Doing Business in the Philippines

Doing business in the Philippines means working with a multicultural, ethnically diverse population and a vibrant commercial environment. You may find it smooth sailing in some respects and bumpy in others, especially when you tackle local regulations and cultural nuances.

The Philippines is one of the biggest Southeast Asian markets. Its strategic location opens doors to broader Asian opportunities. Many multinational companies have established bases here, which confirms the country’s reputation as a potential gateway for global investors.

Fast facts

Business language

English remains the go-to language for business communication. Tagalog also plays a key role in bridging cultural gaps and making deeper connections. The country has over a hundred local languages, so localisation can bring you closer to local clients and colleagues.

Business hours

Business hours are typically from 8am to 5pm, with a one-hour lunch break, while most offices are closed on weekends. Government offices in Metro Manila shifted official hours from 8am–5pm to 7am–4pm in 2024 to ease traffic and improve productivity. Private companies often keep the classic eight-hour workday and can set their own schedules, provided they follow labour regulations.

Business dress

Formal attire is still the norm in many corporate settings. Suits, ties and dresses are common, but men often wear the traditional barong tagalog. Lighter, short-sleeved polo barongs and breathable fabrics are popular in warmer months. Comfort and a neat appearance strike the perfect balance for daily office life.

Greeting

Handshakes and warm smiles set a friendly tone in formal meetings. It is polite to greet the most senior person first and use appropriate titles until you reach a comfortable level of familiarity.

Gifts

Gift-giving is a common practice in the Philippines and often celebrates new deals or partnerships. Neutral gifts such as flowers, sweets, or premium stationery show thoughtfulness without creating pressure to reciprocate. Extravagant items can be awkward for recipients. Present or accept gifts with both hands or at least your right hand, and it is polite to open them in front of the giver.

Gender equality

Many Filipina professionals hold senior leadership roles. Recent data suggests close to half of top-level positions are occupied by women, although income figures remain at about 70 percent of men’s earnings. Expat businesswomen in the Philippines may not notice significant differences in treatment, but it pays to stay mindful of local workplace dynamics.

Business culture in the Philippines

Business culture in the Philippines is a mix of East and West. The country sits in Southeast Asia yet showcases strong European and American ties, shaping everyday social interactions in the workplace. Western practices are widespread, although age-old Eastern traditions remain influential.

Business relationships

Many companies in the Philippines are family-owned, and it’s common to find a handful of relatives working together. You’ll see that family ties often blur professional lines, meaning personal loyalty can carry a lot of weight. Building solid rapport with your Filipino counterparts pays real dividends, as trust and goodwill underpin most business dealings.

Younger workers interested in modern practices are slowly reshaping these relationships, favouring a more egalitarian feel. Traditional values hold firm in many organisations, so it’s wise to adapt and respect local norms while you connect with colleagues across all generations.

Hierarchy

Hierarchy in the Philippines relies heavily on respect for senior leaders, with final decisions typically resting on the most senior executive’s shoulders. It’s normal to address superiors using titles like “Sir” or “Ma’am.” Group consensus can still influence key choices, but higher-ups usually set the course. Earning the trust of senior figures and acknowledging their authority can smooth your path in more formal settings.

Communication

Communication in the Philippines is famously warm and hospitable. Polite chit-chat is the norm, and it’s best to avoid overly blunt questions. Face-to-face meetings remain the gold standard, especially when forging partnerships or sealing contracts.

Digital communication is increasingly important, with email, messaging apps and video calls growing in popularity. Many businesspeople still prefer in-person discussions for building rapport and spotting nuanced body language. Watch for indirect cues: a ‘yes’ might simply convey politeness rather than confirmed agreement.

Saving face

Saving face in the Philippines rests on ensuring no one feels humiliated or cornered. Public criticism can strain relationships, so you’ll want to handle conflicts quietly and discreetly. Direct confrontation is uncommon, although younger professionals in multinational firms are learning to balance clarity with courtesy.

You can highlight concerns tactfully, emphasising mutual respect and cooperation. This approach preserves harmony while ensuring issues are addressed without bruising anyone’s pride.

Personal questions

Personal questions about your family, appearance or social life often surface in lighthearted chats. These enquiries can stem from genuine curiosity rather than prying. Many local professionals consider them a friendly gateway to deeper connection.

Dos and don’ts of business in the Philippines

• Do present and receive business cards with both hands and take a moment to read the card before putting it away
• Do consider printing a bilingual version of your card if you expect to work closely with local partners
• Don’t discuss sensitive topics like political controversies, past conflicts, or religion in casual conversation. Personal finances, health issues, and private family matters can also be awkward unless the other person raises them first.
• Do treat Filipino associates with respect and avoid criticising anyone in public
• Don’t be surprised if you hear personal questions. Light-hearted curiosity is common, and you can answer politely or gently steer the chat elsewhere if you’re uncomfortable.
• Do remember that Filipino business culture is personal, and investing time in social interactions helps nurture strong partnerships
• Don’t make direct, prolonged eye contact, as it can come across as confrontational, particularly when speaking with senior figures
• Don’t use gestures like wagging your finger or curling a finger to summon someone, as these signals are discourteous in local culture