It’s Monday morning, and your team in the Philippines isn’t responding like they usually do. Before you panic or send that follow-up email, pause for a moment—it might just be one of many Filipino holidays. Yes, the Philippines is known for its rich culture and love of festivities, with many national and local holidays.
This guide is your go-to resource for understanding the Filipino holidays and how they impact your operations. Knowing your PH-based team’s holidays and being flexible with time offs will prevent burnout and keep them motivated.
Filipino Holidays At A Glance
Here’s a handy 2025 guide to Philippine public holidays. Take a snapshot of this for easy access when scheduling your business activities around these important holiday dates.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Monday |
| Chinese New Year | February 9 & 10 | Friday & Saturday |
| Maundy Thursday | March 28 | Thursday |
| Good Friday | March 29 | Friday |
| Black Saturday | March 30 | Saturday |
| Araw ng Kagitingan | April 9 | Tuesday |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Wednesday |
| Independence Day | June 12 | Wednesday |
| Ninoy Aquino Day | August 21 | Wednesday |
| National Heroes Day | August 26 | Monday |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Friday |
| All Souls’ Day | November 2 | Saturday |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 | Saturday |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary | December 8 | Sunday |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Wednesday |
| Rizal Day | December 30 | Monday |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Tuesday |
However, the President’s office will announce the Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha dates yearly based on the Islamic calendar.
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Overview Of Filipino Holiday Types
In the Philippines, holidays are categorized as:
- Regular holidays
- Special non-working days
- Additional special non-working days
These different holiday types have an impact on employee pay rates. So understanding these ensures you follow local pay rules and fairly compensate your outsourced team.
Here is an overview of PH holidays that are categorized into 3 types:
A. Regular Holidays 2025
In the Philippines, these are national holidays and are fixed dates celebrating major events annually. The exemption to the rule is the Holy Week since the dates for those vary yearly.
Employees receive 100% of their daily wage during regular holidays, even without working.
Here are the regular PH holidays for 2025:
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- March 28 – Maundy Thursday
- March 29 – Good Friday
- April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan/Day of Valor
- May 1 – Labor Day
- June 12 – Independence Day
- August 26 – National Heroes Day
- November 30 – Bonifacio Day
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 30 – Rizal Day
B. Special Non-Working Days
Special non-working holidays in the Philippines celebrate key historical, cultural, or religious events. These days are observed more casually than the more formal regular holidays.
Employees are not obliged to work during these dates, but unlike regular holidays, the “No Work, No Pay” policy is applied.
Here are the special non-working dates this 2025:
- August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day
- November 1 – All Saints Day
- December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve
However, it’s important to note that there are city-specific special non-working days. Know where your employees live and consider city events they take part in to plan accordingly.
Here are some of the biggest city-specific holidays:
- The Feast of Nazarene attracts several million devotees to Manila City every January 9.
- The Masskara Festival, celebrated every fourth Sunday of October in Bacolod City, showcases colorful costumes and street dance competitions.
- The Sinulog Festival, held in Cebu City every third Sunday of January, showcases a grand parade with a unique shuffling dance prayer.
C. Additional Special Non-Working Days
A government-designated special non-working holiday creates long weekends or longer breaks to observe specific occasions or events.
When it comes to pay rates, the same rules apply as in the normal special non-working holidays.
Here are the additional special non-working days for 2025:
- February 10 – Chinese New Year
- March 30 – Black Saturday
- November 2 – All Souls’ Day
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
Lastly, the Philippines has special working holidays where business continues as usual without impacting employee pay rates. However, stay updated because some special non-working days may be categorized as “special working days” in succeeding years.
10 Major Holidays In The Philippine Calendar
Let’s review the 10 major holidays in the Philippines to guarantee a smooth virtual team setup.
1. New Year’s Day (January 1)
Like the rest of the world, New Year’s Day also holds a special place in the PH calendar. It’s a time of extended family reunions, street fireworks, and the special midnight meal known as media noche.
What To Expect:
Remember the Philippines may celebrate the New Year a day earlier because of the time difference. Expect operations to fully stop as employees take off to celebrate, often traveling to their hometowns for family gatherings.
Also, January 2 is sometimes an additional special non-working holiday. But this varies per year.
2. Holy Week (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday)
For 2025, the Holy Week holidays are from March 28 to 30, and they culminate on Easter Sunday. This is based on the liturgical calendar, making this a yearly movable holiday. But typically, this falls every March or April. It’s marked by holy mass, reflection, and traditions like processions across the country.
