I think the most common invasive question asked to me are "why aren't you married yet?" and "don't you want kids?". Some even ask "who's gonna take care of you when you get old?". I usually just answer with a 'no', and "I'm going to hire a caregiver or admit myself to a home", and that usually shuts them up.
Yep, there's a couple of good examples, also, "how much do you earn?" Been asked that a few times.
I'm actually ok with this question if a friend or family asked it. There usually isn't any malice or ulterior motive behind it, and mostly curiosity. With friends it helps others see if they are underpaid and it encourages them to strive for more. With my family, it's mostly curiousity and wanting to help. My parents were in the bank and IT industry so they wanted to know the current salary and how different it is back then. My sister just want me to move to the US and earn more.
Yeah possibly it depends who asks; my family don't ask the question, however I'm happy to tell them though, I have nothing to hide (I mean my brother's and sister). I don't think it's an appropriate question here in Australia though, it's actually considered rude, in fact it's in my work contract that I do not talk about money with colleagues; there's valid reasons for it.
Oh I agree. Companies tend to want to avoid their employees knowing what their teammates are getting. First and foremost, there might be envy, and that could affect the work output [we're doing the same job but I'm paid less, so I'll do less]. It could also make others leave and seek higher pay elsewhere. There are other reasons of course. As for strangers asking, they will most likely be ignore in the Philippines, or given a retort like "none of your business". A lot of people would even think the one asking is a criminal that might steal from them.
I think it's an inappropriate question all round to be honest; but some don't mind it I suppose. I'm always pretty tight-lipped on these things I guess, it bring jealousy as you say and that's often not a good thing.
In general, I think people should think a little bit before asking questions, I think if they did some of these more invasive ones might be avoided.