1 | Page Mabuhay! Welcome to Manila, Philippines! Asian Tigers Mobility is privileged to assist you throughout the entire process of your relocation to Metro Manila. We understand that you are currently going through a stressful phase. Your Asian Tigers-Mobility consultants are committed to tailor to you and your family’s needs to help eliminate unnecessary hassle. We are happy to support you in every aspect of your transition – be it City Orientation, Home Finding, School Finding, Settling-In (finding domestic help, opening a bank account etc). You can make use instead of your precious time to enjoy this beautiful city you now call home. Asian Tigers Mobility has designed this guide to help you find your way around the city and provide an overview of its culture and lifestyle. Use this booklet in conjunction with the information in your AT Mobility Welcome Pack. Manila is indeed a fast-growing city; establishments may have relocated and contact details may have changed by the day, as much as we update this booklet, please use this guide as a reference only. Your dedicated consultants are happy to assist you with your concerns. For further Expat, oriented services, you may refer to the material provided as part of your Asian Tigers Mobility Welcome Kit.
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Mabuhay!
Welcome to Manila, Philippines!
Asian Tigers Mobility is privileged to assist you throughout the entire process
of your relocation to Metro Manila. We understand that you are currently going
through a stressful phase. Your Asian Tigers-Mobility consultants are committed to
tailor to you and your family’s needs to help eliminate unnecessary hassle. We are
happy to support you in every aspect of your transition – be it City Orientation, Home
Finding, School Finding, Settling-In (finding domestic help, opening a bank account
etc). You can make use instead of your precious time to enjoy this beautiful city you
now call home.
Asian Tigers Mobility has designed this guide to help you find your way around the
city and provide an overview of its culture and lifestyle.
Use this booklet in conjunction with the information in your AT Mobility Welcome Pack.
Manila is indeed a fast-growing city; establishments may have relocated and contact
details may have changed by the day, as much as we update this booklet, please use this
guide as a reference only.
Your dedicated consultants are happy to assist you with your concerns. For
further Expat, oriented services, you may refer to the material provided as part of your
Asian Tigers Mobility Welcome Kit.
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Your Contact Information
We have prepared a Contact information table. Emergency Numbers are already filled
in. Please fill in your personal details. You may cut them out and we recommend that
you carry these cards around with you.
MY CONSULATE
COUNTRY:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
MY RESIDENCE
HOTEL:
ADDRESS
PHONE
MY INSURANCE INFORMATION
ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY CONSULTANT
NAME:
PHONE: +632 827 6022
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
POLICE DIRECORY INFORMATION
Makati 887 4626 / 862 2611 PLDT 187
Alabang 862 2611 / 862 2721 GLOBE 114
Ortigas 641 0430 / 641 0436 CUSTOMER SERVICE
FIRE PLDT 888 8171
Makati 185150 GLOBE 02 730 1010
Alabang 772 3944 / 842 2201 SMART 888 1111
Ortigas 641 1939 / 641 2815 Rescue Unit Civil
Defense Operation Center
911 5061
MERALCO (Electricity)
16-210-111 MMDA Traffic Center 136
MANILA WATER CO.
1627 EMBASSY
MAYNILAD (Water)
1626 LANDLORD
EMERGENCY HOTLINE
911 VILLAGE
ASSOCIATION OFFICE
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About Metro Manila
The National Capital Region or simply Metro Manila is the metropolitan region covering
the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines. Metro Manila comprises of 16
cities and municipalities. Its total area is 638.55 square kilometers (246.55 sq mi) with
estimated 12.88 million population (August 2015 Census).
Prime business and commercial centers in the metropolis are Makati (the country’s
premier financial center), Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Manila, Pasay
and Alabang. These are the areas where one will find the Philippines’ largest corporations
and the country’s major banks as well as the Philippine offices of many multinational
corporations. A host of shopping malls, serviced apartments and hotels can also be found in
these areas.
Filipino (Tagalog) is the language spoken in Manila and considered as the official
language of the Philippines. Since English has been made part of the education curriculum
of the Philippines, most Filipinos can fluently speak, write and understand English. However,
differences in pronunciation and diction may be observed. Filipino is used in mass broadcast
media, but laws, books and mediums of instruction are primarily written in English.
The Metropolis has a system of highways connecting the various cities and
municipalities. Manila, being a major city, offers various transportation options. The most
famous of these modes is the public jeepney, which has been in use since the years
immediately after World War II. Buses, air-conditioned metered taxi, and Tamaraw FX mini-
vans are also popular forms of transportation.
