Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Philippines?

Common among friends and family. In the Philippines, cheek-to-cheek kissing (often called 'beso-beso') is a common greeting among women and between men and women in social gatherings, but it is less common between two men, who typically use a handshake or a pat on the back. The gesture is a sign of warmth and respect, though it is generally reserved for people who know each other well. It is not expected in formal or first-time introductions, where a smile and nod or handshake are safer.

If you are a woman greeting a Filipino woman or a man greeting a woman, lean in for a light cheek-to-cheek contact without actually kissing the skin, and make a soft 'mwah' sound.

In more conservative or rural areas, especially among older generations or in Muslim-majority regions like Mindanao, cheek kissing may be avoided between unrelated men and women.