Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Cultureshock Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)

I found this book to be extremely informative. It is centered on western ex-pats living in the Philippines, but it is highly useful for anyone traveling there. It is nicely written and also includes some Tagalog phrases/translations that are not well known among non-Filipino. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a general overview of Filipino culture, society, and history.

This book is an excellent reference if you are going to visit the Philippines and a MUST read if you are going to live there.

A necessary resource for anyone traveling to the Philippines, intending on interacting with the people there. As other reviews have stated, it is intended primarily as a business traveler or ex-pats guide. However, there is enough detail to help any traveler. The book is well organized and presents the topics in short, related and relevant ways.

The book states, and rightly so, that the West is a 'goal oriented' culture, while the Philippines is a 'people oriented' culture. As such, there are many traditions and expectations. Their violation may be forgiven a first time traveler. However, there is only one chance to make a first impression. This book makes that much easier. It explains expectations in most social and business settings.

The only area found lacking is the section on Dating. If one is on business, a single ex-pat, or tourist there is an opportunity to date. The book's section on dating covers some key points in an abstract way. For...Read more

I hope to visit the Philippines in the near future with an eye towards possible retirement in the Philippines. To educate myself I have ordered and read four books about the Philippines, namely:

Philippines Travel Guide - by Jen Peters
Culture Shock Philippines - by Alfredo Roces
A Long Way to go for a Date - By Henry Makow
A Man's Guide to Life and Love in the Philippines - By Larry Elterman

"Philippines Travel Guide" is just that, a Travel Guide, pure and simple, and an excellent one at that. It will tell you about all the places to go, where to eat, where to stay, where to have fun. However it does not offer a lot of insight or practical information about what it would be like to live or retire in the Philippines.

"Culture Shock Philippines" is a book written by a Filipino, from a Filipino's point of view, describing Filipino culture, customs and history. If this is what you are looking for it is an excellent book. However,...Read more