A Complete Guide to Filipino Holidays in 2025

As remote employers, understanding Filipino holidays isn’t just about marking dates on a calendar – it’s about appreciating the rich cultural tapestry that makes working with Filipino professionals so unique.

Did you know the Philippines has the world’s longest Christmas season, stretching four whole months? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Philippine holidays for 2025 to help you plan your business operations for the next year effectively.

Types of Holidays in the Philippines

The Philippines categorizes holidays into three main types:

Regular Holidays

These are the big ones – fixed dates with full pay whether your VA works or not. If they do work, they’re entitled to 200% of their regular salary. For 2025, these include:

• New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
• Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) – April 9 (Wednesday)
• Maundy Thursday – April 17
• Good Friday – April 18
• Labor Day – May 1 (Thursday)
• Independence Day – June 12 (Thursday)
• National Heroes Day – August 25 (Last Monday of August)
• Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Sunday)
• Christmas Day – December 25 (Thursday)
• Rizal Day – December 30 (Tuesday)

Special Non-Working Days

These follow a “no work, no pay” principle, but if your VA works, they get an additional 30% of their daily rate. In 2025, these include:

• Chinese New Year – January 29 (Wednesday)
• Black Saturday – April 19
• Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Thursday)
• All Saints’ Day – November 1 (Saturday)
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8 (Monday)
• Christmas Eve – December 24 (Wednesday)
• Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Wednesday)
• All Saints’ Day Eve – October 31 (Friday)

Special Working Days

These are treated as regular workdays but hold cultural significance:

• EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Tuesday)

Major Holiday Periods and What to Expect

Christmas Season (September 2025 – January 2026)

Yes, you read that right – four months! The Philippines is famous for having the world’s longest Christmas celebration. Here’s what to expect:

• September: Christmas decorations appear, “ber months” celebration begins
• December 16-24: Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses)
• December 24: Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast)
• December 25: Christmas Day celebrations
• December 31: Media Noche (New Year’s Eve feast)

During this period, expect:

• Increased leave requests
• Higher social obligations for your team
• More family-focused schedules
• Potential travel plans for provincial reunions

Holy Week 2025 (April 14-20)

A deeply significant religious period including:

• Palm Sunday (April 13)
• Maundy Thursday (April 17)
• Good Friday (April 18)
• Black Saturday (April 19)
• Easter Sunday (April 20)

Many Filipinos take the entire week off for religious observances or family time. Plan for reduced operations starting April 14, with most businesses completely closed from Thursday to Sunday.

Islamic Holidays 2025

Two major celebrations (dates to be confirmed based on lunar calendar):

• Eid al-Fitr – Estimated around March 30
• Eid al-Adha – Estimated around June 6

For Muslim team members, these are crucial religious celebrations involving family gatherings and community prayers.

Cultural Celebrations

Chinese New Year (January 29, 2025)

With a significant Chinese-Filipino population, expect:

• Family reunions
• Business closures in Chinese-Filipino communities
• Festive celebrations and traditions

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1-2, 2025)

Known as “Undas,” this period involves:

• Cemetery visits
• Family reunions
• Extended travel to provinces
• Limited business operations

Leave Policy Options for 2025

1. Follow US Holidays

Pros:

• Simpler tracking
• Aligned with US operations
• Clear expectations

Cons:

• Misses important cultural dates
• May affect team morale
• Could increase unofficial absences

2. Follow Philippine Holidays (with limitations)

Consider:

• Following all regular holidays
• Selecting key special non-working days
• Allowing flexibility for religious observances

3. Flexible PTO System

Implement:

• Clear communication protocols
• Advanced notice requirements
• Coverage plans for critical operations

4. Hybrid Approach

Create a customized calendar that:

• Respects major Filipino holidays
• Maintains business continuity
• Allows for personal cultural observances

Best Practices for 2025

Plan Early

• Mark all holidays in your calendar
• Discuss coverage needs in advance
• Set clear expectations for leave requests

Be Cultural Aware

• Respect religious observances
• Understand family obligations
• Recognize cultural significance

Maintain Clear Communication

• Document holiday policies
• Share calendar in advance
• Establish coverage protocols

Build Buffer Time

• Plan projects around major holidays
• Adjust deadlines accordingly
• Consider time zone advantages