This is a topic most Filipinos have discussed on more than one occasion, and a topic I am quite afraid to take up here for the obvious reason that this is a territory of expats, many of whom are themselves married to younger Filipinas. Plus, when it comes to the subject matter, I am not sure where to begin, as it is not merely a matter of Filipinas seeking foreign men, but also of foreign men seeking Filipinas.

But maybe it's a good thing to share with you what most of us Pinoys think about this. Just promise me you won't put a price on my head.

So why do Filipinas prefer older foreigners – in most cases, that is?

I have always thought that this question deserves to be answered by another question: Why do older foreigners look for younger Filipinas?

So you see, it is first and foremost a matter of availability. Many Filipinas go online in the hopes of finding love, but the population of available men who are open to having a relationship with them is dominated by older, more experienced men.

Correct me if I am wrong, but most foreigners who look for Filipinas are usually men who have been previously married, or men who have had previous relationships with women of their own race and of their own culture. And when these relationships or marriages do not work, they become more open to commit to women of a different race and cultural background. I have reason to believe that most Americans and other foreigners who have reached this point have male friends who are already (happily) married to Filipinas and who recommend it.

We can't blame them for recommending Filipina women to their friends. Filipinas by nature are more nurturing and more submissive to their husbands compared to highly independent Western wives. More often than not, foreign men find this a rather desirable trait, like a breath of fresh air. Most Filipinas are content to just stay at home, take care of their husbands and their children, and do the chores. But Filipinas can be feisty, opinionated and self-sufficient when the need arises. Not to mention that they (we) are a fiercely loyal bunch, too.

Then there's the issue of financial security. Let's admit it, older men are more financially stable than younger men. And a dollar is worth more in pesos. I am sure there's no need to be discreet about this: many Filipinas hope to alleviate their families' financial condition by marrying foreigners. Many Filipinas automatically think that foreign men are rich and are willing to financially support their families. It is up to the foreigners to correct this kind of misconception and to set a limit to this “financial support.”

Now this is the reason why most of the Filipinas who make themselves available to foreign men – especially through the Internet – are those who have difficulty speaking the English language and those who have not attained college degrees or do not have high-paying jobs. These are the Filipinas who grew up less-privileged compared to others.

I have to make a disclaimer, though. I know a lot of Filipinas who go to the Internet looking for a foreign man who could save them from poverty, but who end up finding love (or both). Filipinas are magnanimous when it comes to love, and they fall in love rather easily. Just show them that you care about their families and they give you their hearts in return.

Lastly, I think there's the superficial issue of looks. Foreigners go for Filipinas with dark and exotic looks, which, sadly, do not appeal to Filipino men. Filipino men prefer the fair-skinned and fine-featured ones. So the left-out beauties go to those who can appreciate them.

Do you have more reasons in mind? Please do share them!