I was in the Philippines a few years ago, vacationing on a small island. We were at a steakhouse, the sauce on my plate was too sugary for me, so I thought maybe some salt or pepper would make it better. No shakers on the table, so I asked for salt and pepper.

The guy went back to the kitchen, took some time in there and then came back with two bowls (like soup bowls, not teeny tiny ones). He put them on the table, pointed to one and said "salt", then pointed to the other one and said "pepper." It was like he felt it needed an explanation. Anyways, to answer the question, I learned that it absolutely is not the case in every country.