Philippine Culture:

DOs and DON'Ts

Don't be surprised to see kids and adults alike waving as you make your way through the welcoming streets of the Philippines - it's really in the nature of the Filipinos to extend their warmth to any guest of their country. This hospitality or generosity towards visitors is the Filipino's most endearing trait making the Philippines one of the most tourist-friendly countries in the world. !ike any other country the Philippines has its own uni"ue culture traditions and eti"uette. #nowing and practicing these customs lets you become more familiar with the Filipino mindset and values. $ith these guidelines you can make your visit all the more en%oyable and memorable.

General Filipino Etiquette

Do take the time to smile. Filipinos like to say hi and they appreciate it when visitors reciprocate. &andshakes 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. (lthough the Philippines is a walkable country not all places would welcome you in your flip-flops and shorts. )hurches government institutions and some restaurants re"uire proper attire. *esides if you come well dressed Filipinos will admire you and it's always fun to dress up+ Don't forget to laugh. !aughter is used very fre"uently in the Philippines, to break tension to relieve moments of awkwardness and to put people at ease. -n the rare occasion that laughter is at someone's expense it is usually done good-naturedly. ( good sense of humor is definitely an asset in the Philippines. Don't lose your temper. .t'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. Do recognize that Filipinos tend to be indirect. /ven if they mean to refuse they will avoid actually using the word '0o' 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. 1aying 'sorry' and 'excuse me' is appreciated. .n Philippine culture the elderly are given particular respect. 2sing the proper words 3such as the polite "po" and "opo" when speaking to elders4 is a sure way of endearing yourself to Filipinos. (lthough tipping is not institutionali5ed 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. .f you

happen to show up during meal time an extra chair will made available to you. .n short do eat when you're offered food. Don't offend your hosts by refusing outright Do be sensitive to household customs .f 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 !usiness Do use honorifics such as "ister or "iss 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 #eep in mind that time is viewed flexibly in the $hilippines 6 many Filipinos place less of an emphasis on strict adherence to schedules. Do present and receive business cards using both hands 2pon reception examine them with interest. Do wear appropriate clothing for business% especially during initial meetings. Denim %eans or business casual attire are not recommended.

&hile Traveling 7ake 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 %ewelry electronic items and other valuables may attract the attention of criminals. Don't give alms to the poor on the road 7endicancy and alms-giving are offenses in the Philippines. .f you wish to exercise your charity there are many private and government institutions that will gladly accept your donations. -n 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 .t's best to be vigilant and to rely on common sense wherever you may be. Do use the thumbs'up sign for (O)*( The other common version using the thumb and index finger means 'money' in the Philippines. Don't bec#on or point with your index finger when calling someone )alling someone by name using 'sir' or 'miss' or beckoning with your palm held downwards is preferred.

Philippines - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam apital: Manila !opulation: 86,24 ,6!" #$ul% 2&&4 est'( "thnic #ake$up: Christian 7alay ! ')*, Muslim Mala% 4*, )hinese ')*, other +* Languages in the !hilippines ,ilipino #formerl% Pilipino( is based on -agalog and is the official language of the Philippines' .n spite of being the national language, onl% about )) percent of ,ilipinos spea/ the language' .n addition to ,ilipino are about distinct indigenous languages and dialects, of which onl% about & are important regionall%' 0nglish is generall% used for educational, go1ernmental and commercial purposes and is widel% understood since it is the medium of instruction in schools' -he Philippines are the third largest group of 0nglish spea/ing people in the world, after the 2nited States and the 2nited 3ingdom' Since 0nglish is widel% spo/en in the Philippines, it is common to hear ,ilipinos use a mi4ture 0nglish and ,ilipino words or phrases, /nown as 5-aglish5 #a mi4ture of 0nglish and -agalog(, in their e1er%da% con1ersations' A steadil% dwindling minorit% still spea/ 1panish, which had at one time been an official language'

Filipino Society & Culture

Filipino Family %alues

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. People get strength and stability from their family. As such, many children have several godparents. Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage provided to family members when they seek employment. 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 oncept of Shame

Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour. It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal norms of behaviour. ilipinos 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. !ne indication of this might be a willingness to spend more than they can afford on a party rather than be shamed by their economic circumstances. If someone is publicly embarrassed, critici"ed, or does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self#esteem.

Etiquette & Customs

#eeting "ti&uette

Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first. A handshake, with a welcoming smile, is the standard greeting. Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet. $se academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person%s surname until you are invited to use their first name, or even more fre&uently, their nickname. 'ift 'iving "ti&uette

If you are invited to a ilipino home for dinner bring sweets or flowers to the hosts. If you give flowers, avoid chrysanthemums and white lilies. 'ou 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 meaning you do not think that the host will provide sufficient hospitality. (rap gifts elegantly as presentation is important. There are no colour restrictions as to wrapping paper. )ifts are not opened when received. Dining "ti&uette .f you are invited to a Filipino's house,

It is best to arrive *+ to ,- minutes later than invited for a large party. .ever refer to your host%s wife as the hostess. This has a different meaning in the Philippines. /ress well. Appearances matter and you will be 0udged on how you dress. Compliment the hostess on the house. 1end a handwritten thank you note to the hosts in the week following the dinner or party. It shows you have class. (able manners

(ait to be asked several times before moving into the dining room or helping yourself to food. (ait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan. /o not start eating until the host invites you to do so.