What To Expect:
During Holy Week, the Philippines as a whole pause. Many businesses close from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday and only reopen on Easter Sunday.
Holy Week in the Philippines is busy with unique activities, like when participants dress as Jesus and participate in traditional reenactments. Here’s a quick look:
So, expect that some of your Filipino outsourced employees may engage in such religious activities and family gatherings.
3. Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor (April 9)
Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor is a national holiday for honoring the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers in World War II. It’s celebrated with ceremonies and reenactments to reflect on their sacrifices.
What To Expect:
On this public holiday, government offices and businesses close to join military parades or commemoration events.
4. Labor Day (May 1)
This May 1 holiday celebrates Filipino workers and their rights and highlights the human spirit. It’s observed with rallies for better work conditions and fair pay.
What To Expect:
Expect businesses to pause operations on this holiday. But if you don’t plan on closing and your PH team is office-based, they will face commuting issues.
Here is an example of a Labor Day demonstration and why various roads are closed for many hours during this day:
5. Independence Day (June 12)
June 12 celebrates the Philippines’ 1898 liberation from Spanish rule, a source of national pride. It’s marked by parades, flag ceremonies, and cultural performances to highlight the country’s rich history and freedom struggle.
What To Expect:
Many businesses, the government, and schools close on this holiday. Your employees might use this day for family time.
6. National Heroes Day (August 26)
National Heroes Day falls on the last Monday of August, this year on the 26th. It honors those who fought for the Philippines’ freedom. Today, it also recognizes overseas workers and pandemic frontliners as modern heroes.
What To Expect:
While some businesses, banks, schools and governments pause operations, many stay open. You can choose what to do with your business operations for this holiday. However, your employees can use this day as a break to spend time with family or friends.
7. Bonifacio Day (November 30)
This day celebrates Andres Bonifacio, a key figure in the Philippine revolution against Spain. This day honors his contributions to the fight for independence through various commemorative activities.
What To Expect:
This is one of the regular holidays, so expect a halt or slowdown of business operations. Employees take advantage of this day to unwind and spend time with loved ones.
8. Christmas Eve (December 24) & Christmas Day (December 25)
The Philippines boasts the longest Christmas season globally as it starts in September with vibrant decorations and carols. It’s also a cherished time in the country marked by traditions like the “Noche Buena” or the Christmas Eve feast, midnight masses, and gift giving.
What To Expect:
For December 24, most businesses only operate half-day, and on the 25th, expect a shutdown of all establishments.
With a 13-hour time difference between the US and the Philippines, plan carefully for Christmas season schedules.
9. Rizal Day (December 30)
Rizal Day commemorates the death of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Ceremonies, including wreath-laying, celebrate his impact on the nation’s history.
What To Expect:
On this day, government offices, schools, and many businesses close. Filipinos use this time to spend time with friends or family.
10. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Date Varies)
Despite being a predominantly Christian country, Muslim Filipinos also get to celebrate these Islamic holidays and get recognized by the government. What do they mean:
Eid al-Fitr is about:
While Eid al-Adha means:
These holidays involve prayers, feasting, and giving. However, their dates change yearly, following the Islamic lunar calendar.
What To Expect:
Many businesses will be closed, especially in Muslim-majority areas. If you have Muslim employees and if you’re not pausing operations, respect their wishes for leave during Eid to observe religious practices.
Holiday Pay And Compensation
As mentioned earlier, the pay rates for the holidays are different depending on what category they fall in. Here is an overview of how you should calculate your PH-based team’s compensation:
I. Legal Requirements
For regular holidays, follow these policies:
- Working on a Regular Holiday: Employees earn double pay or 200% of their usual daily rate for the first eight hours.
- Overtime on a Regular Holiday: Employees get an additional 30% on top of their hourly rate for that day after 8 hours. The number of hours worked overtime should also be included in the computation.
- Not Working on a Regular Holiday: Employees are entitled to their full daily rate or 100% of their regular wage.
For special non-working and additional special non-working holidays, keep these rules in mind:
- Working on a Special Non-Working Day: Employees receive a premium – an additional 30% on top of their daily rate.
- Overtime on a Special Non-Working Day: Employees get an extra 30% of their hourly rate that day.
- Not Working on a Special Non-Working Day: The “No Work, No Pay” policy is applied unless the company has a specific policy that provides for such payment.
II. Best Practices For Compensating Employees During Holidays
a. Be Familiar With Local Laws
Knowing the basics of the Philippine Labor Code, especially holiday pay rates, ensures your legal compliance and accurate payroll management.
