Due to the heat and pollution, conducting business calls in short or
long-sleeved shirt and tie without a coat is common and acceptable for the
men. However, for formal meetings, either a two-piece suit or the native
barong tagalog (a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt worn without a tie) is the popular attire.
Local women have adopted the Western fashion style of light suits and
dresses. Those wishing to go native can opt for a more feminine cut of the
barong tagalog and a dark-colored skirt or pants. Traditional native dresses, called the Maria Clara and the baro't saya, are worn only for special occasions, like weddings and other major social events.