2eals are often served family# style or are buffets where you serve yourself. A fork and spoon are the typical eating utensils. 3old the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to the spoon in your right hand. (hether you should leave some food on your plate or finish everything is a matter of personal preference rather than culture#driven.

Business Etiquette & Protocol

)elationships * ommunication

ilipinos thrive on interpersonal relationships, so it is advisable to be introduced by a third party. It is crucial to network and build up a cadre of business associates you can call upon for assistance in the future. 4usiness 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. !nce a relationship has been developed it is with you personally, not necessarily with the company you represent. Therefore, if you leave the company, your replacement will need to build their own relationship. Presenting the proper image will facilitate building business relationships. /ress conservatively and well at all times. +usiness #eeting "ti&uette

Appointments are re&uired and should be made , to 5 weeks in advance. It is a good idea to reconfirm a few days prior to the meeting, as situations may change. Avoid scheduling meetings the week before 6aster. Punctuality is expected. or the most part your ilipino colleagues will be punctual as well. ace#to#face meetings are preferred to other, more impersonal methods such as the telephone, fax, letter or email. 1end an agenda and informational materials in advance of the meeting so your colleagues may prepare for the discussion. The actual decision maker may not be at the meeting. Avoid making exaggerated claims. Always accept any offer of food or drink. If you turn down offers of hospitality, your colleagues lose face. It is important to remain for the period of social conversation at the end of the meeting. +usiness ,egotiation

'ou may never actually meet with the decision maker or it may take several visits to do so. /ecisions are made at the top of the company. ilipinos avoid confrontation if at all possible. It is difficult for them to say %no%. 7ikewise, their %yes% may merely mean %perhaps%. At each stage of the negotiation, try to get agreements in writing to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. If you raise your voice or lose your temper, you lose face. ilipinos do business with people more than companies. If you change representatives during negotiations, you may have to start over. . .egotiations may be relatively slow. 2ost processes take a long time because group consensus is necessary. /ecisions are often reached on the basis of feelings rather than facts, which is why it is imperative to develop a broad network of personal relationships. /o not remove your suit 0acket unless the most important ilipino does.

Business Etiquette in the Philippines

Always send a thank-you note following a hosted meal.

.f you come from a culture where you're accustomed to conducting most of your important business by phone or email and making decisions on the spot you'll need to apply the brakes if negotiations take you to the Philippines. /xperts in Filipino culture such as 7aida Pineda and Paul 8odell advise that business transactions -- as well as interpersonal relationships -- move at a pace that is both formal and leisurely. Filipinos place a high value on trust and ascribe to the belief that good things come to those who practice patience.

+usiness #eetings
.f you're scheduling a meeting with associates in the Philippines it's not uncommon to make arrangements as far as a month ahead of time. (s a professional courtesy always confirm the date by phone a few days prior and provide advance copies of whatever materials are necessary to clarify and enhance the ob%ectives of the meeting. (ccording to (siatype .nc.'s 'Doing *usiness in the Philippines 9::; ' even if your company has had a longstanding relationship with a Filipino business you'll be treated like a newcomer if it's the first time they've met you in person. This occurs for instance if you're replacing someone or have %ust been hired. Punctuality is paramount in getting meetings underway even though actual negotiations may move at a snail's pace.

-ntroductions
.f you're the visitor it's customary to offer your business card first. *e aware however that you may not get one in return if your rank isn't comparable to or higher than your Filipino recipient. (s with other (sian cultures business cards are presented face up with both hands. $hen you receive a card take a thoughtful moment to study it before pocketing it. (lways greet the oldest or highest-

ranking person at the meeting first. Firm handshakes are standard protocol in the Filipino community and individuals are addressed by their titles and surnames until such time as familiarity has been established.

onversations
The strong emphasis in the Filipino culture on fostering warm relationships with others often leads them to be overly in"uisitive when it comes to conversations with strangers. (s travel experts (lfredo and <race 8oces point out in their book ')ulture 1hock+ Philippines, ( 1urvival <uide to )ustoms and /ti"uette ' your Filipino colleagues and new ac"uaintances aren't being aggressively nosy when they ask you about your family history your marital status or the names of your children and how they're doing in school. They're simply in"uiring about the same things that occupy the center of their own universe. (s Paul 8odell discusses in his book ')ulture and )ustoms of the Philippines ' Filipinos are "uite well versed on (merican pop culture and it's not unusual for business meetings to end with => to 9: minutes of social chatter about what's new. '!osing face' is shameful in Filipino society6 accordingly they don't like to show anger raise their voices engage in debates or get pushed to make hasty decisions.

