You’d think after five years, I’d be fully adjusted to British life.
Pero hindi pa rin. 😂
Some things have become second nature—wearing layers, making small talk about the weather, always bringing an umbrella “just in case.”
But there are still little everyday things that either amuse me, confuse me, or make me laugh quietly to myself as I think, “Uy, ganito pala talaga dito.”
So I thought I’d share them with you today. Maybe you’ll relate, maybe you’ll laugh, or maybe this will give you a glimpse of what life looks like when a Filipino dad plants roots on British soil.
The Weather Obsession is Real 🌧️
Let’s start with the obvious: the weather.
Now I get it—British weather changes faster than a toddler’s mood. But I didn’t expect people here to talk about it every single day.
“Looks like rain!”
“Oh, this heatwave, I can’t cope.”
“Bit nippy this morning, isn’t it?”
I used to chuckle at it. Now, I catch myself doing the same thing—checking the forecast five times a day and opening conversations with “How’s the weather there?” Ay grabe, nahawa na talaga ako.
Kahit pagkagising sa umaga I’ll ask “Hey, Siri! What is the weather today?!”😆
Saying “Sorry” for Everything 😅
One of my early memories here was bumping into someone at Tesco.
I said “Sorry.”
He said “Sorry.”
We both smiled awkwardly and said “Sorry” one more time.
And it wasn’t just that moment.
Everyone says sorry. For everything.
Late to a meeting? “Sorry.” Didn’t hear someone? “Sorry?” Even when someone else is wrong—yup, still “sorry.”
Now even my kids say it. We’ve officially adapted. 😂
Sunday = Total Silence 🛌
In the Philippines, Sundays are for family lunch, loud karaoke, maybe a trip to the mall.
Here in the UK? It’s silence.
Shops close early. Roads are quiet. It feels like the country collectively decides to take a nap. At first, I found it strange. “Where is everyone?”
Now? I’ve come to appreciate it. Sundays are our slow days. A time to rest, breathe, and maybe walk to the park—if the sun’s out. 🌤️
You Must Queue. Everywhere.
Sa Pinas, pila means siksikan at unahan.
In the UK, queueing is like an unspoken sacred rule.
Even if no one’s around—you still line up mentally.
One time I unintentionally skipped a line at the pharmacy. The look I got from the lady behind me? Priceless. 😬
Tea Fixes Everything ☕💬
Before we moved, I was all about coffee. Strong. Black. No sugar.
Now? “Tea break muna tayo.”
British people will offer you tea in all situations.
Good news? Let’s have tea.
Bad day? Tea.
Someone just sneezed? Better make a cuppa.
And you know what? It’s comforting. I get it now. It’s more than a drink—it’s a warm pause.
Humor That’s… Dry? Or Is It? 🤔
British humor is so subtle, sometimes I still can’t tell if someone’s being serious or sarcastic.
Someone once said to me, “Well, that went brilliantly,” after a presentation that clearly didn’t.
I laughed. They didn’t.
Still not sure what happened there. 😂
The Sound of Silence 🏡
Living in the suburbs here, sometimes it’s too quiet.
Walang tricycle. Walang jeep. Walang manong naglalako ng isda.
It felt weird at first, like I was in a movie.
But now? I sleep better.
And I realize the quiet helps me think. Reflect. Recharge.
But every now and then, I miss the chaos of home. Just a bit.
Bonus: “You Alright?” Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think 🧍
First time someone asked me, “You alright?” I panicked.
I thought I looked sick or upset.
Turns out—it’s just “Hi” in British.
Now I reply, “Yeah, you?” like a local.
But every now and then, my Filipino instinct still kicks in with a concerned, “Oo naman, bakit?!”
Final Thoughts 💬
Five years in the UK and I still get surprised by little things.
But maybe that’s the beauty of living somewhere new—you never stop discovering.
To my fellow kababayans in the UK (or dreaming of moving here soon), just know: the journey is full of learning curves, laughs, and a whole lot of tea.
Trust me. 😂
‘Til then, keep warm, keep smiling, and keep queueing.
– DadBuhay
DadBuhay 
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