Spend just a week in the Philippines, and you’ll notice charming, unusual, and even baffling behaviors. These are things that locals do without thinking, but that might leave foreigners scratching their heads. These quirks can also qualify as strange workplace habits.
From eyebrow raises to saying “po” every other word between sentences, these subtle mannerisms make up Filipinos’ quirky everyday interactions.
As you work with your Filipino offshore team (or if you plan to), understanding these little quirks and workplace habits goes a long way toward building a genuine connection.
Let’s break down some of the most common Filipino mannerisms that seem quirky until you realize how much they say about the people behind them!
Keep reading below to learn more.
1. The Eyebrow Raise (a.k.a. the Silent “Yes”)
One of the most subtle yet powerful Filipino gestures is the eyebrow raise. It’s a quick upward flick of the brows, often used to say:
- “Yes”
- “I see you”
- “I agree”
- Or even “What’s up?” (especially if matched with a slight upward head nod)
No words needed. No hand gestures. Just the brows.
You’ll typically see this behavior everywhere you go, from young kids to older adults.
This non-verbal cue is so deeply embedded that it often replaces a complete verbal response in casual settings. How cool is that? To the untrained eye, it might look like someone’s surprised or confused.
But it’s a smooth, efficient, and warm way among Filipinos to create a silent connection with the person you’re talking to.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
You ask, “Did you see the Slack update I sent earlier?” your teammate raises their eyebrows with a smile. No words, just a gesture, but that’s their way of saying “Yes, I saw it.”
What to Do
Don’t wait for a verbal reply. If someone raises their eyebrows at you after a question, take it as a “yes” or acknowledgment. Smile back — it’s a small but powerful way to connect.
2. Saying “Po” and “Opo”: Built-In Respect
Respect is a big deal in the Philippines, especially when speaking to someone older or in authority. That’s where “po” and “opo” come in.
Here’s a breakdown of what it means:
- “Po” is a word added to sentences to show politeness.
- Example: “Salamat po” (Saying thank you in a respectful manner).
- Opo” is a respectful way of saying “yes.” This is typically used when speaking to older people or those in positions of authority.
For native English speakers, it can seem excessive. However, to Filipinos, using “po” and “opo” is vital for building trust and respect. This honorific is ingrained in how they demonstrate humility, kindness, and respect daily.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
You might hear, “Yes po, I’ll update the report now,” or “Thank you po!” in meetings or chats — especially when working with junior team members.
What to Do
Appreciate the politeness! Hearing “po” and “opo” from a Filipino team is a sign of respect and honor if you’re managing a Filipino team. You don’t need to use these words yourself, but understanding their meanings goes a long way in comprehending how your team communicates.
3. The Double “Yes” or “No” (Saying It Twice)
Ever hear a Filipino say “yes-yes” or “no-no” quickly and gently? It’s not a glitch or a bug, it’s just another unique speech pattern.
Doubling words like this adds softness and friendliness to the reply, avoiding sounding too harsh or abrupt. So, “no-no” isn’t rude but a kind way of declining.
On a related note, you’ll also hear this doubling in Tagalog (Filipino national language) words like “halik-halik” (kisses) or “bili-bili” (buy-buy, or buying a little). It makes everything sound more playful and affectionate.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
You suggest, “Should we schedule it for Monday?” and someone replies, “Yes-yes, that’s fine.” They’re not confused. They’re just being extra polite.
What to Do
Understand that it’s part of natural speech and not a lack of confidence. It also doesn’t mean that they’re being dismissive about anything. If someone says “no-no,” it usually means a polite “no” and not that they are unsure or dismissive.
4. The U-Turn Answer
Ask a Filipino a direct question, and you might get… a story or a roundabout answer.
When you hear this, don’t worry. It’s not evasion or confusion. Filipino communication tends to be indirect, especially when there’s potential for conflict, awkwardness, or embarrassment.
Instead of saying “I can’t do that,” you might hear:
“Ah… maybe next time.”
Or, “I’ll try, but let’s see.”
