Culture of Philippines

Location: Southeastern Asia

Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3% Capital: Manila

Languages in the Philippines

Filipino (formerly Philipino) is based on Tagalog and is the official language of the Philippines. In spite of being the national language, only about 55 percent of Filipinos speak the language. English is generally used for educational, governmental and commercial purposes and is widely understood since it is the medium of instruction in schools. The Philippines are the third largest group of English speaking people in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom.

Filipino Society & Culture

Dance Food

Traditional Events

Filipino Family Values The family is the centre of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends. It is common for members of the same family to work for the same company.

In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that preferential hiring will be given to family members.

Filipino Concept of Shame Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour. Filipinos believe they must live up to the accepted standards of behaviour and if they fail to do so they bring shame not only upon themselves, but also upon their family.

If someone is publicly embarrassed, criticized, or does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.

Gift Giving Etiquette If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner bring sweets or flowers to the hosts. If you give flowers, avoid white lilies. You may send a fruit basket after the event as a thank you but not before or at the event, as it could be interpreted as you do not think that the host will provide sufficient hospitality. Wrap gifts elegantly as presentation is important. There are no colour restrictions as to wrapping paper. Gifts are not opened when received.

Business Etiquette & Protocol

Relationships & Communication Filipinos thrive on interpersonal relationships, so it is advisable to be introduced by a third party.
Business relationships are personal relationships, which mean you may be asked to do favours for colleagues, and they will fully expect you to ask them for favours in return. Once a relationship has been developed it is with you personally, not necessarily with the company you represent.

Dress Etiquette Business attire is conservative. Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit, at least for the initial meeting. Women should wear a conservative suit, a skirt and shirt, or a dress.

Culture of Oman
LOCATION: Africa & The Middle East OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects MAJOR RELIGION(S): Muslim 75%, other 25%

Greeting manner
Man greeting Man - Men greet one another using the phrase Assalaa, aleikum (it means peace be upon you). The appropriate response is Wa'aleikum as-salamma ( which means and on peace be you). This is accompanied by a light handshake and sometime a kiss on the nose or both cheeks. Placing your right hand on your heart or chest after shaking hands is a show of great respect to the person you are greeting. Handshakes may linger a bit.

Woman greeting Woman - Women greet each other in a similar manner to men. Handshakes and kisses on both cheeks are the most common.
Man greeting Woman - There is little to no touching between men and women during greetings in public. Women may extend a sleeve-covered wrist or hand to be shaken. Always wait for the woman to initiate, if at all.

Views of time While punctuality is appreciated, relationships tend to take precedence over tight schedules. Prayer times occur five times a day. During these times everything stops so it's best to plan schedules around them. Prayer times 4:30 am, noon, between 2:00 and 4:00 pm, sunset, and an hour after sunset. Gender issues Oman is still very much a male-dominated society. Mixed gender activities always take place with other people present. It is best for women to keep their arms, legs, and heads covered and avoid tight fitting revealing clothing. Avoid direct eye contact with men. A simple smile can be severely misinterpreted.

Law and Order

Alcohol and pornography are not allowed to be brought into Oman, but non-Muslims are allowed to bring in small quantities of alcohol. The legal drinking age is 21. The legal smoking age to purchase tobacco is 18 but is not heavily enforced. Penalties for possession, trafficking, or use of illegal drugs are serious. Offenders can expect jail sentences and/or heavy fines. Death sentences are also possible. It is illegal to use aggressive, obscene or abusive language or gestures in public. Penalties can range from deportation or fines to imprisonment.

Folk Songs and Dances

Each region of Oman has its own songs and dances unique to the area.

Men dress code

Women dress code

THANK YOU