Auto rickshaws (referred to as “tricycles” in the Philippines) and pedicabs are used for
traveling short distances. Trains are also a popular means of public transportation in Metro
Manila. The metropolis is served by the Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT-1 and LRT-2),
the Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT-3) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
Metered Taxis are the most convenient and comfortable means of transportation
around Metro Manila. These are especially ideal for expatriates because it enables them to
go around quickly and easily. It is safer to hire a taxi from a hotel. You can also hail a taxi
using smartphone apps you can download such as Uber and Grab. A more popular choice
among Filipinos is the Grab app. You can also hail taxis from the street, but ensure to inform
a family member, friend, or hotel receptionist the taxi name and plate number. This is
commonly practiced in the city to ensure safety. You should make sure that the meter is
working and activated as soon as the ride starts. Fixed rates are illegal in the Philippines.
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Most taxi drivers speak basic English, making communication easy. It is also normal practice
to give drivers a small tip.
Metro Manila is also rich in history. It was colonized under the Spanish for 400 years,
and 45 years under the Americans while all the time intermingling with Chinese, Indian and
Arab traders which left the City with a colorful culture.
There are several landmarks with historical significance, most of which are located
mainly in the west. One of which is the Intramuros, the 400-year-old walled city that used to
be the seat of the government during the Spanish Colonial Era and American period.
Beyond Manila’s busy streets and crowded commercial centers are historical
monuments that relish the past and festive joints that celebrate life. Among the places to see
are Rizal Park, National Museum, Malacañang Palace, the CCP Complex, Nayong Pilipino,
Ayala Avenue in Makati City, Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City and the Corregidor Island.
Restaurants are aplenty in these areas as well.
Metro Manila offers visitors and residents both the richness of a long history of cultural
heritage as well as the comforts and life style of a modern metropolis. Whether you are
interested in art and culture, nature, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife, or sports & fitness, you
will find that Manila has a lot to offer!
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Metro Manila’s Facts & Figures
LAND AREA
POPULATION
CITIES
TIME ZONE
CURRENCY
RELIGION
LANGUAGE
CLIMATE
REGULAR HOLIDAYS
638.55 sq km
12.88 Million (as of August 2015 Census; ref. census.gov.ph)
Manila, Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong,
Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, Pateros
UTC/GMT+8.
Philippine Peso (Php)
Generally Roman Catholic
Filipino is commonly understood and spoken, English is widely
used in business transactions and education.
Is between tropical wet and dry climate and a tropical
monsoon climate. Temperature at 28-38 degrees Celsius all
year around.
Dry season is January-April; wet season from May to
December
January 1 – New Year’s Day
Good Friday and Easter
April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
May 1 – Labor Day
June 12 – Independence Day
Every Monday of August – National Heroes Day
November 30 – Bonifacio Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 30 – Rizal Da
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Getting the feel of the town
As part of AT Mobility Welcome Package, you have received various Expat
oriented English books which feature the latest on restaurants, clubs, vacation spots,
sports, family and community activities.
Local Culture
Charm, Hospitality and Friendliness are the most striking and universal traits of
Filipinos. Don’t let language and cultural differences mislead you. While locals may seem
distant at first sight, they are very friendly and welcoming to foreigners. For foreigners living
and working here, the main Filipino values to note are as follows:
a. ‘Pakikisama’ – roughly translates to smooth social interaction. Individuals will yield to the
group opinion, and will avoid saying ‘No’ and confrontation.
b. ‘Hiya’ – Shame/embarrassment – saving face at all times
c. ‘Utang na loob’ – Debt of gratitude. Lifetime social indebtedness and reciprocity
d. ‘Amor Propio’ – Self Esteem of others
e. Extended family – More than just immediate family – includes sponsors at a child’s
baptism and wedding functions (compadres).
f. Biro - Joy and Humor– Filipinos find humor in everything. It sheds light on the optimism
and positivity of Filipinos in whatever situation they are in.
g. Saying Opo/Po – usually used when speaking to elders as a sign of respect
h. Pagmano – a gesture of gently taking an elder’s hand to one’s forehead as a sign of
blessing, greeting, or respect to the elderly.
i. “Tito” and “Tita” – the younger generation are expected to address the elderly, one
generation above them: “Tito” for males and “Tita” for females. Tito and Titas literally
means Aunt and Uncle but are also commonly used to address your parent’s friends and
associates for example, as a sign of respect.
