philippines, philippine business, kabayan-balikbayan

How to Conduct Business in the Philippines

November 3, 2009

Make A Successful Business In Philippines: Do It By Knowing More The Filipinos

When you are planning to have a business in Philippines, you are advised to study first the nature of Filipinos when it comes to trade including some of their practices. So if you are asking How To Conduct Business In The Philippines? Then read on.

If you truly want to ensure success, you vitally need to know how they communicate, the meaning of their simple gestures, and what turns them on and off.



Dealing with the Filipinos is not really tough at all since they are naturally hospitable people. However, you need to know how to relate with them rightly to help you win their full support. This way, you business in Philippines can surely run smoothly and successfully. So, whether you are planning to make a small or big business, Philippines will certainly be a winning location for your trade once you learned the nature of the people here including their customs.

The Filipinos

Generally, Filipinos are hospitable, casual, sensitive, and fun loving. They greatly value personal and family honor as well as pride and dignity. Education here is highly valued so many individuals in this country are well educated. Shame is infused to Filipinos at an early age so to be ashamed is viewed as the greatest form disgrace to Filipinos.

Filipino Greeting When Meeting

Men and women alike shake hands with every person present at a business meeting or even social occasion. Same gesture is showed when saying “good-bye”. Just always remember that when you do your handshakes, it should be friendly and casual, but limp. It is also more proper for men to wait for women to extend their hand.





Filipinos Corporate Culture

The following lists some corporate cultures of Filipinos to help you adjust yourself when facing them during business meetings:

  • Filipinos are most often relaxed about time. So meetings and gatherings tend to start late as well. But then, foreigners are expected to be on time.
  • A personal introduction by a business associate or mutual friend makes business appointments a lot smoother.
  • Establishing a persona relationship is very vital to ensure the success of a business relationship. Loyalty and trust are also very essential to develop relationships. Filipinos are sensitive to insincerity and this can greatly damage the relationship.
  • Most often, Filipinos display a “take it or leave it” attitude particularly when it comes to selling prices. They may place less emphasis on the absolute selling price but they can place more of it on unit cost, rounded figures, or percentages.
  • Casual conversations may come first before business discussions during meetings.
  • Communication is normally indirect, manner is gentle, truth is tactfully presented, and the view of the recipient is constantly being considered. All communication should be maintained courteous despite of its content.
  • Most Filipinos find it hard to say “no.” reject, or disagree, especially when someone who is superior is involved. You can know that they disagree when they provide an indirect or ambiguous answer. The purpose of this is not to deceive though; instead, they do it to avoid confrontation.
  • Personal meetings are preferred. Written communications might not be immediately answered.
  • There are some instances wherein small bribes are used to cut through official procedures. Of course, this is illegal so when this situation arises the decision to participate is yours.

As you will see, it is not really difficult to negotiate with Filipinos. Just be careful to observe their nature and customs and your plan to have a business in Philippines can really run smoothly. I hope this answer your question on How To Conduct Business In The Philippines.

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7 comments… read them below or add one

Javion December 5, 2010 at 6:25 pm

With its abounding resources, quality white- and blue-collar employees, and impressive location in the guts of Far East, the Philippines is prime financier and VC country, and backers and entrepreneurs looking to enter Pacific Rim would do well to research the Philippines before the Pearl of the Orient definitely explodes with foreign backers.

wrso December 7, 2010 at 9:19 am

One can find heavy info on the many business ventures in the Philippines from the internet.

Giovani December 12, 2010 at 2:33 am

For example, the Salcedo Apartments in Makati City has developed for itself a tempting name for its wonderful location and quality facilities and services.

Tate Dale December 25, 2010 at 2:11 am

Go in and stay at a good hotel.

Darius Dixon January 7, 2011 at 7:08 pm

Don't go in cold. While the general demeanor of Filipino businessmen warms most world businessperson, if they sense you're uncomfortable with them or out to take them for a ride, you can consider the collusion pre-terminated. The Philippines is famous for its bargain-basement costs, and Makati Town isn't different.

Dawn February 13, 2011 at 7:52 pm

Other rooms in hostels in Makati Town could also available too but businessmen must book fast, as these hotels ' rooms are not as simply as available on the net as those at the Salcedo Apartments . Now the Philippines is becoming a genuine investment chance for many global businessmen, there's possibly no finer time than the present to go and base yourself solidly in Makati City.

statim1 March 8, 2011 at 12:00 am

As an example, the Salcedo Apartments in Makati Town has developed for itself a desirable name for its wonderful location and quality facilities and services. Now the Philippines is beginning to become a real investment probability for many global businessmen, there is perhaps no finer time than the present to go and base yourself solidly in Makati Town .

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