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Flag of the PhilippinesDiscover Filipino culture, customs, manners, etiquette, values and more! Perfect
for anyone visiting the Philippines or working with Filipinos.
Language
Once you've read this guide, ensure the success of your Philippines business venture by:
Taking part in a two-hour live webinar, customised to meet your unique needs, with one of our
Philippines training experts or;
Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of
Vietnam
Capital: Manila
Ethnic Make-up: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%
Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%]
Filipino (formerly Pilipino) is based on Tagalog and is the official language of the Philippines.
In spite of being the national language, only about 55 percent of Filipinos speak the language. In addition
to Filipino are about 111 distinct indigenous languages and dialects, of which only about 10 are
important regionally.
English is generally used for educational, governmental and commercial purposes and is widely
understood since it is the medium of instruction in schools. The Philippines are the third largest group of
English speaking people in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
Since English is widely spoken in the Philippines, it is common to hear Filipinos use a mixture English and
Filipino words or phrases, known as "Taglish" (a mixture of English and Tagalog), in their everyday
conversations. A steadily dwindling minority still speak Spanish, which had at one time been an official
language.
The family is the centre of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts, uncles,
grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends.
People get strength and stability from their family. As such, many children have several godparents.
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.
In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that preferential hiring will be given to family
members.
Filipino Concept of Shame
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, criticized, or does not live up to expectations, they feel shame and
lose self-esteem.
Meeting Etiquette
Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person
first.
Close female friends may hug and kiss when they meet.
Use academic, professional, or honorific titles and the person's surname until you are invited to use
their first name, or even more frequently, their nickname.
If you are invited to a Filipino home for dinner bring sweets or flowers to the hosts.
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.
Wrap gifts elegantly as presentation is important. There are no colour restrictions as to wrapping paper.
Never refer to your host's wife as the hostess. This has a different meaning in the Philippines.
Dress well. Appearances matter and you will be judged on how you dress.
Send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts in the week following the dinner or party. It shows you
have class.
Table manners
Wait to be asked several times before moving into the dining room or helping yourself to food.
Meals are often served family- style or are buffets where you serve yourself.
Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to guide food to the spoon in your right hand.
Whether you should leave some food on your plate or finish everything is a matter of personal
preference rather than culture-driven.
Business Etiquette & Protocol
It is crucial to network and build up a cadre of business associates you can call upon for assistance in the
future.
Business relationships are personal relationships, which mean you may be asked to do favours for
colleagues, and they will fully expect you to ask them for favours in return.
Once a relationship has been developed it is with you personally, not necessarily with the company you
represent.
Therefore, if you leave the company, your replacement will need to build their own relationship.
Presenting the proper image will facilitate building business relationships. Dress conservatively and well
at all times.
It is a good idea to reconfirm a few days prior to the meeting, as situations may change.
Punctuality is expected. For the most part your Filipino colleagues will be punctual as well.
Face-to-face meetings are preferred to other, more impersonal methods such as the telephone, fax,
letter or email.
Send an agenda and informational materials in advance of the meeting so your colleagues may prepare
for the discussion.
Always accept any offer of food or drink. If you turn down offers of hospitality, your colleagues lose face.
It is important to remain for the period of social conversation at the end of the meeting.
Business Negotiation
You may never actually meet with the decision maker or it may take several visits to do so.
Filipinos avoid confrontation if at all possible. It is difficult for them to say 'no'. Likewise, their 'yes' may
merely mean 'perhaps'.
At each stage of the negotiation, try to get agreements in writing to avoid confusion or
misinterpretation.
If you raise your voice or lose your temper, you lose face.
Filipinos do business with people more than companies. If you change representatives during
negotiations, you may have to start over.
Decisions are often reached on the basis of feelings rather than facts, which is why it is imperative to
develop a broad network of personal relationships.
Do not remove your suit jacket unless the most important Filipino does.
Dress Etiquette
Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit, at least for the initial meeting.
Women's clothing may be brightly coloured as long as it is of good quality and well tailored.
Present and receive business cards with two hands so that it is readable to the recipient.
Examine the card briefly before putting it in your business card case.
Some senior level executives only give business cards to those of similar rank.
Management
For in-depth information on Filipino management culture or being a manager in the Philippines, see our
management guide.
If you can help improve the information on this page, please send us your feedback using the form
below.
Simply change the country name depending on which guide you are referencing.
MLA Format:
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www.commisceo-global.com. 1 Jan. 2020 https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-
guides/afghanistan-guide
APA Format:
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Harvard Format:
Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette.
