Cultural Information on Conversation.

Filipinos are a very hospitable and friendly people. They always smile no matter how they feel. If meeting someone for the first time, it
would be good to smile at the person before you even start a conversation.

Filipino, which is largely-based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely spoken by most Filipinos. The medium of
instruction in most school is English. Media is mostly in Tagalog and English so it is not surprising that most Filipinos can speak
English. It is easy for Filipinos to strike a conversation with any one even if they tend to be shy.

Filipinos have close family ties and always love to talk about their extended family, especially about their children. So a good
conversation piece is asking about their family – which region or province they come from, whether they have children, their ages and
what grade in school they are in. It is also acceptable to ask about what work they do or where they work. Since Filipinos do not mind
talking about personal aspects of their life, do not be surprised to be asked very personal questions such as your marital status and
your age.

Display of Emotion / Communication Styles

Filipinos are fond of non-verbal communications. They use hand gestures, pursing of lips, raising of eyebrows and their eyes to
communicate. They are less dependent on spoken words. They have a sharp intuitive sense (called “pakiramdam”) for what is
implied and not stated. Even their smile has various meanings. A smile is not always meant to convey happiness but can mask
embarrassment, nervousness of feelings of insecurity. If they do not want to respond to a question, they may just smile.

A respectful way of addressing an elder (someone older or one with a high and respected position in society) is to say “po” (formal)
or “ho” (informal) at the end of the sentence. Parents and other elders are never addressed on a first name basis.

When responding to a request or a favour, Filipinos generally struggle with saying “no” for fear of hurting other people’s
feelings. Instead they may convey the diplomatic response of “maybe” even if they actually mean “no”.

Handshake is acceptable for both male and female except for Muslim women. So do not be offended if Muslim women do not accept
your handshake. They may just smile or vow their head as an acknowledgement.

Most Filipinos have nicknames, which they use in the work-place but it is advisable to refer to them more formally with their office
title, such as Director, Attorney, and others.

In the work place, a lot of acronyms are used, so familiarity with acronyms will also be useful. Filipinos have a unique sense of
humour. They are able to laugh or make jokes, in good or bad times. They can even laugh at their own mistakes.

The use of cell phone is the number one means of communication in the Philippines. It is not uncommon to see someone texting
while in meetings. You can require that cell phones be turned off during meetings (just like in the churches).
Dress , Punctuality , and Formality

In office settings, punctuality and timeliness are practiced. However, in social informal gatherings, Filipinos, generally have a
tendency to not be on time (called “Filipino time”).

Filipinos, generally, may have difficulty saying “No” to work assignments so it is good to assess first the person’s capability so as not
experience late submission or not at all. It is important to crosscheck status of projects or activities way before the deadline to clarify
expectations and progress along the line. This can be best achieved through informal chats over lunch from time to time. Overtime
work is generally a normal occurrence and Filipinos are used to rendering overtime in order to meet a work deadline.

Daily wear in the business work place is relatively informal (short sleeves and smart casual wear). Most offices take the lead from
senior officer in charge or office supervisors. Ladies tend to be well dressed but formal business suits are not required. However, in
meetings, slightly more formal attire is appropriate. At very formal gatherings such as cultural, business, and other formal public
events, long sleeve barong Tagalog (Filipino suit) or formal suit may be appropriate.

With regards of formality, Filipinos like to greet and address people by “Sir” or “Mam”. However, colleagues are often addressed by
first name.

Preferred Managerial Qualities

Qualities highly regarded in local superiors/managers are their educational attainment, expertise in their field, ability to inspire and
guide the staff, great communication skills and care for the staff’s well-being.

Filipinos value their work so they are generally cautious and not risk-takers. The staff looks up to the superior not only to provide
guidance but also to be cognizant of the staff’s loyalty and work contribution/achievements. Filipino managers like to be the “boss”
so they are expected to provide direction.

Generally, Filipino subordinates will not volunteer information on how they view the supervisor unless directly informed that the
supervisor is open to suggestions. Opinions and comments will mostly be positive, as Filipinos are generally not comfortable in
giving critical feedback for fear of hurting a person’s emotions.

Level of education is highly regarded, and degrees from foreign universities are particularly respected. Experience in one’s field is
also important, though at times “age” and “seniority” is often equated with experience, rather than performance and demonstrated
success.

An ability to coach and provide feedback without being critical is also appreciated, helping staff to build capacity in a way that is
engaging and empowering.

If you are working outside of the main cities, team members may have travelled from different parts of the country to live and work
where your operation is located. This means that they are often living away from family and friends and strive to forge strong bonds
with their work mates who become their family away from home. There is a tendency to work long hours and have little separation
from the work environment and so it is especially important as a manager to understand these dynamics and foster a supportive
work place.
Hierarchy and Decision – Making

There is an expectation that one would respect the structure of hierarchy in an office setting. So supervisors expect that matters are
discussed with them first instead of with their subordinates. It is acceptable and expected that employees approach their immediate
supervisor (and not the upper management) for answers or feedback.

Filipinos put a tremendous value on consensus. They prefer decision-making within the group and to solicit advice from someone
senior (in position, social standing, or age). While discussions are held to collectively reach certain decisions, the general pattern of
decision-making is still a top-down approach.

