Business Trip to the Philippines? Here’s How to Actually Enjoy It
Visiting your team here in the Philippines on a business trip doesn’t have to be stiff and boring. You’re already in one of the top tourist destinations in the world, known for its hospitable people, breathtaking beaches, and amazing food. Why not enjoy and make the most of it?
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I’m Andrew Weiskopf — Tahche’s marketing intern for their summer internship 2025 program. I’ve been here in the Philippines for just about two weeks, and despite the jet lag and adjusting to the time zone, I’ve already found a new home in Cebu City, living what honestly feels like a dream life.
Back in the U.S., I study Marketing and Management at Rutgers University and will be a junior this fall. When Tahche’s CEO invited me to come experience the Philippines and work alongside the local team, I knew it would be way out of my comfort zone — but I also knew that’s where the real growth happens.
So I’ve taken on this business trip. And here’s how I got to actually enjoy it.
Visiting your Philippine team? You’re in for a good surprise!
For business owners visiting their offshore team in the Philippines, you’ll be happily surprised to discover that your team aren’t robots. Instead they’re engaged, proactive individuals who are excited to build real partnerships. And when you visit, you’re not entering some foreign, corporate office where everyone is waiting till the clock strikes 5. You’re stepping into a dynamic culture that values both results and relationships.
And I can say it from experience. Working at Tahche’s HQ in Cebu City has been exciting, welcoming, and surprisingly fun. From the moment I walked in, I could tell my internship abroad wasn’t going to be a stiff, corporate experience. The people here are collaborative, enthusiastic, and eager to share their culture — whether it’s through food recommendations, jokes at lunch, or sharing their favorite local coffee spots. They genuinely enjoy working together. The office atmosphere blends professionalism with personality, which makes it feel like a natural working environment. Not the artificial environments managers try to force their employees to maintain.
At Tahche, we have that relationship and culture everyone is seeking to find. When I look around at the different departments, they’re all joyful and joking with each other to make everyone around them better. They build each other up and no one comes to work just for themselves.
Spend time with your team at the office (…and the beach!)
One thing that helped me acclimate quickly was how excited the team was to include me in their everyday routines. From walking to lunch, chatting during breaks, filming TikToks for Tahche Careers, those small moments helped me feel grounded and welcomed. I knew I was family from the first encounter. This isn’t a cliche to boost their image, I know they’d do the same for any executive or manager visiting their Philippine team in Cebu.
But what made the visit even better is the out-of-office hangouts I got to join. Growing up in Michigan I knew two things about the beaches: (1) Fresh water is the best water and (2) there is only one month out of the year that it is acceptable to swim as it’s always cold in the mitten. Coming here I knew I had to try swimming in the water even though I didn’t like the idea of salt water. I knew I had to conquer my irrational fear.
The water in Mactan island was by far the best water I have ever been in. I would take the 20 hour flight just to experience snorkeling and diving into the water again for the first time. There was no need to dip your toe in or tell your friend, “On 3 we jump in together,” because the water was warmer than bath water and was a perfect blend of refreshing. In Michigan, the more north you travel towards Lake Superior, the clearer it gets, but as soon as I laid my eyes on Mactan’s waters, I was blown away. From the picture you can see straight to the bottom and I was mesmerized. If you thought the food was great, wait till you jump into the water for the first time.
Don’t be shy and share a meal
Let’s be honest: food is a universal icebreaker. If you’re traveling to Cebu for a business trip, don’t miss the chance to bond over a shared meal. In just two weeks, I’ve tried Jollibee, lechon, fried chicken, mangoes, turon, balut and about a dozen other local staples. Not only is the food genuinely fantastic — it’s a gateway into culture, conversation, and connection.
Sharing food is not only fun but adventurous at the same time. I made it a mission of mine to branch out and try different foods while I’m in the Philippines. I think this is one of the best ways to explore because you can always get a chicken sandwich or a cheeseburger at home, but eating balut on the street is once in a lifetime.
When your offshore team invites you to try their favorite meals, it’s not just about eating but more of a moment of trust. And saying yes to it builds instant rapport. Getting invited to eat in many different cultures is a sign of respect that is often forgotten when managing an offshore team. I’ve had some of my best team bonding moments over plates of sisig and bowls of rice. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to make your business trip to Cebu feel more personal and meaningful.
Don’t run away, walk towards
When flying in for a business trip, it’s natural to feel disoriented at first. But the best way to get comfortable fast? Walk around. Explore. I found that roaming through the city — from malls to side streets — helped me understand the rhythm of local life and made me feel more at home, and less of a stranger.
For example, Cebu’s IT Park (a 5 minute drive from Tahche HQ at 1Nito Tower) is a modern, safe, and awesome area that’s perfect for first-time visitors. It has everything a first timer or a veteran traveler would need: top-rated restaurants, a major mall, coffee shops such as a Starbucks Reserve and a Dunkin’, and many retail stores, all walkable from offices and major hotel chains.
It’s a soft landing spot that makes a business trip to the Philippines feel more homey and less foreign. The variety of stores showcases the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino people, the very same spirit that defines offshore teams in the Philippines.
Business Trip Vs. Business Travel
Visiting the Philippines through Tahche isn’t just a work obligation — it’s a full-circle experience. When you meet the team behind your success, see what deepens working relationships, you walk away with more than just project updates. You get cultural immersion, personal growth, and a stronger sense of partnership.
So when you do come here, it becomes more than just a business trip. It becomes a business travel experience.
If you’re thinking about hiring a team in the Philippines, or already have one through Tahche, don’t just manage from afar, you need to come visit. See for yourself what makes this place so special. From the energy of the people to the flavors of the food to the ease of doing business in the Philippines, you’ll walk away with deeper trust, better collaboration, and of course, some great meals and memories too.
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Ready to turn your offshore team into a business advantage and a cultural experience? Hire with Tahche. We’re waiting for you in Cebu.