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Philippine Culture: What Makes the Filipinos Different From the Rest of the World
bayanihan kaugalian ng mga pilipino
0 71
Each country is different from the rest of the world but what is it really about the Philippines that makes
it stand out among others? For one thing, it’s the Philippine culture.
The Pearl of the Orient Seas is not just famous for its beautiful islands but also for its Filipino culture and
values that deserve to be shared to the world. Here’s everything you need to know about the Philippines
—from the Filipino norms to the cultural practices in the Philippines, and more!
Language
Food
Culture
Values
Religion
Clothing
Celebrations
Language
In the Philippines, there are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.
For more than 300 years, Spanish was the official language in the country under Spanish rule. 60% of the
population spoke Spanish as either a first, second or third language in the early 20th century. But after
the American occupation in the early 1900’s, the use of Spanish began to decline. In 1935, the
Constitution of the Philippines named English and Spanish the official languages. In 1939, the Tagalog
language was named the national language. It was renamed “Pilipino” in 1959 and finally “Filipino” in
1973. The present Constitution names Filipino and English as joint official languages.
Food
The food culture in the Philippines is very different from that of the Western’s culture. Filipinos are big
eaters and love to eat rice. Rice is a food staple in every Filipino’s meal every day. It’s quite impossible to
see a Filipino who doesn’t eat rice, unless that person is on a strict diet. In fact, there are many
restaurants who even offer “unlimited rice”. That’s how huge Filipinos’ love for rice is.
Filipinos also have a regular eating schedule: morning (breakfast), mid-morning (snacks), noon (lunch),
afternoon (snacks), and evening (dinner). So if you’re a certified foodie, you will be delighted by the food
culture in the Philippines as there are so many foods, both original and adapted from other countries,
that you can enjoy. The best way to make the most of food Filipino culture is to be adventurous (with
caution) when it comes to dishes.
The foreign influences also played a huge role in the food culture in the Philippines. Some popular
Filipino foods influenced by other nations are paella, morcon, burges, pies, noodles, samgyupsal, and
more. While the proudly-Pinoy food you can try are adobo, sinigang na baboy, lechon, and halo-halo.
Adobo
Siningang na baboy
Lechon
Sisig
Balut
Isaw
Sorbetes
Halo-halo
Puto bumbong
Bibingka
Read also:
A Taste of Filipino Food: 10 Pinoy Dishes That Will Have You Drooling
13 Irresistible Street Food in the Philippines That Will Give You Major Foodgasm
Filipino Culture
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The Filipino culture has varied influences from previous colonizations, deriving mainly from the culture
of Spain and America. You can easily notice it from the architecture to the cultural beliefs in the
Philippines. Despite all of these foreign influences, the old Asian Filipino culture has been retained and
are clearly seen in their way of life, cultural beliefs in the Philippines, Filipino customs and traditions.
Wherever you go, the Filipino culture and values are very evident and have largely been appreciated and
even applauded in many parts of the world.
Filipino Values
The Filipino culture and values are just among the good things that are appreciated by many people
from across the world. In the Philippines, family is valued so much. Children live with their parents until
they are married. The Filipino family culture is something that many people applaud because the locals
value family time so much.
Before, the Filipino men used to serenade (harana) a woman he was courting.
Filipinos call their older siblings “ate” for older sisters and “kuya” for older brothers to show respect.
Hospitable
Religious
Palabra de Honor
Pamamanhikan
Pakikisama
Music, arts, and literature play a big role in the Philippine culture and arts because Filipinos are very
creative. When it comes to music, they use materials, usually raw, to create sound. This is just one of the
many examples of indigenous practices in the Philippines.
Filipinos are also fond of folklore, which was influenced by the early church and Spanish literature.
Myths are very famous in the Philippines culture, especially in the provinces. And when it comes to
literature, the Filipino culture never disappoints. Even Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines national hero, is
famous for his literature and novels about Philippine independence. As for the Philippine Pop Culture,
many artists are world-renowned such as Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, and Julie Anne San Jose
among others.
Here are some Filipino culture examples from Luzon folk dance to Filipino cultural practices.
Architecture (Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut), Bale (Ifugao House), Ivatan House, Torogan (Marano House),
Badjao’s Stilt Houses and Houseboats, Vinta (A traditional colorful boat in Mindanao)
Weaving and Clothing (Piña Fabric, T’Nalak Woven Cloth, Tapis, Yakan, Barong Tagalog, Baro at Saya)
Philippine and Luzon folk dance (Carinosa, Tinikling, Itik-Itik, Sayaw sa Bangko, Pandanggo sa Ilaw,
Maglalatik)
Religion
We can’t deny the fact that religion plays a big role in shaping not just the Philippine culture but also
other cultures. Some 80% of the population is Catholic, Spain’s lasting legacy. About 15% are Muslim
and these people can be found in Mindanao. Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century
with the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian
and Methodist missionaries who arrived with the American soldiers in 1899. The rest of the population
is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhists.
