During the Spanish regime in the Philippines, women were expected to behave shyly and modestly to protect their reputations. A man could only get to know a woman through an introduction by a mutual friend, as directly approaching a woman was seen as impolite. Marriage is considered sacred in Filipino culture, and singles often face jokes and scrutiny about their status. When courting, a man's parents would seek approval from the woman's parents in a process called "pamanhikan" which could include the grandparents, and the woman's parents may initially refuse but eventually consent.