Philippines: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (Culture Smart!)

The Philippines, a scattered archipelago of seven thousandislands, appears to be one of the most Westernised countries inAsia. However, the realities of Filipino life are complex, and notimmediately evident to the foreign visitor; the façade of theEnglish language does not run deep.The Philippines has a unique colonial history: it was governedby Spain for over three hundred years and by the United States forfifty. The majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholics, thegovernment is democratically elected, and freedom of speech andeducation are highly valued.Culture Smart! Philippines looks at the social, economic, andpolitical issues the country faces. Despite the materialdisadvantages that much of the population faces, the Filipinopeople show an amazing resilience. They are warm, charming, andwelcoming, and beyond the chaotic traffic jams and heat of Manilathere is much to enjoy and appreciate.Culture Smart! Philippines also includes among its pages casestudies, true stories, and advice on what to expect and how tobehave in many different situations. First-time visitors andlong-term foreign workers will find an abundance of practicalinformation and key insights into Filipino life that will enablethem to make the very most of their time in this unique andintriguing country.