Religion , Class, Ethnicity , and Gender

Gender: There have been significant gains in gender equality in the Philippines, with improvements in gender balance in key
decision making roles and government commitment to advancing women’s status. Men are still viewed as the “head’ of the
household, but women are often also income earners along with managers of the household affairs. However, there is still work to
be done to achieve true gender equality, and it is particularly challenging to address among families with limited resources who
tend to prioritize opportunities for their sons over their daughters.

Class: Filipino society can be broadly categorized into three classes; the powerful and affluent elite, the small but growing middle
class, and the lower class. The elite class controls the majority of the country’s business, economic and political sectors and while
only making up around a small fraction of the population, they control the majority of the country’s wealth. The poor and lower
income classes make up over a half of the households of the Philippines but account for less than a quarter of the wealth.

Religion: The Philippines is a deeply religious country, with a large majority of the population being Roman Catholic. There are a
number of other Christian groups along Hindus, Buddhists and non-religious groups. The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) is the region of the Philippines with predominantly Muslim provinces and is the only region with its own government.
Religion is extremely important to Filipinos, and it permeates many aspects of both personal and work life. Prayers are common
before events, conferences and some meetings. Sunday is a day for religion and family and it is disrespectful to ask someone to
work this day.

Ethnicity: The Philippines is one of the most diverse countries in terms of ethnicity. Ethnic identity is based on a number of factors,
two of the most significant being regionality and language. While Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are the national
language, the Philippines has over 150 different languages. Locals often speak their mother tongue (depending on what region they
are from) amongst one another but will switch to Filipino or English depending on who is present. It is also common to hear mixing
both English and Filipino.
 Relationship – Building

Building personal relationship is very important to Filipinos. Trust is key in establishing work or business relationships. A sincere
interest in the person’s family life can help establish a good relationship.

Spending time with colleagues during coffee break and lunch times is a good opportunity to get to know more about the staff. Not
only will the staff be at ease and relaxed in such an informal situation but Filipinos generally enjoy eating and taking snacks.

Filipinos like to be addressed formally with their titles such as Attorney, Doctor, Professor, Director, etc. to convey respect for
authority, status or position.

Privileges and Favoritism

Filipinos would generally expect special privileges or considerations given their personal relationship or friendships, among other
co-Filipinos but not with non-Filipinos. This behaviour is entrenched in the many interrelated Filipino values and core beliefs. One
is the concept of “Bayanihan” (cooperation). Another is “Pakikisama” (one with the group) where Filipinos need to maintain a
smooth interpersonal relationship with one another, even when others are wrong. There is also “Utang na Loob” (a deep sense of
gratitude) to show appreciation or return a favour to someone. The “Padrino” (godfather) system uses a person of influence or
position to get things done faster.

These Filipino values and beliefs are not expected from non-Filipinos. What is important in the work place is to be firm and
transparent about expectations, operational procedures and standards.

Conflicts in the Workplace

Filipinos prefer to avoid confrontation. They also have difficulty rejecting or disagreeing, especially when conversing with someone
considered superior.

Filipinos prefer to “save face (self-pride) than to feel “shame (hiya)”. When they feel that the truth will offend or embarrass
someone, they will respond in an indirect way (not to deceive but just to avoid confrontation).

One-on-one discussion (not confrontation) and constructive feedback in private would be a better way of dealing with work-related
issues. Avoid using the word “problem” as the staff might take it personally. Use positive words like “strategies for better work
implementation”.
WHERE TO VISIT

In Manila – the historic walled city of Intramuros is the main draw for visitors and was the original city of Manila. While distances
may seem close on the map, heavy traffic can make what looks like a 10 minute drives a two-hour excursion. A visit to the walled
city of Intramuros in Manila provides a glimpse of the Old Spanish history. It features the Manila Cathedral with detailed stone
carvings and stained glass mosaics; Fort Santiago, an old fortress built by the Spaniards which is the site of torture chambers and
dungeons; and San Agustin Church, a favorite wedding spot.

There are festivals known as “fiestas” following a tradition dating back to the Spanish colonial period when the community always
had a patron saints. The famous festivals includes the following:

1. Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan

2. Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City
3. Sinulog in Cebu City

Holy Week in the Philippines is a significant religious observance for the Roman Catholic majority and most Protestant groups.

A great food experiences in Manila was visiting Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City which is an open air fish market
where you can wander and select your seafood from a range of vendors and then choose from many different restaurants who will
cook your seafood however you would like it. The Ayala museum is excellent, and can be followed by a stroll around the extensive
Greenbelt mall complex which is packed on the weekends with families wandering and enjoying time together after church.

For trips outside of Manila, Philippines Airlines or Cebu Pacific fly to most parts of the county. For crystal clear waters and
spectacular coral reefs, head to El Nido, Palawan. The 2,000-year-old rice terraces of Banaue and Batad are breathtaking. They
are registered as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Celebrations – Each village has at least one festival of its own, usually to honor its patron saint. People are often busy for weeks
preparing the fiesta, which brings friends and family together for mass and procession followed by a day of music, dancing and
food. The Christmas celebrations start early, and the excitement is palpable throughout December as families and communities get
ready. The Easter processions are not to be missed.