Holidays, 13th month, days off and time zones
The Philippines is 12 to 13 hours ahead of US Eastern. Write every deadline in both zones. Agree the paid holidays in writing — Christmas and New Year at least — and a number of paid days off a year, with a week's notice when possible.
The "13th month", one extra month's pay in December, is the law for Filipino employees and the custom for everyone. Contractors do not expect it, but nothing you do will be remembered longer. Pay it in early December, in proportion to the months worked. The Philippines norms guide on the Contracts and documents page has the holiday list.
Do this today: put "13th month" in your December calendar with the amount.
