Gratuity is defined as a favor or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service. It is often a percent of the total cost of the service say like 15 or 20 percent which is a standard in the US. In the Philippines, it has not been a common practice to leave tips when dining in restaurants or getting serviced at a salon.

Things have changed these days that more Filipinos are found leaving tips a lot of times, however there is still the general belief that tipping is not required. This can be witnessed when you see people looking over their receipts and getting a look in their eyes when they find the line “service charge”. This phrase gives them relief that they no longer have to leave a certain amount for tips.

Are tips a right of the people that provide service that we should be obligated to give it? On the other hand, does the service charge really go to the waiters, servers in restaurants? If some people feel that a tip is not required then why is service charge included in one’s bill? Should people complain?

When I was in the states, I recall someone telling me that even if the service sucks you should leave the customary tip. If the service is great then you give more than what is expected. That kinda contradicts the definition of gratuity right?

I personally do not mind leaving tips especially when dining, at a spa, getting a haircut at a salon, or getting a massage at home. And when I receive extremely great service (in addition to unexpected), I even try to leave more than what most people tip. Here in Manila it might be something like 20 bucks (yeah go on admit it!) or higher depending really on where you got serviced.

However, if I do not get the service that I expect - at the minimum even - then I rant and rant and rarely do I leave gratuity. In addition to that, I do not go back to that place anymore or get that service anymore (or do my best not to).

I think the concept of tipping has evolved through the years. It is no longer a gift for services rendered. It is now being used as a gift in hopes to get better service at the next visit. How many of you have thought twice about not leaving a tip for fear of being treated poorly on your next visit? And how many waiters, hairstylists, manicurists treat high tippers a little differently and with a little bit of extra special care?

I say it isn’t etiquette nor is it custom. It has now turned into human nature. Tsk tsk.

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