Reading between the lines is part of the art of Filipino interaction. Filipino relationships is about maintaining smooth interpersonal harmony, even in tricky situations. This is because having good relationships is at the heart of Filipino culture.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
You ask, “Can you meet the deadline?” and hear, “Well, we had issues last sprint, and we’ll see if it clears up by Friday…” This often means “No, or probably not, but I don’t want to disappoint you.”
What to Do
Listen for the intention behind the words. If someone seems unsure or roundabout, they may be politely declining. Avoid pushing for a direct answer but instead, create space for honest, pressure-free communication. Ask them nicely, “So, you’re saying you can’t do it? You can be honest with me.”
5. Pointing With Lips (Yes, Really)
If someone puckers their lips and gestures toward the kitchen, don’t be alarmed — they’re pointing.
Lip-pointing is a totally normal (and very efficient) way of signaling direction. It’s subtle, fast, and used primarily in informal or family settings.
Forget finger-pointing. The Filipino face does a lot of the talking.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
During a video call, you ask, “Where’s the report?” and your teammate slightly puckers their lips to the left toward another screen or paper. It’s a casual “over there.”
What to Do
Don’t be confused! If someone looks at you and puckers their lips toward the water dispenser, they’re likely “pointing” to it. Follow their line of sight and go with the flow. You’ll get used to it fast. *raises eyebrows*
6. The “Psst” Hiss to Get Your Attention
This one catches many non-Filipinos off guard: a short, sharp “psst!” sound is often used to call someone’s attention, especially in informal settings.
In Western cultures, this might seem rude. But in the Philippines, it’s not meant to be disrespectful. It’s just a way to quickly get someone’s eyes on you, often used in markets, households, or among friends.
Don’t be offended if you hear it. It’s just how people say “hey!” without shouting.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
In a shared office or Zoom room, someone may “psst!” you if you’re on mute or distracted, especially if they don’t want to interrupt the ongoing meeting.
What to Do
Don’t take it as rude. It’s not meant to be disrespectful. If someone hisses gently to get your attention, just look over and respond normally. You might even start doing it yourself without realizing it!
7. The Head Tilt With a Smile = “Sorry!”
If a Filipino makes a sheepish smile and tilts their head slightly, what they’re likely saying is:
“Oops, sorry!” or “Please understand!”
It’s an unspoken apology and a signal that they feel genuinely bad about a mix-up or delay. There might not be words, but the combination of body language and warmth communicates just as much, sometimes more.
What This Looks Like in the Workplace
Your teammate is late to a call or sends a fix after a bug and flashes a shy smile with a slight head tilt. That’s their humble, non-verbal apology.
What to Do
Acknowledge it warmly. There’s no need to call attention to it. It’s part of how Filipinos keep harmony in social and work settings. Respond with a smile or a quick “It’s okay!” and move on.
What These Cultural Quirks Mean
Beneath the eyebrow raises, polite words, and gentle communication style is something more profound. These quirks reveal a culture built on empathy, respect, and harmony.
You’ll observe that Filipinos tend to avoid confrontation. They speak with kindness and communicate thoughtfully, often prioritizing the feelings of others. It’s not just how they act but how they are as a people.
And if you’re lucky enough to work with a Filipino team, these traits aren’t just charming quirks but tangible assets in an often gloomy work environment.
Get More Than Skills With Filipino Offshore Experts
At CoDev, we connect global companies with highly skilled offshore Filipino experts, but the magic isn’t just in their technical know-how.
It’s in how they work: with humility, loyalty, empathy, and a people-first mindset. That’s what makes Filipino developers, designers, SDRs, and other professionals such a joy to work with. They make these quirky workplace habits fun.
They’re not just efficient workers. They’re respectful collaborators. They’re not just smart, but also emotionally intelligent. And yes, Filipinos might point with their lips while helping you solve a complex problem (which’ll still make perfect sense), but that makes the journey with them better.
Let’s build something amazing, quirks and all.
Build your company with a team that works with skill and heart. Get started today!
