Geoff CuddWhen managing a Filipino Virtual Assistant (VA), it's essential to understand not just their availability, but why they take certain days off. The Philippines is rich in cultural traditions and national holidays that directly impact work schedules.
This guide outlines the most common time-off periods for Filipino VAs, offers cultural context behind them, and helps you plan ahead so your business stays on track.
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Table of Contents
- Get a Fully Vetted Virtual Assistant - Without the Search
- Why Cultural Understanding Matters
- Common Holidays Filipino VAs Take Off
- The Longest Holiday Season in the World
- Holy Week: The Most Sacred Time
- Optional But Common Days Off
- Cultural Festivals Worth Knowing
- How Employers Can Prepare
- Why This Matters for You
- Ready to Work With a Reliable Filipino VA?
- Get a Fully Vetted Virtual Assistant - Without the Search
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Cultural Understanding Matters
Working with Filipino talent means working across time zones and traditions. Respecting their holidays does more than avoid missed deadlines:
- It builds trust and rapport
- Fosters loyalty and job satisfaction
- Enhances productivity through stronger relationships
The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, with deep roots in Spanish, American, and Indigenous cultures.
These influences appear in everything from long Christmas celebrations to solemn Holy Week observances.
Common Holidays Filipino VAs Take Off
Filipino VAs observe a number of national holidays—here’s a quick reference to help you schedule around them.
Holiday / Event | Typical Time Off | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | National holiday. Celebrated with family. |
| Holy Week (Semana Santa) | Maundy Thursday & Good Friday (March/April, varies) | Major religious observance. Some VAs take the full week off. |
| Independence Day | June 12 | National holiday, though not all VAs take this day off. |
| Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | December 24–25 | Most VAs take both days off. Family-focused celebrations. |
| Rizal Day | December 30 | National hero’s day. Often part of year-end vacation. |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Commonly taken off to prepare for festivities. |
The Longest Holiday Season in the World
The Philippines unofficially kicks off Christmas in September—yes, September—with carols, decorations, and parties. While VAs remain available during these “Ber Months,” many begin slowing down mid-December.
From December 23 to January 2, expect:
- Fewer working hours or full days off
- Reduced responsiveness
- Priority on family, travel, and church activities
Even though only December 25 and 30 are national holidays, many Filipino VAs take extended leave. Some agencies and freelancers block off the entire week.
How to Prepare:
- Confirm time-off plans by early December
- Wrap major projects by December 20
- Consider backup support if your business requires end-of-year coverage
Holy Week: The Most Sacred Time
Holy Week is the most important religious observance in the Philippines. It includes:
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Black Saturday
- Easter Sunday
Many VAs begin their leave as early as Holy Monday and travel to their hometowns to spend time with family and participate in religious events like processions, masses, or retreats.
When Is Holy Week?
Dates vary each year (between late March and mid-April), depending on the Catholic calendar. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are official non-working holidays.
How to Prepare:
- Confirm availability 2–3 weeks in advance
- Shift deadlines or move meetings earlier in the week
- Allow flexibility for the full Holy Week if needed
Optional But Common Days Off
Besides official public holidays, many Filipino VAs take time off for other events based on family traditions or regional festivals.
Event | Typical Leave | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Saints’ Day / All Souls’ Day | Nov 1–2 | Used to honor the departed; some take both days. |
| Chinese New Year | January–February (varies) | Observed by Filipino-Chinese VAs. |
| Eid al-Fitr / Eid al-Adha | Varies (Islamic calendar) | Observed by Muslim VAs, especially in Mindanao. |
| Local Festivals | Varies by province | Festivals like Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, and Pahiyas can affect regional availability. |
Cultural Festivals Worth Knowing
Understanding cultural events (even if not official holidays) helps you empathize with your VA’s priorities.
- Sinulog Festival (January, Cebu): Celebrates the child Jesus with dancing and parades.
- Ati-Atihan Festival (January, Aklan): Known as the “Mother of all Festivals,” features tribal dance and music.
- Pahiyas Festival (May, Lucban): Thanksgiving for a good harvest, with houses decorated with fruits and rice.
Some VAs may request leave to join or visit families in their provinces for these events.
How Employers Can Prepare
1. Ask for a Holiday Calendar
Start the year—or your working relationship—by asking:
“Are there any holidays or family events you usually take time off for?”
Track it in a shared calendar like Google Calendar or Notion.
2. Add Philippine Holidays to Your Calendar
To avoid miscommunication or delays, add Philippine holidays to your calendar so you're aligned with your VA's time off.
3. Set Expectations with a Leave Policy
Sample policy:
“Please provide 5 business days’ notice for planned time off, and 2 weeks’ notice for extended leave.”
Keep it friendly, but clear.
4. Plan Deliverables Around High-Risk Periods
Build in buffer time around:
- Holy Week (March/April)
- Christmas to New Year (Dec 23–Jan 2)
5. Offer Flexibility and Support
Respecting cultural events goes a long way. Consider:
- Adjusting deadlines
- Allowing half days or flexible hours
- Checking in proactively around major events
Why This Matters for You
Cultural awareness isn’t just thoughtful—it’s strategic.
When you plan ahead for holidays and show respect for your VA’s background, you:
- Avoid last-minute disruptions
- Build stronger, more loyal working relationships
- Foster a positive remote culture that drives performance
Ready to Work With a Reliable Filipino VA?
At DDIY.co, we vet and match you with top-tier Filipino VAs—and we help you navigate time zones, communication styles, and cultural holidays from day one.
🎯 No job boards. No inbox spam. Just fully vetted candidates who are ready to go.
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- Search is done for you - no job posting or inbox overload
- Every candidate is tested for the exact skills required for your role
- Fast, tailored matching - handpicked to meet your needs and budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipino VAs take the same holidays every year?
Not always. Fixed-date holidays like Christmas and New Year happen on the same dates annually. However, observances like Holy Week vary each year based on the Catholic calendar.
How much notice do Filipino VAs usually give for time off?
Most professional VAs will give at least 5–7 days’ notice for planned leave. However, it’s smart to request a holiday availability calendar at the start of the year.
Should I expect my VA to work on U.S. holidays?
Yes, unless they’ve made a special request, Filipino VAs usually work on U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July. If your business is closed, let your VA know in case they want to take that time off too.
What if I need support during major Filipino holidays?
Plan ahead. You can:
- Shift deadlines to earlier dates
- Hire a backup VA for coverage
- Use automation or batch tasks for that period
Are Filipino holidays paid time off?
That depends on your agreement. Freelancers typically don’t get paid holidays unless you build it into your retainer. For full-time remote staff, some clients offer paid time off for key holidays as a perk.
Can I ask my VA to work on holidays?
You can ask—but don’t expect it on major days like Christmas or Good Friday. If it’s urgent, offer premium pay or shift the task if possible.