To do this, use official government resources or legal advice to get correct information. You can also consult a local HR expert or your outsource team provider.
b. Communicate Clearly
Be clear about holiday pay with your Filipino team to build trust and prevent misunderstandings.
Create a document that details pay for regular and special holidays. Then, share the holiday pay policies via emails, newsletters, or meetings. Also, given the numerous PH holidays, ask your Filipino team to choose 10 holidays for their time off.
c. Implement Flexible Scheduling
Create work schedules to meet your business needs while respecting employees’ cultural practices. For instance, you can offer shift swaps, remote work, or holiday-adjusted hours.
Make sure you communicate these options to employees to encourage them to plan early.
d. Plan In Advance
Plan for holiday staffing to set clear expectations and guarantee that your business runs smoothly.
Once you have the calendar, use it to plan for coverage. For critical business functions, like customer service, have a minimal number of employees for standby. You can also adjust deadlines or allow work from home for office-based employees during these periods. Have a solid handover routine so holiday workers aren’t left wondering what to do.
e. Review Policies Regularly
Regularly review and update your holiday pay laws to match local laws and market norms. This helps guarantee legal compliance, competitive pay, and fairness in your organization.
Set a yearly review schedule for your policies or when significant legal changes occur in the Philippines. Check government advisories, work with your hiring partner, and listen to employee feedback.
Crafting A Supportive Leave Policy For Your Filipino Team
To have a robust and dedicated remote team in the Philippines, recognize the significance of PH holidays. At Genius, we advocate for leave policies that respect Filipino cultural practices while maintaining operational efficiency.
Here are some options to consider:
1. Aligning with US Holidays
To streamline operations, consider aligning your Filipino team’s holidays with those observed in the US. This approach is particularly effective for roles that demand constant engagement, such as customer support or sales.
The trade-off? Your operations will coincide with your own holidays, leaving no one to oversee business during those times. Make sure to explain your setup during the onboarding process so they know what to expect.
2. Adapting to Philippine Holidays Strategically
Acknowledging the extensive list of Filipino holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing productivity.
Create a balanced policy by:
- Respecting all regular Philippine holidays with selective observance of special non-working holidays.
- Allowing team members to choose a certain number of Philippine holidays for paid time off (PTO).
- Open discussions about which holidays are most meaningful to your employees can foster mutual respect and understanding.
3. Introducing Unlimited/Flexible PTO
Embracing an unlimited PTO policy can signify trust and encourage responsible employee behavior. If your team members are disciplined in managing their responsibilities and transitioning tasks, this approach will enhance morale and productivity.
To make unlimited PTO work, set clear guidelines and promote open talk about taking leaves. Also, keep an eye on how it affects work and health, adjusting when needed.
4. Implementing a ‘Closed Shop’ Policy
Consider establishing set periods throughout the year when the entire company takes a break. This ensures all team members rest simultaneously while streamlining task handovers and making sure everyone returns rejuvenated and ready to contribute to the company’s success.
Identify periods in the year, maybe during holidays or slow seasons, to pause work. Make sure to inform employees early to help them plan.
The 13th-Month Pay For The Holiday Season
If you’re teaming up with Filipino talent, don’t forget about the 13th-month pay.
It’s like a Christmas bonus and a heartfelt thanks rolled into one. It’s a full month’s salary that employees in the Philippines look forward to, and it’s a fantastic way to show your team you’re in tune with the local vibe. However, the amount is prorated for those who start working mid-year or later. Here is a sample calculation:
Plus, it’s not just about generosity—it’s the law over there. So, by making sure this bonus is on their December paychecks, you’re not only keeping things legal but also spreading the holiday cheer.
Conclusion
Use this guide to match your business plans in the Philippines with their holidays, so that work goes smoothly and follows the law. This helps keep a good team vibe, making sure everyone stays happy and on track.
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FAQs
1. What is the main holiday in the Philippines?
The main holiday in the Philippines depends on who you ask. But the answers you’ll get are most likely: Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, and All Saints Day. For Muslim Filipinos, it can be Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
2. What do Filipinos celebrate?
Filipinos honor holidays that reflect their historical events, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions. Many celebrations are rooted in religion.
3. Are these all the PH holidays?
No these aren’t all the PH holidays. Some special non-working holidays are exclusive to certain cities or provinces like:
- Dinagyang Festival – Iloilo City
- Moriones Festival – Marinduque
- Pahiyas Festival – Lucban, Quezon
4. Why is January 3 a holiday in the Philippines?
January 3 is not a holiday in the Philippines.
