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

Don’t just see the sights—get to know the people.

The Philippines may appear to be one of the most Westernized countries in Asia. However, the realities of Filipino life are complex; the façade of the English language does not run deep.

Culture Smart! Philippines gives you the inside story of this unique and attractive country and unpacks the daily lives of its inhabitants. An explanation of the values, attitudes, and customs of the Filipinos today opens the way to a more meaningful experience, while an abundance of practical information on socializing, working, shopping, and communicating will help to make it a more enjoyable experience, too.

Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Graham Colin-Jones is an international civil servant by profession. Yvonne Colin-Jones is a cross-cultural trainer, facilitator, and coach. Jorge Mojarro is a Spanish academic with who teaches at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He has traveled extensively through the Philippines and southeast Asia and has written for both scholarly and general publications, including Philippine newspapers such as Business World and Interaksyon.