity that must be shared with others.
Filipinos highly value eating with their family, friends, and colleagues. Sharing food fosters social relationships and it is not uncommon for meetings to be articulated around a dining table. it is unusual to see a person eating alone in a restaurant or drinking alone in a bar. As a matter of fact, such situations are avoided, which shows how socially important meals are in the Philippines. It the Philippines, eating alone is like not eating at all. Another feature of Philippine society that is worth highlighting in this respect is that people like eating and drinking out. The climate, with its mild temperature is never extreme, and it allows outdoor celebrations and meals almost all year long (except, perhaps, in the monsoon months). Eating out includes popular feasts, communal meals, or simple visit to restaurants, establishments with outdoor tables, bars, cafés, and so forth.
