For Japanese professionals seeking a vibrant, welcoming environment to build their careers while pursuing personal passions, the Philippines stands out as an ideal destination. With its English-speaking workforce, dynamic business opportunities, and warm tropical lifestyle, the country has become a thriving hub for expatriates. In this special feature, we sit down with Quad de la Paz and Kazuhiro Ohki, former colleagues at Dentsu Philippines and bike mates, to discuss the unique dynamics of working, living, and thriving in the Philippines.
Quad, who served as Head of Digital at Dentsu Philippines for several years before taking on his current role as Managing Director at AmplifAI Services, shares his observations on working alongside Japanese professionals and the lessons he has learned both in the office and on the race track.
An avid triathlete since 2016, Quad has competed in three Ironman 70.3 events in the Philippines and is an active member of the Polo Tri Team. Founded by Fred Uytengsu (Chairman of Alaska Milk Corporation), Rune Stroem, and the late David Charlton, the Polo Tri Team is the first official triathlon team in the Philippines. Its legacy as the pioneer of Philippine triathlon continues today, with a diverse group of multinational expats from Japan, Spain, Scandinavia, South America, and the USA.
Kazuhiro, who has embraced life in Manila as the General Manager of Dentsu Inc.’s Business Producers Division 22, gives an insider’s perspective on why the Philippines is a rewarding base for Japanese expats and offers practical tips for those considering a move.
From cultural exchanges and shared work ethics to the allure of golf, triathlons, and Filipino cuisine, this engaging conversation highlights how the Philippines fosters both professional success and an enriching personal lifestyle for Japanese expatriates.
Q&A WITH KAZUHIRO OHKI
What drew you to the Philippines as a place to live and work? How does it compare to other countries you’ve called home?
After my 2 years stationed in Hong Kong (China), I was assigned to the Manila branch of my advertising company headquartered in Japan. The Philippines is a fluent English-speaking market, and the advertising industry here is emerging—an exciting mix of local, global, and Japanese clients.
What I also want to emphasize is the positivity and jolly nature of Pinoy people—all the meetings, meals, and parties were always fun and relaxing.
Kazuhiro Ohki
Compared to Japan and Hong Kong (China), commuting can be quite tough due to limited infrastructure for public transport like trains, subways, and buses. The heavy traffic becomes even more challenging once it starts raining. However, the Pinoy people are very nice and kind, and they work harder than I imagined. This made it easy for me to adjust, work with the team, and make progress. What I also want to emphasize is the positivity and jolly nature of Pinoy people—all the meetings, meals, and parties were always fun and relaxing.
How have you managed to juggle your demanding career with your passion for cycling, golf, food, travel, and other hobbies? What do you love most about the Philippine lifestyle?
I was able to bring my family with me to the Philippines, and they were always very cooperative. On weekdays, I dedicated my full time to work, with dinners always shared with clients and Japanese representatives. My weekends were fully booked with golf, cycling, mahjong, and karaoke, often with clients and Japanese expats.
My family driver saved me time by handling driving duties, while our “ate” helper came once a week to assist my wife with household chores.
What I love most about life in the Philippines is the food. Pinoy food perfectly matches with rice, which is something Japanese people also enjoy.
What advice would you give to Japanese expats who are considering a move to the Philippines? What cultural nuances should they be aware of, and what tips do you have for adjusting to life in the country?
My biggest tip is that your car driver will be your lifeline. You will share most of your time with him—he will remember all the places you need to go (clients, restaurants, golf courses) and manage your travel time. He will protect you in emergencies and even handle sudden chores that may come up.
Another tip is to remember that Pinoy people are kind, gentle, and non-confrontational. They are not used to being scolded or insulted in front of others, so I strongly advise taking extreme caution when discussing conflicting topics.
Finally, be prepared to enjoy all the delicious Filipino food that pairs so well with rice! You will surely gain weight—but it will be worth it!
Q&A WITH QUAD DE LA PAZ
As someone who has worked closely with Japanese professionals for years, both at Dentsu and in triathlon, what unique qualities and work ethics have you observed in Japanese colleagues?
My Japanese colleagues are very hardworking and dedicated. They regard their work responsibilities with the highest regard. I witnessed my Dentsu colleagues’ work ethic firsthand—they are not only busy with meetings throughout the week but also continue relationship-building activities after work, sometimes early in the morning or over weekends. They are also very respectful of their Filipino colleagues and have been open to learning and trying local customs and activities.
I believe the Philippines’ tropical climate, affordable cost of living, and friendly nature appeal to Japanese expats.
Quad De La Paz
How have you seen Japanese expats balance their demanding careers with their personal passions, particularly in sports and hobbies like triathlons?
Being very disciplined, they make balancing work and life look easy! I believe the Philippines’ tropical climate, affordable cost of living, and friendly nature appeal to Japanese expats. Golf, for example, is an expensive hobby in Japan due to the high cost of membership and fees, but here in the Philippines, they can play more often and become better golfers. For triathlon, the country’s warm weather and the sport’s growing popularity make it easy for expats to take up the sport as a new hobby or continue where they left off.
What makes the Philippines an attractive destination for Japanese professionals?
Outside of the obvious advantages, Filipinos have a natural liking for all things Japanese. This creates great potential for Japanese businesses to thrive here—whether in transportation, consumer electronics, food, and more. The Philippines is also a growing economy, offering significant opportunities for infrastructure development, design, and industries related to modernization and construction.
