Local Customs & Etiquette in Makati City, Makati, Philippines
1. Ayala Triangle Gardens Etiquette
Respect the peace and tranquility of this urban park by avoiding loud noises and littering.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Ayala Triangle Gardens is a sanctuary in the heart of Makati, providing a serene environment.
- No Loud Noises: The park encourages quiet enjoyment to maintain its peaceful atmosphere.
- Cleanliness: Keep the gardens clean and tidy to preserve their beauty for all visitors.
2. Ayala Avenue Street Food Etiquette
Patience is key when navigating the bustling food stalls on Ayala Avenue. Always pay before eating and don't forget to say 'pasalamat' (thank you).
- Bustling Food Scene: Ayala Avenue offers a vibrant street food culture, with many stalls to explore.
- Payment First: It's customary to pay before receiving your meal at street food stalls.
- Cultural Courtesy: Expressing gratitude is an important part of Filipino culture, so remember to say 'pasalamat'.
3. Office Dress Code
Business casual attire is the norm in most offices in Makati. Jeans and sneakers are generally acceptable.
- Business Casual: Dress appropriately for work environments in Makati, which lean towards business casual.
- Acceptable Casual Wear: Jeans and sneakers are commonly accepted as casual wear in many offices.
- Dress for the Occasion: Always consider the specific event or occasion when dressing for work.
4. Filipino Hospitality (Bayanihan Spirit)
The Filipino Bayanihan spirit encourages helping one another, making locals eager to assist travelers in need.
- Community Spirit: The Bayanihan spirit reflects a strong sense of community and cooperation among Filipinos.
- Helpfulness: Locals are generally eager to help travelers, reflecting the Bayanihan spirit.
- Shared Responsibility: The Bayanihan spirit encourages shared responsibility and mutual aid among community members.
5. Tipping in Restaurants
A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, so tipping is generally not expected unless exceptional service is provided.
- Included Service Charge: Many restaurants in Makati include a service charge in their bills.
- Exceptional Service: Tipping is appreciated for exceptional service that goes beyond the standard level of care.
- Rounding Up the Bill: Rounding up the bill to the nearest whole number is a common practice when tipping in Makati restaurants.
6. Respect for Elders (Hello Kuya, Hello Ate)
Greeting elders with 'Kuya' (older brother) or 'Ate' (older sister) shows respect and is customary in Makati.
- Respect for Elders: The Filipino culture places a high value on showing respect to elders.
- Gender-Specific Titles: 'Kuya' is used for older brothers or male authority figures, while 'Ate' is used for older sisters or female authority figures.
- Cultural Courtesy: Using these titles shows respect and is an important aspect of Filipino culture.
7. Pilipino Language Skills
English is widely spoken in Makati, but knowing basic Pilipino (Filipino language) can enhance your interaction with locals.
- Widely Spoken English: English is widely spoken and understood in Makati.
- Basic Pilipino Skills: Knowing basic Pilipino can make interactions with locals more personal and meaningful.
- Respect for Language: Using the local language shows respect and appreciation for Filipino culture.
8. Traffic Rules & Road Etiquette
Follow traffic rules closely, drive defensively, and show patience when navigating Makati's bustling streets.
- Bustling Streets: Makati's streets are busy and require careful navigation.
- Defensive Driving: Drive defensively to anticipate other drivers' actions and avoid accidents.
- Patience: Show patience when driving in Makati, as traffic can be heavy and unpredictable.
9. Graceful Acceptance of Invitations
Filipinos value hospitality, so it's essential to accept invitations gracefully and show appreciation for the gesture.
- Hospitality Values: The Filipino culture values hospitality and welcoming guests.
- Graceful Acceptance: Accept invitations with gratitude and show appreciation for the host's generosity.
- Reciprocity: If unable to attend an event, offer a thoughtful explanation and suggest another time to get together.
10. Filipino Holidays & Festivals
Participate in local holidays and festivals, such as the Makati City Night Race or the Makati Christmas Lights and Sounds, to immerse yourself in Filipino culture.
- Cultural Immersion: Participating in local holidays and festivals offers a unique cultural experience.
- Community Spirit: These events reflect the strong community spirit that is integral to Filipino culture.
- Shared Celebration: Celebrating local holidays and festivals with Makati locals fosters a sense of camaraderie.
11. Respect for Public Spaces
Keep public spaces clean and respect the property of others. Dispose of trash properly.
- Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness and order of public spaces out of respect for everyone who uses them.
- Property Respect: Respect the property of others, whether it's a park bench or a shopfront.
- Community Pride: Preserving public spaces demonstrates pride in Makati and its culture.
12. Business Meeting Etiquette
Punctuality is crucial in business meetings. Dress professionally and maintain eye contact during discussions.
- Punctuality: Arriving on time shows respect for your counterparts and the meeting's agenda.
- Professional Dress Code: Dressing professionally demonstrates your commitment to the meeting.
- Attentiveness: Stay focused during meetings, as attentiveness shows respect and encourages productive discussions.
13. Filipino Greetings & Farewells
Greet people with a smile and 'Kumusta' (How are you?). Say 'Salamat po' (Thank you) when taking your leave.
- Warm Greeting: A friendly greeting sets a positive tone for interactions.
- Polite Farewell: Expressing gratitude when leaving shows consideration and respect.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and adhering to local greetings and farewells demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
14. Filipino Dining Etiquette
Use your right hand for eating, avoid criticizing food, and enjoy conversing with dining companions.
- Right-Hand Use: Using your right hand when eating shows respect and good manners.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoiding criticism of food demonstrates cultural sensitivity and appreciation.
- Conversational Skills: Enjoying conversations with dining companions adds to the overall dining experience.
15. Filipino Toast Culture
Join in on toasts during celebrations, and raise your glass for 'Mabuhay ang Pilipinas' (Long live the Philippines) or 'Salud' (Cheers) when toasting.
- Cultural Participation: Joining in on toasts is a way of participating in Filipino celebrations.
- National Pride: Toasting 'Mabuhay ang Pilipinas' expresses national pride and unity.
- Social Bonding: Sharing a toast with others fosters social bonding and camaraderie.