Business travel Manila: A travel guide for business travelers

As a Business Travel Consultant at Uniglobe Alliance Travel, I, Jasper, would like to share my experiences and tips about a business trip to Manila, the capital of the Philippines where I recently spent three weeks. In this blog I will tell you everything you need to know for a (business) trip to this vibrant capital city.

About Manila as a business travel destination

1. Location: Located on the island of Luzon, Manila is not only home to about 1.9 million people, but is also part of the larger Metro Manila (which has a population of about 12.8 million).
2. Economic Center: Manila is the economic heart of the Philippines and is home to many multinational companies, financial institutions and business districts such as Makati and Bonifacio Global City.
3. Strategic Location: Located in Southeast Asia, Manila serves as a strategic gateway to the Asian market. This is advantageous for companies looking to expand their presence in the region.
4. Infrastructure: The city has a well-developed infrastructure with modern conference centers, luxury hotels and facilities that cater to the needs of business travelers. Examples include the SMX Convention Center and the Philippine International Convention Center.
5. English-speaking people: A large portion of the population is fluent in English, which facilitates communication and business interactions. A big advantage for international companies.
6. Cultural experience: Besides business opportunities, Manila also offers a rich cultural experience with historical sites such as Intramuros, Rizal Park and several museums. And is also the center of culture and education, with numerous universities, colleges, theaters and museums.
7. Hospitality: Filipino culture is known for its hospitality, which makes business travelers feel welcome. This contributes to a positive experience during business travel.

The neighborhood: Makati

Makati is one of Manila's most prestigious neighborhoods. Here you will find many international companies, financial institutions and call centers. The area also houses some of the best hotels, such as the Fairmont Makati, Makati Diamond Residences and The Peninsula Manila. Just outside Makati are other top accommodations such as the Shangri-La Hotel and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. For a good breakfast or lunch, I can recommend restaurant The Wholesome Table.

Photos source: Shangri-La Hotel

The language

The official language of the Philippines is Filipino and is spoken by about 1/3 of the population. Mainly in and around Manila, the spoken language is Filipino. However, English is also an official language and is widely used in government, education and commerce.

Visa

For stays of less than 30 days, you do not need a visa in advance. Upon arrival, you will receive a free 30-day visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months after leaving the Philippines.

Accessibility

The main international airport in the Philippines is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), located near Manila. There are no direct flights from the Netherlands, but KLM does offer a flight with a stopover in Taipei. Total travel time, including stopover, is just under 16 hours. From Manila, you can easily fly on to other parts of the Philippines on airlines such as Cebu Pacific (my favorite), Philippines Airlines or Air Asia.

A new airport is currently under construction in Manila, which will replace the current one. If all goes according to plan, the new airport will open its doors in 2027 and facilitate the first flights.

Traffic

Traffic in Manila can be hectic This is due to the limited traffic rules and high traffic density in the city. A drive from the airport to the Makati district, which is only 10 km, can take more than an hour due to crowded roads.

An efficient way to get around Manila is to use the Grab app, a service similar to Uber. Grab allows you to calculate the cost of your ride in advance and track your driver in real time. A big advantage of Grab is that you don't need cash, since payment is made through the app. Also, be sure to ask your driver to take the best route, as they are often aware of current traffic conditions and possible detours.

Besides Grab, Manila has several public transportation options, including buses, jeepneys (extended jeeps), and the MRT (Metro Rail Transit). These can sometimes be faster than a cab or Grab, especially during rush hours.

Currency

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (PHP). It is important to always have some local currency on hand for small expenses, as not all stores and restaurants accept credit cards.

Tipping is common in the Philippines. In restaurants, a tip of 10% is appreciated if there is no service charge on the bill. For cab drivers and hotel staff, a small tip is also common.

Climate

Manila has a tropical climate with warm temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius year round. The weather in Manila has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season runs from June to October and often brings heavy downpours and typhoons. During these months, it is wise to have an umbrella or raincoat handy and be aware of possible flooding and traffic congestion.

The dry season, which lasts from November to May, offers pleasant conditions for travelers. Temperatures remain high, but humidity is usually lower, making it more comfortable to explore the city.

Time difference

The time difference between the Netherlands and Manila varies depending on the time of year:

• Summertime (last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October): During this period, it is six hours later in Manila than in the Netherlands. For example, if it is 12:00 noon in Amsterdam, it is 6:00 pm in Manila.
• Winter time (last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March): During this period, the time difference is seven hours. So if it is 12:00 noon in Amsterdam, it is 7:00 pm in Manila.

Tips for doing business in Manila

• Clothing: Formal, business attire is common at business meetings.
• Greeting: A friendly and informal handshake is the standard.
• Communications: Avoid direct confrontations, so never openly disagree with anyone. Also, always end conversations in a positive way.
• Negotiations: Be patient; business negotiations can take longer than expected.
• Controlling concept: When asked if your interlocutor understood the question, you will often receive a positive answer. Ask open-ended questions to verify that your interlocutor really understood you.

Have some free time to spare? Then visit one of the beautiful islands such as Palawan, Boracay or Siargao. For travel advice on flights and hotels you can always contact me.

With these tips and insights, I hope your business trip to Manila will be a great success. If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Travel Well!

Jasper
Business Travel Consultant