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Additionally, it is helpful to remember:
a. Filipino time/Punctuality - Filipinos have a very relaxed and flexible view of punctuality.
b. ‘Bahala Na’ - loosely translates to Que Sera Sera (whatever will be, will be). Bahala na
or come what may enable a person to meet difficulties and shortcomings with resignation
by leaving it up to the Almighty to sort things out.
c. Curiosity - Staring and asking personal questions such as age and marital status by
Filipinos are not meant to be offensive but mere expressions of curiosity and a sign of
trying to bond.
d. Traffic/Driving -Filipinos drive on the right side of the road and traffic can test one’s
patience, especially with ‘Jeepneys’ and Buses.
e. Faith and Religiosity - Philippines is approximately 92.5 percent Christian (mostly
Roman Catholic), 5.6 percent Muslim, and 1.9 percent “other” religions.
f. Karaoke - It is known to be the national pastime in the Philippines.
g. Nervous laughter and giggling - Commonly used to release tension in embarrassing
situations, but it does not mean that the matter is being treated lightly.
h. Body language:
Filipinos also tend to pucker up lips to point directions
Facial movements such as raising of eyebrows are also used by Filipinos to express either
affirmation (raising both eyebrows twice) annoyance (raising one eyebrow) or disbelief
(raising both eyebrows);
Index finger pointing to another person in anger or frustration is considered extremely rude.
If a question is not understood, an open mouth could be seen very often.
More information on Manila/ Philippine sights is available in your AT Mobility
Welcome Kit.
Your AT Mobility Consultant will be happy to provide details on recommended
reads as well as details on Cross Cultural Training Programs.
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Cultural Do’s & Don’ts
DOs DON’Ts
Be friendly and take time to smile. Filipinos by nature are very friendly and like to say “Hi” to people they come across. Do reciprocate the gesture to show your appreciation.
Don’t bring up any embarrassing situations that someone has experienced before. Keep in mind that no one likes being put on the spot.
Do exert an effort to learn the language. Learn some basic Filipino words, greetings and introductions. These will be useful for you in getting around and locals will appreciate the effort.
Don’t point your finger when addressing or trying to call someone. These are considered ill-mannered gestures.
Do recognize that Filipinos tend to be indirect in getting to avoid using the word “No” in answering know you more. questions. Even if they mean to refuse, they will try to think of other ways to get their message across.
Don’t be offended by personal questions. As much as possible, they will try to They are asked to show interest. Feel free to ask the same questions in return especially when talking about family.
Do honor your “utang na loob” to others. When someone does a good deed for you, try to repay with kindness when you get the chance.
Filipinos are very hospitable and will offer food to their guests every chance they could get. Do not refuse food that is offered especially when they made the effort to cook for you. At least try to have a little something.
Do keep in mind that time is viewed flexibly in the Philippines. There is less emphasis on strict observance of schedules. At times, arriving fifteen or thirty minutes after the arranged time for a party or dinner will still be considered punctual
Don’t insist on your own way all the time. Practicing “pakikisama” will allow you to be easily accepted.
Do value light hearted conversations as Filipinos love to chit chat about anything ranging from the most talked about showbiz news up to the latest political controversies in the nation. Think of them as vital investments for good business relations.
If you are invited to a Filipino home for a get together, do not forget to bring sweets or any kind of gift to show your appreciation to the family especially to those who invited you over.
Do have a good sense of humor. Filipinos can make a joke out of anything even the most trying circumstances. Take time to have a laugh with them as a way to start building relationships.
Don’t be intimate to the opposite sex unless married. Filipinos are naturally conservative and have reservations about intimacy, touching, and the like.
Do show respect. Use the words “po” and “opo” as this is one way of showing utmost respect when speaking to the elderly.
Don’t lose your temper. If you get angry they may find you threatening and be less sympathetic to you.
Do expect to be invited to the homes of Filipinos at one point. Usually, Filipino families will invite you to come eat at their homes and tell you to help yourself with anything and everything found on their dinner tables. Do thank and compliment the food they prepared.
Don’t forget that it is almost mandatory to exchange gifts at Christmas. But also take note that gifts are not opened in the giver’s presence unless he or she asks you to. Simply thank the giver and set it aside.
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Leave shoes at the door. It is a common practice for Filipinos to take off their shoes at the door when invited in a home. Initiate taking off shoes unless told otherwise.
Do leave a tip. Although tipping is not institutionalized as a Filipino custom, do leave something on the table. It has become a practice to leave any amount as a tip to show that they value the service rendered to them.
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Basic Filipino Phrases
Although most Filipinos speak and understand English, it will help if you learn everyday
Filipino phrases. Filipinos will appreciate the effort, and will help build good relationships.
Down below we have compiled common phrases that will be of good use for your