On business trips to Manila
If it’s your first time to fly to Manila on a business trip, it will be worth your time to prepare ahead for it. Our business etiquette is quite informal, although one might encounter more formal salutations among the Filipino Chinese community. We conduct business much like an American would, and fluently speak the English language especially if you’re a foreign contact. However, unlike the Americans who are quite punctual and consider time as gold, we are infamously known for being late and so expect delays at every level of transaction and much patience is needed. I know, it’s a terrible practice and I assure the foreign traveller that you will find this less and less nowadays, but it’s still good to be forewarned.
Because of our stiffling heat and humidity, attire is definitely more casual although if you prefer the business suit then opt for something light and cotton underneath. Here are more business tips from World Travel Guide:
Business contacts are best made through connections rather than by cold calling.
Diplomacy is preferred to confrontation in business.
Handshakes and the exchange of business cards are the usual greeting.
Hospitality for clients typically includes drinks and golfing. Gifts can be selected to appeal to educated Filipinos’ love of things Western and wrapped in red or green for good luck. \
And if you must travel around Manila on your own, then better read Anne Sibal’s advice for surviving Manila’s roadways.
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