General Filipino Etiquette

Do take the time to smile. Filipinos like to say hi, and they appreciate it when visitors
reciprocate. Handshakes are the usual way to greet people, but "beso-beso" or cheek
bussing is also commonly done, especially among ladies.

Do come in appropriate clothes when the occasion calls. Although the Philippines is a
walkable country, not all places would welcome you in your flip-flops and shorts.
Churches, government institutions and some restaurants require proper attire. Besides,
if you come well dressed, Filipinos will admire you, and it's always fun to dress up!

Don't forget to laugh. Laughter is used very frequently in the Philippines: to break
tension, to relieve moments of awkwardness, and to put people at ease. On the rare
occasion that laughter is at someone's expense, it is usually done good-naturedly. A
good sense of humor is definitely an asset in the Philippines.

Don't lose your temper. It's easier to get Filipinos on your side if you approach situations
in a calm and composed manner. Filipinos are more willing to help if you don't
embarrass them in public. if they mean to refuse, they will avoid actually using the word
"No" in conversations, and instead will use other ways to get their message across.

Do show respect to anyone regardless of their social class or age. Saying "sorry" and
"excuse me" is appreciated. In Philippine culture, the elderly are given particular
respect. Using the proper words (such as the polite "po" and "opo" when speaking to
elders) is a sure way of endearing yourself to Filipinos.

Do recognize that Filipinos tend to be indirect. Even

Although tipping is not institutionalized as a custom, do leave something on the table.

Inside the Filipino Home

Do expect to be invited to the homes of Filipinos. They will invite you to help yourself to
everything and anything on their dining table, and they would appreciate it if you partook
of the food offered. If you happen to show up during meal time, an extra chair will made
available to you. In short, do eat when you're offered food. Don't offend your hosts by
refusing outright.
Do be sensitive to household customs. If you happen to see shoes or slippers outside
your host's abode, you may be asked to leave you footwear outside also. They will offer
you house slippers, or if they don't, the house floor is most likely clean.

Doing Business

Do use honorifics such as Mister or Miss. Titles are very important and it is best to use
them when addressing people and business partners.

Do help your partners save face. Filipinos place a premium on harmonious

interpersonal relationships, so it is best to avoid confrontational behavior such as hard
selling and direct pressuring, since these may lead to conflict.

Do keep in mind that time is viewed flexibly in the Philippines; many Filipinos place less
of an emphasis on strict adherence to schedules.

Do present and receive business cards using both hands. Upon reception, examine
them with interest.

Do wear appropriate clothing for business, especially during initial meetings. Denim
jeans or business casual attire are not recommended.

While Traveling

Make sure your stomach can handle the street food. Don't eat street food unless you
know it's safe for consumption.

Don't show off your valuables and gadgets. Flashing your jewelry, electronic items and
other valuables may attract the attention of criminals.

Don't give alms to the poor on the road. Mendicancy and alms-giving are offenses in the
Philippines. If you wish to exercise your charity, there are many private and government
institutions that will gladly accept your donations. On a related note, don't open your car
window to street children.

Don't be too trusting of the people you meet for the first time. It's best to be vigilant and
to rely on common sense wherever you may be.

Do use the thumbs-up sign for "OK!". The other common version, using the thumb and
index finger, means "money" in the Philippines. Don't beckon or point with your index
finger when calling someone. Calling someone by name, using "sir" or "miss", or
beckoning with your palm held downwards is preferred.
Cultural Clues, Dos & Taboos: Communication Guidelines for the PHILIPPINES

Posted on June 27, 2013 by admin

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The Latest! Cultural Clues, Dos & Taboos A Series of Cultural Tips for Countries from
A to Z: The PHILIPPINES Philippines

Small talk is an important part of establishing business relationships with Filipinos.

Youll find that Filipinos can be enthusiastic conversationalists.

Expect to be asked personal questions regarding your marital status, income, religion,
and other sensitive subjects. If you dont wish to answer, side-step these questions as
graciously as possible.

Embarrassing someone, or reprimanding them in front of others, can cause them to

lose face or loss of reputation and this has very negative consequences in this culture.
Maintaining cordial relationships is essential in the Philippines. Keep your comments as
positive as possible, because negativity can inadvertently cause loss of face,

Its best not to be too direct when communicating with Filipinos. They will usually be
more receptive to a rather indirect approach.

Because of the years of U.S. military presence in the Philippines, most North American
gestures and communication styles are recognized and understood.

English is the language of most business transactions and nearly all government bodies
in the Philippines.

Business travelers are expected to be on time for all appointments, and although the
Filipinos may not always arrive exactly on time, you probably wont be subjected to an
overly long wait.

Producing instant results is not a part of Filipino business culture. Consequently, you
will have to adjust your expectations regarding deadlines and efficiency when working
with them.

In order to reach the decision-maker, you will likely have to meet with subordinates first
and also adapt to the business protocol at the different levels of the organization.

When meeting a new customer, letters of introduction from friends and business
associates can often be helpful in opening doors.

Although there are many social inequalities in the Philippines, Filipinos believe that
everyone must be treated with respect. They are expected to behave with modesty and
graciousness, especially in their dealings with the poor or less fortunate.
Businessmen should expect to shake hands firmly with other Filipino men both upon
introduction and subsequent meetings however, its best to wait for a Filipino woman to
offer her hand first.

Close female friends may greet each other with a hug and kiss. Similarly, close male
friends may have close physical contact, such as holding hands or walking arm in arm
around a friends shoulder.

Some Filipinos may greet each other by making eye contact, then raising and lowering
their eyebrows. When someone raises their eyebrows at you, it is often a way of
indicating that you have been understood.

Raising ones voice is unacceptable in the Filipino business culture. Its important to
maintain a low, controlled tone of voice at all times.

Dont assume that a smile is an indication of amusement or approval. At times, smiling

is used to mask embarrassment, nervousness, and other feelings of discomfort.

Pointing at someone or something can be perceived as an insulting gesture. Filipinos

typically point at objects using an open hand. For giving directions, they may use a
glance with a slight nod, or purse their lips to signify which way.

To beckon someone, hold your hand out, palm downward, and make a scratching
motion with the fingers. Beckoning someone with the palm up and wagging one finger
can be interpreted as an insult.

Indicating two with the fingers is done by holding up the ring and little finger, not the
forefinger and middle finger. The thumb is not used to count numbers in the Philippines.
Dont put your hands on your hips when conversing. This gesture can be misinterpreted
as challenge to another person.

5 Key Conversation Tips

Filipino culture and customs

Family is usually a good topic in the Philippines

Filipinos love fiestas, so asking about these occasions will create a lively conversation

All types of sports, especially basketball

Food and the local specialties

5 Key Conversation Taboos

Politics in general, unless they bring it up first

Corruption, terrorism, or drug trafficking even though it may be in the news

Foreign aid and related policies

Religion in general, unless they bring it up first

Anything that could potentially cause embarrassment or loss of face