Visiting your offshore team in Manila is more than just a business trip—it’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships, align on goals, and create lasting impact. When done right, each visit can become a powerful investment in performance, culture, and collaboration.
This guide will help you prepare, make the most of your time on the ground, and turn your visit into a meaningful experience for both you and your team.
Before the Visit: Preparation Is Key
The foundation of a successful visit starts well before you board the plane. A little preparation ensures smooth logistics and maximizes your time with the team.
Travel Logistics
- Visa requirements: Check if you need a visa before entering the Philippines. Most visitors from the US, AU, and EU can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Airport arrival tips: Manila’s NAIA can be busy. Arrange transport in advance or use trusted ride-hailing apps.
- Safety & connectivity: Use Grab for transportation, prepare local currency (Philippine Pesos), and consider getting a local SIM card for reliable data.
- We’re here to help: Your Channel Team can assist with logistics to make arrival seamless.
Dress Code
- Office attire: Business casual to smart casual is the norm.
- Weather: Manila is tropical—light, breathable fabrics are best. Don’t forget an umbrella during the rainy season!
Travel Timeline
- Length of stay: Plan for at least 5 working days to balance meetings, team interactions, and cultural immersion.
- Best arrival time: Flying in over the weekend helps you maximize your weekdays for productive sessions.
Planning the Itinerary: Making Every Minute Count
Your Operations Manager (OM) or Channel Manager can co-create a visit plan tailored to your goals. Aligning early ensures your trip is structured and impactful.
Define Your Goals
- Performance review
- Culture-building
- Onboarding new staff
Sample Agendas
- 1-Day Visit: Team introductions, group lunch, OM check-in
- 3-Day Visit: Team bonding activity, feedback sessions, strategy planning
- 5-Day Visit: 1:1 coaching, training sessions, leadership roundtables, and a team-building event
Meeting Types
- 1:1s: Connect with individual team members, especially top performers.
- Roundtables: Engage with your OM and leadership team on strategy.
- Informal catch-ups: Meals, coffee chats, or after-work gatherings are invaluable for relationship building.
Cultural Tips: Bridging the Gap with Filipino Teams
Understanding local culture can help you foster deeper connections and avoid miscommunication.
Business Etiquette
- Be polite and avoid direct confrontation.
- Punctuality is valued, but flexibility is sometimes needed due to traffic or other challenges.
Communication Style
- A “yes” may sometimes mean “I understand” rather than agreement.
- Encourage open-ended questions to clarify expectations.
Building Rapport
- Ask about personal stories and interests—Filipinos appreciate genuine curiosity.
- Share meals or participate in cultural activities when possible; food is often the heart of Filipino bonding.
During the Visit: What to Observe and Ask
Your time on the ground is a chance to gain fresh perspective on your team’s engagement, challenges, and opportunities.
What to Observe
- Team energy and morale
- Collaboration habits and workstation setups
- Leadership presence and signs of disengagement
Key Questions to Ask
- “What motivates you most in your role?”
- “What challenges are you facing right now?”
- “What could we do differently to help you succeed?”
After the Visit: Turn Insights into Action
The real value of your trip comes from how you apply what you’ve learned.
Debrief with Your OM or Channel Manager
- Review observations, opportunities, and challenges together.
- Define next steps and action items for follow-through.
Share Internally
- Present key findings to your leadership or HR team.
- Highlight team wins and success stories to reinforce positive momentum.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Manila is more than a trip, it’s a chance to build trust, align goals, and drive real results. With the right focus and cultural awareness, you’ll leave with stronger relationships and insights that elevate performance.
Your team is ready, are you?
