What are some cultural aspects to be aware of in the philippines?
Aside from the left-hand traffic, we don’t have much specific cultural aspects to take notice of. Probably “po” and “opo” are used as a sign of respect to elders, but are not necessary if you’re speaking in English. At a business setting, just follow the usual ethical behavior. On a side note, don’t be surprised that business meetings may be social gatherings too instead of sticking to the agenda. Non-business setting: When being invited to a home, most families say prayers before having meals. This is not usually done in a restaurant. Never refer to the wife as the “hostess”; it has a different connotation here in the Philippines. Fork and spoons are the normal settings in a host’s home. It’s all right to decline offers or requests from the host unless he/she insists. However you are best to take an offer of food or drinks as so the host will not lose face. When they say “family” it doesn’t only mean the nuclear family, they might mean the extended family up to the fourth cousin. Some
