Philippines

Greetings

Man greeting Man – Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. They are usually gentle and not to prolonged. Friends and acquaintances may greet and acknowledge each other with a simple raising of the eyebrows.

Woman greeting Woman- Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. Friends and acquaintances may greet and acknowledge each other with a simple raising of the eyebrows.

Man greeting Woman- Handshakes are the most common form of greeting, with the women initiating. Friends and acquaintances may greet and acknowledge each other with a simple raising of the eyebrows.

Personal Space & Touch

• Filipinos tend to prefer standing at arms lengths from one another. Two and half to three feet is normal. When meeting strangers this distance is farther.
• In public arenas like the subway, a market, etc. personal space can be quite limited and pushing is common.
• There is considerable touching between men and men, and women and women while conversing but limited between men and women.

Eye Contact

• Filipinos usually favor direct eye contact over indirect when conversing. However, staring is considered rude.

Gestures

• People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.
  
• Putting one’s feet on the furniture is considered extremely bad form.
• Filipinos will point by puckering their lips in the direction or person they are referring to. They may also shift their eyes to do the same thing.
• It is common to see men and men and women and women holding hands in public. This is usually a sign of friendship.
• Standing with hands on one’s hips indicates anger or displeasure.

Views of Time

• Filipinos tend to view time in a more flexible sense. They put more emphasis on people, relationships, and completion of transactions rather than set schedules.
• While the bus, train, and plane schedules may be adhered to for the most part, showing up late to a party or social function is quite common.

Gender Roles

• The is a matriarchal society. Women hold a high place in politics, business and the home.
• Women share both social and political rights with men.

Taboos

• Avoid pointing or wagging a finger at people. Same goes with curling a finger to summon someone.
• Loud voices, public drunkenness and rude behavior are major no-no’s.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age and smoking age in the is 18 and is not heavily enforced.
• The legal smoking age in the is 18 and is somewhat enforced.
• Possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and result in mandatory imprisonment.

Dress

• Dress is mostly formal and conservative for both men and women,

• For men: conservative, dark colored suits with shirts and ties.
• For women: well- tailored conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are appropriate. Tasteful lighter colors are appropriate but avoid tight fitting and sleeveless attire.
• Jeans and business casual attire are not recommended for a first meeting.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are very important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• Present and receive business card with two hands.
• Look at business cards you receive with interest by examining them carefully. It’s best to place them in a holder and be sure to never write on or fold a business card you are given.

Meetings

• It’s best to arrive on time for a meeting even though you may be kept waiting.
• Beginning with small talk helps establish a base for the relationship, after which discussion of business matters can begin. It is best to allow your host to begin the business discussion.
• Saving face is important so avoid any strong confrontational behavior. It is also best to accept any offer of food or drink.

Negotiations

• Filipinos value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount..
• The group consensus plays a big role in decision making, although the final decisions is usually reserved for the top level executives.
• Filipinos tend to value an indirect communication style and will avoid using no in answering questions even if they really mean it.

Gift Giving

• Simple gifts such as a product with one’s company logo on it are acceptable at a first meeting.
• If invited to a Filipino house, it is appropriate to bring flowers, candy, and/or chocolates. Avoid bringing fruit, wine, or spirits.
• Gifts are not to be opened when they are received.
• It is customary to give gifts of food that requires some preparation, such as pansit or lumpia. Cooked rice by itself is not appropriate.

In the Classroom

• Dress at most schools is casual to upscale casual. Students usually wear shirts, sweaters, slacks or jeans most of the time.
• Most university grades are given on a 0-4 scale with 4 being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a 1.
• Most classes run from early June to late March with a summer vacation in April and May.