Clothing
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Throughout the years, with the popularity of the hippie and Philippine pop culture, the Filipino clothing
has evolved, turned into more comfortable and laidback wear. Thus the change in the Philippine culture
when it comes to clothing.
Another great thing to know about the Philippine culture is that Filipinos love celebrations! May it be a
simple event like a grade school moving up, birthdays, job promotions, or celebration for a patron saint,
no occasion is too small not to celebrate.
For example in the culture and tradition of Philippines, the country is known to have the longest
Christmas in the world because as early as September, the people are already preparing for the season.
This Philippine culture and tradition has been known worldwide and is one of the main reasons
foreigners love spending the holidays in the country.
Philippine Festivals are also among the most remarkable cultural practices in the Philippines where
Filipinos give all-out to celebrate the province or town’s fiesta.
Metro Manila
Metro Manila is the place to experience popular culture in the Philippines and modern Filipino culture.
Here you’ll find some of the newest trends in popular culture in the Philippines like fashion, food, and
architecture. But don’t get us wrong, while this is the metropolitan area, the old Philippines culture is
still alive and practiced here. Also, there are many places in the metro, especially in Manila that have
preserved the olden structures and traditions like the Spanish influences in the Philippines culture.
Ifugao
The northern part of the Philippines, especially the Ifugao Province, is one of the best places to
experience the traditional Filipino culture and see first-hand the examples of indigenous practices in the
Philippines. From the Filipino cultural heritage and arts to the cultural practices in the Philippines, Ifugao
is something you shouldn’t miss to experience authentic Filipino culture.
Cebu
Cebu is known not just in the Philippines but across the world for its beaches and electrifying festivals
like Sinulog. As mentioned above, celebrations are a huge part of the Filipino traditions and Philippine
pop culture so if you want to party like a Filipino, make sure to attend any of these festivals in Cebu
where you’ll experience and witness the best of the Philippine culture including the lively Philippine
cultural dances.
Related article: 8 Biggest Festivals in Cebu That Every Traveler Must Experience
Davao
The Mindanao culture is something you must experience. From fun festivals to colorful cultural practices
in the Philippines, you’ll never be disappointed. Another great place to see different cultures in the
Philippines is Davao. And when in Davao, you must not miss the Kadayawan Festival.
Zamboanga
Zamboanga perhaps exhibits the most colorful Philippine culture and tradition from music, arts,
architecture, and Filipino beliefs and values.
A: The Filipino culture and values show the world what the nation’s journey has been through the
centuries. A Filipino practices his oneness with others, affinity with nature, and celebration of life. The
concept of kapwa (others) is at the core of the Filipino soul and the bayanihan Filipino culture is still alive
to this day.
A: There are many things that are important to Philippine culture then and now like the family,
bayanihan spirit, religion, Philippine folk arts, and more.
A: The traditional clothing that shows the Filipino culture and tradition are baro at saya for women and
barong tagalog for men.
Filipino
Lumad
Maranao
Aeta
Igorot
Mangyan
Ilocano
Tausug
Blaan
Visayan
Tagalog
Ibaloi
A: Experience the rich Filipino customs and Filipino practices in Mindanao in these places:
Davao
Zamboanga
South Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat
A: The Filipino culture is one of the most well-known in the world for its uniqueness and rich history. The
common cultural practices in the Philippines are as follow:
Bayanihan Filipino culture – Among the most popular Filipino customs and traditions that are still
practiced to this day
Harana – This was one of the most popular things about Filipino culture. Harana is when a guy serenades
the girl he’s courting.
Filipinos call their older siblings “ate” for older sisters and “kuya” for older brothers to show respect
So much respect for the elderlies – One of the Filipino culture and values that locals are very proud of
Pagmamano or kissing the elder’s head on the forehead – One of the most important Filipino culture
and values
Palabra de Honor – One of the most valued customs in the Filipino culture
Pamamanhikan – One of the family oriented Filipino values and traditions in the Philippines related to
marriage
A: The Japanese stayed in the Philippines not as long as the Spanish had but it left influences that the
Filipinos are still practicing till this day. The Japanese influences in the Philippines are:
Kite flying
Radio calisthenics
Martial arts
A: The Americans, without a doubt, have played a huge role in shaping the Filipino culture and
traditions. Here are some of the American influences in the Philippines:
Food
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