Manila City Guide - Business Etiquette

Manila is experiencing a boom in the outsourcing business, especially in the field of call centre operations, information technology and business process outsourcing from clients in America, Europe and Asia. Thus, business in Manila is versatile, mixing the formal and straightforward style of the West with the subtle, informal approach of Asians. Filipinos used to be known for arriving late for appointments, but this has changed. American English is commonly spoken and most Filipinos in business will speak it fluently.

Filipinos are comfortable in both formal business boardroom-type meetings and the informal ones conducted outside the office, usually in restaurants. The Asian in Filipinos, however, favour taking out guests and treating them to buffets in Filipino restaurants and even in videoke bars.

Business grinds to a stop during the Christmas and Lenten holidays, which extend from two to four weeks. Traffic during these days will also be congested. Office hours are usually Monday to Friday 0800-1200 and 1300-1700, although some company offices are also open Saturday 0800-1200.