Philippines🕣
Island country in Southeast Asia. Official name – the Republic of the Philippines. Population – 112.2 million people (as of 2020). Capital – Manila. Official languages – Filipino (Tagalog) and English. Government type – unitary presidential republic. Main religion – Catholicism.
Philippines
Greeting
The customary form of greeting is a light handshake accompanied by a smile.
If a woman is present at a business meeting, a greeting man should wait for her to extend her hand first. A woman is more likely to simply nod her head (a slight bow) or wave in greeting rather than offer a handshake.
Filipino women usually exchange cheek kisses when greeting each other (once on each side).
Close friends and relatives greet each other with handshakes accompanied by pats on the back. Women hug each other and exchange kisses.
The traditional greeting in this country is “Kumusta kayo” (How are you? – in Tagalog).
Introduction
Due to its historical development and geographical location, this island nation is home to many different nationalities and ethnic groups. The largest group comprises Christian peoples from the northern and central islands, whose cultural traditions show Spanish and American influences.
Many Filipinos have Spanish names without having Spanish ancestry. This is due to a law enacted in 18...
Exchange of Business Cards
Exchanging business cards in Filipino society is quite common in both business and social settings. It is best to always carry an ample supply of business cards with you.
During official meetings, business cards may be exchanged either at the beginning or at the end of the meeting.
The text on a business card can be in English, which, along with Filipino, is one of the country’s...
Small Talk: Overview
At the beginning of a business meeting, be prepared for light small talk in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It’s important for your Filipino partner to form an impression of the person they might be working with. Conversations on non-business topics provide that opportunity and serve as the starting point for building personal relationships.
During communication, it’s best to maintain a...
Preferred Topics
Family and family-related events.
Mutual acquaintances and business contacts.
Local tourist attractions.
General economic issues related to business practices....
Taboo Topics
Political issues, especially those that directly affect the Philippines.
Social and economic living conditions in the country.
Discussions about foreign aid may provoke a sensitive reaction.
Various religious topics.
It’s best to avoid discussing corruption in Filipino society.
Any topic that could lead to a loss of “face” for your conv...
Personal Space
The comfortable distance for personal interaction in Filipino society is smaller than in many other cultures (such as those in Central and Northern Europe). During conversations, people tend to stand fairly close to one another, which may feel unfamiliar to foreign visitors.
Try not to increase the distance between you and your Filipino partner during a conversation — for example, by st...
Communication Specifics
In Filipino culture, the concept of “face” — along with “losing face” and “saving face” — is very important. It refers to a person's reputation, public image, and the impression they make on others. A person may "lose face" even by simply being forced to respond to an overly blunt or direct statement.
Filipino society is considered “high-context”. Thi...
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