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Doing Business in the Philippines
The Philippine business environment is an active one, especially in the Philippine capital of Manila, and Makati City, the business capital of the Philippines. Business matters are best dealt by meeting face to face with the person to have business with.
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Doing business in the Philippine with a Filipino is always a cordial one and is based on professional trust and friendship. Business dealings are not separated from the daily activities of the Filipino working person.
It is expected on a business meeting to be on time. However, before a meeting is begun, a little time for camaraderie and cordial talk is allowed for the business persons to get acquainted with each other. One helpful tip is to arrive at the meeting venue an hour earlier. Business hours in the Philippines usually start at 8am to 5pm from Mondays to Fridays. Lunch break is from 12 to 1am. This hold true in both government and private offices. However, some banks open at 9am and close at 6pm. It is better to relax during this 1 hour break time as business transactions peak from 1pm to 3pm.
A foreigner doing business in the Philippines may employ a trusted Filipino intermediary to act in behalf of him befoe meeting with a client or a fellow businessman. This usually fosters familiarity between the meeting individuals.
Doing business in the Philippines has its own peculiarities also. Hand shaking is common in the Philippines. Businessmen are expected to shake hands first before starting a meeting. A businessman must first wait for a businesswoman to extend her hand first for a handshake as a sign of professionalism. Usually, meetings and business dealings are best celebrated in a quiet restaurant after a business deal has been concluded.
Dressing conservatively and appropriately for an occasion applies also in business meetings. A business suit for men and a conservative, professional-looking blouse for a woman is most appropriate. It is easy to strike a business conversation in the Philippines as English is the official business language used. However, some speak "Taglish" - a combination of Tagalog and English.
A helpful tip for foreigners doing business in the Philippines: individuals may come and stay in the Philippine for business, pleasure or health reasons without a visa for not more than 21 days and are exempt from payment of immigration fees and charges. This may be extended for another 38 days through a visa waiver. Thereafter, they may apply for the regular monthly extensions for a maximum stay of one year and fifty-nine days.