The Philippines is a bilingual country with English spoken and understood widely, particularly in the business sector. However it pays to talk slowly.
Filipinos, particularly Filipino businessmen and senior executives in large private companies, speak with a discernable American accent.
Almost all street signs, labels, signage and the majority of the local newspapers are in English.
Cultural issues to be aware of include:
- Hiya is shame and is a motivating factor behind behaviour. It is a sense of social propriety and conforming to societal norms of 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.
- One 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, criticised, or does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and lose self-esteem.
- Filipinos are well known for their hospitality.
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.
The use of business cards is a must. There are no special ways of handing over cards unlike some other Asian countries.
If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner bring sweets or flowers to the hosts. If you give flowers, avoid chrysanthemums and 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 meaning you do not think that the host will provide sufficient hospitality.
Other tips for gifts include:
- Wrap gifts elegantly as presentation is important. There are no colour restrictions for wrapping paper.
- Gifts are generally not opened when received.
- Christmas is regarded as a “gift giving” season particularly for contacts that have helped you in the past (or in the future). Gifts of wine and food products and tokens such as pens, notepads, and umbrellas with the company’s logos are usually given by large companies to their important contacts.
(Additional source – kwintessential.com)
