Local culture in the Philippines

The unique blend of East and West has shaped the appearce and culture of the Philippines. Filipino character is a melting pot of influences that create a fascinating society. The spirit of kinship, or bayanihan, is said to have come from Malay ancestors, piousness from Spanish influence, and close-knit family relations from Chinese heritage.

Filipino society is conservative and places great importance on family values. Although geographically part of Southeast Asia, the country has strong European and American cultural ties due to its colonial history. This means that many aspects of the culture may feel familiar, and settling in can be relatively smooth. Still, you should expect to experience some level of culture shock in the Philippines.

With time and effort, you will soon come to appreciate the Filipino people’s distinct character and positive outlook on life. Filipinos are widely recognised for their hospitality and welcoming nature, particularly toward international visitors.

Language in the Philippines

Filipino and English are the two official languages of the Philippines. Based on Tagalog, Filipino is the national language, while English is the primary language of government, business, education, and media.

The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking countries in Asia. It is the primary language used in professional settings, making it easier for many expats to navigate life in the country.

Other languages play important roles in Filipino society. Spanish is no longer as widely spoken but remains culturally significant, with the Spanish-based creole Chavacano still spoken in Zamboanga and Cavite. Arabic is used among Muslim Filipinos, especially in Mindanao, while Hokkien is the most common Chinese dialect spoken by the Filipino-Chinese community.

The Philippines is home to a vast number of regional languages. Among them, Cebuano, Ilocano, and Hiligaynon are the most widely spoken. However, smaller indigenous languages, such as those spoken by Aeta and Mangyan groups, are increasingly endangered due to urbanisation and the dominance of major languages.

Communication in the Philippines

Communication in the Philippines is a mix of verbal and nonverbal cues. Filipinos frequently use their eyes, lips, and hands to express themselves. The famous ‘eyebrow flash’ (a quick raise of the eyebrows) is a common way of saying ‘yes’ or acknowledging someone. A smile, nod, or slight head tilt can also indicate agreement or friendliness.

Direct eye contact can sometimes be perceived as confrontational, particularly between men. When summoning someone, avoid beckoning with your palm upward – use a downward wave instead, as pointing or calling out loudly may be considered impolite.

Politeness is key in Filipino conversation. You should maintain a gentle tone and avoid overly direct questions, as these may come across as rude. The use of po and opo, which convey respect, remains common when speaking to elders. However, younger Filipinos in urban areas may use these honorifics less frequently in informal settings.

Dress in the Philippines

Dress codes in the Philippines vary depending on the industry, climate, and occasion. In the business world, attire remains formal in corporate and financial sectors, with men wearing dark suits and ties, while women opt for business suits or blouses with skirts or trousers.

Business attire has evolved, influenced by global trends and the rise of remote work. Many companies, especially in tech and creative industries, embrace business casual or even relaxed dress codes, allowing polo shirts, jeans, and trainers. Traditional garments like the Barong Tagalog (for men) and Filipiniana dresses (for women) are still worn for formal events and government functions but are less common in daily office wear.

Read more: Business Culture in the Philippines

Women in the Philippines

The Philippines is a matriarchal society where women play a significant role in family and community life. Women enjoy equal legal rights and are well-represented in politics and business. The country has had two female presidents – Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – and numerous female senators, mayors, and government officials.

In business, women hold high-ranking positions, and female entrepreneurship is thriving. The Philippines consistently ranks among the top countries in Asia for gender equality, particularly in education and economic participation. However, challenges remain, including wage gaps and underrepresentation in STEM fields and corporate boardrooms.

Read more about Women in Leadership in the Philippines.

Religion in the Philippines

Religion plays a central role in Filipino society, shaping traditions, laws, and daily life. Four in five Filipinos identify as Roman Catholic, a legacy of Spanish colonisation. Islam, primarily practised in Mindanao, accounts for about 6 percent of the population, and Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups are expanding, particularly among younger generations.

The impact of religion is evident in governance, with laws reflecting Catholic values – divorce remains illegal, abortion is highly restricted, and same-sex marriage is not yet recognised. Religious observances like Holy Week and Simbang Gabi influence business operations, as many establishments pause for these events. Politicians frequently cite religious beliefs in policymaking, reinforcing the deep connection between faith and governance in the Philippines.

While religion remains deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, shifts are occurring. A growing number of Filipinos identify as agnostic, atheist, or spiritual but not religious, particularly in urban areas where globalisation and changing social values have influenced perspectives.

Social customs in the Philippines

Filipinos place high importance on maintaining social harmony and avoiding embarrassment, also called ‘saving face’ (hiya). This value influences communication styles, workplace interactions, and social etiquette. Instead of outright refusing a request, many Filipinos use polite phrases like ‘Maybe’ or indirect responses to avoid confrontation.

The influence of globalisation has brought changes to modern Filipino society. Younger generations are more direct in communication, particularly online, and traditional gender roles are evolving as more women enter professional careers. Despite this, respect for elders remains fundamental, with honorifics like po and opo still widely used, although informal speech is becoming more common among younger Filipinos.

LGBTQ+ in the Philippines

The Philippines is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Asia, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, particularly in Manila, Cebu, and other major cities. Despite this, legal protections remain limited. While some local governments have enacted anti-discrimination ordinances, national laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights are still pending, and same-sex marriage is not yet legal.

Social acceptance varies by region. Urban areas, where LGBTQ+ figures are prominent in entertainment, media, and fashion, tend to be more accepting. In contrast, rural areas with stronger religious influences may hold more conservative views. Family acceptance plays a crucial role in an LGBTQ+ individual’s experience, as familial support often outweighs broader community attitudes.

Read more about Being LGBTQ+ in the Philippines.

Dining in the Philippines

Food is at the heart of Filipino culture, and meals are a time for family, friends, and celebration. You will likely be invited to share meals during your time in the Philippines, whether at a casual gathering or a formal banquet. Filipino cuisine reflects a blend of Spanish, Chinese, and indigenous influences, with a focus on bold flavours and communal dining.

Traditional kamayan dining – eating with your hands – is still practised, especially in rural areas and during special occasions like boodle fights, where food is laid out on banana leaves for a shared meal. While this method remains popular, most urban settings and formal restaurants use utensils.

When dining with Filipinos, expect a warm and hospitable atmosphere. If you are offered food in a Filipino home, it is best to accept, as declining may be seen as an insult. Meals are often served family-style, with dishes placed in the centre for everyone to share, although individual servings are also common in restaurants.

General etiquette tips for the Philippines

• Using utensils: While eating with your hands is acceptable in informal settings, use utensils in formal restaurants unless dining kamayan-style.
• Elbows on the table: Once considered impolite, this rule is now largely overlooked in casual settings but still respected in traditional households.
• Waiting for others: At family gatherings, it is customary to wait for the eldest or host to begin eating before you start.
• Head of the table: In formal settings, the cabizera (head of the table) is typically reserved for the host or elder, although modern households are more flexible with seating.
• Splitting the bill: Among younger generations, KKB (‘Kanya-Kanyang Bayad’, meaning ‘each pays their own’) is more common, whereas traditionally, the eldest or wealthiest person was expected to cover the bill.
• Gifting culture: Bringing a small gift (pasalubong) when visiting someone’s home is appreciated. Digital gifts, such as food delivery vouchers, are also becoming popular.
• Respect for elders: Addressing elders with po and opo and serving them food first is a sign of respect.