Do not use initials. Courtesy Titles Address elders and superiors as Sir or Ma'am, or by courtesy title plus their family name, even after familiarity has developed. Professional Titles Engineers, architects, lawyers, doctors and other professionals use professional titles. You should use these titles when addressing Filipino colleagues. Many women retain their maiden names when they marry.
Some women add their husband's family name after a hyphen.
Business Cards Exchange business cards when introduced. Cards in English are acceptable. Body Language Body language and subtle gestures are an important part of communication in the Philippines-they are often preferred over speech. Learning to pay attention and correctly interpreting body language will help you build relationships with your Filipino colleagues. Touching Filipinos are smiling, open, warm and friendly people.