"ating
!ight refreshments are often served at business meetings6 never offend your host by declining even if you've %ust had a big breakfast or lunch before you arrived. .n restaurants as well as private homes always follow the lead of your host and wait to be instructed where to sit and -- if it's a buffet -- when to start helping yourself to the food. $hile many (sian cultures believe that leaving a small portion of food on your plate at the end of the meal is a show of respect Filipinos really don't mind if you show your appreciation by finishing every last bite. (lways follow up with a written thank-you for being invited.

'ifts
.f you're going to give a gift to a Filipino colleague keep in mind that a lot of weight is given to how beautifully it is packaged. This is a direct reflection of the amount of thought and time you have put into the gesture. .n other words don't %ust stick your present in a paper bag and say '&ere.' *ecause there are no color prohibitions in terms of wrapping papers and ribbons the more festive the better. ?ust don't be disappointed when your gift isn't unwrapped until after you've left. -utside the family circle Filipinos consider gift-giving a private affair and don't want to hurt the feelings of those present who aren't getting anything. <ifts such as books small electronics and items uni"ue to your own country are appropriate business gifts. .f you're invited to a colleague's home flowers 3with the exception of lilies and chrysanthemums4 are always appreciated. (s far as edible gifts stick to candy. To bring anything other than that will be construed as an insult that you think the household is poor.

Filipino Customs: 7 Top Filipino

uir!s

!earn (bout $hat 7akes Filipinos 2ni"ue and $hat !inks Them *ack to Their Philippine )ulture and &eritage
Although most of my life was spent in the U.S.A., my parents & elders made sure that I remembered my Filipino Heritage. Because I was surrounded by my Filipino parents and relati es, I could not escape being a witness to the Filipino customs and !uir"s that ma"e us uni!ue. Below are a few uni!ue customs seen in most Filipino interactions depending on how #traditional# the Filipinos are that you encounter. 1. "Mano po" $%ano po$ &pronounced mah'noh poh( refers to a physical gesture of ta"ing the hand of an elder and bringing it towards your forehead. )his is a sign of respect for the elder and is usually done at the point of greeting or farewell. *hildren are e+pected to perform this gesture towards adult relati es & adult family friends. Failure to perform $mano po$ would be considered as disrespectful. 2. "Kuya" or "Ate" )he Filipino culture is ery big on respect. )he older an indi idual is, the more they call for respect. )he term #"uya# &pronounced "oo'yah( refers to an older male person, it means #big brother.# Its erbal usage indicates that you respect the older male and recogni-e the difference in age. )he feminine form is #ate# &pronounced ah'teh( which is directed towards an older female person, it means #big sister.# *hildren are encouraged to use these terms with their older siblings. Adults can use these terms to address friends or co'wor"ers regardless of whether or not they are truly related. It simply demonstrates a form of respect for the older indi idual. 3. The power of the eyebrows. In American culture, the eyebrows usually con eys emotion ia a ariety of facial e+pressions. In Filipino culture, raising your eyebrows can also communicate a positi e affirmation of $yes$ when a yes.no !uestion has been as"ed. So, should a Filipino fail to erbally answer your !uestion, loo" at their eyebrows before feeling li"e you were being ignored. In reality, they may /ust be answering you non' erbally through the raising of their eyebrows. 0aising your eyebrows accompanied with strong eye contact can also ser e as a greeting or farewell to an indi idual you can not physically touch.

4. The lips give direction. Again, a non' erbal e+pression performed by Filipinos. By puc"ering their lips and facing a certain direction, they are using their lips to point to communicate a certain direction. Instead of wasting physical energy by lifting their arm.hand to point, they conser e energy by using their puc"ered lips. . !ood at every gathering. 1hether it be a grand party or /ust an informal meeting, Filipinos e+press their hospitality & friendship through the ser ing of food. )he more grandiose the cuisine, the more #lo e# they are trying to con ey to those at the gathering. Instead of as"ing, #how are you2# Filipinos will as", $ha e you eaten yet2# ". Ta#e your shoes off when entering a !ilipino ho$e. By ta"ing your shoes off when entering a Filipino home, you are con eying utmost respect towards the owners of the property. 3ou are showing them that you care about their property and ha e the desire to maintain its cleanliness. %ore modern Filipinos who ha e tile or wood floors may not e+pect you to ta"e your shoes off because of the coldness of the floor, howe er, if you do adhere this custom, then you will surely ma"e a fa orable impression. %. &ellos and 'oodbyes cannot be ta#en for granted. 3ou must greet e eryone $hello$ at e ery meeting and say $good'bye$ at each farewell. For anyone present, you can either offer a #mano po,# a "iss on the chee", or offer eye contact coupled with raising your eyebrows to those you are unable to physically reach or those you do not "now ery well. Failure to offer a greeting or farewell would indicate that you are disrespectful, and a snob. So, be attenti e to those present as you do not want to offend anyone. Filipinos communicate less erbally than their American counter'parts and it is clearly demonstrated in the Filipino !uir"s discussed here. )he minimal erbiage in Filipino *ulture could be best e+plained through a silent adherence to the common e+pression4 $actions spea" louder than words.$